Sheena's POV
Everything went back to normal as if we forgot that at some point in our lives, we were miserable and worried about Gwen's sickness.
I witnessed everything that has happened with my best friends' lives; Jhoanna leaving Colet once again, Mikha going to China so she could finally forget about Aiah, and Maloi's failed engagement with Mikki. I'm just so glad that finally, everyone's getting their happy ending.
After a roller coaster ride and some detours, Colet and Jhoanna got married.Ep Ep, the chaotic kid came to the picture kaya naman tuwing family day namin ay halos kawawa kaming nag-aalaga sa kanya. Few months later, pagkatapos ng denials at walang sawang friendzone ng MikAiah sa isa't isa, they finally got their timing right. Nagpakasal na rin sila but they're not planning to adopt a kid soon because according to them, they are already contented with Haru and Ling messing up their married life. And of course, my favorite love story aside from mine, from being each other's backburner, Maloi and Stacey finally chose and fought for each other.
And you know what's the best part? They're getting married today! Oh, my sweet and caring Ate Maloi is getting married.
"Love, buti nalang hindi tayo dumaan sa third party or agawan ng jowa phase, ano?" I asked Gwen who's checking up her makeup beside me.
She laughs, "Right! Baka masampal ko 'yong third party mo if ever."
"Eh? Nakakaawa kaya 'yong mga best friends ko. Kita mo naman paano sila nagrecover noon. Kausapin mo nga mga kaibigan mo!" I protested.
"Manahimik ka, Shee. Pati ba naman dito nangungulit ka?" Masungit niyang paninita sa akin kaya iniwan ko muna siya at nagpunta sa JhoLet.
Colet was carrying Ep Ep while holding Jhoanna's hand. "Makahawak naman 'to! Hindi naman mawawala si Jhoanna eh." I smirked.
"Gusto mo hawakan kita sa leeg para di ka mawala?" Colet asked sarcastically.
Jhoanna laughed and went closer to me. Inayos niya ang suot ko and tap my head. Don't mind your best friend, pangit lang gising niya kasi siya nagpalit ng diaper ni Ep." she said.
"Mommy Coyet, I want to go to Ninang Sheena." Ep said at nagpababa kay Colet. The boy approached me kaya binuhat ko.
Mikha and Aiah arrived with Haru kaya pati si Gwen ay lumapit na rin sa pwesto namin."How's Haru?" my girl friend asked.
"Oo nga, napaano siya?" I asked curiously.
"Well, Mikha and I were playing scrabble tapos nalunok niya 'yong letter P. When we rushed him to Gwen's clinic, nalunon niya rin pala 'yong N and S." Mikha replied.
"Maybe he was trying to spell out 'Persian Cat'?" I joked.
"Oh, asan si Ling?" Colet asked and hugged the two.
"Nanghabol pa ng ipis kanina eh kaya hindi na namin sinama." Aiah replied, a reason for us to laugh in unison. "Oh My! Have you seen Stacey? She's so beautiful! Si Maloi, nasaan?" she added.
"I saw her meditating in front of the Altar. Parang gustong umerna." I joked.
"What's erna, Ninang?" Ep asked, sinamaan ako ni Colet at Jhoanna ng tingin habang si Mikha naman ay tumatawa sa likod ko. Tulala si Aiah at Gwen na parang nag-iisip kung ano ang isasagot sa bata.
"Ah .. Erna, the superhero? The one who needs to swallow a rock in order for her to transform. Right! Her name is Erna." I reasoned out.
"Gago ka! Kung ano-ano tinuturo mo sa anak ko!" Colet said.
"Gago ..." Ep copied Colet even her tone. Ayon, piningot lang naman ni Jhoanna ang kanyang asawa dahil nagmura sa harap ng bata. Huwag kasi sa harap ni Jhoanna, dapat pag nakatalikod kagaya ng ginagawa namin nila Mikha.
"Everyone! Please line up, we're about to start the ceremony." the wedding coordinator announced.
"Naiiyak ako, guys." I dramatically said while wiping off my fake tears. I was waiting for Colet and Mikha to at least say something but then, when I turned to face them, they're already wiping their real tears.
I smiled genuinely. I'm happy, Maloi deserve this.
After the wedding ceremony, we went straight to the reception. Fairy lights twinkle overhead, casting a warm glow on the dancing crowd. Mikha, Colet, and I huddle around a table laden with food.
Sooner, the master of ceremony spoke. "Can I have everyone's attention please? For those of you who may have well wishes and messages for Maloi and Stacey, you may come here in the stage."
A murmur goes through the crowd. I leaned in towards Colet and Mikha with a mischievous grin.
"Challenge accepted! My message is going to be the most epic one yet." I whispered.
I winked at my best friends and navigates through the crowd, finally reaching Maloi and Stacey, who are swaying to the music. I tap Maloi on the shoulder before going in the stage.
"Hey Maloi and Stacey! First of all, WOW! You guys looked absolutely radiant tonight. Like, seriously, glowing! From the moment you walked down the aisle and yes, I may have teared up a little - or a lot; to that epic dance floor move you busted out , it was pure magic. Remember all those crazy adventures we had? Those memories were proofs that our friendship has been one wild ride. Here's to a lifetime of laughter, endless support, and most importantly, always keep that spark alive. Love you both to the moon and back!" I smiled at the crowd as they started clapping for me.
I went back to our seat confidently. Of course, I am THE Sheena Mae Catacutan after all.
My best friends finally took the next step of their life. And maybe, it's time to finally took mine.
--
Sunlight slanted through the blinds of my condo, casting playful stripes on the living room floor. I'm in a whirlwind of nervous energy, bouncing from foot to foot and rearranging a strategically placed vase of lilies. Fairy lights twinkled mischievously around the room, illuminating brightly colored balloons that spelled out "Will You Marry Me, Gwen?". A banner, painstakingly crafted with glitter and glue by me and my best friends.
Well, my best friends helped me prepare all these stuff. I was planning to make a story book, like a handcraft book where it shows our memories together and at the last page, the question will pop up but since my best friends and I aren't that artistic, we had to proceed to plan B.
Speaking of my idiot best friends, They're across the room huddled around the kitchen counter, their faces a mixture of excitement and suppressed giggles. Mikha, the ever-organized one, checked a list on her phone.
"Okay, balloons - check. Flowers - check. Banner - check. Playlist of Gwen's favorite cheesy love songs - double check. Hidden bottle of champagne for the after-yes - triple check. All set! You got this Bebe Shee!" she said.
"Are you sure you haven't overthought any of this, Sheena? Gwen practically glows whenever you're around. This is going to be amazing!" Maloi grinned.
"Easy for you to say, Maloi. What if she says no? What if the ring is too small? What if the whole "movie night" on a Saturday afternoon excuse sounds too suspicious?" I asked.
Colet, ever the practical one, stepped in. "Sheena, breathe. You've spent months planning this. You even managed to convince her to skip brunch with her family for "popcorn and bad rom-coms." Genius move, by the way."
Just then, a muffled ringtone echoed from my pocket. My heart hammered in my chest. A quick glance at the screen confirmed my worst fear â it was Aiah. Confirming that they're already in my floor.
"It's Aiah ... It's her! I... I can't do this!" I panicked.
"Sheena, you can do this! You love Gwen with all your heart, and she loves you back. This is your chance to show her how much she means to you. Remember, we're here for you, every step of the way. Now, go get 'em, tiger!" Maloi cheered for me.
Taking a deep breath, I opened the door. Gwen stood there, a puzzled smile on her face. Her eyes scanned the room, taking in the decorations, before finally landing on the banner. The smile widened into a gasp, her hand flying to cover her mouth.
"Love?"
I took a step forward, my heart pounding a frantic rhythm against my ribs. In my hand, I held a small velvet box, the surface gleaming in the afternoon light.
"Gwen, we've been together for what feels like forever. You're my best friend, my confidante, the person who laughs at my dumbest jokes (even when they're not funny). You're the peanut butter to my jelly, the sunshine on a rainy day." I started.
I got down on one knee, my voice thick with emotion. As I opened the box, revealing a ring that sparkled like a captured star, the room seemed to hold its breath.
"Gwen, will you spend the rest of your life making bad jokes with me, stealing my fries (although that might have to stop after today!), chasing sunsets, and most importantly, being my wife?" I finally asked.
Tears welled up in Gwen's eyes. A choked sob escaped her lips before she threw her arms around me, burying her face in my shoulder.
" Yes! A million times yes!" she answered. I took a deep breath. Finally!
The condo erupted in cheers. Mikha, tears streaming down her face, showered them with confetti. Colet, ever the party animal, produced a hidden bottle of champagne with a flourish. Maloi, always prepared, captured the entire scene on camera, a silent witness to the unfolding love story.
Gwen and I held each other tightly, our laughter intermingling with the sobs of joy. In this moment, surrounded by the love of my best friends and the woman of my dreams, I knew I had found my forever.
"Love ...." Gwen suddenly said.
And when I looked at her, she seemed hesitant, irritated, or something I couldn't explain.
"What is the problem, bebe?" I asked her.
She took heavy breaths. She suddenly turned pale. "... I .. c-cant b-b-breathe ...."
And the last thing I knew, we were rushing her to the hospital while her parents were crying like a total mess.