The first time I laid my eyes on him, time stood still.
Literally.
When I glanced at my watch to check if he made it to our 7pm appointment, I found out that my watch stopped running at 7pm hahahah . . .
He was 50 meters away from me but I could tell he was taller than 5’7” because he was able to reach the lock of our gate from the outside.
When he finally entered the premises of our garments workshop, I thought I was staring at Miguel Rodriguez in the flesh. I told myself “THIS IS THE MAN I AM GOING TO MARRY!”
He flashed a smile that simply took my breath away.
I had to remind myself that I should breathe in, breathe out or I would die! I consciously forced myself to inhale and exhale.
Feeling that my heart would burst and my wobbling knees would fall, I struggled to say “pasok ka”.
Hearing his cue, he walked elegantly towards me. He was gallantly dressed and wore polished shoes. I gasped at the way he carried himself. Everything about him was tantalizing. It reminded me of how Lino Brocka was mesmerized to take Philip Salvador under his wings and became his protege after observing Philip strode gracefully towards him during his audition to stardom . . . I felt the same way.
When we were finally face to face opposite each other, he briefly introduced himself and tenderly shook my hands. The moment we touched, I felt a bolt of electricity hit me and spread throughout my body.
I couldn’t help but admire his captivating voice, his enigmatic smile, his perfectly chiseled teeth, his well-kept wavy hair. His delicate hands and very clean fingernails surprised me the most. I came from a lineage of mechanics and I have never seen dirt-free fingernails of my mechanic uncles and cousins. And how could the hands of a mechanic be softer than mine? Unbelievable!
Random thoughts instantly filled my curious mind. “Maybe this guy come from an affluent family and fixing industrial sewing machines is just one of his hobbies. Or he’s really a ramp model and a sewing mechanic on the side.”
“Are you sure you’re a mechanic and not a fashion model?” I blurted out.
He almost choked laughing and assured me that he was the guy I’m waiting for. (“YES YOU ARE!”—I screamed inside.)
I teased him that if he ever wanted to change profession and enter the world of entertainment, I would be willing to be his Talent Manager. We both laughed at what I said, as if we’ve been best friends since forever.
Some impossible dreams actually come true and the fantasy of marrying my Prince Charming became a reality.
5 years after that surreal meeting, I just woke up one morning wearing the wedding ring of my Knight in Shining Armour . . . Or so I thought.
5 years later, I just woke up one morning scheming how I could break free from this fairy tale. What they say is true. Love at first sight carries an expiration date.
5 years later, I just woke up one morning celebrating my Single Status again! Out of the thousands who filed for a Petition for Marriage Annulment in our Family Court, mine was the only one granted.
Today is this person’s 51st birthday. I thank God for giving him to me to be the father of my 2 precious jewels Gio and Eia. Our union may be short-lived but he gave me 2 special children to be with me forever. Gio and Eia taught me what unconditional love and true happiness meant.
To Jackie of Love Radio who had the dilemma of whether to remain single and regret it for the rest of her life OR get married and wished she were dead—take it from Alfred Lord Tennyson.
IT IS BETTER TO HAVE LOVED AND LOST THAN NEVER TO HAVE LOVED AT ALL!
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