Surrender Your Sensations

Everyone was here. Everyone who was important to me came.

My dad, Aunt Bernadeth, Bailey, Eian, Uncle Greg, Gelo and my debate team, my coaches and Rupert’s father.

I was wearing a simple white dress reaching just above my knees. My long hair was falling freely behind my back. Rupert was wearing a simple all-white suit and I know he looked good in it.

I looked at Rupert who was holding my hand. I smiled at him while tears were welling up in my eyes. I couldn’t clearly see his face aside from the shiny metal ring on his lips. It’s frustrating and ever since the wedding ceremony started, I keep wishing to see his face on this special moment.

“Meredith Kaye Santiago,” he slid the wedding ring on my finger, “you’re so beautiful.”

I giggled. He was supposed to say his vow but here he was, complimenting me for the nth time.

“Proceed to your vow, Mr. Santos. I’m quite tired,” I murmured before winking at him.

That’s the truth. After the debate, I couldn’t deny how weak I was feeling now. And even though I rested and fell asleep before our civil wedding started, I still feel tired. Maybe it’s because of the medicine I was taking or maybe it’s because of my condition.

Rupert took a step forward and circled his arm around my waist. I was surprised but I didn’t push him. Instead, I wrapped my arms around his waist and leaned my head on his chest.

I heard the whispers of our guests. There was a small commotion from them and I was so sure, that was because they were all concerned about me.

“Tell them, I’m okay,” I whispered, hugging Rupert tightly. “I just want to hug my husband.”

Rupert sighed but later on, I felt him kissing the top of my head. He then whispered, “We haven’t exchanged vows and rings yet. The wedding isn’t over yet. I’m not your husband yet.” I could hear the playful tone of his voice and that made me smile. I know he was trying to lighten up the mood and for that, I am very thankful.

“Calm down, everyone. My wife really loves me so she wants us to exchange vows like this,” Rupert said in his energetic voice and yet the way he was holding me- tight and very gentle- confirmed his deep worry for me.

I love this man. I would love to hold him like this until my last breath.

The surroundings became quiet again and Rupert let out another deep sigh. He caressed my hair before he started saying his vow.

“To be honest, I didn’t see you coming, Meredith Kaye Santiago. I was planning to spend this life on my own not until I saw you again. That night- when you said you wanted to live and not just survive. There and then, I knew. I knew that my life would change because of you. And you know what I did, right? I embraced the change. I jumped without thinking much. And I’m glad I did. ”

I am glad too, Rupert. I will never regret the night when I embraced what it was like to actually live. I was glad Rupert was with me that night.

“We haven’t been together for a very long time and there’s no certainty of what will happen next between the two of us. But who cares? I just want to be with you, Meredith. I will always hold your hand and I won’t get tired of taking care of you. I will treasure all the moments with you and enjoy all the things we will discover together in this marriage. I love you, Meredith. Thank you for rescuing me when I almost gave up in this life. ”

I smiled before closing my eyes. My hug tightened around Rupert’s waist before taking a deep breath. I opened my eyes. I gathered all my remaining strength for the day to say my vow.

I slightly pulled away from hugging him then he was surprised. My hand reached for his face and I softly caressed it.

This man … Was the light in this dark tunnel that I was walking through. He was the reason why I started living and why I was continuing living.© 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.

“I’m glad that the people around us didn’t question our sudden marriage. They all came here to support us. Is that because I am sick?” I giggled.

That was supposed to be a joke- me trying to lighten up the gloomy mood of my wedding. But when I heard a sob- my tears automatically welled up my eyes.

“Cherry, stop that,” I heard someone hissed.

The suppressed sob … Was followed by louder sobs. This time, I know that it’s not just one person who cries.

“I am sick and I have prosopagnosia, Rupert. But you still love me. Thank you for giving me space in your heart. Thank you for making me feel different emotions and for making my second life a little bit more extraordinary.”

My tears were falling … But my heart was swelling with so much love and happiness right now.

Though, my reality sucks- “I am glad you are part of my reality, Rupert Santos. I love you.” I put the ring on him. I kissed the ring on his finger before I let my sobs escape my mouth. “I-I love you … I love you so much.” I took the medal from the stand beside me. It was the medal I received after we won in the regionals. I hung it around Rupert’s neck. “Thank you for understanding me even though this is also hard for you.”

We were all immersed in our lives- the reality where we were all experiencing different situations. I hope everyone can be happy no matter what situation they are in.

“I love you more, Meredith. Thank you for being my wife today,” he whispered to my ear before he wrapped my arms around his neck. The next thing I felt was Rupert lifting me up. He carried me, bridal style.

My eyes fluttered close as tiredness seeped through my weak body.

I heard the priest saying, “You may now kiss the bride.”

Rupert kissed my forehead then I heard him whisper, “You did a great job today, Sweetie. I love you.”

I forced my eyes open one last time. Although I was having a hard time, a big smile spread across my lips.

“I … I see you, Rupert.”

He smiled at me. “I love you, Meredith. Rest now. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

I closed my eyes in contentment. I’m happy that there is still tomorrow for the two of us.