The day is perfect; at least that's how it seemed to Shancai. Had it been
dark and dreary, with the skies broken by lightning and thunderstorms, she
would not have noticed.
She woke up this morning with a smile on her face, her sunny mood reflected by the vibrant day outside. While she prepared for the wedding with the aid of Jing, Dao Ming Zhuang and Xiao Qiao, her parents, and Shage went ahead for the final arrangements at the picturesque little church in the outskirts of Madrid that she and Dao Ming Si located a few weeks ago. Somewhere, in an inn, the F4 and Qing He are also getting ready.
Xiao Qiao clapped her hands as the three beheld Shancai. "You make for a lovely bride, Shancai," she said. "That dress looks just perfect!"
"Thank you." Embarrassment filled Shancai, coupled with excitement. She had picked this dress only a few weeks ago when Jing arrived from Paris and accompanied her to go shopping at the charming little boutiques of Madrid.
The dress is dreamy; she was taken the first time she laid her eyes on it. It is off-white, with tiny straps holding it together at the shoulders, and small pearl beads embedded on the edges. The skirt was made of silk, billowing about her, caressing her ankles as she moved, making her feel like a princess.
At Jing's insistence she let her hair cascade down her shoulders, its ends curled by Jing herself. As Jing was working on Shancai's hair, the latter can't help but remember the first time the other woman did a major make- over on her during that cruise trip. Of course, it ended in disaster well, not much of a disaster, really. After all, look where it has brought her now. She smiled.
"You are positively glowing," Dao Ming Zhuang gave as a compliment, shaking her head. "Who would have thought this day would come? And who would have thought it would be with my brother? Don't get me wrong," she added hastily. "I adore him and all, but If he weren't my brother and I had met him before, I wouldn't give him the time of day!
"I know. I can't believe it either." Shancai laughed.
Jing glanced at the clock on the wall. "Where s Uncle?" she asked. "He should have been here to pick us up minutes ago!"
At that moment they heard a car draw up outside. Looking out the window, they saw the stretch limo parked outside, Xi Men stepping out, all dressed up in a tuxedo, making him look more handsome than ever.
Xi Men's jaw dropped when he saw her, causing Shancai to flush even more.
"It's rude to stare!" she chided.
Xi Men only shook his head. "I keep remembering the time we first met at Ying De," he said, "and, looking at you now...Was I blind?"
Dao Ming Zhuang slapped his arm. "Stop putting your smooth moves on my sister-in-law or I'll beat you up then turn you over to A Si! Now, where's Uncle?"
"Do you really trust Uncle in a stretch limo in a place he has been for two days only?" Xi Men gave a low bow and spread his hand with a flourish. "Ladies, your carriage awaits."
The four of them all trooped into the limo, together with Xi Men. At Xi Men's orders, the Spanish chauffeur drove through the streets of Madrid, taking them to the quaint little chapel in mere minutes.
When they arrived, Shancai peered through the tinted glass and saw a few people already there. Inside the church he caught a glimpse of Hua Ze Lei and Mei Zuo and, with his back to her, Dao Ming Si.
Dao Ming Zhuang said, "It will start in a few minutes. Stay here a while, Shancai, while we make sure everything's set." Dao Ming Zhuang, Jing and Xiao Qiao stepped out of the limo when the chauffeur opened the car door for them.
Shancai's cell phone suddenly rang, catching Xi Men s attention as he was about to step off. "Who brings their cell phone on their wedding day?" he said dryly as Shancai fumbled for her phone inside her purse.
She whooped as she read the name of the caller. "It's Xiao Yo!" She lifted the phone to her ear. "Xiao Yo, hello!"
Shancai did not notice the sudden change that came over Xi Men at the mention of Xiao Yo's name. He turned away, an unreadable expression on his face as he pretended not to listen to the short conversation between Shancai and Xiao Yo.
When Shancai hung up and looked at Xi Men, she suddenly didn't know what to say.
"Uhm...that was Xiao Yo," she said. "She called to congratulate me."
He nodded. "How is she?"
"Fine. She was supposed to come and be one of the bridesmaids but she had to beg off at the last minute. She's at her most crucial year at the university. She couldn't just up and leave."
"It's good to know she's doing alright," he said, relief visibly flooding him although he tried so hard to mask it.
"When was the last time the two of you spoke?" she asked suddenly, curiosity getting the better of her.
He smiled. "A long time."
"Would you mind if I asked what really happened the last time Xiao Yo came to Taipei?"
He didn't answer her question. He merely smiled, as though he didn't hear her. "Let's go?" he said and began to step out of the limo.
"Xi Men," Shancai called out, effectively stopping him again. "Do you miss her?"
He seemed to think for a moment. "Of course." Then he stepped out of the car, leaving Shancai staring after him, wondering what has happened between him and her friend.
Shancai, she told herself. Think about the others later. It's your wedding day, for pete's sake!
Suddenly feeling silly for scolding herself, she let herself be led out of the car by her father who had come to fetch her.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The whole ceremony made her feel like she was in a dream. Only, this was real. This was really happening.
The charming little chapel was bedecked with roses of all hues and, at Dao Ming Si's insistence, balloons could also be seen everywhere, much to Shancai's delight. Familiar faces filled the church, people she and A Si had met since they lived in Spain. Even the manager of the travel agency they work at was there, proudly beaming at them.
Rose petals littered the aisle, and their scent perfumed the place. Her three bridesmaids, Dao Ming Zhuang, Xiao Qiao and Jing looked beautiful in their own dresses, and what else could be said of the F3, A Si's best men?
They were a sight to behold, and here and there Shancai could hear awed whispers from her lady acquaintances as the three, garbed in light gray tuxedoes, stood beside A Si.
A Si. Her eyes drank the sight of him as he stood there, looking his best in an all-white suit, the waistcoat emphasizing his full height, making him the proud prince that he is.
It was no different for A Si. His breath caught in his throat as he watched her walk towards him, flanked by her parents. She looked even more beautiful now, and there was no doubt in his mind that this is what he was meant for. This is the day that he had been journeying towards: the day when he would pledge his love - and life - to Shancai.
In his mind, and in his heart, there was no one else he pictured to have spent this day with. He is complete.
Xi Men leaned close and whispered, I told you she's breathtaking.
When he did not respond and merely stood there, mesmerized by the sight of her, Mei Zuo whispered, amused, "I don't think he needed to be told, Xi Men."
Lei nudged A Si with his shoulder and when A Si looked at his friend, Lei was smiling. "Your bride awaits."
A Si nodded and went forward to meet the woman he loves, his best men not far behind.
Love filled the air; everyone could feel it. Across the pews Mei Zuo and Xiao Qiao would gaze at each other, their contact broken only by Xi Men elbowing Mei Zuo repeatedly. Once in a while also Jing's eyes would stray to look at Hua Ze Lei, but he kept staring forward, seemingly lost in his own thoughts, his eyes fixed on the bride and groom.
A Si kept smiling all throughout the ceremony, like someone who could not ask for anything more. Only when they were declared man and wife and he looked into Shancai s eyes that he suddenly felt like weeping. Tears welled in Shancai s eyes as she looked up into his, and she was smiling happily while repeatedly whispering "Thank You" and "I love you".
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The small reception was held at the small garden lawn at the back of the church, thanks to the efforts of their friends from the travel agency. The newlyweds graciously spoke with each of the guests, thanking them for their attendance. But it's the other way around as the guests felt like they were the ones to thank the couple for inviting them and letting them witness their union.
Dao Ming Si took his eyes off Xiao Qiao performing a piece with her cello and looked at Shancai seated beside her. He leaned over and dropped a kiss on top of her nose, startling her.
"I'm getting jealous," he said, injecting just about enough jealousy in his voice. "You couldn't take your eyes off Xiao Qiao for minutes now."
"Silly!" she scolded him, laughing. "I couldn't get over the fact that she's so good with the cello. I wished Lei would do a piece with her. Have you heard them play together? They are marvelous!"
This gave A Si an idea. He stood up.
Shancai looked at him. "Where are you going?" she asked.
"I'll be just a minute," A Si replied and quickly made his way to where Lei was seated with Shancai s parents. Meanwhile Shancai returned her gaze to Xiao Qiao.
Remembering something, her eyes sought Mei Zuo and she smiled when she spotted him on one of the tables, transfixed as he gazed upon Xiao Qiao. He has not changed, she thought, remembering that time at the cello-maker s home back in Taiwan when he seemed content just to watch Xiao Qiao play. There is no denying he s fallen hard for Xiao Qiao, and Shancai could not be happier for him.
Xiao Qiao's piece was done and still A Si has not come back. Shancai craned her neck, trying to locate her husband but did not see him. Where could he have gone? she wondered.
Suddenly a beautiful sound caught her ears and slowly she turned back to look at the makeshift stage. Xiao Qiao has not left her place, and now she just started the first strains of another piece. Standing beside her, joining the beautiful music created by her cello, stood Lei with a violin.
Her eyes wide with astonishment, she turned her head when she felt A Si's arms creep around her from behind.
"Do you like it?" he whispered into her ear and she felt like crying with too much joy.
"What...You...I can't..." She couldn't seem to think straight. "How?"
"The priest was kind enough to lend one of his prized violins to Lei, and Lei was happy to grant the bride's wish. His arms tightened around her as he buried his face deep in the curve of her shoulder. "I hope you are happy."
"I am," she replied, her arms gripping his. "I am, Dao Ming Si."
"I love you," he whispered.
She turned around in his arms until she was looking up into his face. "And I love you more," she said softly and kissed him, the distant music drowned by the faster beating of their hearts.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Not far from where they were celebrating, two pairs of eyes watched the merriment. One with a cold expression; the other with detachment as his gaze shifted from the newlyweds to the other observer.
It was only when the first spectator drive away did he throw one last glance at the party and also left the scene.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++ I just would like to say HI and THANKS to piglet for reading this! (
She woke up this morning with a smile on her face, her sunny mood reflected by the vibrant day outside. While she prepared for the wedding with the aid of Jing, Dao Ming Zhuang and Xiao Qiao, her parents, and Shage went ahead for the final arrangements at the picturesque little church in the outskirts of Madrid that she and Dao Ming Si located a few weeks ago. Somewhere, in an inn, the F4 and Qing He are also getting ready.
Xiao Qiao clapped her hands as the three beheld Shancai. "You make for a lovely bride, Shancai," she said. "That dress looks just perfect!"
"Thank you." Embarrassment filled Shancai, coupled with excitement. She had picked this dress only a few weeks ago when Jing arrived from Paris and accompanied her to go shopping at the charming little boutiques of Madrid.
The dress is dreamy; she was taken the first time she laid her eyes on it. It is off-white, with tiny straps holding it together at the shoulders, and small pearl beads embedded on the edges. The skirt was made of silk, billowing about her, caressing her ankles as she moved, making her feel like a princess.
At Jing's insistence she let her hair cascade down her shoulders, its ends curled by Jing herself. As Jing was working on Shancai's hair, the latter can't help but remember the first time the other woman did a major make- over on her during that cruise trip. Of course, it ended in disaster well, not much of a disaster, really. After all, look where it has brought her now. She smiled.
"You are positively glowing," Dao Ming Zhuang gave as a compliment, shaking her head. "Who would have thought this day would come? And who would have thought it would be with my brother? Don't get me wrong," she added hastily. "I adore him and all, but If he weren't my brother and I had met him before, I wouldn't give him the time of day!
"I know. I can't believe it either." Shancai laughed.
Jing glanced at the clock on the wall. "Where s Uncle?" she asked. "He should have been here to pick us up minutes ago!"
At that moment they heard a car draw up outside. Looking out the window, they saw the stretch limo parked outside, Xi Men stepping out, all dressed up in a tuxedo, making him look more handsome than ever.
Xi Men's jaw dropped when he saw her, causing Shancai to flush even more.
"It's rude to stare!" she chided.
Xi Men only shook his head. "I keep remembering the time we first met at Ying De," he said, "and, looking at you now...Was I blind?"
Dao Ming Zhuang slapped his arm. "Stop putting your smooth moves on my sister-in-law or I'll beat you up then turn you over to A Si! Now, where's Uncle?"
"Do you really trust Uncle in a stretch limo in a place he has been for two days only?" Xi Men gave a low bow and spread his hand with a flourish. "Ladies, your carriage awaits."
The four of them all trooped into the limo, together with Xi Men. At Xi Men's orders, the Spanish chauffeur drove through the streets of Madrid, taking them to the quaint little chapel in mere minutes.
When they arrived, Shancai peered through the tinted glass and saw a few people already there. Inside the church he caught a glimpse of Hua Ze Lei and Mei Zuo and, with his back to her, Dao Ming Si.
Dao Ming Zhuang said, "It will start in a few minutes. Stay here a while, Shancai, while we make sure everything's set." Dao Ming Zhuang, Jing and Xiao Qiao stepped out of the limo when the chauffeur opened the car door for them.
Shancai's cell phone suddenly rang, catching Xi Men s attention as he was about to step off. "Who brings their cell phone on their wedding day?" he said dryly as Shancai fumbled for her phone inside her purse.
She whooped as she read the name of the caller. "It's Xiao Yo!" She lifted the phone to her ear. "Xiao Yo, hello!"
Shancai did not notice the sudden change that came over Xi Men at the mention of Xiao Yo's name. He turned away, an unreadable expression on his face as he pretended not to listen to the short conversation between Shancai and Xiao Yo.
When Shancai hung up and looked at Xi Men, she suddenly didn't know what to say.
"Uhm...that was Xiao Yo," she said. "She called to congratulate me."
He nodded. "How is she?"
"Fine. She was supposed to come and be one of the bridesmaids but she had to beg off at the last minute. She's at her most crucial year at the university. She couldn't just up and leave."
"It's good to know she's doing alright," he said, relief visibly flooding him although he tried so hard to mask it.
"When was the last time the two of you spoke?" she asked suddenly, curiosity getting the better of her.
He smiled. "A long time."
"Would you mind if I asked what really happened the last time Xiao Yo came to Taipei?"
He didn't answer her question. He merely smiled, as though he didn't hear her. "Let's go?" he said and began to step out of the limo.
"Xi Men," Shancai called out, effectively stopping him again. "Do you miss her?"
He seemed to think for a moment. "Of course." Then he stepped out of the car, leaving Shancai staring after him, wondering what has happened between him and her friend.
Shancai, she told herself. Think about the others later. It's your wedding day, for pete's sake!
Suddenly feeling silly for scolding herself, she let herself be led out of the car by her father who had come to fetch her.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The whole ceremony made her feel like she was in a dream. Only, this was real. This was really happening.
The charming little chapel was bedecked with roses of all hues and, at Dao Ming Si's insistence, balloons could also be seen everywhere, much to Shancai's delight. Familiar faces filled the church, people she and A Si had met since they lived in Spain. Even the manager of the travel agency they work at was there, proudly beaming at them.
Rose petals littered the aisle, and their scent perfumed the place. Her three bridesmaids, Dao Ming Zhuang, Xiao Qiao and Jing looked beautiful in their own dresses, and what else could be said of the F3, A Si's best men?
They were a sight to behold, and here and there Shancai could hear awed whispers from her lady acquaintances as the three, garbed in light gray tuxedoes, stood beside A Si.
A Si. Her eyes drank the sight of him as he stood there, looking his best in an all-white suit, the waistcoat emphasizing his full height, making him the proud prince that he is.
It was no different for A Si. His breath caught in his throat as he watched her walk towards him, flanked by her parents. She looked even more beautiful now, and there was no doubt in his mind that this is what he was meant for. This is the day that he had been journeying towards: the day when he would pledge his love - and life - to Shancai.
In his mind, and in his heart, there was no one else he pictured to have spent this day with. He is complete.
Xi Men leaned close and whispered, I told you she's breathtaking.
When he did not respond and merely stood there, mesmerized by the sight of her, Mei Zuo whispered, amused, "I don't think he needed to be told, Xi Men."
Lei nudged A Si with his shoulder and when A Si looked at his friend, Lei was smiling. "Your bride awaits."
A Si nodded and went forward to meet the woman he loves, his best men not far behind.
Love filled the air; everyone could feel it. Across the pews Mei Zuo and Xiao Qiao would gaze at each other, their contact broken only by Xi Men elbowing Mei Zuo repeatedly. Once in a while also Jing's eyes would stray to look at Hua Ze Lei, but he kept staring forward, seemingly lost in his own thoughts, his eyes fixed on the bride and groom.
A Si kept smiling all throughout the ceremony, like someone who could not ask for anything more. Only when they were declared man and wife and he looked into Shancai s eyes that he suddenly felt like weeping. Tears welled in Shancai s eyes as she looked up into his, and she was smiling happily while repeatedly whispering "Thank You" and "I love you".
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The small reception was held at the small garden lawn at the back of the church, thanks to the efforts of their friends from the travel agency. The newlyweds graciously spoke with each of the guests, thanking them for their attendance. But it's the other way around as the guests felt like they were the ones to thank the couple for inviting them and letting them witness their union.
Dao Ming Si took his eyes off Xiao Qiao performing a piece with her cello and looked at Shancai seated beside her. He leaned over and dropped a kiss on top of her nose, startling her.
"I'm getting jealous," he said, injecting just about enough jealousy in his voice. "You couldn't take your eyes off Xiao Qiao for minutes now."
"Silly!" she scolded him, laughing. "I couldn't get over the fact that she's so good with the cello. I wished Lei would do a piece with her. Have you heard them play together? They are marvelous!"
This gave A Si an idea. He stood up.
Shancai looked at him. "Where are you going?" she asked.
"I'll be just a minute," A Si replied and quickly made his way to where Lei was seated with Shancai s parents. Meanwhile Shancai returned her gaze to Xiao Qiao.
Remembering something, her eyes sought Mei Zuo and she smiled when she spotted him on one of the tables, transfixed as he gazed upon Xiao Qiao. He has not changed, she thought, remembering that time at the cello-maker s home back in Taiwan when he seemed content just to watch Xiao Qiao play. There is no denying he s fallen hard for Xiao Qiao, and Shancai could not be happier for him.
Xiao Qiao's piece was done and still A Si has not come back. Shancai craned her neck, trying to locate her husband but did not see him. Where could he have gone? she wondered.
Suddenly a beautiful sound caught her ears and slowly she turned back to look at the makeshift stage. Xiao Qiao has not left her place, and now she just started the first strains of another piece. Standing beside her, joining the beautiful music created by her cello, stood Lei with a violin.
Her eyes wide with astonishment, she turned her head when she felt A Si's arms creep around her from behind.
"Do you like it?" he whispered into her ear and she felt like crying with too much joy.
"What...You...I can't..." She couldn't seem to think straight. "How?"
"The priest was kind enough to lend one of his prized violins to Lei, and Lei was happy to grant the bride's wish. His arms tightened around her as he buried his face deep in the curve of her shoulder. "I hope you are happy."
"I am," she replied, her arms gripping his. "I am, Dao Ming Si."
"I love you," he whispered.
She turned around in his arms until she was looking up into his face. "And I love you more," she said softly and kissed him, the distant music drowned by the faster beating of their hearts.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Not far from where they were celebrating, two pairs of eyes watched the merriment. One with a cold expression; the other with detachment as his gaze shifted from the newlyweds to the other observer.
It was only when the first spectator drive away did he throw one last glance at the party and also left the scene.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++ I just would like to say HI and THANKS to piglet for reading this! (