Episode 1: Brenda (2nd Part)


I sat there open-mouthed and unbelieving. "You're a lesbian?" I repeated just to make sure I heard her right.
"Yeah." Brenda replied.
"How long have you known?" Sandz asked quite motherly.
"A while now..."
"Well, have you tried telling your father about it?" It was Sandz again.
Brenda heaved a heavy sigh, "He knows... Why do you think he's pushing this wedding that much?"
"How about Richard?" I asked.
"Richard? Richard is a hopeless pushover, telling him won't get me anywhere out of this wedding!" She replied with a hint of exasperation.
"Well... You're doomed. Why don't you just runaway or bury your head in the sand like an ostrich?" I commented mindlessly.
"Back-up a second there!" Brenda snapped at me, "What did you just say?"
"You're... Doomed? I answered hesitantly.
"No, after that!"
"Runaway?"
I saw Brenda's facial expression lightening-up like she just discovered the wonders of multiple orgasm. "Abby," She said grabbing both my shoulders. "You are brilliant!"






Fast-forward to two weeks later... Brenda's standing at the church door getting ready to walk down the aisle. But, unlike other brides, she's not glowing nor excited. What you'll see on her face is the look of impending doom.

She planned on running away from this wedding - several times - over the past two weeks, but her father foiled her attempts each and every time.

The bridal march played and she walked towards her groom, still, with that pained expression. When she reached the altar I saw her exhale sharply as if surrendering to her fate.

Father Marty was the officiating priest. He's a fat but lovable-looking man that would remind of Santa Clause. "Dearly beloved..." He began, "We are gathered here today to witness the union of Richard Lopez and Brenda Carlos. Whoever among you objects to this union; speak now or forever hold your silence..." He paused for effect.

"I object."

There was murmuring amongst the guests. "Who was that?" I heard one asked her amiga beside her.

"I object father." the voice repeated a little louder this time. All eyes focused at the altar. It was Richard!

Everybody was stunned, there was a deafening silence... Thankfully, Father Marty managed to asked Richard what we all are dying to ask. "Why son?"

There was another lengthy silence before Richard spoke, "We don't love each other." He said. "This wedding...? It's not what we want but what our parents want, and I'm tired of just doing what I was told." Richard faced his parents, "I'm sorry. I cannot do this anymore. I deserve to be happy and Brenda deserves to be happy." He turned to Brenda and squeezed her hand before he walked briskly towards the church door.

We were all surprised by this sudden turn of events. But I must say I feel nothing but admiration for Richard, because not everyone's able to summon the courage to stand up for what will really make them happy. Often times we just let the chips fall where they may. We say "bahala na..." because it's a lot simpler that way.

"Uhm... I also have an announcement to make..." It was Brenda who woke me from my reverie. "I'm a lesbian." She said. She stood there hoping for a reaction.

The guests stood up to leave.




*****To Be Continued*****

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