A Year's Goodbye

The wedding was held late in the afternoon, facing another breathtaking sunset that you only could see in beautiful California summers. The ceremony was set on my favorite beach. Chairs were arranged in front of a extravagant wooden arch covered in colorful flowers. At the end of each aisle, jasmine scented candles hung from small beachwood crooks. A roll of silk covered the white sand aisle. It was a small ceremony, with only close family and friends. The attire was kept casual, perfect for a beach wedding.

"Okay, okay Lucia, you need to breathe... Can you do that for me?" My friend Mary asked.

Only five minutes remained before my wedding began and I was as nervous as I was on our very first date.

"I can breathe," I said to her, "I just need my grandmother's necklace to calm down."

My two best friends looked at me wide-eyed. "Uh, Lucia...about that," said Mary, "we haven't seen it since we left the house."

"What do you mean?" I shrieked. "You can't find my necklace? I can't get married without it! It's my lucky charm."

"Look," said Juliette, "I know how much that necklace means to you, but everyone is here and they're all waiting on you to start. I can see Cassian waiting at the end of the aisle. Do you really want to hold up the wedding and look for the necklace?"

I shook my head in defeat. I guess I could go without it. After all, Cassian was all I really needed.

The music began, signaling the start of the ceremony. I took a deep breath and waited until the minister asked everyone to stand. All eyes would soon be on me. The flower girl lined the path with red rose petals as she adorably marched down the aisle with the ring bearer. I only took two steps out before I was greeted by my father. He escorted me down the aisle, which in my nervousness, seemed to have grown longer since rehearsal. My father could sense my tension and held me tighter. He became my strength; without him I would faint. The guests looked at me, taking pictures of my dress, waving at me, smiling; one thing was for sure though...no one made a sound. Up ahead I saw him. Cassian. My future husband, the love of my life, my everything. He stood tall, his shoulders back and his eyes on me. If I wasn't mistaken, I could have sworn tears filled his eyes.

At the end of the aisle, my father hugged me and said, "I'm proud of you." He then presented me to my groom, placing my hand in Cassian's, and smiled. As a couple, Cassian and I stood in front of the minister ready to start our lives together.

Before my father walked away, he patted Cassian on the shoulder. That was his way of welcoming him into the family. Standing next to my love felt overwhelming.

Was this really happening? Will I soon be Mrs. Welton? The minister said to the guests, "You may now be seated." My friends and family followed his request.

"Dearly beloved," He began, "we are gathered here today to witness this man and woman join in holy matrimony."

As the minister spoke my heart beat faster. Next thing I knew we were exchanging vows, tears filling both of our eyes.

The ring bearer came forward and presented the rings. I placed Cassian's ring on first, then he placed on mine.

The minister nodded and said, "If anyone objects to the marriage speak now or forever hold your peace."

As assumed, no one said a word.

"With the power vested in me by the State of California, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."

Cassian grabbed my viel and pushed it back. I rasied my head to see his handsome face but met with an unexpected surprise. A loud shriek escaped my lips as I stared at my new husband in horror. He wasn't human anymore. Before me, a gaunt and motionless skeleton stood. A worm wriggled out of it's empty sockets and I screamed again, stepping backwards to get away. My heel caught on my dress and my body was sent tumbling to the sandy floor.

"Help! Will anyone help me?" I cried, glancing around frantically but my eyes found nothing but empty chairs.

The skeletal figure of what was my husband began moving, heading towards me and stretching out a bony hand like he was trying to help me. I tried desperately to scoot away but I was too slow in my frantic attempt.

"Lucia..."

Jerking awake, my eyes flew wide open. I immediately sat up, clutching my chest as my heart beat rapidly from inside. Tears clouded my vision, dripping down my cheeks in thick, fat blobs. The remnants of my dream slowly faded away, the familiar surroundings of my bedroom coming into view as my eyes adjusted to reality. Instinctively, I reached my hand out next to me, feeling around for my husband but I felt nothing but empty space. The cold, vacant area next to me just made my tears come down even faster and I let out a choked up wail.

The truth was, my husband had died years ago..