One Last Chance

Wedding I

In the heart of Phuket, nestled amidst lush greenery and the serene beauty of the island, a modest house sat upon the hill. A woman sat before her childhood bedroom dresser, looking at herself in the mirror. Her fair skin was adorned with the prettiest makeup, highlighting her expressive eyes that shone with excitement. Her red lips were curved in a neverending but gentle smile.

Around her, her bridesmaids were helping her put on her accessories and completing the final touches. Marima was placing the chada, a golden headdress resembling a crown on her head. The weight settled heavily on her head. When she was in her pageantry days, she had countless crowns put on her head. But this crown? This wedding crown was the most important and significant one in her womanhood.

Charlotte was putting on her earrings, a pair of golden ornate earrings. They were in the shape of traditional motifs such as flowers or intricate geometric designs. They dangle delicately from her ears, catching the light as she moves.

Heidi was clipping a golden brooch on her shoulder, tying her sabai—a decorative sash or shawl made of matching or contrasting fabric—that drapes elegantly across her shoulder and wraps around her torso. Tina brought in her jewelry, bangles, rings, leg ornaments called pee. These gold bands are placed just above the knees or around the calves, adding an extra layer of grandeur to the bride’s appearance.

At last, her mother knocked on the door and Charlotte turned to look at her. Immediately, she felt emotional.

“Mae…” Char called softly as she stood up in her full regalia. She was a vision of grace, wealth, and tradition in her chut thai as she walked towards her mother.

Char’s mother looked at her the way all mothers look at their children, full of love and pride. She hugged her daughter and said lovingly, “My little Char is all grown up, how beautiful you are.”

Charlotte looked down shyly, “Mae, Char is getting married today…”

Mae tilted her chin up ever so gently, making eye contact with her beloved daughter. She smiled and put a Phuang Malai, a flower garland made of jasmine flowers, around her neck. “Now, you are ready to meet your bride, luuk.”

“Is she here already?” Charlotte’s eyes lit up, partially nervous and happy at the same time.

“Not yet, soon. Let’s go see your father first.” Mae smiled and held her daughter’s hand to go downstairs.

Such a simple act of holding your daughter’s hand, yet the moment was sentimental and heavy with significance. In some ways, she was brought down memory lane of holding a 5 year old Charlotte’s hand who  followed her around like a tail. In some ways, she felt like this was the last time holding her daughter’s hand this way. After today, she would pass her daughter’s hand to someone else.

Where did the time go?

Charlotte, who was already trying to suppress her tears, felt her eyes become blurry as she walked down her childhood home’s corridor. Wasn’t it just yesterday she came home from middle school, walking this very corridor into her bedroom?

“Wow.” Charlotte’s father’s gasp of adoration made her raise her head.

“Daddy…” The little girl finally cried when she saw her father’s wrinkled face. Mae let go of her hand and she hurried her steps into her father’s arms.

“What are you crying for, silly girl?” Papa chuckled and patted her back. Charlotte shook her head from where she hid in his neck.

She sniffed, “Daddy, I don’t want to part-”

“Silly girl you’re marrying the love of your life today, but you’ll forever be our daughter no matter where you are.” He said lovingly with his hoarse voice, his shirt soaking up her tears.He continued to coax his little princess, “Don’t cry, Charlotte, there’s no need to cry.”