Phoenix

Chapter Eighteen - Marriage

Rose, my bridesmaid, whose name could only remind me of flowers and of everything that's ahead along the altar, swung the glass door open with her jaw hanging low from the rest of her powdered face. Her fragrance brought a different vibe in the room that smelled like seashore then she took both of her hands on my two shoulders then said, "God, you're magical!" The words made me laugh and giggle through the rest of her panic blubbering.

Someone else knocked at our door and Rose jumped out of her anticipation and she looked and acted more thrilled than I was. She took one of my hands like how Garreth would and mimicked my gentleman. Obviously, she wanted me to laugh the moment and think about her jokes so that I won't trip along the altar with my wedding gown and that long thin silk that runs behind. My mom peeked in at us then handed over a bouquet patterned by a swirl of green and white daisies, which I grasped with both of my chilling hands.

"In three minutes." My mom told me. She wanted to personally see me before I walk the aisle. She was very excited as her mirrored eyes told me.

The music of the wedding march started to play and the entourage begun to walk the aisle and people were buzzing. Then, I saw myself at the mirror; all the silk covering my thinning body. I had strictly followed a weight loss diet for the past few years and I liked what I saw. Then, as I tried hard not to, I did remember silly Garreth as we jokingly rehearsed the wedding vow without really realizing we're going to be married the next year. I noticed my lips and they were rouged then I bit them and remembered Garreth's lips and gasped for breath. I talked to Rose to keep myself distracted.

Later on, I walked the aisle like how a normal bride would and I saw that everyone was smiling. It was pretty weird to see all I know smiling and looking at me. I thought they would lessen my panic by simply preferring to scrutinize the dress but they didn't. They all stared at my face like I'm a potato that's on her way to the oven and I freaked out because I never actually know how to be the wife that a man loves. Without really seeming obvious about it, I realized the march took a longer time than I thought and I missed the Garreth who helps me in any time he could but then, without expecting him making face beside the priest because it would make me laugh, I saw his figure just beside the all the other men.

My parents – the overprotective type – distracted me for a very short moment though impressively, my mom was not in tears this time, and then I walked a little slower and almost forgot everyone but waited for my man to appear. I saw Matt, my man's best man, then Garreth. He was wearing a black suit and a smile. I glanced at his ash-colored hair which was well propped up and I thought he was sexy.

I was not sure what happened next but I kept staring and heard him whispered, "Hi, love." until I stepped up the ramp and my father took my hand to his. I didn't really care what Garreth's thinking about right now but I hoped I had time to talk to him during that moment to tell him a lot until the priest did start to talk and I was tamed. What can I say; I am a writer with a lot of words.

The ceremony went on and Garreth couldn't actually behave like he said he would or, should I say, we both couldn't. He was trying to look at me the whole time and I was trying hard not to let out a giggle. The ceremony never really mattered to us; we were simply both right there waiting for the priest to say we were officially married and that we were going to our honeymoon – that's the truth. Later on, the priest would and the crowd would become a little louder. I glanced at Matt, Garreth's best friend, and he seemed grateful even though on the other hand he just broke up with his girlfriend weeks ago – Garreth secretly told me.

Eventually, Garreth gave me the lips that I was solely waiting for all day and I took both of my cold hands and brushed the sides of his face tickling my own skin. Everyone was celebrating and happy and I've never wished to be always as happy as I was during that kiss until now for the rest of my life and forever.

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