The Last String

Chapter 1

Lilly

It was an Autumn wedding in the late afternoon. The area faced the breathtaking sunset. At the end of each seated aisle, jasmine scented candles hung from naked tree branches. Spread down the aisle were white leaves as far as the eye could see; slightly moist so they wouldn't crack when stepped on. There was a small group of close family and friends to the bride and groom, dressed in beach attire for comfort. On either side of the aisle, they sat in white chairs set up for them on the sand.

"Okay, okay Nora, you need to breathe... Can you do that for me?" I asked. As I was one of her bridesmaids, I had to deal with the prenuptial-freaked-out-frenzy.

Today, ladies and gentlemen is my friend Alexander's wedding, and I am one of his soon-to-be wife's bridesmaids. The joy.

I didn't have the heart to disagree even though I really didn't want to be involved with what's behind the scenes when it comes to weddings. I enjoyed weddings, a lot actually. The whole idea of joining two souls together brought me delight. I just can't bear all the stress that comes with the plannings and stuff.

Only five minutes remained before the wedding began; I could feel Nora's nervousness along with the tension in the air.

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

Kim, Alexander's sister who was another bridesmaid, and I looked at her wide-eyed. "Uh, Nora... about that."

(Thirty seconds later)

"What do you mean you can't find my necklace! I can't get married without it. It's my lucky charm. No way." She exclaimed in irritation.

"Look," I said, "Everyone's here and has a program. It's about to start. I see Alexander waiting at the end of the aisle and he's just as nervous as you. DO you really want to not marry the love of your life over a necklace?"

She shook her head.

"Good, because if you don't marry him, I know plenty of women who would."

Pfft lies, he's a nincompoop.

Nora was super sweet but when she gets nervous, she's nothing but a pain in the arse.

Finally, the priest came out and asked everyone to stand. It was Nora's turn. All eyes would soon be on her. The flower girl lined the path with white rose petals as the music started. She only took two steps out before she was greeted by her father. He escorted her down the aisle. We all looked at her, taking pictures of her dress, waving at her, smiling- one thing was for sure, though... no one made a sound. Up ahead was Alex. He stood taller, his shoulders back and his eyes on her. If I wasn't mistaken I could have sworn tears filled his eyes. He looked at her like she was the only one existing. Yeah, my best friend is the biggest softie this world has known.

Unlike him, her nervousness kicked in ten-fold. It was not that obvious though I noticed because we're kind of close to each other. Good thing she only had ten more steps to go.

At the end of the aisle, Nora's father hugged her and then presented her to her groom. Her father placed her hand in Alex's and smiled. As a couple, Alexander and Nora stood in front of the priest.

It was very tempting to let out a squeal and start giggling like crazy.

Before her father walked away, he patted Alex on the shoulder. I guess that was his way of welcoming him into their family. I bet standing beside her love felt overwhelming.

The minister said to guests, "You can now be seated". Everybody there followed his request.

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