Falling Petals of a Blue Rose

Final

   For the next several months, Thomas and Marisa went through lots of planning to get everything ready in time for their big wedding day. On the day of the wedding, Marisa found herself going in and out of a panicked state.

“I can’t do this! I can’t do this!” She said to herself as she stared into the mirror.

“Yes you can! Now stop freaking out! You’re going to be just fine.” Maggie said as she finished putting on the finishing touches to her dress as the maid of honor.

“She’s right. There’s nothing to be nervous about. You look beautiful and everyone is happy for you. This is the day you’ve been waiting for isn’t it?” Yoshi asked as she finished putting her hair up as the other bride’s maid. Marisa swallowed.

“Well, yes, but I didn’t think it would come so quickly.”

“Quickly?! What are you talking about? You’ve been planning this thing for months not weeks. Shesh! You make it sound like this whole thing just started yesterday.” Chelsea remarked as she helped Marisa put her veil in her hair. All 3 of them were wearing dark blue dresses as the bride’s maids. Marisa took a deep breath.

“Okay. You’re right. I just need to calm down.”

“I don’t see why you’re so nervous Marisa. I think you look beautiful.” Kristy stated. Marisa smiled.

“Why thank you Kristy. And I think you make a perfect flower girl.”

“Really?”

“Of course. Don’t you think so girls?”

“Oh absolutely. The part of the cute little flower girl suites you just right.” Yoshi stated.

“Indeed. And I just love the little flowers in your hair.” Chelsea agreed. Maggie gave her a look over.

“Yes, you do look very nice. But there’s one more thing that will make you look just perfect.” Reaching over towards the dresser, she picked up a big flower pendant. Walking over to her, she attached it to Kristy’s belt.

“There perfect!” Kristy giggled as she twirled around the room. Marisa stared at herself in the mirror.

“I never imagined that this would actually happen to me.” 

“Don’t worry, dear. I’m sure you’ll be just fine.” Her mother stated as she straightened out the skirt to her wedding dress. Marisa smiled.

“Mom, were you this nervous on your wedding day?” Her mother chuckled.

“Oh yes. I was very nervous. In fact, I got so nervous that I almost made myself sick.” Marisa couldn’t help but let out a laugh.

“But the moment I saw your father waiting for me at the end of the runway, I knew I had made the right choice. I’m sure it will be the same for you, dear. When you step onto the runway, don’t look or think about anything else. Just focus all your attention on your beloved as he waits for you to come take his hand. If you do that, everything will be just fine.” Marisa smiled.

“Thanks mom.” Marisa gave her mom a hug as she headed for the door. In the other room, Thomas was almost as fidgety as Marisa.

“Hold still, man. Keep this up and your bow tie will look more like a crane.” Jarred stated as he struggled to tie it for him.

“Oh right, sorry.”

“Geez! I may be the best man, but even I didn’t freak out this much when I got married.” Thomas rolled his eyes.

“That’s cause you’re a very dull person.” Jarred gave him an annoyed look.

“Keep that up and I really will turn it into a crane.” Thomas laughed.

“Sorry.” Marcus just stared at himself in the mirror.

“Shesh! This is so cramping my style! I can live with the suit if I have to, but why do I have to wear this stupid bow tie with it?!” He complained as he tugged at his shirt.

“Hey, just be glad you don’t have to wear a hat too.” Coby stated as he finished tying his shoes. Marcus froze.

“They have hats to go with these things?”

“Yep. Sometimes.” Marcus stuck his tongue out. Conner stared at himself in the mirror.

“I guess this outfit’s not too bad. Even so, why did I have to get stuck as the ring bearer? That role is meant for little kids. I’m a teenager now. I’m too old for a little kids role.” Marcus formed a sneer on his face.

“That may be true. Unfortunately, you’re still too small to be a groom’s man.” Conner gave him an annoyed look. Thomas just rolled his eyes.

“Still, I can’t believe this day actually came. I was so sure I would be hoping for too much. The fact that she accepted my proposal was almost too good to be true.”

“That’s the whole point.” A voice spoke up. Thomas turned to see a tall man with blond hair like his. He had a big smile on his face.

“Thomas, when the woman you love accepts your hand in marriage, it always seems too good to be true. That’s why you should cherish it so deeply. Even so, you must remember that this is only the beginning. From now on, the two of you will walk the path of life together. Even if there will be hard times, you must stay strong and never let go of one another. If you can manage to do that, than I am sure the two of you will have a long and happy life together.” He stated as he put his hand on his shoulder. Thomas smiled.

“I’m sure you’re right. Thanks, father.” A few moments later, Marisa found herself preparing to enter the banquet hall. She tightly gripped her father’s arm.

“Oh Dad, I just can’t stop being nervous.” Graham took hold of his daughter’s hand.

“Don’t worry. All you have to do is walk and breathe. And remember what your mother told you. Just keep your eyes on Thomas. Everything will be just fine.” Marisa smiled as she took a deep breath. Finally, the doors open. Maggie and Jarred entered the room first as the best man and the maid of honor. After them, it was Marcus and Yoshi. Then, it was Chelsea and Coby. Even though he was still sulking, Conner went in after them carrying a heart shaped pillow which had the wedding rings tied to it. After that, Kristy went in tossing flower petals from her flower basket into the air. With everyone gone, Marisa took a deep breath as she squeezed her father’s arm and entered the room. Everyone stood up as the bride came in with her veil over her face. Marisa tried really hard not to show that she was nervous. She felt her father grip her hand.

“Don’t worry. Everything will be alright. Just look straight ahead and you won’t be afraid anymore.” Not sure what to expect, Marisa rose her head and looked up. She could see all her friends and family lined up with big smiles on their faces. But, in the midst of them all, there stood Thomas. He had the biggest and brightest smile of all. Looking at his face, Marisa felt all her fears flow away. As she walked up next to him, Marisa let go of her father’s arm and took hold of Thomas’s hand. Gripping it tightly, she couldn’t help but smile too. When the time came for their vows to be exchanged. Marisa felt Thomas grip her hand tightly.

“I do.” He said in a clear strong voice. Almost giving way to tears, Marisa gathered her courage as she gripped his hand.

“I do.” She stated without a trace of fear in her voice. After placing the rings on each others finger, Thomas slowly lifted her veil up over her head. Marisa's heart flew out of her chest as Thomas pulled her into him and kissed her. Everyone clapped and cheered as they were all thrilled for the new couple. As she pressed her lips against the lips of the man she loved so much, Marisa felt a happy tear run down her face. This truly was the beginning of a new wonderful life for both of them.

   Yes, life is indeed full of unexpected twists and turns. And the path to love is the biggest twist of all. It might be full of heart break and pain. Yet, it can also be full of joy and happiness. Even if it may seem hopeless at times, it’s a path that is definitely worth traveling to the end. As long as you never give up and keep on going, love will be sure to find you when you least expect it to.