Relief (Completed).

Chapter 10 of Part 2.

For better or for worse.

For richer or for poorer.

Till death do us part.

…

…

“Water.” I managed to choke out.

I was extremely thirsty. When I tried to open my eyes, I was nearly blinded by the perky, exquisite lights, beating my solace. I felt like I was on the spotlight.

I was refurbished by the lights, though. Then, I blinked again. There appeared two large faces beaming at me.

I yelped.

They jumped.

I sit up, but found it painful to do so. So I tried to be contented on lying my back for comfort.

Those two faces belonged to my best friend and my aunt.

And they were laughing at me.

I let them suit themselves, for I am not in the mood to join them and howl with laughter. I’m so exhausted. I was bushed. My bones ached to the tips of their tissues. But I never felt agony the way I had last night.

…

I assumed that screaming would help me discharge the pain. But it didn’t. Again, I made a fool of myself. I felt ashamed for being weak.

Somebody held my hand while I suffered this. Somebody who is ushering me, who is comforting me, who kept on saying that everything would be fine. I tried to lift my head up and figured who it was, but I can’t. So I just let him comfort me even though it’s useless.

I gulped for some fresh air. My lungs seemed to be tight. My heart seemed to have stopped beating.

They were useless. I can’t breathe properly. I cursed and tried to relax. But I failed.

I gripped the hand that’s been holding me.

“It’s going to be alright, sweetie. She would be out soon. This will end soon. Just give your best shot so both of you would survive.” A voice told me.

Then there were hands on my stomach, massaging it. My instinct urged me to jerk those hands away, but I had no energy left. I reserved the remaining for that “best shot” someone was instructing me. I was irritated with the world. I want to be alone. I want them to leave me. I despise the feeling of them on my skin. Yet, I wanted this to be finished now. Not later, but now!

I primed myself and breathed deeply. Then I screeched everything. I gave my best shot and bawled my fury with the world.

I blacked out.

Later, I can’t remember anything.

…

“You’ve been talking in your sleep.” Aunt Veronica informed me.

“Have I?” That’s strange. I never do that.

“Yes.”

“What’s I’ve been talking about?”

“Wedding lines.”

“What?!” I almost shouted, astonishingly.

“Really.”

“I can’t remember.” But there were some threads in my head that connects to what she’s saying.

“Try to,” Kelly piped in. “I was anxious.”

“We thought you’re losing your sanity.”

I didn’t really listen. I was busy reviving the dream in my head.

The church bells were ringing. Entirely, the place was so white. The scent of tulips were ubiquitously filling my nose. My hair was raised in a perfect bun that Mom arranged, and made sure that not a single hair was out of place. Daddy held out to me the tiara for my veil. Even Daddy was there! It was beyond perfect and peaceful.

I walked in the aisle to the rhythm of the music, as rehearsed, clutching my father’s arm on one hand, while holding my mom’s hand on the other. I feel so loved, so complete, so satisfied.

As I walk, I was looking at the face of my angel. He was crying, but those tears were the product of his joy. When Daddy entrusted me to him, he smiled to me wonderfully and thanked my parents.

He gazed at me as he guided me towards the altar. I gazed at him back and smiled. Our gazes were indescribable, but marvellous. I cannot put it into words.

His eyes were twinkling at me. I wiped his cheeks and whispered, “don’t cry, honey. Don’t ruin your looks.” He laughed and said, “You look so beautiful. You’re majestic.”

I blushed. “You don’t need to do that now. We’ll have plenty of time to talk and be together.”

“Forever?”

“Until eternity ends.” I clutched his hand in mine as the priest started the ceremony.

We exchanged vows and rings, altogether with our promise of love for each other. And when the priest said, “You may now kiss the bride,” everyone cheered. The kiss was brief, but I never felt like that before.

At the reception, I got tired out. I danced with each and everyone present, posed with them, and talked to them. I laughed my heart out. I laughed like I never did before. My joy is overflowing.

“So, would you plan the baby soon?” A friend of mine asked.

I never got the opportunity to answer because I woke up.

After I remembered, I burst into tears.

...

“Why? What’s wrong?” Kelly’s alarmed voice brought me back.

I told them about everything.

“Everything appears perfect. My look, my dress, my wedding. We were married, and love found us the way to be together, and we don’t have these complications separating us, unlike now. It’s just me and Daniel. Daniel and I. There’s still no Cloe. I’m perfectly happy.”

“Are you saying that Cloe—“

“No, of course not! I just assumed that without Cloe, everything would be different, but unimaginable. Cloe is all that matters to me now. Everything I left behind would follow soon. I would settle them and face them after.”

“Yes, you should.” A voice said, surprising us.