I would say that I was all shades of nervous on my wedding day. While my makeup was being applied, putting on my wedding dress, in the Rolls Royce ride to the wedding.
I couldn't help but think about the advice my mother had come to give me that morning. She came early, when it was still dark and had no signs of dawn.
She had come to the edge of my bed , still in her nightwear, a gown, and a wrapper tied around her chest, and tapped my feet. Daniel was still in the bed as well, but when he saw mum, he got up and left the room.
"I have come here to talk to you" She said softly. I switched on the room lights and grabbed my dressing gown, and sat up to face her.
She appeared to be lost in thought, but she recovered and turned to face me, a small smile on her lips. She sighed.
"Hadassah, my daughter. I really thank God for your life and how far He has brought you" she touched my feet.
"You've grown up so fast, my daughter. Very soon I'll be expecting grandchildren." She chuckled . "But I want you to know that marriage has never been easy. I trust that you know what you're doing. I don't want you to give up at every argument, and no matter what, do not let anger and non forgiveness get in the way. But I trust that God will be with you both. Do not let your children grow up in a broken home. But I have come to release my blessings on you. You will have a happy marriage. You shall see your grandchildren. Your family will love you and cherish you."
I said Amen after every blessing . But it was weird, that there was something I wanted her to tell me. Something I have almost never hear her say. My heart sunk when she left a bit sooner, the sun now rising. I had wanted her to give me a hug. To say something more soothing, more loving. Have I pushed her away that much?
When Sara helped deliver the flowers that Jacob delivered to me later that morning with a small note inserted
"The day I've been waiting for has finally come. Can't wait to begin this Path with you, my love"
I thought I'd break down in tears, but I thought to not disrupt the on going makeup on my face.
While the makeup artist put finishing touches to my face and took photos , Sara, Lolade, who came in just yesterday and Yasmin walked towards me , in their matching purple bridesmaids dresses.
"My little baby is getting married" Sara exclaimed, coming to give me a hug.
"I'm not your baby please" I joked.
"Anyway, we're not going to take too much time, we're going to have to give you a little present" She announced, clutching a now visible gift bag.
"Mhmm" Lolade added. "A present indeed"
Yasmin chuckled.
I frowned. "What is it?"
Sara gave the bag to me.
"Open it" She encouraged. I looked nervously at the bag. "Wait, before you do, what're you wearing tonight?"
I stared confusingly. "Tonight?"
The three of them sighed.
"Abeg , stop forming innocent." Lolade said, laughing.
Oh.
"Well, I have got something" I said, walking to my wardrobe.
