A Teacher's Diary

Short Story: The Wedding

It's been exactly the 100th day since Ned proposed to me. I feel jittery since day one until this very day.

Later, Ned and I will finally become one. It's such a big event. Most especially, to me. We've been in relationship for eight years. Eight freaking years. And now, this - the most awaited dream of a woman so much in love will finally turn into reality. 

I had a bad sleep last night due to mix emotions. I hope the make up will conceal the traces of it. Thank goodness, Piara, my gay bestfriend volunteered to make me my prettiest today. I have faith in him. After few hours of putting different beauty tools on my face and lastly, the tiara as my head dress. It's done. Of course, I am already on my wedding gown. A simple long white gown without much embroidery, yet it looked elegant because of its fabric. And it actually emphasized my curve lines. Although, I am slightly embarassed, I am very thankful with Piara's help. He's the best when it comes to these things. 

"Oh-em-gee! Val! Look at you, girl! You are soooo preeeee-tty! Aw. I am so good at this!" Piara said, appreciating me. Praising me but not forgetting to praise his self. I giggled. After a moment, he spoke again. "You look fabulous. Ned would really rush to your honeymoon when he sees you. I swear! You're so beautiful, you might even turn me into a man!"

I laughed at Piara's exaggeration. "Well, thank you my dearest fairy godmother. You are the best!" I kissed him on his right cheek and bid goodbye after we took photos together. 

"Dreams do come true!" He winked before letting me go. I walked towards the waiting car. "See you later!" I shouted. Smiling at him before closing the white limousine's door. 

****

It took a while before we arrived at Garden of Eden. That's right. The ceremony is happening in this wonderful garden. Ned insisted that he wants the wedding to be extravagant. He doesn't care no matter how expensive. He said, "What's important is that I'll make you feel loved and special." Aw. Who wouldn't love this man? 

***

10 minutes before the ceremony starts, Ned is still no show. The guests are already making a fuss about it. My anxiety doubled. I am definitely worried. I asked his parents if they could reach their son's phone. They said it's unattented. My tears started to flow. I don't care. I want to know what happened to him. What if he met an accident on his way here? Please. Please. It's killing me. Ned. Where are you? Then... suddenly, someone answered my question. 

****

"Excuse me. I'm afraid you are the bride. Ms. Valkyrie Torres?" I want to punch this guy in the face. Can't he see I'm on despair? I didn't answer. Instead, I shot him a ready-to-kill look on my face. He said it as though being sarcastic. I was irritated, thinking that becoming the Mrs. Ned Villanueva was postponed. The priest and the guests already left. My parents, as well as Ned's went to search for him. Only, Piara's by my side who answered for me. We were near the altar. "Aye yes! Even you are as handsome as you are now dumbass. I think you should leave my best friend alone." I want to clap with Piara's speech, it's perfect plus the raising of one of his eyebrow. It somehow lifted me up. I don't want to talk to this guy. Piara knew it. 

It was obvious that the guy was shocked but he spoke again. "I'm sorry. I don't mean to be rude. But we need to talk. In private. It's important." Before Piara could reply, he quickly added looking at me so seriously, straight to my eyes. "It's about Ned."

****

I can't believe Ned actually stood me up on the day of our wedding. My dream supposed to become reality turned out to be my worst nightmare. Still, I tried to grasp the situation.But no, maybe.. I wouldn't understand that now. They promised that dreams do come true but forgot to warn me that nightmares are dreams, too.

I cried. And cried. After I talked to the guy who introduced himself as Paulo. I ran. I never looked back. I was guilty by not coming back where we left Piara. But I know he would understand. I want to go far away. Where nobody can recognize me. I want to be alone. I want to be lost. I want to die. Yet, I knew. Deep in my heart. I'm alone. I'm lost. And I already died. 

After running and running very far, I was finally worn out. I am still on my wedding dress. Barefoot. I hated it. Tears are streaming down my face. Unstoppable. I thought this could only happen in novels and movies. Really? Of all people? Why me?

Then.. something had hit me. And suddenly, everything just went black.