I lost her.

* 28 *

It was our wedding today. I couldn't wait to marry Lizelle. I was waiting nervously at the altar. My dad was standing beside me.

"You ready son? It's for life."
"I'm ready, dad."
"Remember. I told you to find the woman your mom warned you about." he winked.
"Noted."

In actual fact, my mother really liked Lizelle. They had become close, almost like friends and I could really live with that in spite of what my dad says. Mom loved Lizelle more than warned me about her.

It was time. The congregation stood up and turned to look at her. Wow she looked even more beautiful than the time we were in varsity. Her dress was in mermaid design revealing her beautiful shape. She smiled at me and I knew she was the one for me. She slowly walked down the aisle with a beautiful bouquet in her hands. I would have preferred for her to have a white veil over her but she refused it.  Women.
My mother agreed with her. So did Rejoice. Lizelle arrived at the altar and looked up at me with her beautiful eyes. It was magical. My fear of getting married was finally gone. I was ready to do this.

We were roughly ten minutes into the service when the pastor asked the congregation if anyone was against our matrimony.  At that moment I heard screaming from outside coming inside the church.

"Get away." Rejoice said.
Everybody turned to see what was going on. So did I.
To my surprise, it was Courtney begging Rejoice for something. She was in a state. She looked like she was in shock.

I had never seen her that way before. I ran down to her, leaving Lizelle at the altar. She grabbed my arm trying to stop me but I couldn't be stopped.

I was really worried about Courtney.

"What's wrong? Courtney?" I asked worried.
"Samuel, please I'm begging you! It's Mitchell" she said.

My heart stopped.

"Wha-what happened to him? Tell me Courtney!" I was really concerned.
My son was in trouble and needed me.

"He got hit by a car and and and...he's losing blood, he needs your blood, Samuel, please he needs your blood. I'm begging you." she sobbed.

Lizelle walked down to us and intervened.

"Don't listen to her, honey. She's only trying to play you."
"Why would I do that, Lizelle? Please." Courtney sobbed heavily this time.

"Let go of my leg." Rejoice said as she kicked Courtney's arms away.

My mother intervened. "Rejoice, what is going on?"
"It's nothing, mother." Lizelle cut in.
"This doesn't look like nothing, Lizelle! Who is this woman? Where does she come from?" Mother was getting agitated.
"I'm the mother of his child, please help me." Courtney said.

I looked at her in shock. How could she blast it out just like that on my wedding. Infront of so many people?

"Nonsense, lady.  You must be mistaken. Samuel doesn't have any children. I think you are just confused. If you like we can help you get back to the hospital." she said calmly.

In all honesty I wanted to go with her to the hospital.

"My wedding, mom!" Lizelle exclaimed.
"No, I want Samuel to come with me. Please." Courtney said.

I was ready to leave with her when Lizelle grabbed my arm.

"It's our wedding today, Samuel. Please. We can't exactly afford another one. For all you know she could be fooling you. Please. Stay for our wedding. How do you even know Mitchell is your child? You were hardly home during varsity days. You were always with me." she said.

I won't lie, she convinced me. When Courtney and I actually have this baby when most of the time I was with Lizelle?

"You're right. Pastor resume this wedding." I said, giving Courtney a cold stare. My stare sent shivers down her spine. I could see it.

She turned to look at Lizelle with pleading eyes.

"Lizelle...please! I'm begging you. Lizelle!" Courtney screamed.

I turned away with Lizelle and we walked back to the pastor.  The ushers dragged Courtney out of the church. I could hear her begging and fighting until the sound disappeared.

While I was saying my vows to Lizelle I couldn't help but notice one usher run back outside. I wondered what the matter was. Lizelle could see my attention drifting away but she remained calm.

"You may kiss your bride." I heard the pastor.
"And now, church. I introduce you all to Mr and Mrs. Rodgers. Let's celebrate with them this holy Union."

We walked out of church with smiles on our faces. The rice was thrown over our heads.

The reception was lovely. Our friends proposed a toast to us.

"And I hope to see little feet soon." my friend and mother said together as they proposed a toast.

Lizelle was happy and I was probably in regret.
---------------------------------------------------------
Three days later was our honeymoon.

"Honey, are you sure you've packed everything?" she asked.
"Yup. Nothing left behind...Uhm...Liz?"
"Yeah."
"If you don't mind I'd like to make a turn to the guys quickly before we head for the airport." I said.
"Okay, don't be late."

I walked out and went to my car. I was lying to her. I was actually going to see how Mitchell and Courtney were keeping.

I arrived at the hospital and came across a young nurse named Mbali.

"Excuse me...Uhm...hi."
"Good evening sir may I help you?" Mbali asked.
"I've come to uhm...see someone."
She was waiting for me say who I was coming to see.
"Well.  They are in there together. Mitchell and Courtney. "
"Oh yes. sure they are just-"
"I can't go in without her permission. Will you ask her if I may come in to see her?"
"Sure. Just wait here, if you don't mind?"
"I will be waiting here." I smiled.

I stood there and in my heart I was starting to feel like what I did was wrong.
I waited down at the hall but I didn't have the guts to face her. I may have the strength to face my son but not his mother.
So I left a note and flowers I bought on the way here at the help desk and left the hospital. Without a word.

I left the hospital and went back to Lizelle. We had to go the airport. She was so excited she didn't see how I was really feeling inside. She couldn't spot it.

Our flight was two hours so we made it to our destination at midnight. Lizelle loved checking in with social media, so she did. Reminded me of Courtney. That was her thing, too. Maybe I was starting to regret it all.

I was on a honeymoon while the mother of my child and my child were in hospital.