Cigarettes [Bennoda] ✔

Chapter 16

Mike's POV
It was January 5th.

I couldn't bring myself to tell Anna I wanted to cancel the wedding. I didn't even think about how waiting would make things worse for me.

Brad and Jason got me up early that morning. My little brother Jason was my best man, and Brad along with my other buddies Joe, Dave and Rob were my groomsmen.

Brad, Jason and I got ready together while the other three got ready at their houses.

I put on my suit and spiked up my hair. Once I looked in the mirror in my bathroom, I started freaking out.

I could not do this.

I leaned over the counter and started breathing hard. I felt so sick. My anxiety was through the roof and I felt like I was either going to vomit or pass out at any moment.

Jason came into the room and grabbed my shoulders from the side. He shook me a little which made me feel even more sick.

"Aw are you nervous? That's so cute. I'm so happy for you. You're gonna be the best husband." He said. "I can't do this." I whispered. "What?!" He said with a little chuckle. "Of course you can Mike. I know you're nervous, but just think about how beautiful Anna will look walking down the isle. Think about how amazing it'll feel to finally be married."

I shook my head slowly and let out a deep breath. "I can't Jay. I can't marry her." I said. "Why not?" He asked. "I-I just... can't. I-I love someone else..." I whispered.

I looked up at the mirror and looked at Jason's face. His eyes were wide. "Mike... please tell me that this is one of your stupid jokes." He said. I couldn't tell what tone he was using with me. It was like a blend of anger, confusion, sadness and concern. I shook my head.

"You can't do this. You can't leave Anna on your wedding day! That's so fucked up on so many levels! Why didn't you say anything before?! You have been planning this for almost a whole year! You could've said something months ago!" He yelled. "That church is full of people. Literally everyone is there. Our parents, grandparents, Anna's parents and grandparents, Brad, Dave, Rob, Joe, Ryu, Tak and so many other people. So many people took time out of their busy schedules to be here to see you and Anna tie the knot. I can't believe you'd be so selfish!"

"Do you know how hard this is for me?!" I yelled through my tears. "Do you know how hard it is to try and tell someone you love that you don't want to marry them anymore?!" His face softened and he stepped back a little. "I tried everyday to tell her, but I just couldn't! She's so sweet and beautiful and amazing. I just couldn't tell her that I wanted to call off the engagement and wedding. I realized this morning that I made a huge mistake by waiting to tell her." I said.

"What is going on?" Brad asked as he walked into the bathroom while buttoning his white button up shirt. "Mike wants to call off the wedding and engagement." Jason said. Brad stopped what he was doing and swallowed thickly.

"It's the kid isn't it?" He asked. More tears started to flow down my face as I nodded and looked down. "God, Mike. When I told you to follow your heart I didn't mean for you to realize you were in love on your fucking wedding day and leave your fiancée!" He yelled. "I'm sorry! Okay?! I'm so fucking sorry! You guys both know how hard it is for me to tell people what I am feeling." I said. They both sighed.

"You need to tell her right now and stop this thing before anymore people show up. Before the damn paparazzi shows up." Jason said. "I-I can't Jason... I can't..." I said. "So you just want to leave?! Leave her to find out from us?!" "I can't face her..." I said.

"You are a fucking coward. You are such a fucking asshole to do that to her! She is so in love with you. I can see it in her eyes everytime someone mentions your name or everytime she talks about you. All she wants is to start a family with you. Can't you fucking see that?" Jason said. "I can't marry her Jason." I said.