My What if Christmas Wish

Chapter 14

Patrice rested in Adam's arms, though sleep didn't come easy. The clock on the nightstand showed 11:30 pm. She knew the next morning was quickly approaching, so she attempted again to close her eyes. 

Still, she worried how much longer she had with Adam and her kids. Never thought I would say that. She loved playtime with Hannah, Junior's smiles in the morning, and being with... Adam.

Then Adam shifted positions. Patrice gazed as the moonlight glowed off her face, but smiled when he caressed her cheek. She nuzzled closer to him.

"Can't sleep?" He murmured.

"Not really," Patrice replied.

"What time is it?"

"Almost midnight," she answered.

"Something on your mind?"

"Yes," Patrice answered.

"Like what?

"Us, the kids, our... life," she said truthfully.

"Just relax and try to go to sleep. We have a lot going on tomorrow night."

Patrice panicked. She didn't need any more surprises. "What's tomorrow night?"

"The Christmas party for my job, remember? You said you were coming with me right?"

I did. "I did?"

"Yes, Babe, you did."

"What about the kids?"

"They'll be with their grandparents; they're spending the night."

Patrice was still uneasy. "Are you sure about that Adam? I don't know about leaving—"

"They'll be fine. Besides, that means we'll have the whole evening to ourselves..." Adam's voice trailed off.

"What am I going to wear?" she asked. There was no answer. "Adam?" Patrice turned to find him asleep. She reached over and traced his mustache with her index finger. She didn't want to forget this moment. She wanted it etched in her memory like a photograph.

Patrice never wanted to leave him. All she wanted was their life together. In reality, however, Adam was with another woman. Don't think about that now. She shut her eyes once more. This time sleep came easier, but her dream was disturbing.

She was sitting in the back of a church. The building did not look familiar, but Patrice knew she was at a wedding. She didn't recognize the people who were assembled, but she knew the groom. Adam.

Patrice noticed by her attire, she was not the bride. Then the congregation stood up as the music played. They awed as the bride strolled down the aisle in her wedding dress, with "The Wedding March" playing in the background. Patrice stood stunned. She recognized the dress. It was the same mermaid dress she had worn in her previous dream.

That's my dress. "No, I'm his wife!" She shouted.

Her feet were glued to the floor, keeping her from running to Adam. She yelled again, but no one heard her. It was as if she didn't exist. It was no use. Tears trickled down her face; she was forced to watch.

"Adam! Adam no!" she hollered.

This time the crowd turned and acknowledged her. When the bride snapped her fingers, security guards escorted Patrice towards the door. Though she kicked and screamed, the guards didn't desist until she noticed Adam signaling them to release her.

She pleaded. "Adam, please don't do this."

"Patrice, what are you doing here?" he asked, clearly taken aback by her presence.

"Adam, what do you think you're doing?"

"Getting married."

She disagreed. "You can't."

"This is the wrong time to be doing this, Patrice."

"Listen to me. This whole thing is wrong. Don't marry her; you'll be making a big mistake."

"Why is that?" Adam inquired.

"You love me. You're supposed to be with me," Patrice whimpered.

"Patrice, it's over between us. Remember?" Adam replied. He took her hands in his.

Patrice continued. "It was a mistake. I should have said yes when you asked me to marry you. I was scared, but I didn't mean to hurt you."

"Patrice—"

"Adam I love—"

"Patrice, but it's over. I've moved on. I'm sorry," Adam responded. He headed back to his bride.

Patrice gasped as her eyes popped open. Adam was still asleep beside her. She inched closer to him and exhaled deeply. It was only a dream, she thought, it was only a dream.