Riverside Bench

A New Beginning

Alan's heart palpitated like a drum. His palms were sweating and shaking. He was so nervous. Whether it was the thought of getting married again or the vow of commitment. But at the same time, he was super ready. Calvin took Alan's hand. "I love you, dad." Alan kissed him on his forehead. "I love you too." 

There she was, the center of the entire ceremony. With her stunning dress, it's prim and proper look. It's lace and embroidered trim. The way it fits on her perfectly. Her smile was gorgeous, and her eyes were reflected unto the sunlight. 

Amelia stared out at the crowd of family and friends. They all smiled at her. By her side, her uncle walked along. He flashed a huge smile. She felt so loved and special. Then, she lifted her head up and saw him. She stared at Alan, his beaming smile seemed to overpower everything else. Alan wiped incoming tears from his eyes as he grabbed her hands. They both stared at each other, smiling, and joyful. 

As the ceremony started to come to an end. The wedding officiant took Alan and Amelia's hand. "May you live forever happy and peacefully." Calvin stood by his dad's side and hugged Amelia, "Thank you for making my dad so happy." Amelia smiled back at Calvin. 

"Alan Brender, do you take Amelia Myers to be your lawfully wedded wife?" The officiant spoke softly. Alan spoke with passion and courage. "I do." He turned to Amelia, she looked Alan in the eyes. "Do you, Amelia Myers, take Alan Brender to be your lawfully wedded husband?" 

"I do," Amelia said without thinking. That's because she didn't need to think about it, she was ready. He took her hand closer to his. "Well, then I officially name you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride. Alan kissed Amelia, and then they all hugged. 

Calvin took Amelia and Alan's hand, "Amelia, do you promise to never leave me or my dad." She wiped his tear, "I would never, I'm here to stay." 

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Later that special day, Alan and Amelia decided to go on a walk in the park. "This is where it all started." Alan looked out through the trees to the river. They held hands as they walked. "How will you ever forgive me, after the things I did."

"Don't think like that. I love you, it was not you doing the things. It was your dad controlling you." Alan said.

"It's just that I feel guilty." Amelia softly said. 

"No, there's no need to. Amelia, why are you just talking about this now. It's been three years since this all happened." Alan hugged her. 

"I am scared that I'll never forgive myself for what I did." Amelia cried. 

They walked up closer to the bench and sat down. 

Alan put her hands in his lap and stared her in the eyes. "How about we make a fresh start. Think of our marriage as a new beginning. Forget the bad things, and only remember the good things that shaped the present. Now we can build our future."

"Where will we start?" Amelia looked at pearly waters.

Alan pointed at the river. "Right here is where it all started, ended." He paused and took Amelia's hand. He felt confident, this bench was a sign of horror. Now he wants it to be an honorable place, a peaceful area. 

"We begin where we last ended. The riverside bench."