The Heart Of Ace

Chapter 7

Was this how a wedding preparation supposed to look like? Too many people running around pretending to help.

"Ace, baby, go check the podium arrangement. The new dress has arrived. Please go see the delivery people. They are waiting. We do not have time to wear and check. Janice is already in the make-up room. I still do not think the change of dress is a good idea. What if something goes wrong? Nothing will go wrong today. I am positive." Mom was losing her cool.

"Mom, everything is fine. I am going to check the dress first." I did not think she heard me.

"....and the wine, there is something wrong with the third batch. Someone needs to check that too."

I walked away from her monologue. I could not think straight. More work was good.

Rehearsal wedding was a disaster. Robb...Robert did not make it. He had an important client meeting that did not end till 2 in the morning.

I hoped that was not true. I hoped he was wallowing in self-pity. Like I was.

How dare he touch me!

Then Janice was in a bitchy mood even after her mom agreeing to everything she wanted. She drove everyone crazy including my mom. That was telling something.

Aunt was right though. Janice had blown up all her trust funds. I could not believe that. What did she get for that much money!!!

Everything calmed down a bit yesterday evening after the rehearsal. Auntie sprang back to her spirits and everyone ignored Janice's bitching.

I was surprised. Morning was like a funeral. One moment Aunt was worried next moment she was not.

Mother had called me last night to her private suit. She was wary around so many strangers. All the resident guests in the hotel were families of friends of Janice. Our relatives did not find Janice or Aunt Marie important enough to attend the wedding.
Money speaks.

"Ace, love. I bought a house in your name." My eyebrows rose.

Was she kicking me out? Did she find out?

"W...Why?"

"I felt like it. You may need it. Rent it out for some extra cash." I nodded. She was not telling me everything.

I walked to her, hugged her and put my head on her chest. If she was not in my life...I gulped. She rubbed my shoulders. She handed me the papers with photos of a building.

It was a simple one-storied house. Looked like a bachelor pad.

"Why would I need this?" My mom knew this was not my style.

"You may not. But someone might."

I sighed. "Mama. What is it?"

"Nothing. We ordered the new dress. It will arrive tomorrow on the wedding day, which I really do not like. And Marie agreed to fund the honeymoon. Janice was...crying...again."

I shook my head. "Auntie has no more money left. Are you giving her the money?"

"Sadly, no." Mom looked like she did not want to talk. So I simply rested my head back on her chest looking through the photos.

It was only when I found out the non-furnished house came with a fully furnished painted bedroom did everything click in my brain.

"SHE SOLD HER HOUSE."

Mom pressed her palm on my mouth but nodded; her eyes pained.

"But why!!! It was her dream house. She made that from scratch...mommy..." Mom shrugged.

Even the bricks might have her fingerprints. She loved that home so much.

Oh God!

That was why mom bought this house in my name.

So Auntie had someplace to go. I was the only one she listened. We had our times but we were thick as thieves. I could make her to stay here but for a rent. I cried hugging my mom.

Surprisingly I was calm now. After yesterday's episode, I thought I would not be able to stand much less run errands.

Maybe calm was not the best word to describe what I felt.

Numb. I was numb.

'Robert Weds Janice.'

Tears sprang on my eyes. I hated it. I hated everything.

I stared at Auntie who was laughing and entertaining the guests. At least we had that in common. Pretend everything is peachy when your life crumbles down like a house of cards.

Would he call off the wedding?

The ray of hope that came with that thought made me want to puke. Not that I had anything in my stomach.

I could not sit still much less eat.

"Robert, you are here!" I stopped walking. Everything around me stopped. Even my heart beats.

Don't look Ace. Don't look. Don't do that to yourself.

He was so handsome standing near his car. For a groom, he looked bored though. He forced a smile for someone. They were talking and then knowing I was looking, looked right at me.

No.

Through me.

Aunt Marie joined them. She was so tired; driving only on her will power. Oh Auntie...

"Are you ready for the big event, Robert?" She asked.

I stopped breathing.

I was waiting for something... Maybe...

"Yes."

He said still holding my eyes captive with his.

I ran.

My eating nothing did not matter as I gagged into the toilet bowl.