One of a Kind

Chapter 2: The Wedding

They sat in the living room while Jennifer took in her surroundings; the creamy-white walls, black sofas, the light brown carpet. 'So, we designed this?' she asked, Alex nodded 'every detail' he pointed to the carpet 'you picked the carpet, I thought it was too dark at the time but you always said that white carpet and children didn't go. Not that we had any kids at the time though' Jennifer laughed making Alex's mood even brighter than before. 'So' he began awkwardly 'you don't remember getting married?' She shook her head 'well then, lets refresh your memory' he stood up and walked to the stairs motioning her to follow him, she got up and went up the stairs behind him.

'Can you get the pole so I can open the loft hatch?' She stared at him blankly 'oh... erm don't worry I'll get it' he said quickly and rushed into the office. 'Well done genius' he thought sarcastically as he hit himself in the head with the pole. He recollected himself and went back into the hallway. He cleared his throat in an attempt to shift the awkward silence that had formed between them, she turned round and gave him a quick smile. He pushed the hooked pole through the tiny ring on the loft hatch. He pulled the ladder down and plugged in the lamp that lit their large loft in an eerie glow. He climbed the ladder and stood up on a beam, being careful not to hit his head on the low sloped ceiling. She climbed up after him but stayed firmly on the ladder. He brushed the cobwebs away from the few boxes of memories that were hidden away and blew away the thick layer of dust covering the letters written boldly on the first box in Jennifer's elegant handwriting:

Jennifer and Alex's Wedding

'Ah ha!' he exclaimed, carefully pulling the box from the net of spiders webs that held it to the beam. He handed the box to Jennifer who was waiting on the ladder. They went back downstairs and sat back on the sofa. Alex held the box on his lap, not wanting to ruin the cleanliness and beauty of the memories. Jennifer looked at him expectantly as he carefully removed the lid. He had a sudden panic 'what if we took it out and put it somewhere else?!' he thought. 'Please, please' he muttered under his breath. He breathed a sigh of relief as he saw the album, covered in white net and sealed with a neat silk bow. Still as beautiful as the day it arrived 11 years ago.

Carefully he pulled out the album, holding it as tenderly as a child. He opened the album and gently turned over the protective tissue paper leaf before the photographs. His eyes filled with tears as he realised that she couldn't remember anything of one of the best days of their lives. She took the book carefully from his grip and studied the details in the beautiful photographs. While she saw only a photograph, Alex could almost hear the organ playing as she walked up the aisle in her stunning dress and stood beside him. He snapped back into reality and Jennifer was staring at him. 'Wha...?' He scratched his head and turned to her 'I said, what's going on here?' She repeated. He frowned and looked at the picture she was pointing at, they were standing behind the table in the dining area. 'Making a toast' he answered, now it was her turn to frown, 'what am I drinking there?' Alex thought back 'water, I'm sure it was water' 'oh' she sighed 'aren't you supposed to toast with alcohol at weddings? Especially being the bride and groom?' Alex didn't reply. He was back at the wedding reliving that moment.

There was a hum of conversation around the long table, when a series of sharp sounds filled the air, silencing everyone. David stood up, holding his wine glass, 'well' he began 'what a day it has been. My little girl all grown up and on the road to a new life with this lovely young man'

'She's not so little with shoes like that on' Carol added making David chuckle. (She was talking about the huge white platform heels she was wearing; one of Carol's many gifts to her daughter for her big day.) 'My big girl' he concluded 'we all wish you the happiest future. To the happy couple' he raised his glass, along with the other guests. 'Where's your wine Jen?' asked her brother Joey, 'yeah' added her sister Avril 'it's your wedding, live a little!' Jennifer smiled at Alex 'oh, I'm not drinking today' as they held hands she added 'I'm pregnant'. The table fell silent and Carol stood and gently knocked her fork against her delicate glass, 'I do believe' she said 'we have an extra guest today, congratulations darlings'...

'Alex? Alex!' Alex startled and looked at Jennifer 'wha... what happened?!' she shook her head and laughed, 'come on your meant to be helping me remember, remember?' he laughed quietly to himself at her joke which he didn't think was intentional. 'Okay I've been through the album, what's next?'...