~Rose
My heart was beating very fast. Tears were falling from my eyes, blurring my vision. The whole world seemed to stop as the feeling of pain and betrayal pierced through my chest, clouding my mind. The way his eyes looked pleadingly at me. I didn't think I'd ever be able to forget that look, but then as I raced out of the school's parking lot in my car with my heart in my hand and I stepped on the pedal so hard I was sure my feet had grown white.
Before long, a shrill tone rang through the air cutting the noise around me and soon, it all went dark.
I gasped when I felt a tap on my shoulder which made me jump in my skin.
Amanda's face was so warm as she came up from behind me. A small smile had stretched across her face. She looked even happier than I was on this day.
"Why are you looking so forlorn?" She asked me with a warm sultry voice that almost eased up my anxiety.
"I guess it's because of the whole sudden wedding." I said softly in response, making sure not to maintain a long eye contact with her.
She chuckled softly and gave me a light pat on the small of my back, "I know you'd feel that way. Every woman feels the same on their first day walking down to the altar."
I didn't want to argue so much, after all, they said it was my father's wish before he died— though I didn't remember him at all— that I get married to David.
"Just take a deep breath and you will be just fine. He's very loving and I'm sure he'll make a good husband. After all, he loved you very much before the accident, so I'm sure nothing has changed."
I simply smiled at her and stared back at my reflection in the mirror.
Amanda was speaking as though she knew David so well, even more than I did. She seemed to have been very involved in my relationship. Well, she was a nice woman anyway, my step mother. There was no reason to doubt her.
At least, she hasn't given me any reasons to.
My lips thinned with determination as I readied myself to walk down the aisle and meet my soon to be husband. I tore my eyes from my reflection— my neck, hair and wrists were adorned with gold ornaments of immense worth. A flowing white gown, the top bodice was fitted at the top, above my waist, and very free at the bottom, cascading down my body with ethereal grace as it swept across the polished floor with ease when I moved. A low V neck shape cut, revealed succinctly the smooth skin of my cleavages. The lace was made from fine material that was soft to the touch. It was a show of elegance and sophistication— and turned to Amanda.
"Are you ready?" Amanda asked me,
I nodded in response.
I was about to take a step out of the large room when Amanda wrapped her arms around me.
In that moment, I was so emotionally moved that I felt tears prickle at the side of my eyes.
"You don't want to ruin your dress now, do you?" She asked me and chuckled once more, but it sounded lighter and had a tinge of happiness to it.
It was so contagious I couldn't help myself and so I chuckled too. It helped to take the tears back in.
"Alright, let's go."
She looped her hands in mine and led me out.
As soon as we got to the rolled out red carpet, the wedding procession for the wedding match started and I could feel my heart beating so loudly in my chest. Amanda gave me a squeeze and that was enough to gather some of my courage back.
Rows of beautifully peach decorated seats. People dressed with high sophistication all stood up to acknowledge my entry— people who all seemed strange and new to me.
Did I ever know any of them personally?
The wedding decoration was very grand. It gave me an insight to how wealthy my father really was. Too bad I couldn't remember him.
I got to the altar, David was beaming with a smile which spread from cheek to cheek as he held my hands in his and turned to the priest. A few more minutes later, we stated our vows which were sealed with a soft kiss that felt very new to me. Afterwards, we were pronounced husband and wife and the party fully kicked off.
"You look very stunning." A guest said with a smile on her face, then she turned to David, "you made an excellent choice."
He turned to me and the way he looked at me made my heart melt. There was, I think, love in his eyes.
"I believe she chose me." He said and raised my hand to his lips and gave me a soft courteous kiss which made my heart flutter.
"Such a gentleman." She giggled and gave him a pat on his shoulder.
"Well, if you please excuse me. I have to talk with one of my guys. I'll be back, darling." He said, gave me a small kiss on my cheek and walked off in the opposite direction.
"Your step mother, Amanda, where is she?" The lady, who looked to be in her mid forties, asked.
I used my eyes to search for her amongst the crowd, "I think she must have stepped out."