Paul twisted my curl that was above my eye with his index finger, trying to perfect a hairstyle he saw in Elle magazine. He tugged on my dress at the waist, trying to add air for me to breathe.
“Breathe in, breathe out,” Paul said as he fixed his tie.
“I would breathe, if I had room,” I snapped. “This dress is too tight. It’s gonna pop.”
“Well, no one told you to go on a calorie binge.”
“Paul, what if my dress pops out there?”
“Don’t worry about it. The worst that could happen is if you fall.”
“Oh, thanks for reminding me. Now, I have two things to worry about.”
I could hear the piano playing. I could also here the crowd preparing to stand up for me. I peeked through the door and everyone was standing already.
“Where’s Ana? Did she get ready alone or something?” I said, as I did not see her. “Why isn’t she up there?”
“Uh…she didn’t come. She said something about cramps or something girly,” Paul said as he twisted my hair again.
“What do you mean she didn’t come? Are you joking? She was my maid of honor!”
“Okay don’t cry now. Your makeup will mess up. Forget about Ana, this is your day. It’s typical her anyway,” Paul said. “It just shows her true colors. Remember we didn’t even like her back in the day.”
I sighed. “I guess so.”
“Ready, Munchkins?” Frank grabbed my hand and took a deep breath.
“Just flaunt those fake eyelashes,” Paul whispered, making me laugh.
“Okay daddy, I’m ready.”
“Are you sure?” he said.
“Yes dad! I’m ready! The question is are you ready?”
“No I’m not ready,” he held back tears.
“Daddy, stop it, now.”
“Okay, fine…let’s get this over with.”
“I second that.”
The crowd stood as Frank walked me down the aisle. I kept my mind on my heels and trying to walk straight. My dress had a trail that was three feet too long. I could smell the white lily petals that the flower girl threw across the aisle. The camera flashes made my eyes water or maybe I was just nervous. When my eyes met Jason’s, I felt like turning around to make a run for it. Frank tried to let go of my hand but I squeezed it harder—I didn’t want to let go.
“Lily, let go of my hand.” He yanked his hand from mine and nearly tripped going to his seat.
“You look beautiful,” Jason said.
“Thank you.” I tried to smile, but my lips quivered which made me look as if I were frowning. “You look beautiful too; I mean handsome,” I said in an awkward tone.
Jason laughed.
Everyone sat back down into his or her seats. I spotted Leslie in the crowd—she rolled her eyes at me. Then, I spotted my grandma and she was taking hundreds of pictures. I could spot Aunt Cherrie in a second with her red hair. She was waving and shaking her hips next to Paul as if she were at a party. My eyes went back to Leslie—she looked aggravated. I should have banned her too.
Then, I searched for Ana—she was not there. She really believed me when I said she couldn’t come. I knew something was wrong when she didn’t arrive at the hotel at seven, but I didn’t think she would not come to my wedding.
I got bored standing up there, listening to bloody nonsense I would probably soon regret. I wondered if my face showed my boredom, since Jason said my face was like an open book. The Pastor asked if anyone objected. No one did, which would have been strange if someone had. Paul had said he was tempted to do it, but I guess he was joking.
It seemed like it took forever for us to say, “I do.” I wondered if Jason was as bored. He seemed like he could not stand straight. His body was wobbling back and forth as if he were going to fall.
“You may kiss the bride.”
The statement caught me off guard since I did not pay any attention. Jason leaned in to kiss me. His soft full lips met mine and I couldn't kiss him right because my lips were quivering.