The Unwanted

The church choir bursts into song. The piano plays out the wedding march. Flower petals are scattered everywhere and everybody looks at the back to stare at the woman walking down the aisle. Everyone but me. The room is filled with soft sighs and smiles. All I do is stare ahead of me. The groom stands idly by the altar. Of course, he stares at his beautiful wife-to-be down the aisle. Finally I see her at the corner of my eye, a mirage of white and petals. Slowly, she walks into my view; past the people, past me. I am just another face in the crowd.

She is so beautiful.

With one hand, she holds the arm of her father, who stares tearfully at his little girl with pride. And with the other, she holds the bouquet of white and yellow lilies. Her pressed curls are carefully arranged, her grey eyes watering behind her veil. Her dress is draped in silk and lace. Nevertheless, all I have to say to describe her is: angel.

She finally reaches the altar and her father lifts her veil. Breathtaking… she gives him a kiss and turns to join hands with her soon-to-be man of her life. The music stops, and everyone takes a seat as the ceremony finally begins. The events are a blur; all I do is look at her. She stares at her groom with such love in her eyes, all her tender smiles directed at him. That should have been me.

“If anybody has a reason why these two should not be joined in holy matrimony, speak now or forever hold your peace.”

The room is silent. Nothing holds me back. That is because I have nothing to say.

“I now pronounce you husband and wife.” That could have been me.

She kisses him; they are now as one. That would have been me.

I shake my head. No. I gave up on her. I made her feel unwanted. I had hurt her too much, so I gave up… Now it was my turn to feel unwanted. I stare at the woman who is seated beside me, and I take her hand. My wife looks up at me and smiles.

The newlyweds part from their kiss, and everyone stands in applause as they walk back down the aisle. The bride’s eyes meet mine. She smiles at me, out of courtesy. Her eyes turn sad. My heart hurts.

She won this round. But we both lost the game.

Goodbye…

Reviews

[lawrence bear]

I felt the pain of the one who let her get away, to be wondering a life of what could have been. A wonderful written piece.

[Yina]

That was totally amazing! I love the way you write!:)

[StarSandwich]

This is Sad, but I guess that what makes it good. Loved it. Keep it up, x3

[Krystal Nicole]

I loved this story. It was absolutely beautiful. Great work!!

[∂αʌ<..]

this is too sad!
wow...tears!

[Dream Weaver]

There's much more going on here then meets the eye.
Woven in the style of what if? Nicely done...

[Branch Isole]

Goodbye, indeed. Not sure if I wanted it to end or not.

[joshua deathdealer]

I like this story a lot. It is beautifully crafted. I love how you didn't look back at the bride. Awesome work. Favorited.

[Coyote Poetry]

A poem with a lot of hidden story. Love is the best and worst day of a life. Some we must lose to understand. Good things rarely do touch a life. I like the story and the strong ending. Thank you for the powerful story. A excellent story.
Coyote