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

[Zeitgeist Manifesto]

You went to a place that could be considered dark because of how afraid people are to admit these feelings can exist. I love this story because of the way you approached the line and kept right on trucking. Awesome...with a ton of heavy emotional content. Bravo.

[Kenneth The Poet]

Very nice piece. Love the one you're with, as Stephen Stills once said.

[LetMeLaughLetMeSing]

Oh, wow. I'm stunned. This is fantastic!

[Enigma]

A beautiful short story with a very unexpected ending. Kept my interest burning throughout. Well done!

[Veronica Chandler]

Wow, that ending was completely unexpected; you had me going all the way till, "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." A very well written, interesting and slightly sad little piece.

[Muse]

You speak of a love that could have been, I've been there, and you put it into words so perfectly. I'll say it again and again, you are so very good!

[compositionc]

Oh. Wow. So much emotion. In the beginning, I was just a little lost, then I reread it. It's SAD.
-is off to cry-