"What's wrong with her?" I asked Dr. Maine when he came over to check on Helena.
"She's probably exhausted by the preparation. She isn't sleeping well. I will give her some vitamins and ... Anderson, please don't let her do hard labor, even washing clothes. Her body is still recovering from her miscarriage. Do you understand?" he explained.
I nodded.
"The wedding is just a couple of weeks later. Let her life until then," he joked. We shared laughter.
"Well, thank you for coming. See you at the wedding," I said goodbye.
Two weeks later...
Since I woke up this morning, my stomach was churning in anticipation. My hands were cold and my heart beat fast.
"You look great, son! Are you happy?" my dad asked as he fixed my tie. I smiled at his question because he seemed happier and more excited than me.
"I am, dad. Finally, I am going to marry the woman I love," I replied.
He cleared his throat then looked at me. "I told you. She's gonna be your other half," he said.
I thought for a moment. Since high school, my dad had been very vocal about her approval of Helena as my girlfriend. I didn't understand why because I saw her more of a sister, a best friend, and a confidant. Besides, she never showed any interest in me.
"Excuse me, sir. Please be ready. We will start in five," the event organizer said. As soon as she left, my mom and my sister came with big smiles on their faces.
"Oh, Brad! You look so handsome," my mom said while Sheryl agreed.
"I agree and the bride is absolutely stunning!" she gushed, causing us to giggle. "I am so happy for the two of you."
"Thanks, sis. Can't wait to see her," I said as they teased me.
"I think it's time," my mom said after checking her wristwatch. Then, sweet music was played.
I, along with my parents, entered through a towering arched way into an exquisite baroque cathedral at the heart of the Mevious city. The sweet scent of flowers filled the air. Helena and the organizers kept the decorations minimal not to overshadow the already grand design of the cathedral.
Owen and Shane couldn't contain the excitements that they whistled as they shouted congratulations accompanied by teasing which caused laughter. Arabella and Luke sat next to each other looking so in love with their baby Saraknib.
I gasped as everyone was in awe when the door slowly opened and revealed Helena, looking so beautiful and regal in her wedding gown, a delicate off-shoulder ivory white chiffon gown accentuating her sylphlike figure. She looked like a goddess visiting from heaven.
Her shoulder-length hair was in a messy updo, exposing hundred of tiny diamonds beautifully set on a silver chocker, sparkling under her silk veil. It was a family heirloom belonging to her late mother which made it extra special.
Helena, holding her bouquet of magnolias and myrtles as she walked down the aisle with her proud father, was a sight to behold. Our fathers were smiling widely as they shook hands. As soon as I announced that Helena and I were engaged, our parents, especially our fathers, were very much pleased by it. And their enthusiasm was apparent on their faces.
She smiled when I held her hand tight as we both kneeled in front of the altar.
"Oh, Brad's gonna cry," I heard Luke whispered to Owen and Shane.
"How about a hundred dollars?" Shane whispered back. I held myself back from cursing those three.
I had to focus on the ceremony and making sure not to cry that would surely disappoint them. But, it was easier said than done when the exchange of vows came. I became really emotional.
"Helena, our love blossomed in an unexpected twist and turns. Nevertheless, one thing's certain and that is from this day forward, you will be the woman of my life. Our friendship laid the very foundation of this marriage, so I am sure that we will be stronger than ever. You'll forever be my best friend...,"
"Hey, how about us?!" Owen suddenly blurted out.
"We are your best friends, too!" Luke added while Shane agreed.
"... my wife, and my lover," I carried on.
"Oh, that's creepy!" they said that caused a burst of raucous laughter.
"Sorry," they apologized. "We never pictured you being so romantic. Sorry, Helena."
"One more strike, boys and I will throw you outside!" my father scolded.
When the laughter died down, I passed the microphone to Helena. She was quiet for a moment.
"Oh, no! Did she change her mind?" Shane whispered to his brother. Owen shrugged. I became increasingly worried when she just stared at me while holding the mic tightly. Then, she cleared her throat.
"First of all, I would like to say thank you for the love and care that you showed me all these years, as a friend and as the man of my life. When we were in high school, I dreamt of marrying a person who is caring and kind, someone who would protect me and support me whenever I need him, and most importantly, someone who would respect me. I wanted to marry someone I am comfortable with, a person whom I can tell anything without worrying about being laughed at or judged," she said emotionally as she looked at me.
"Maybe you all can already guess where this will lead to," she continued. My heart was pounding as I waited in anticipation. I could already guess it but I wanted to hear it from her.
"Yes Bradley, I have loved you ever since. You were my teenage crush and my feeling never changed. So thank you so much for making my dream come true!"
I was overjoyed but also confused.
"But you never said you like me? Or was I even close to your ideal boyfriend? I thought you only saw me as a friend," I told her.
"Because I was afraid to lose the friendship that linked us together. Besides, you often tell me stories of your crushes that damaged my self- esteem. What choice do I have?" she smilingly replied.
At the surge of my emotion, I kissed her without a warning. It was a long and passionate kiss. I only stopped when the bishop cleared his throat.
There was teasing, laughing. Smiles and tears mixed on our faces. Then everyone got curious when Helena gave me a card.
"What's this?" I asked.
"My thank you card. Go on," she replied.
"You're kidding!" I exclaimed as I stared at an ultrasound photo.
I glared at Dr. Maine, who smiled and shrugged. Our family was undeniably happy.
"Anderson, I'm sorry but she is way scarier than you," he shouted as we all laughed.
Helena beamed in excitement as she shook her head and held her tummy. "I am 6 weeks pregnant!" she said in tears. I hugged her tightly in joy. There was a tremendous cheer in the cathedral as we sealed our future with a kiss.
My mom was comforted by my dad as she cried in overwhelming happiness. Owen, Luke, and Shane couldn't stop themselves from dashing and lifting me up like a champion--- well, I did feel that way.
The future that was bleak in the past seemed brighter and the deep dark cold chasm in my heart was filled with warmth.
----the end---