The hallway echoed with laughter. As I pressed myself against the metal lockers, my glasses slid down my nose bridge as Calvin Thompson and his gang approached me.
Most would call this an unlucky moment, but for me, it wasn't anything new; unlike others, each day in school was another round of torment.
"Look who we have here," Calvin mocked me, his hand slamming against the locker next to my head.
"The quiet girl who thinks she's smarter than everyone else."
As he stared me down, I really wanted to open up and say that I wasn't quiet; I was just trying to live my own high school life, but in the end, I decided against it. If I had said that, I'm sure he would've gotten even more angry.
Just like my middle school, High school wasn't different. So, I learned to blend in, to become invincible. Invisibility was my armor back then.
The only reason I got high marks was that I studied harder than anyone of them. However, none of them really cared how hard I worked or how many nights I spent trying to study. All they really cared about was trying to put me down for being better than them, and I was sure Calvin was the same.
Ever since middle school, Calvin's shadow has never left me. Each time he passed, a cold shiver ran down my spine. It was a mix of fear and something else I couldn't name.
Hatred? Attraction? Confusion?
College brought new transformation. I wasn't that scared anymore. I was becoming a strap-witted science student. My curly hair, which was once a source of ridicule, now formed a face of determination. Calvin didn't really bother me anymore. A distant memory of childhood torment. Finally freedom!
Graduation day arrived. As I walked across the stage, I made a wish: Never again would I be vulnerable, and never again would I cross paths with Calvin Thompson.
But it seems the universe has other plans.
"Lily! My twin sister Mily excited voice burst through the phone. "I am getting married today!"
Another twist of fate. I smiled, but her next words carried an unexpected twist. "But there's a little problem. My flight's being delayed. There is a massive storm at the airport, and my wedding is in six hours; I don't think I can return in time."
Panic flickered in my eyes. This can't be happening. "What are you going to do about it?"
"Could you please go instead?" Mily pleaded. " You know, just take my place. It's just for the ceremony. please."
I must be crazy. Before I could protest against it, the details of the wedding destination, the groom I had never met, tumbled out. Simple enough, I thought.
I had no choice but to agree to help my sister out and take her place as the bride.
As I prepared for the wedding, I looked at myself in the full-length mirror. Mily's dress.
The gown was breathtaking. It was a white mermaid-style dress with a delicate lace overlay. Intricate beading cascaded down the bodice, catching the light with every movement. My collarbone accentuated the diamond necklace, while the fitted waist flared dramatically at my hips, creating an hourglass silhouette I'd never know I possessed.
I told myself over and over again, "This isn't my style, and this sure isn't my wedding," to calm down my nervousness.
My hair, which was usually wild and untamed, was swept into an elegant bun and secured with pearl pins. Mily is always better at this stuff.
A sheer veil, edged with delicate lace that matched my dress, completed the transformation. I now look entirely like Mily.
I stood at the altar, smiling at myself until I saw Calvin, Calvin Thompson, waiting at the other end.
No. no.no.no.
My breath was caught in between. This is a nightmare.
The wedding march played. My heart raced. Am I dreaming? This can't be real. Calvin's eyes locked onto me. I felt as if a strange glint flashed past his eyes briefly at that moment.
Could it be recognition? maybe confusion?
He knows. He must know, I thought to myself, wondering whether he was going to call off the ceremony any moment now, but to my surprise,
The vows began. My hand was trembling beneath the veil.
What have I gotten myself into?
Before I knew it, the priest's voice called me back to reality. " Calvin Thompson, do you take..."
Calvin whispered apologetically as he leaned close. "Lily....Sorry, I mean Mily."
"Do you take Miss Mily here to be your lovely wedded wife?" The priest.
"I do," Calvin added, yet I was too confused to listen.
He said my name. How? Maybe it's just my imagination.
The next thing I heard "You may now kiss your bride."
He moved closer, opened my veil and kissed me passionately.
The world exploded into silence.
Did he know? could he see through my disguise? or was this something else entirely?
What have I done?