A faint smile

Mia stared at the mirror. And in the mirror, she found a beautiful bride looking back at her. She has always dreamt of being a bride herself and walking down the aisle with her groom since she was a kid. In the dream, she was wearing that long bridal gown with long sleeves covered in pleated lace applique and long sleeves.

Mia tried to put on a smile. But from her faint smile, everyone could tell she looked melancholy. She knew something was wrong before Heidy came and told her. After all, she was not an idiot. She gently touched the tiny engagement ring on the fourth finger of her left hand. Mia wondered if that was the right decision to get married to a man who she had met for about a year, but didn't know much about him. The only thing that he seems to be mentioning is his childhood friend, Sandra.

He told her that they have known each other since primary school. Sandra was also a family friend of his, and their families were close to each other. He said they quarreled and bickered a lot. But most of the time, they would reconcile and make it up for each other. He said his family moved to another town when he was about to start studying in a high school. They did lose touch for a few years. But then they went to the same university as fate brought them together again.

One day, Mia plucked up her courage and asked her fiance whether he and Sandra had fallen for each other. Keith denied it right away, without a second thought. For what it's worth, he answered with a laugh, implying how ridiculous his fiancee has become. "Honey, what are you talking about? We have been great friends for a long time. There is nothing else between us. Nothing romantic. I assure you." Keith held Mia in his arms tightly. Mia put a smile on her face, a very faint one if anyone would bother to look close enough.

Now she was looking at herself from head to toe again in the mirror. What Heidy had just said still lingered in her mind. Mia wondered if she should trust her gut and confront her husband-to-be on their wedding day. What if this would turn out to be a scene and all her relatives would be standing there watching and judging? Mia knew that her mother would piss off at her and she would keep whining about it for the next few years. She held the bouquet in her hands as she stood at the crossroads of her life.

The makeup artist gently knocked at the door and took a peek into the room. "Mia, how are you doing?" She walked towards Mia slowly. "The photographer was asking me to check on you. It seems that everything is ready. They are expecting you to go out at any minute."

"Yes, of course. I'll be out in a minute." Mia chuckled nervously. "You know I am a bit nervous." The makeup artist looked relieved, "Of course, every bride gets worried on their big day. Take your time." She left the room and closed the door gently.

Mia stood up and held her long wedding dress up. She thought she was ready until the phone rang.