EM - 4

Here I am now, side by side with Papa who led me up the altar. Papa kept holding my hand tightly. Flowing strength so I can endure. Honestly, I'm pounding. I'd rather face the scolding of Mr. Burhan, a killer lecturer at my campus than face this situation. However, I have already advanced there is no way back either. I can't walk straight like a pen.

I continued to walk with my head down, the veil covering my face waving. I closed my eyes when papa's voice whispered that my future husband was waiting for me. I didn't want to see him and kept my head down until papa let me go before the priest. And, without further ado, this wedding procession was held.

Instantly my chest exploded when the priest finally legalized this marriage. I couldn't hold back the tightness, my mom came closer and hugged me tightly.

"Don't cry, my daughter. Please don't cry. We will always feel guilty if you cry."

Oh, Lord! How can I not cry? I didn't come home to get married but to watch my sister get married. However, Not until in a matter of hours, I've become someone's wife. Something I had no idea what else to plan.

I'm not at all curious about who is now my husband. It's like a blind marriage to me. Never even met. The crazy thing I did in my life.

I faced the man beside me with my mother's help. Now the process of embedding the wedding ring.

"Your finger, Honey," Mama whispered beside me. Not willing to let me reach out my hand. I saw the man's big hand pinned the ring on my right ring finger. Gosh, my hands are shaking. I just feel like running. But difficult.

Mama came back to help me get the ring I was going to put on my husband. Slowly I also pinned it on his finger. I just did what my mom said. My brain is a little blank. If my mother doesn't lead me, maybe I'll be like an idiot.

"Now, the groom may see the bride's face," said the priest.

No! I am not ready! I don't want to see a man who has changed my status.

But those two hands did it. He removed the hood that covered my face.

"Honey, raise your face. Your husband wants to see you."

Mama! I am not ready! I wanted to scream, but my mouth was shut tight.

I lifted my face slowly. And I can see his face now. Sharp eyes with thick framing eyebrows. Perfectly sticking out the nose with full parted lips. His jaw looks solid and hard. How could Jane not want to marry such a handsome person? But wait! Why am I familiar with his face?

The man in front of me narrowed his eyes after seeing me. However, a moment later his eyes widened as if remembering something. Does he recognize me too?

Good grief! Brain thinks. Where have I seen it? Could he be an artist if his face is too familiar? Oh, I don't think so. So who is he?

"We meet again, Miss. Looks like our business will belong." The man smirked.

At that time, I was thrown into the incident a few months ago. One by one my memories started to put the puzzle together. And my eyes successfully widened when I finally remembered it. I swallowed.

I'm dead.

He's the same guy I spilled ice cream over his head a few months ago.

I thought I would never see him again. But once I met him, he became my husband. Good grief! There's nothing more ridiculous than this. Unlucky.

He smiled mysteriously, then he grabbed my head and kissed my forehead. I still remember how scared he was when he was angry because of me. How do I get through the day with this person?

***

The wedding reception was held in the ballroom of a luxury hotel. The concept of marriage is mostly conglomerate. There were quite a few invitees.

David Anderson, my husband's nickname is Dave. One thing I didn't expect was that he was the grandson of Matthew Anderson. There's even Jack here.

"I didn't think, it turns out that Dave's future wife is you, Reina," Jack said while congratulating me.

I didn't think that my husband was the person I'd ever embarrassed in public. I feel like I've already received a reply for my actions. Oh God forgives me.

"You know him, Jack?" Dave next to me spoke.

"Yeah, we know each other."

"How can someone like you know him? Impossible." Dave shook his head in disbelief.

What did he mean by that?

Jack chuckled. "Congratulations to you guys."

I just smiled awkwardly. If only Jack were my husband. I will gladly accept. Good grief! Dave is creepy. His body as big as a giant scared me. Although his face is as handsome as Chris Pratt, still that doesn't make his scary impression disappear from my eyes.

Oh, Lord! When is this party over? Guests seem to never stop popping up. One goes, and the other comes after each other. My feet are sore, my teeth are dry from smiling all the time.

"I swear, I don't want to stand like this all the time. Gosh, when is this event over!" I half-whispered to Dave who seemed to be still in good shape from earlier.

"You think I want to stand here. My feet are sore too, you know," he replied sulkily.

Just sat for a while, guests came again. Stand up again, and smile at the camera. Oh My God!

***

At eleven o'clock at night, I was finally able to leave the hotel ballroom. Geez! My body feels crushed to be a display for the day and night. I went to the hotel room first and not long after Satria followed.

"Crazy, I don't think so. The wedding ceremony turned out to be very painful. I'm tired, sleepy!" I threw myself on the big size bed decorated with red rose petals.

"Even the petals of this rose look withered from waiting so long." I haven't stopped nagging since I entered the hotel room.

"How many guests did your grandfather invite, I think almost all Americans, Grandpa invited."

Dave ignored me. He casually unbuttoned the coat he was wearing. Then take a towel and go to the bathroom. Damn! I was ignored.

This sucks. But I'm ignoring it, I'm sleepy. My eyes feel very heavy. Since yesterday I've been tired of helping with wedding preparations. I didn't know that yesterday I was preparing for my wedding. And Jane? There is no news about her whereabouts. Where is she?