A Thousand Pieces of Us.

[ Saturday, May 28 ]

Promise is one of the greatest words that I know. A promise can either make or break a relationship. It gives hope to the other but can also destroy trust once it's broken.

Tonight, I'll witness two people who'll commemorate the promise they made 25 years ago – a promise to love each other 'till their last breath.

Mrs. Barron began walking down the red carpet. She wears a wide grin on her face, with her eyes fixed on her husband's who's waiting at the other end of the aisle. Silver-plated spheres that hung from the ceiling matched the silver stone that shined from the bride's ear. Her gown swung in tandem to her steps, exposing her sandals adorned with Swarovski crystals. As she reached the other end of the aisle, the crowd began clapping as they see Mr. Barron stretching out his hand to reach his bride's hand.

I've always enjoyed attending weddings like this. I couldn't help but imagine myself in the bride's position, walking alone or with my father, with all eyes on me as I take the last few steps of my life as a single. An event which will happen before this year ends. A promise that will be spoken in front of our family and friends, and in front of God. A lifetime commitment. Marriage.

Around half an hour later, the host announced that the food will be served per table. The people began talking, taking photos, eating, or greeting the silver couple, Mr. and Mrs. Barron. I glanced at my left side, and I saw my older sister Summer in a distance, talking to a tall guy wearing a tuxedo with a dark hair.

Summer's lips were trembling as she talks, her hands holding the side of her long, red gown tight as if holding herself back from bursting out in anger, while the guy expresses a facial expression that I couldn't read. Seconds later, they walked together outside, leaving the hall and headed to the balcony. I have no clue on who that guy is, or what's going on with the two of them, but I have a feeling that he's someone close to my sister.

The phone from my purse beeped. I pulled it out to check, that made the corners of my lips rose. It was Vaughn's message, inviting me to come to the hotel lobby downstairs. Without any second thoughts, I stood up and entered the elevator, heading downstairs to meet my fiancé.

Vaughn was sitting on the grand piano's seat while playing the song he composed many years ago – back in the good old days when he was still courting me. A piece which brings back memories of us – as classmates, friends, coworkers, and now, lovers.

"Hey," I began, as I put my elbows on the edge of the grand piano, my chin rested on my knuckles. "Being sentimental?"

He glanced at me, the corners of his lips rising, his pearly whites on full display. "You know, we don't have grand pianos at home, for I am not fortunate enough to buy one. So let me get the most out of my stay in this place. I simply want to make you smile with the song that I composed. Sooner, I'll make new ones and play it every day if I have to. It's a simple way on how to reminisce how all of these became possible. We've been through a lot for the past seven years, Amethyst." Vaughn reminisced.

He's right. We've been through a lot. This relationship was full of drama, specifically on the part about him being accepted by my family. As a woman who

grew up in the world of the elites, it was expected by everyone that I'll choose a man who came from the people who were at my level. But, not in my case.

"I love those songs. I really do. Especially the one that you named the next time I see you. I love all your songs but that's my favorite because it brings back the day when you first told me about your feelings. That the next time you see me, you'll tell me what you feel properly because you didn't say it right for the first time." I said.

Vaughn looked away for a second and chuckled. "You still remember the exact words?"

"How can I forget? You were the first guy who formally confessed to me," I cleared my throat and tried to imitate his voice. "You said it like this: 'Listen, Amethyst, uh … I know you think I'm joking but I never felt strongly for someone. I think I like – ugh, never mind. I'll say it properly the next time I see you.' And then you walked away like a coward!"

Vaughn shook his head and placed a hand on his face. "You're making me feel like an idiot whenever you remind me of that, and I definitely was. But look at that coward before. He's getting married to his old college crush."

"Funny how things went, right? It's an interesting story. You should be proud of it. Besides, it was your first time to confess, so that's definitely understandable."

"That's true because I can't imagine myself being in a relationship until I met you. My father told me that I shouldn't court someone if I can't visualize her as my wife. Otherwise, I'll just play around, and break hearts often."

"You did break hearts often before. Since many girls were confessing to you and some were even asking for pictures. You're some sort of some heartthrob."

It feels nice to reminisce the good old days. Those things that sounded so silly and awkward before, but now we're just laughing whenever it's discussed. I hope we can always be like this. I really hope that we can always be this happy.

"So, sing with me?" Vaughn offered, placing his hands on the piano keys.

"The silver wedding upstairs isn't done yet. I'm afraid we should go back. Don't worry. When we get married, we'll buy a grand piano and play your songs every day if you want to." I grinned as I said my promise. He nodded in approval, and we headed back to the event.

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[ Sunday, May 29 ]

"Amethyst? Can you please call Sasha upstairs? We're going to eat dinner already." Mom requested while pulling out the tray of cake from the oven.

"Right, I'll be back," I answered as I went upstairs to call Sasha.

As I arrived outside her room, I knocked on the door and called her, but not a single soul bothered to answer. "Sasha, I'm entering," I said as I turned the doorknob to open the door, revealing Sasha with her eyes glued to her laptop's screen. On the other hand, several crumpled papers are scattered on the floor.

"Sasha," I called, but she didn't move a muscle. "Sasha, dinner's ready. Everyone's looking for you." The busy bee didn't bother to acknowledge my presence at the very least, and so I took her laptop away and closed it.

"What's your problem?!" Sasha stormed, her eyes full of anger. "Can't you be any rude? Where are your manners? You see I'm busy here."

"What's my problem? What's your problem! I'm calling you for dinner, yet you kept on ignoring me. What are you expecting me to do but get your attention? You were the one who's rude, not me."

"I'm not going to eat dinner," she rolled her eyes. "Not with you around."

"Seriously, what's your problem? You weren't like this before. Did I do anything wrong? Like something that made you upset? If there's any, then I'm sorry. I don't want us like this. We're sisters. Now stop acting like a child and follow me."

"I said I won't eat dinner with you. Isn't that easy to understand, dear sister?" I clenched my fists, stopping myself from saying something unkind. If she won't follow, I don't think I should force her to. It's pointless and fake.

I picked up the crumpled papers and Sasha randomly reacted. "Don't open that garbage. Just don't."

"And what if I don't want to follow my stubborn sister's request?" Sasha frowned, stood up and took the crumpled papers from my hand. "It's none of your business." Without any word, I stepped out of her room and shut the door behind me. I really don't understand her, but the fact that she doesn't want me to see those papers means that she's hiding something.

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Dad, mom, as well as Summer and I sat in our respective seats around the table. The maids served the meals, and even though the fragrant aroma of the meat can be smelled in the room, everyone else remained quiet. Except for dad who told us that we should eat without him because he needs to answer a phone call from the office.

"Where's Sasha, honey?" Mom asked, her eyes fixed on me.

"She said she's not going to eat dinner with me so, maybe she'll eat later," I answered, looking down. I couldn't even look at mom's eyes, for the thought of what happened earlier back in Sasha's room simply ruined my mood.

"That's good, I don't want to see her face too. She disgusts me." Summer commented, sounding relieved by the news.

"Summer!" Mom scowled, raising her voice.

"What?" Summer asked sarcastically, lifting her hands with a shrug. "I don't have time for her dramas. Not a chance. If you'll tell me that you enjoy the company of that woman with such attitude, then I'd love to hear it."

An awkward silence filled the room. Which, as I can read, another way of agreeing. Summer took a slice of the steak and placed it on her plate.

Chance. I'm still longing for that, and only if I'm not too afraid to ask, I will. A chance for us to be united as one family. A chance to make a fresh beginning to a family that seems perfect on the outside, but broken in the inside.