The Last Dance

Emma looked stunning in her dress. She was naturally pretty, and the dressed complimented her very well. I was in the lobby when a maid came over and said that Emma had asked for me.

This was when I turned nervous. Not because of the event that'd take place later, but because I worried Emma had learned about it. I was torn between confessing it to her and keeping it a secret. At last, I decided that keeping quiet would be the lesser evil.

"You asked for me," I leaned against the door frame and smiled for show.

"I did," she stood up from her vanity and spun around, "look, what do you think?"

"Absolutely gorgeous," I was in awe.

"Lizzie asked a famous designer to make this dress for me," Emma said vivaciously. "Can you believe it? It must be so expensive. I don't deserve expensive things like this."

"Of course you do," I said. "You deserve it more than anyone else in this family."

"You're the sweetest," Emma beamed. She came over to where I was and gave me the warmest embrace. I was caught off guard and awkwardly hugged her back. She whispered, "Anne, I know what you're going to do today."

My heart dropped. I stepped back and stared at her in uneasiness.

"Don't look at me like that," she took my hands. "I forgive you."

"What?" I couldn't believe my ears.

"I said I forgive you," her smile lingered. "I'm sorry that you don't feel comfortable telling me yourself. And I wish you had told me about you and Laurie. Did you worry that I'd be judgmental? If you did, then I'm sorry about that too. I would've supported you, though I don't have any say in this family. Well, it doesn't matter anymore. I forgive you, and I hope you could forgive me for not being a good friend."

"Emma…you…" I was left speechless as guilt and shame encased me. "I…you did nothing wrong. It's all on me. I don't deserve your mercy or forgiveness."

"Nonsense," her hands were on her hips. She acted stern: "Now, don't you tear up. I'm getting married today, and I need you to smile."

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Wesley and Emma looked genuinely happy when they exchanged their vows, and I was more than glad. Laurie stood behind Wesley, whereas I stood behind Emma. Laurie winked at me when the groom and bride share a first kiss as husband and wife. He was in a high spirit that I didn't expect him to have. He was more mature than I was, for he told me he would enjoy every moment before everything would inevitably fall apart. It was supposed to be a joyful and merry event, after all.

When the song came on, Laurie bowed his hand at me.

"Care for a dance?" He asked. I was amazed. He had always avoided being close to me in public since he knew Thomas wouldn't be pleased by it. Today, however, he no longer cared, and neither did I.

"Of course," I put my hand on his.

We danced in Swing. My memory traveled back to that day. The day Emma played the piano, the day I danced for the first time with Laurie and thought that perhaps something about him was special to me. 

I drank just enough to feel the slightest buzz to keep going. Spotting Wesley and Emma near, Laurie and I walked through the crowd.

"Congratulations," I said sincerely. With the help of the liquor, I smiled the biggest smile.

"Thank you," Emma said. She looked at her husband, then at Laurie and me. "You know what, I think I'm going to talk to Lizzie about something. Is it ok if I leave you three for a moment?"

Before anyone could answer, she had already left.

"Are you ready, both of you?" Wesley asked in a low voice.

"No," I was honest, "but it'll be done."

"Well, be as ready as you can," he frowned. "Remember, you need to stay calm."

I caught him glancing at Laurie when he said the latter half of his sentence, even though it was seemingly directed at me.

"Yeah," I nodded, "yes."

"Take care," Wesley said. He scanned around and looked for Emma. When he found her, he raised his hand, signing that he was coming over.

"Wesley," Laurie said when he was about to leave. Surprised that Laurie would talk to him, Wesley waited. Staring at his shoes, Laurie mumbled: "I think I owe you an apology."

"There's no need," Wesley patted his shoulder. "I understand."

Lifting his eyes, Laurie was met with a kind smile.

"Please, if you'll excuse me," Wesley nodded at us before he left for his bride.