Short Story One

I have no idea what to call this. Once again and probably all you will see for the next couple of months this is for my creative writing class. I had to write two short stories. This one was a completely new creation. My other one, well I have been dabbling on for a while but could never get it to flow the way I wanted. So here is Story one!

Today is the day. I, like every other little girl, have dreamed of this day since I was seven years old. I imagined purple calla lilies, pink sweetheart roses, and blue dahlias. I cut pictures from Bridal Magazines and added them to my scrapbook. I would save every program from the weddings I went to, with a page of critiques, what I thought worked and what didn’t. By the time I went to college I had my perfect wedding planned, all I needed was a groom and to pick a date.

How was I to know we were destined when I ran into you that rainy April day ten years ago? In that flying of papers and splashing of water you somehow came out unscathed, while I ended up soaking in a puddle of water. You hurriedly pulled me out, grabbed a backpack off the ground and continued to class. Leaving me there alone to chase my scattered term papers. I was so glad to have lost you and never wanted to see you again, well until I got to class. You had grabbed MY pack off the ground in your haste. After that fateful meeting, we became inseparable around campus. All of my friends asked where Jerry was when I showed up to parties without you. Jerome Sawyer and Alexandra Walker, everyone knew the two went hand in hand. We won spring fling King and Queen our senior year. Even after graduation and it was determined you were going to Harvard to Graduate School and I was going to Berkeley. We knew that no distance would break our friendship. When I thought I would crack under the pressure I would call you and somehow you would relieve my stress. Now you are the big shot lawyer you always wanted to be and I am the hippie journalist fighting for the rights of the underdog.

Yet here we are. Today is the day. I added you to this dream for at least eight of our ten years. As I walked through the sanctuary earlier I was in awe of how perfect it was. The church is decked out in small elegant flowers, the feel of spring surrounding anyone who is in the room. It is what I always pictured; the flowers, the dress, everything. Everything including the date, it’s exactly ten years since our chance meeting in the rain. Did you realize that? Of course you didn’t.

I am ready. I know that in two hours I will be standing beside you. I will hear your vows read, and I will cry. I will cry because it is not my eyes you are looking into. I am not the one you love. I realize that we have led two completely separate lives and that I am not compatible for you. You are a lawyer who fights for those I fight against. I am the epitome of everything you are not allowed to associate with. One day you will be running the country, while I am in a third world country reporting on some tragedy. So I give you freely to her. I will be your best man and your family. I will never hold you back for any reason. In fact, Jerry, you will never know. You will never know because I never told you nor will I ever tell you. I will only say it once; I Alexandra Walker loves, no I can’t do it.

I have to wonder if you ever felt anything for me. How horrible would that be two people are in unrequited love for each other and both too afraid to admit it. I cannot deal with that backlash of admission. I cannot torture you with this problem. Can I? Would it be fair? A minute ago I was solid in my beliefs. Now, well now I am unsure. Oh how I wish I could call you for that pep talk like in College! How would I explain this one?

”Jerry I need a boost, I am stressed out.”

“What’s been going on Alex? What’s got you so uptight?” You would reply like always.

“Oh I don’t know how to tell you I am in love with you.”

“….”

Yeah, I don’t see this scenario working out too well. So how do I do this? Should I just push my feelings aside or do I tell you?

Ding, dong ,ding. Oh My! That means we have one hour. I am not ready for this. I have got to fix my make-up I must look horrifying. Yep, black eyeliner running down my face. That will at least occupy my mind for a few minutes. Now to my duties as the best man. I must go to you and make sure you don’t run away. Ha! I will be there to support you in whatever you want. Should I tell you? No, no that is a bad idea. Ok elevator in sight. Twelve floors till the lobby. At least we are beside the church. Nine floors till the lobby. I am not ready for this. I am not ready to let you marry her. Three floors till the lobby. I am going to have to tell you. One floor till the lobby. No. I will not tell you. I will let you be happy and watch from afar.

Why are you pacing? As the doors open there you are across the lobby pacing. Oh you have seen me. I am not quite sure how to read that look on your face. Well, I am going to stick to my resolve. I will not tell you. You are free to do whatever you want. My window of opportunity has closed.

“Hey Jerry! Ready to go get married?” I am smiling, putting a lot of effort to make it not look forced.

“Actually Alex I need to talk to you first.”

“Are you ok? I’m sure everything will be fine. I saw the church already it’s beautiful.” I can only hold my resolve so long! We need to get over there!

“Do you know what today is, Alex?”

“Yeah, the day your getting married!” And the day my heart is breaking, and the anniversary of the day we first met, but none of those are what we are here for. So what’s your point?

“No, don’t you remember? That day in college in the rain?”

“Yes Jerry, I remember, I didn’t think you did.” Where is this going?

“Oh, Alex I remember, I will never forget. I have to tell you something Alex.”

“ok?”

“I can’t marry June today.”

Until the fates let Us,

Ali