I knew the risk I was taking but I had to, even though it might cost me my best friend. It was necessary.
"Are you sure of what you're saying ma'am?" The priest said to me. Murmurs arising from every corner of the church. It is only normal for everyone to murmur. Why would the chief bridesmaid in a wedding object to the marriage? It rarely happens.
"I am convinced and the groom here can testify to it" I said, turning to look at the groom. His head bent in shame. He wasn't even denying to save his face. Not daring to spare a glance at Serena. I knew the look on her face would be mostly shock and disbelief but overall, I couldn't overlook the hurt. She would be so hurt. I had zeroed my mind that there was no going back the moment I stepped into the church this morning. That was why when the officiating priest asked if there was any objection to the wedding, I had to say it. I just had to.
I knew I was going to rob my best friend of the current bliss she enjoys but I can't keep on letting her wallow in the happiness that jerk of a husband gives her.
Confirming my objection, the officiating priest paused the ceremony and requested that I and the couple sort out our
differences.
"Damien please say something. She's accusing you of cheating." Serena said to him and walked over to the front row seat. The chair which was initially the couples seat during the course of the wedding. I went over to sit close to her. Her head buried in her palms.
"Aliyah why? Why did you suddenly decide to be the cause of my pain on a day which was supposed to be the happiest day of my life. I trusted you. I thought you were my number one fan. Why did you do this to me?" She said amidst tears.
"I'm sorry Ren" I said, sobbing at the same time and trying to reach out to hold her hand.
"Don't ever call me that" She said sneering at me. Her supposed fiance, the cheater claiming to console her and at the same time, throwing a triumphant look at me.
"I never wished for this Ren. I made up my mind here in the church. I couldn't -"
"Keep the story to yourself" came her mom's voice from beside us. Taking Serena by the hand and leading her away. There was no point running after them for an apology. All my pleas will definitely be falling on deaf ears.
"I thought we agreed to keep it a secret? Who's suffering it now?" Her former husband-to-be said to me. I couldn't bring myself to look at him as I was trying to suppress the anger swelling in me. He walked away.
The next day, I went over to Serena's place where I knew she would be in this moment of crisis. Serena is someone who loves being by herself when she's going through tough times. I went to the house, typed in her passcode and went in. She was in her room. It was locked so she had to be in there.
I sat on the floor, my back to t
he wall next to the door.
"Serena. I'm sorry" I said and kept quiet further. Not expecting a response necessarily but to create room for emotions. I heard the ruffle of sheets and I was fueled to continue, knowing she was listening to me. Then, I began. My voice calm, a little hoarse from all the crying yesterday.
"Serena, I know you must have found it hard to accept the fact that your wedding didn't hold and it was all caused by me. I'm sorry. I just had to do it. It all started about 3 months ago. I went on a date and I met him at The Luke's with a woman. I went ahead to confront him because it seemed more like a romantic date than something work related. But he insisted that it was all work and nothing more. I actually believed it because Damien didn't look like he was a cheat and if he was cheating, the girl wouldn't be cool with me accusing him of cheating in her presence. But apparently, she knew her role as a sidechick. I forced myself into believing him then but I just realized, I was stupid for overlooking it. Who does work related stuff by 7pm? I had forgotten all about it till yesterday night during the bachelorette party, when you asked me to go help get more drinks for the party. I decided to go to where the men were having theirs and see if anyone could escort me."
The sound of the doorknob opening jolted me from my slumped position, making me pause my tale. It's working. I looked up when the door finally opened and came face-to-face with a Serena different from the one I always knew but I didn't have the time to access her looks. She walked over to the couch and sat down. I followed suit but took a sit across her. She gave me a look saying Continue.
"I opened a door and saw Damien tangled in the sheets with the same woman from 3 months ago. My head spinned there and then as I started connecting the dots from 3 months ago. I shut the door and walked out. He chased after me, kneeling and begging me not to tell you. He said he was drunk that was why. That it was the devil's handwork. I was in a daze as to whether I should break the news a night to your wedding or if I should let this slide too. I didn't know what to do. I don't know what made me decide against telling you that night. I wanted to believe it was just the drink but, something deep down screamed at me not to believe that nonsense.
The next morning, I realized that I couldn't let you walk into that marriage without knowing your husband completely. I didn't have the opportunity to tell you before the wedding started. The only opportunity I had to let you know was at the service." At this point, I walked towards her and took a kneeling stance.
"I should have told you the night I found out. I was full of guilt that was why when you kept on asking me that night if I was fine, I kept on saying yes. I'm sorry Serena" I said amidst heavy sobs.
Serena held on to me, not saying anything. We were both crying and holding on to each other. I kept on telling her how sorry I was amidst the wails. She still hadn't said anything.
We both turned to look at the door at the same time as we heard the sound of the passcode being inputed. Damien walked in and I watched as Serena stood up and walked towards him. He walked in with confident strides and was welcomed by the strike of a palm against his cheek. He looked at her in disbelief. Like he didn't expect her to react that way.
"Thanks for taking me for a fool Damien. I don't ever want to see you again"
"Se- Serena, No. You cannot do this. I don't know what Aliyah had told you to make you react like this but-"
"Yes I can. Now get yourself out before I call the cops." Serena said sternly and he walked out fuming, slamming the door behind him.
She came over to the couch and held my two hands. Prompting me to look her in the eye. Her hands were trembling. Not from our conversation, but from how she confronted Damien.
"Aliyah, I believe you. I noticed signs of cheating in him but I didn't pay attention to it also. I always overlooked it. I thought it was just my intuition and it was all wrong. Now that you've confirmed it, I'm happy that I didn't get into the marriage already. I now understand why you did what you did Aliyah." She said, beaming what's supposed to be an encouraging smile at me. I smiled back and I say on the couch
with her.
"You know what? you look like a zombie right now. A bath would definitely do you good" I said to her.
"I know I know. I still can't believe the fact that I'm back to the streets".
I gave her an encouraging smile and we both stood up to go look for what to eat. Warmth filled my heart. I rather have my best friend happy and single, than sad and married.
What an emotional story! Aliyah saves Serena from making a drastic mistake. Damien seems full of himself and shows no remorse at all. Better at the altar than a heartbreaking divorce, eh? A fine story and well-written. Well done! !LADY
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STOPI can’t even imagine how painful that must have been for Serena but then her best friend really did the right thing and she is really brave for that
I can’t even imagine myself doing that because it’s really a big thing to do
#dreemerforlife
Such an emotional story. She saw the red flags...
Well, like they say, "a broken wedding/relationship is better than a broken home."
Imagine she has gotten to know about it after the marriage.
You did well, #dreemer
#dreemerforlife
We always overlook the signs and pay more attention to words of mouth, forgetting that talk is cheap. I am glad Serena has a best friend who has her best interest at heart. A really nice read.
#dreemerforlife