003

LORENA.

“I'm so sorry my love. My car had issues and I needed to get it done before I could think of getting back home. I ended up spending the night in a hotel”. Raúl explained.

“You could have just left the car there, Raúl. You have fleets of cars! What's so special about that one?” I yelled, not buying his excuses.

"Honey, we had both agreed to use this particular car for our wedding. I didn't want to ruin it” He tried to explain calmly..

"I'm not buying your excess excuses Raúl. There is something you are not telling me and I deserve to know.” I demanded.

"I'll tell you after the wedding..” he said.

“Tell me now Raúl, I have all the time in the world to listen!"

And just out of the blue, Emma grabbed my hand and dragged me away along with her.

“Get dressed Raúl, you're late to your wedding! I'll handle her from here" She said as she dragged me away.

“Get dressed my dear Lorena. Raúl is finally back, and there's no tangible excuse you can give to me on why you should not get dressed and go say ‘Yes I do’ to your man!" Her voice was more of a warning to me than it should.

“Can we just have some peace and quiet and get dressed already?"

I got dressed, thanks to Emma. But then, I couldn't find peace. Something didn't seem right to me. It just didn't.

We arrived the church very late, and the guests were already getting impatient. Moments later, I stood at the door of the hall, waiting for the go ahead order to start walking down the aisle.

Soon, the tall, large door opened and all manner of colorful lights sparked around me, also lighting the entire building. The wedding song was played and I began walking down the aisle with Emma trailing behind me.

Soon, I was standing at the altar, where Raul stood, waiting for me. The white veil covered my face and I could see through it. Raul was all smiles, as everyone cheered us on.

"If anyone present knows of any reason why this couple should not be married, speak now or forever hold your peace.”

The priest asked and there was silence.

No one has no damn reason why we shouldn't be married. Or should there??

“Since no one objects to your union, it’s time to take your wedding vows" the priest announced and the hall still remained silent.

Our wedding rings were brought before us, and Raul was the first pick. He took mine in his hands and got ready to speak.

"My dear Lorena, from this day forward, I promise to love and cherish you, to stand by your side through all of life's joys and challenges, to support your dreams, and to be your rock and safe haven", he paused, smiled and continued.

“I vow to be faithful, honest, and patient, to laugh with you, cry with you, and build a life together that is filled with love, laughter, and adventure. I choose you today, and every day, to be my wife, my partner, and my best friend. I love you now and forever.

And everyone clapped at his wonderful vows. Raúl was so good with words. But then, did I feel happy or sad? I couldn't say. Slowly, he lifted my hand, and wore the ring on my finger.

“Now it's the bride’s turn!" The priest announced.

004

LORENA

I picked up his ring and got ready to speak

"My beloved Raul, I promise to love and honor you, to stand by your side through all of life's ups and downs, to support your passions, and to be your partner in every sense of the word. I vow to be your confidante, your friend, and your soulmate, to laugh with you, cry with you, and build a life together that is filled with love, joy, and happiness. I choose you today, and every day, to be my husband, my rock, and my forever love. I love you now and forever.”

I wore the ring on his finger and everyone cheered on, clapping their hands and whistling with their mouths.

"By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife.” the priest announced and once again, everyone clapped and whistled.

Things went well for a while and I was beginning to feel at ease and to find my peace a bit. But, just when I thought I would finally get my peace in full, a lady, a strange one at that, appeared from the entrance of the aisle, and walked really fast, approaching the altar where Raúl and I stood.

“ I'm here to speak in opposition to this union, and I request to be heard!”

Everyone seated turned around to look at this strange lady who had come to cause havoc on my wedding day!

This lady was obviously pregnant, but what did she have to say about my wedding? Who the hell did she think she was and what did she want?

Suddenly, Emma, who had been calm all the while, rushed over to her and tried to stop her from moving forward.

“What are you doing here Olivia?" Emma asked the strange lady when she would not stay put as Emma wanted.

“Let go of me right now, I want to speak!" The lady broke free from Emma's grasp and found her way over to where Raúl and I stood.

Emma ran after her and drew her back.

SLAP!

The strange lady Landed a hot, dirty slap across Emma's face that made Emma's leg stuck to the floor. She held her face in pain.

“I've warned you to stay away from me or anything that concerns me!" The strange lady warned in a yelling voice

Now facing the altar where the priest, Raúl and I stood, the strange lady spoke

“Did Raul ever tell you that I….” the lady tried to speak but Emma cut her short.

“ Shut up Olivia, and get lost!” Emma rebuked.

But this lady stood firm. I'm sure someone must have paid her to ruin my wedding, but who?

“What are you doing here Olivia? Of all days in the world, why today?” Emma asked, seeing that the strange lady would listen.

"Stay out of this Emma. It's none of your business!” Olivia challenged.

I looked at Raúl, and he looked confused. But, was I supposed to believe the look on his face? Of course not!

“Get out of here right now or I'll call the security!" Emma threatened, but Olivia didn't seem to be moved.

“What's going on here Emma? Raúl, why the hell are you mute? What's going on?" I asked, trying to maintain my composure.

“I'm pregnant for Raúl” the lady announced.

“The child in my stomach belongs to no other man than Raúl!" She said, now facing the guests.

Emma lost her temper, she walked over to Olivia, turned her face and returned the slap she had received earlier, back to Olivia.

SLAP!!