*Lucia*
The night was longer than expected. I had woken up at different intervals and looked through my window, only to be faced with darkness and cold air that slipped into the room. I jumped out of bed at the sound of my alarm. My heart beats rapidly as I step down, placing my legs on the slippers beside the bed. The clock on the side of the room ticked slowly. Five minutes past five. It was still early, and everywhere was still dark.
I sat on my bed, rubbing my sleepy eyes with the back of my hands. I raised my hands, bringing them up to my eyes level as I studied the ring on my left hand. Today, this ring sitting on my finger will be replaced. My smile widened, and I couldn’t help but think about Bruno. Was he awake? Could he sleep all through the night? Was he nervous? Different thoughts ran through my head.
Bringing my hands down, I stood up.
There was a knock on the door at that moment. I didn’t need anyone to tell me it was the makeup artist. They had slept over. Bruno and I had wanted the wedding to be early in the morning, so I needed to get ready before 9 am and move to the hall where the wedding would be held.
The artist came with a girl who should be her assistant. Somehow, I felt a tug at my heart that the artist who had done my makeover the day of my engagement wasn’t here. “Hope we didn’t disturb your sleep?” Her voice was calm and filled with concern. My eyes wept over her. She was wearing blue jeans and a body-fitting top with short hands.
Not bad.
I shook my head. “I was already awake,” I said. She walked to the table and began bringing out the things that would be used. “I’ll quickly take a bath,” I said. Do you need some help?” she asked, and I felt my cheeks warm up. Why would I need her help to wash myself up? “Thank you; I can do it myself,” I said a bit too sharply.
She gave an approving nod and watched me walk towards the bathroom with a smile never leaving her face.
By the time I returned, she was still standing in the same position. She should have sat down. I dried myself and sat in front of the mirror. Her things were spread on the table. Her assistant sat at the side. She was wearing an apron. If there were one word to describe them, it would be professional. And I could already see that they would do a great job.
I couldn’t stop glancing at the wedding gown at the side. It was beautiful and had been specially hand-picked by Bruno himself. There was a knock on the door, and Bruno stepped in. He was still in his pajamas, and I was, well, already getting ready. “Why are you here?” I asked, turning swiftly to meet his gaze. The makeup artist moved to the side.
“Well, why do I think I am here? To get a view of this beauty. He passed and gave me a quick kiss on my lips. He pulled back afterwards and stared at my face. It was a deep, long stare that made me feel like he was staring directly into my soul. “What?” I asked.
“You are so beautiful, and I am beginning to wonder if there is any need for makeup,” he said. I blushed.
“Please excuse me. I need to get ready. Don’t you know it’s a bad omen to see a bride on the day of the wedding?” I asked, playing with the button on the pajamas.
“Whatever omen is as bad as I am,” he said, his lips moving to the side. I raised my head to look at him, my hands still on his button. Well, no omen can be as bad as he was. He was my biggest omen. But I do not regret ever meeting him, and I feel like the luckiest woman right now. “There is nothing to be afraid of. If I can, I’ll stay with you till you get dressed. But I am the groom, and I need to get dressed, too.” He said. He placed his hand on my hair and pecked my cheeks before walking out of the room.
“You are fortunate,” the stylist said immediately. “I hope you are very much in love. It’s rare to see a man who looks at his bride with so much love in his eyes,” she said. I saw her gaze from the mirror. “Aren’t all grooms supposed to look at their bride like that?” I asked.
“Trust me when I tell you that doesn’t always happen. I’ve been a bridal makeup artist for over ten years and have seen all kinds of couples,” she said.
I felt an unfamiliar emotion sweep through me. Was it pride? Or joy? Or both? I couldn’t say, but I knew I was happy. I was happy that others could see the love Bruno had for me.
She began the makeup without any more discussion. It was a long process, but it was worth it. By the time she was done, I could barely recognize myself. My hair was a sight to behold. A deep side part was neatly slept on and packed to the back. There were some curlew at the front. It was adorned with floral hairpieces. “It’s so beautiful,” I said.
The lady had pride in her work and she beamed at my little compliment. “It’s because you are a beautiful bride. It’s been a while since I got to work on someone so naturally beautiful.” She said.
Now, it’s time to try the gown.
With each step I took, I grew closer and closer to being a bride. I stood up, and the gown was brought closer to me. I was completely blown away.
I wasted no time getting into the gown. The artist helped me, too. By the time I was done with everything, it was already 8:00. Yes, I know she took time, but the results were perfect, so I’d say it was worth it. She stepped to the side.
The door opened, and Bruno walked in. “You look… hmm,” he sighs, sizing me up. I could tell he couldn’t find the right words, and I was glad he couldn’t. Words weren’t needed. It was clear he liked what he was seeing. The wedding dress was made of white ivory silk and lace. The neckline is shaped like a sweetheart, making the gown look romantic. And the crystals, oh, how much I loved how they decorated it.
“Only you could have picked such a perfect gown,” I said.
“You look beautiful,” He said.
The artist and her assistant have left the room, leaving just Bruno and I. He took a step closer, then another, and another. He raised his hands, about to touch me. He was so close to touching me but stopped when he heard a knock on the door. I swear I saw him clench his teeth for a moment.
“Come in,” I said, turning to the door. The gown was heavy and uncomfortable. I wonder who that could be. Maybe, Rave, a small smile adorned my cheeks as I imagined how blown away he would be.
The door opened slowly, and he stepped in. My eyes widened. What was Jason doing here?
~
*Jason*
A look of surprise flashed through Lucia’s eyes as I stepped in. It was soon replaced by fear as she looked at Bruno, who had brought out a gun before I could fully stand in front of them. “What the fuck are you doing here?” I could see that Lucia was almost on the verge of tears. It was an hour before her wedding, and she must think I was here to ruin it.
The door opened, and Rave stepped in. I watched as Bruno tossed the gun against Rave, who caught it easily. “Blow his skull off if he takes one more step. This is a very important day to me, and I don’t want to soil my hands by shedding blood. Lucia pleaded with her eyes for me not to take a step further.
I raised my hands in the air.
“I came in peace,” Bruno scoffed. “You expect me to believe that? What am I, a fool?” He asked.
“You may not believe me, but I only want a minute to speak with Lucia. I would need your permission, Bruno.”
“Like hell, I’ll let you do that,” he was serious about not letting me speak to her. If there was any person who has the same dark energy as I do, then it’s Bruno. “I’m leaving today. I’m not here to ruin your day. I promise,” I wasn’t going to give up easily. Bruno raised a brow.
Lucia walked to him and placed her hand on his shoulder. He still didn’t want me to speak to her, but she spoke to him-whispers I couldn’t hear. Bruno turned to me. ” Two minutes. Nothing more,” he said before walking out of the room with Rave.
“You look beautiful,” I said.
“Jason. If you are here to persuade me to leave with you, don’t even think I’ll g…”
I shook my head. “no.” I paused. The next words were heavy, as if I were weighing the world in my mouth. “I decided to let you go. In the end, letting you go is the best way to love you. I want to see you happy, and if Bruno makes you happy, why should I be the one to end it?” I asked.
Her eyes soften. I bet she didn’t expect to hear me say this. Well, I didn’t think I’d be letting her go too.
But after what Michael said last night, how could I not let her go? I wanted her to be happy more than anything.
“Jason, I don’t know what to say.” She said, her voice low and filled with different emotions. “I wish you happiness. I know you will find a woman who will love you like you deserve,” she says.
I smiled as I repeatedly told myself that this was the best decision. I hope I won’t regret letting her go.
“And I know you must have been feeling guilty over Sarah’s death.” She nods, guilt flooding her beautiful eyes.
“Don’t be,” I said.
“I’m so sorry about what happened to her. I never intended to kill her.” She said.
“You didn’t kill her. She died as a result of something else. She would have died with or without meeting you,” I said.
“What do you mean?” She asked. Before I could reply, the door pushed open, and Bruno walked in. “Time’s up.” He said, taking a stand beside Lucia. I smirked. This dude. Maybe he was the right one for her after all.
“Treat her right, else I’ll come back to take her away from you,” I said and extended my hands for him. He just stared at my hands as if it was a pack of shit without uttering a word, and he made no move to shake it.
This prick.
“Get lost. The next time I see you, I can promise you’ll leave with all your body parts intact,” he said.
“I look forward to that day,” I said as I walked out of the room and out of her life.
I had come into the room despite the resistance from the men at the door. They all watched as I left. My heart tore; it bled and soaked with tears mixed in blood. Tears flowed from my eyes. I know one thing for sure as I left.
I will never be able to love another woman.
Never.
I drove around the city for a while.
I had a flight to catch in two hours. Instead of going to the hotel as I had planned, I drove to the airport. I texted Micheal, asking him to bring up luggage. I decided to call Steve one last time, and I was surprised when it connected.
“Steve, what the fuck happened to you?” I asked.
“Don’t pretend you care about me. Worry about your lover right now. Does she think I’ll let her leave happily after killing my sister? She better think again.”
“She didn’t kill Sarah, you know it…” the line disconnected before I said the next words.
Shoot.
This punk was up to something. I took a turn and drove to the venue of the wedding. They should be there by now.