Chapter 10: The Wedding

She’s holding in her hand, another invitation.

“You’re cordially invited to the wedding of

Darren and Sena…”

It’s been getting frequent receiving invitations from friends and even to some she’s not even close to. Either it’s their child’s birthday, baptism or weddings.

As she stared at the card, she’s thinking if she’s going to. But a promise is a promise. And she wouldn’t want to miss her friend’s special day. It’s only once in a lifetime. Well, hope so. Yeah, she can spare one day from her so-called-busy-life. And besides, she’s already dressed. She might lose or gain another 10 pounds tomorrow. And she won’t be able to fit in the dress again. Another one thousand five hundred bucks down the drain. Plus, another 1k for the three inches high-heeled shoes she bought to match the dress. She’s going, she decided. She grabbed her purse, closed the door behind her, and climbed the taxicab that’s been waiting for her for fifteen minutes.

She was seated at the table with a group of friends and their respective partners. She chose to come alone than invite one of her guy friends she’s not comfortable with accompanying her to such event. Across her were her friends Toni and Carlo. They have been married for eight years. They’ve been a couple since college, married a year after graduation. They were perfect together. Were. Past tense. If they had a choice they would have preferred not to come together. They’re having some minor problems with their marriage lately. Well, that’s an understatement.

The song “When I fall in Love” played in the background. It never missed to be included in the list of songs played at a wedding. And she’s getting bored. She saw Darren take the hand of Sena and guided her as they both walked in the middle of the ballroom and started to dance. As others stand up to join the couple, her eyes caught a couple seating at a table near the entrance door. They seem to be arguing about something.. and then.. they laughed.

And her heart was filled with longing as she looked at both of them. She saw how they look at each other’s eyes teasingly and understandingly that this will be the first of the many days that they will argue and compromise. And her heart felt empty as she watched them walk away.