Everything seemed to be to me. Even on paper, I thought Hugo would finally be my husband. I assumed things would be simple. I’m mistaken. In the sun’s strong and high beams. There were bleeding hearts in the broad and beautiful sky. Tears are escaping my eyes. Some want to feel the happiness you feel. I don’t think I was endowed with the ability to enjoy myself...
“Before we continue this marriage. I want to know if anyone wants to stop this marriage— ” Before the father had finished what he was saying, Soleil walked toward us.
Nothing was blocking her face anymore. The rumor grew louder. Her eyes were not starting dark with me and Hugo. Hugo looked at me as if wondering what was happening. My heart has no respite from loss. If only someone could stop her, but I know nothing.
I grabbed Hugo’s arm as I felt the weakness of my legs. I feel like I’m going to give up and it seems like Soleil’s walk is too long. When she was finally in front of us, she spoke. Reason shies everyone’s surprise. I know I shouldn’t be surprised because I know it’s going to happen—eventually.
“HUGO! DON’T YOU REMEMBER ME?! DIDN’T YOU PROMISE ME YOU WOULD BE WITH ME FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE?!” She was crying now, but because of the strength of her voice, they could hear clearly her.
I bowed down because I was afraid that she would even mention my name. After all, she was angry with me. I’m afraid Hugo will be hateful with me. Maybe it’s enough for him to ask, but I don’t want him to be angry. Soleil pointed at me. I could feel her resentment with every word she said. Hugo looked back and forth at us. The other guest was already getting up, but I was surprised when mommy Helena spoke.
“Please, sorry everyone. She suffers from mental health problems. Sometimes when someone tells her a story, after a few days she suddenly acts as if she is that person. Please forgive us for this. Guard!” The guards quickly obeyed mommy Helena’s command. I saw her anger as she looked at Soleil as I wondered.
Why did she do that? Shouldn’t she be happy to see Soleil again? What did they talk about? Mommy Helena looked at me again and smiled. She nodded to the priest as if to continue what we were doing. Others still don’t end the conversation. Hugo remained silent while I did not look him in the eye. When everything calmed down, it was there that the father began to speak.
“Do you, Hugo Whitlock, take Adele to be your wedded wife, to cherish in love and friendship, in strength and weakness, in success and disappointment, to love her faithfully, today, tomorrow, and for as long as the two of you shall live?”
He looked at me for a long time. I know what’s bothering him. In the little time, he was with me, I also learned to read him. I don’t know if I will be sad. I already know him. I know that the time will come when it will be hard for me to forget him because I will forget his whole being.
He lay down and then said the answer I had been waiting for.
“I do.”
He asked me next. I felt everyone’s silence; I glanced at Aunt Julia and mommy Helena and saw their nervous eyes. I sighed and sobbed.
“I do.”
“Okay repeat after me,” continued father, “I, Hugo/Adele, take you, Adele/Hugo, to be my lawfully wedded husband/wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death does us part. “
After we spoke, he pronounced for the last part.
“And now, by the power vested in me by God, it is my honor and delight to declare you married. Go forth and live each day to the fullest. You may seal this declaration with a kiss.”
Hugo lifted the veil I was wearing and gently pressed his soft lips against mine. I closed my eyes.
“I am so pleased to present the newlyweds, Hugo Whitlock and Adele Borrow Whitlock!”
The wedding ended with me never seeing Soleil again. I don’t know where she went. Even Aunt Julia, I never saw again. We just greeted a lot of guests but the night was over but I didn’t see Hugo smile. He thinks deeply. I just smiled bitterly while holding my belly.
I made sure everyone was in their rooms before I decided to go up to Hugo’s room. I will check the suitcases we are carrying for us to take for the honeymoon. Even mentioning that word just doesn’t seem to matter to me. If maybe before, I would be excited, now it just seems like nothing.
I was just in front of the door when I heard Hugo shout. I stopped in my tracks to listen to their fight. I already had an idea of what they were arguing about, so I chose not to know what they were talking about. This is the thing I’m afraid of finding out. I’m not as brave as I used to be.
“WHY DID YOU DO THAT TO HER?!” I could feel the whole room vibrate because of the roar of his voice. Even though he couldn’t speak for a long time, mommy Helena answered immediately.
“She’s trying to ruin your wedding!”
“Because she has a right!”
“Can you hear yourself, Hugo?! Did you see yourself at the time she disappeared?! I know it’s not her fault but if you were in my position now, you would never ask me that! Who was there when she vanished?! You’re broken, Hugo! No one can offer you help because you have refused all that! IF YOU FELT WHAT I FELT WHILE SEEING YOU BUT IT SEEMS LIKE YOU ARE GONE, YOU CAN’T QUESTION ME LIKE THIS! ”
The door opened immediately, and mommy Helena saw me but she just walked straight.