ONE
1137 Words
Ariana’s eyes shot open as the bright sunlight pierced through the window. She rubbed her eyes, squinting to see properly as her sight was still blurry. She sat up on the bed, taking in the morning sunlight and the scent that came from the flowery leaves on the tree near her window. Today was going to be a good one, her fiance, Ray, was returning home after a month away from home due to work. She thought of how much she’d missed him, and she’d anticipated his return so they could continue with their wedding plans. She cast a look at his picture hanging on the wall and smiled as she remembered their last night together before he’d left. She moved so her inner arms brushed against her breast and she closed her eyes to the feel of delicious pain. Damn, she couldn’t wait.
She got out of bed and got into the bathroom to wash up and freshen up. She came out soon enough, tying a towel around her chest and another on her head like a turban. She applied some lotion against her skin and put on the casual clothes she’d earlier picked out. She grabbed her phone and headed downstairs for the kitchen.
Ryan’s flight was scheduled for 1 pm, so she knew she had less than 3 hours to prepare. She launched into making his favorite meal and in about 90 minutes, she’d packed a lunch pack. The air was filled with the aroma and she smiled, feeling pleased with herself.
Her phone rang. It was her mother. “Hey baby.”
“Hey, mum. How are you?”
“ I'm great. I called to know how you’re doing, and to know how excited you are. We've got a wedding to plan!” her mother said.
Ariana chuckled. “I feel so excited, mum. I really can’t wait to see him,” she replied, smiling widely.
“I know, right? Can feel it all the way from here.”
“You should, mum. It’s been three whole months. We’ve never stayed apart for that long.”
“Well, he’s on his way already, so just relax,” her mother laughed.
“I’m calm, and I'm patiently waiting. I’ve got to go prepare, mum. I’ll be driving down to his place and I don’t want to keep him waiting.” Ariana said. “I’ll call you later, okay? Bye mum!” she squealed.
“Bye, daughter. Have fun. And drive safely,”
**********
Ariana parked her car in the car lot and grabbed the lunch pack from the back seat. She got out of the car and walked up to the door.
“Okay, Ariana. Breathe. You’re here already,” She said, trying to calm herself down from her excitement. She knocked on the door and waited patiently. I knocked again, and in minutes, the door was opened. She couldn’t believe her eyes. She stood face to face with her best friend, Rachel.
“Rachel? What are you doing here?” Ariana asked.
“Uh… hi, Ariana,” Rachel said.
“You’ve not responded to what I asked you. What in heaven’s name are you doing in my man's house? And half naked!” Ariana asked again.
“Babe? Who’s at the door?” Ryan asked, coming down and walking to the door. “Oh hi, Ariana. What brings you here?”
Ariana was dumbfounded. “What brings me here? Ryan, can you please tell me what’s going on here?”
“Isn’t it obvious?” Ryan asked. “I’m done with you. Rachel here…” he said, grabbing Rachel by the waist and planting a kiss on her lips. “...is my fiancee and we’ll be getting married pretty soon.”
The lunch pack dropped from Ariana’s hands. “What did you just say?”
“He said he’s getting married to me, Ariana. What’s there not to understand?” Rachel asked.
“It’s over between us, Ariana! And if you’ll excuse me, please leave.” Ryan said.
“What do you mean it’s over?” Ariana asked, puzzled. “I don’t get this. You left barely three months ago and now that you’re back, you’re telling me this? For God’s sake, our wedding is in less than a month! And you’re about to leave me for my friend?” She turned to Rachel. “Rachel?
“He said he’s getting married to me, Ariana. What’s there not to understand?” Rachel asked.
Ariana couldn’t believe her ears. “How can you do this? You’re supposed to be my best friend. All the while we’ve been making plans and you were supposed to be my chief bridesmaid. And then you go behind me to snatch my man? How dare you?”
“Your man?” Rachel asked, giving a wry laugh. “Did you just say your man? Oh please, spare me that crap, Ariana! You thought you’re the only one who deserves good things? You come talking to me about how Ryan is all lovely and romantic and this and that and you never thought of how that made me feel? And at the opportunity I've got to feel loved too, you want me to miss it because he’s ‘your man’? Funny.”
“It could have been any other person, Rachel, not Ryan. Not him, for God’s sake! Ryan, are you really going to do this to me?” Ariana asked, almost in tears.
“I really don’t care. Trust me I don't. I love Ryan and he loves me too and there’s nothing anyone can do about it, not even you, Ariana!” Rachel said, looking Ariana dead in the face.
“Are you crazy?” Ariana yelled, raising her hands to hit Rachel. “Have you no shame? What the hell is wrong with you?’
Ryan held her hands in the air. “You will do no such thing, Ariana. Not in my house, and not even anywhere else. Now, leave!”
Ariana turned to look at him. “Ryan, you can’t do this to me. I mean, it’s me, It’s Ariana. We’re supposed to be married in a month, remember? What happened to the promises you made to me?”
Ryan ignored her. He turned to Rachel. “Let’s go in, my love.”
“Rachel, you were my best friend and then you turned around to stab me in the back?” Ariana said, holding back tears.
“Aww… poor you. Don’t worry, I'll be generous enough to send you an invite, okay?” Rachel said, laughing as she went in and slammed the door in her face.
Ariana stood transfixed on the ground, trying to process all that just happened, and in minutes, tears cascaded down her cheeks. It was the beginning of the end.
- Writer
