THE OTHER WOMAN

Chapter 1 Finally the day had come. We had planned it for the last six months. We had been meeting with the committee every Thursday for the entire period and we had burned the midnight oil planning and planning and planning. Finally everything was in place. Neither of us were particularly religious, but in the end we both agreed that we wanted a beautiful church wedding. Holy Family Basilica Cathedral it was decided. Saying that I looked forward to the D-day is an understatement. I barely slept on the eve of the ceremony. I checked and rechecked my wedding gown. I was practically up and down making last minute decisions. I made sure the bridesmaids dresses were perfect, the house was decorated to my taste and the bridal cars were parked at the right spots, ready for the entourage to church the following morning. Finally, my mum grabbed my hand and forced me upstairs to my bedroom. She insisted that I needed my beauty sleep; that I couldn't afford to have bags under my eyes on my big day. I sullenly got under the covers and fantasized about my husband to be. No one knew the secret to a happy marriage, but Jack and I were willing to unveil it or dying trying. Our journey to happy ever after was only a step away. When I finally drifted to sleep, I dreamt that we were walking on the coastal beaches, holding hands and making silly jokes. I was so happy and content that I hurled my alarm clock against the wall when it rudely pulled me out of the sandy little heaven. I sat up in bed and smiled to myself. My wedding day was here. * I had been told that I should desist from using my phone on the big day, but I was paranoid. I had to make calls. I had to be sure that everything was in place. Jack and I had spent lots of money on the wedding and I wasn't taking anything to chance. I walked downstairs to a flurry of activities. My mum was issuing rapid instructions as she moved up and about. I felt tears cloud my eyes as I watched her. I knew that she had my back, and that meant the world to me. I wanted to help her but she shooed me back to my bedroom and told me to get ready. My best friend and maid of honour, Anna, texted me on my way up. She was simply telling how excited she was that I was getting married and how pissed she was that we wouldn't see each other as often as we'd have liked, and what an asshole Jack was for stealing me from her. She ended her colourful message with threats to cause bodily harm to anyone who tried to help me dress up. That was her job. I took my time in the shower. I sang heartily as the warm water cascaded over me, soothing my edgy nerves. My phone's ringtone brought me back to the present and I hurriedly grabbed a towel and rushed back to the bedroom. It was a strange number but I answered it without a second thought. I couldn't risk inconveniencing any of our organizers and guests. The caller was silent for a minute. When her voice finally came through, it was slow, clear and deliberate. "Remember when I said I was done with you? I lied." I disconnected the call. That was obviously a butt dial. I continued with my bridal rituals, effectively pushing the wrong number out of my head. Anna arrived at my mum's house just before eight o'clock. I was to be fetched by the bridal limousine at around ten, so I had two hours to get ready before the church service began at eleven. Anna, having been a supermodel all her adult life, was a professional when it came to make up. I was ready to go in no time. I sat on my bed, looking around my childhood bedroom while trying to cram all my favourite memories into my head. I could here voices coming from downstairs, and I felt better knowing that everyone who mattered to our family was here. I smiled to myself when I thought of my grandma, tiny and sassy and as fashionable as any seventy nine year old woman could be. I still remembered the talk we had had the night before. That mostly entailed how I should be the perfect woman described in proverbs by the ever wise King Solomon. Sometimes, my granny was religious to a fault. "Listen, my sweet child," she'd started in a firm voice as she reached for my hand. "I know this is an exciting moment for you but without a few words of wisdom, you are not good to go. Listen very carefully, my love. Your husband is your new priority. Its your duty to make him happy and content, just as it's his duty to prioritize and do right by you always. You two are about to make your bed, and so you must lie in it." I squeezed her wrinkled hand and smiled, and she rewarded me with her own toothless smile that always made my heart melt. She went on and on about amazing and fulfilling marriage was; how lucky Jack and I were to have each other, and to immediately call her if my husband ever needed an ass kicking. I stayed with her until we heard the blaring of horns signalling that the bridal team had arrived. Jack wasn't there. He would be in church waiting for us as was the custom. I wanted to call and assure him that everything was fine but Anna had taken away my phone. How I longed to be with him! How I wished we could do away with the formalities! I was no longer control of the unfolding events, though, and that sucked. I carefully walked to the full length mirror. My snow white gown fell around me in layers of satin and silk. A thin veil was pinned to my hair, and I longed for the moment Jack would lift it off my face. I smiled inwardly as Anna tugged at my arm, alerting me that we were ready to go. I clutched the small bouquet of wildflowers and smiled at the flashing cameras as I carefully made my way to the waiting limo. My mum sat with the driver while Dad sat beside me, squeezing my shaking arm in reassurance. I smiled at him from under the veil and he was quick to smile right back. The short journey to the church was way too long for me. I wanted to see Jack, to touch him; to feel him next to me. I couldn't wrap my head around the idea of having him all to myself for the rest of time. I loved him so much he overwhelmed me, so the idea of forever with him was a little intimidating albeit exhilarating. A happy wedding song blasted from the stereo as the vehicle raced to the venue. Excited children waved from the roadside. They all wanted to see me, the pretty bride. When we finally arrived at the church, the ushers were quick to inform the MC that the bride was here. My maids formed a canopy for me with their arms and I clutched my father's hand tightly as I stepped into the church. Jack stood at the altar, all tall and handsome, his entire attention on me. He was literally staring at me, his eyes full of love and wonder. My heart tightened when he discreetly wiped the corner of his eye. I realized, then, that I had no doubts whatsoever. I was making the right decision. Jack was going to be the king, and I was going to be his queen.