That One Night Stand

Alicia’s heartbeat raced so fast like her heart was in a pop corn machine, ready to pop out any time. She sat in front of the big mirror while Mrs. Chen brushed makeup on her cheeks. Today was THE day. The day she’d dreamed about since she was a little girl. The day she was supposed to walk down the aisle with her father guiding her all the way down to the man of her dreams. Who would be standing by the altar with the utmost smile waiting to finally unveil her face and seal their vows with a kiss? But unfortunately, her father wouldn't be the one to walk her down this time. “Hold still, sweetheart,” Mrs. Chen said softly. Alicia grinned. “Sorry, I just… I can’t believe this is real.” she said as she kept playing with the small ring on her finger. Soon, it would be replaced with a real wedding band. And just thinking about it made her cheeks hot. Her mind wandered straight to Peter Reynolds. The man of her dreams. The one who had those warm brown eyes and laugh that always made her feel safe. She still remembered the first time they met, three years ago. She was rushing through the hotel lobby with a pile of towels when she crashed right into him. The towels went flying everywhere. She was mortified. And in her dazzled state, she muttered some apologies as she tried picking up the towels. But instead of being rude, Peter had chuckled and bent down to help. “I’m so sorry, sir,” she’d said, looking embarrassed. “No, don’t apologize. I should have been paying attention too,” he replied kindly. “I’m Peter. Peter Reynolds.” “Alicia Wyanha” she replied, as she stretched her hand for a handshake, suddenly conscious of her rumpled looking work clothes and her work-stressed palms. And that was how it started. The sudden crash had led to Coffee the next day. Afterwards it was followed up by dinner the week after. Then subsequently, walks in the park where he listened to her dreams about opening a café or maybe a small hotel one day, took over. “You have such beautiful dreams, Alicia,” he’d told her once by the lake. “I want to help you make them come true.” And he didn't lie. Even though she hadn’t owned her own Cafe yet, he had been there for her ever since. When she cried about her parents, who died in a car accident, and when her younger brother Cary got arrested, something she still struggled to believe. “There,” Mrs. Chen said, pulling Alicia out of her reverie. “You look beautiful, dear.” Alicia looked in the mirror and gasped. Her hair was styled perfectly, her makeup soft but glowing. Mrs. Chen had done the best job in transforming her into a radiant bride. “You look amazing,” Nora said from behind her. Alicia’s cousin stood in her deep red bridesmaid dress, wearing a slight smile. “Nora! You made it. How do I look?” Alicia twirled around in her robe. “Beautiful,” Nora repeated, maintaining her smile. Then came a knock at the door. Mrs. Chen went to answer. She whispered with the supposed intruder for a while, before returning with a worried face. “What is it?” Alicia asked, her stomach tightening. “The wedding coordinator says they’re a little behind schedule. Just some… logistics.” Alicia glanced at the watch Peter gave her for her birthday. The ceremony should have started ten minutes ago. “What kind of logistics?” she asked. “They just said the groom’s party needs a few more minutes.” Alicia laughed nervously. “That sounds like Peter. He's probably fixing his tie again. He likes ensuring everything is perfect. Let's just give them a few minutes. They should be here soon.” She replied as she turned back to face the mirror and admire the beautiful Mrs. Chen had produced out of her. “Where's Camilla though?” Nora asked and as it suddenly dawned on Alicia, she raised her brows, and turned around. “That's true. She's supposed to be here. Nora please try reaching her and tell her to hurry. While Mrs. Chen helps me get dressed,” She said, turning to the mirror again. “Alright,” Nora replied, taking her out of the room while dialing Camilla’s number. Camila was Alicia's best friend and her maid of honor. She wondered what must have delayed her. A few minutes later, another knock came in. Mrs. Chen went to answer it again. Another whispering followed. When she came back, she looked even more uneasy. “The coordinator wants to speak with you privately,” she said. Alicia frowned. “Now? But I'm just about to get into my dress!” Alicia exclaimed as she dropped the wedding dress she had picked up only a few seconds ago, back on the bed. “She said it’s urgent.” Alicia sighed as the tension within her increased. The uneasy feeling grew in her chest. She had never seen the coordinator rattled before. “I’ll talk to her,” Nora said quickly, heading for the door. But upon opening the door, Alicia caught a glimpse of the coordinator’s face in the hall, she froze. The woman didn’t look stressed about flowers or timing. She looked sorry. The tense feeling Alicia had been nursing metamorphosed into full-blown fear. Panic started kicking in. “What…is going on?” She asked, looking sternly at the event coordinator. The coordinator, Jennifer, stood wringing her hands. Beside her was Uncle Marcus, Nora's Dad, who was supposed to walk her down the aisle, taking his brother's place. He also wore a grim look and looked away from her “What’s going on?” Alicia asked, her voice shaking. “Where’s Peter? Why hasn’t the ceremony started?” Jennifer took a deep breath. “Miss Wyanha… we can’t find Mr. Reynolds or any of his groomsmen. They’re not in their room, and no one has seen them since yesterday evening.” “Wha….” “Camilla is unreachable. I can't get through to her!” Nora announced as she came around the scene, heightening the already tense atmosphere. Alicia took a deep breath in as everyone looked on in silence. Her hold tightened on the door handle she held. “What the hell!” She whispered as she fought to calm herself, knowing fully well she wasn't prepared for the disaster that seemed to brew.