Chapter 2: First Touch
1074 Words
(Gabriel’s point of view)
I woke up because my phone wouldn't stop buzzing like an angry bee. Clara was still sleeping next to me, and the rays of sunlight streaming through the windows made her look like an angel.
I smiled and turned my phone over. Nothing else was more important than this morning. Not the company or any family stuff was important to me. All I needed was to stay close to my beloved. Clara.
She cracked open an eye. "Who keeps calling you on our happy day?”
“It is just work," I fibbed. I brushed a kiss over her forehead. "Go back to sleep Mrs. Jackson.”
She giggled and pulled the blanket over her head. I slipped out of bed quietly so I would not wake her again.
I stepped into the kitchen to prepare coffee. My phone vibrated once more in my pocket, I take a quick glance at it and my eyes caught up with twenty-three missed calls from David. And one text: CALL ME NOW, IT IS URGENT.
My stomach felt unsettled, but I reassured myself that it was the wedding nerves. David always worried too much, especially today, which is my wedding day. He must have gotten to the venue without seeing me. I thought and called him back immediately, and his voice came through after a single ring.
“Gabriel!" he yelled. "Where have you? The wedding will start soon!”
“I know," I replied, chuckling. "I am here, with my bride.”
“You have to come early" he stated, his tone seemed odd. "We need to complete some paperwork before the party.”
“Papers? Today?”
“Yes brother, it is very urgent, and I want you to miss it.” He sounded urgent.
“Miss out, what are you talking about?” I asked calmly.
But the other end was quiet. “David, I cleared off my desk yesterday before leaving the office.”
“Gabriel, this is very important, something came up, and your presence is needed to...”
“That should wait after the wedding.” I cut him off.
“Gabriel, you have to listen to me…”
“I don't have that time for any documents now. If it is that important, then you should handle it.” I stated, trying to calm down my nerves.
"This Family stuff, trust me." Then he hung up before I could ask what he meant.
Family stuff! I drop the phone down slowly. What did he mean by that? Is something going on with our family?
I took a sip of my coffee. Then I push the family stuff out of my mind. My marriage to Clara is. more important than anything now. Today marks the happiest day of my life.
Clara stepped out dressed in my shirt. Her legs appeared adorable. She embraced me from the back.
“I’m frightened, " she murmured.
“Of what?”
“On the matter of happiness. Joyful moments shatter.”
I turned around and held her face gently. "Never us, not us.”
We savored pancakes topped with syrup; some ended up on her chin. I cleaned it away with a kiss. Her laughter was so hearty that it almost shook the windows.
Time flew by. The car arrived to take her home to get ready, alongside her mom and Ruby, her sister. I kissed her a hundred times before she departed.
“Meet you at the church" she mentioned. Her eyes gleamed.
"I'll be the one watching and waiting, " I said.
The day seemed enchanting. My tuxedo was flawless and black. Williams, my friend, adjusted my tie and cracked jokes.
“You’ve finally been caught, man, " he said, tapping my arm.
I answered, "Best cage on earth.”
An hour later, we arrived at the church. Guests started coming in, and the church was filled with the scent of blooms. Every gaze smiled warmly at me as I stood at the front, feeling like a happy child who got her favorite chocolate.
The music began. Everyone rose to their feet. Subsequently, the wide doors pushed open.
Clara walked into the room.
She was the most remarkable vision I had ever seen. Her white dress gleamed. She held a bouquet, and her curly hair was soft around her face. She looked at me as though I were the only person in the hall.
But something was wrong.
Her smile was faint and wavering, and her steps were slow. Her eyes looked reddened as though she had cried a lot.
I wanted to run to her, to ask what had happened, but the melody kept going. She drew closer. I observed her hands shaking above the blossoms.
When she got to me, the priest began speaking. I couldn't catch the words. I just stared at Clara.
I whispered, "Are you all right?”
She stayed quiet. Her eyes were directed at the floor.
We exchanged our vows. Her tone was soft. Frail when she said "I do." My heart started to race.
Then it was time for us to exchange rings. I turned to Williams to take it, but he was gone.
The little pillow with our rings was empty. Rumors started circulating. I looked around. Williams was nowhere to be seen.
Suddenly, the massive church doors swung wider. A cold gust flowed in. Williams walked down the aisle steadily. He was wearing his tux, but his shirt was open, and lipstick was on his neck.
He stopped right in front of Clara and me, then he flashed a smile.
“Change of plans, " he declared loudly for everyone to hear. "The bride has already promised someone else.”
He held up Clara’s phone. An image appeared on the screen.
Clara lay naked in a bed, Williams next to her, pressing kisses on her neck.
Gasps resonated throughout the church.
I looked toward Clara. She was crying quietly. Tears fell gently on her dress, resembling raindrops.
“Clara?" My voice wavered. "Tell me this is not true.”
She opened her mouth slightly, but nothing came out, then she looked at me with eyes of remorse and a touch of apprehension.
"I’m sorry Gabriel, " she said. Her voice was as cold as frost. "You have grown too poor for me now."
The whole assembly went quiet as though time had stopped. My heart shattered into tiny fragments.
- Writer
