Esme's Wish

Chapter 1-1

Chapter 1

‘If any of you can show just cause as to why these two should not be lawfully wed, speak now, or forever hold your peace.’

Fifteen-year-old Esme was seated in the front row, only a bouquet’s throw away from her father and his bride at the altar. The events of the last few months flashed before her, and the years before them. This was her last chance.

Her hand twisted high in the air. ‘I object.’

Somebody tittered behind her, but covered it quickly with a cough. Whispers and murmurs spread from pew to pew. The groom swung around toward his daughter, the colour draining from his face, before his bride steered him back to the altar. The vicar merely sighed, ignored Esme’s objection, and carried on with the ceremony.

Esme lowered her hand and shrank back in her seat, her cheeks burning as if she’d just been slapped. The rest of the service passed in a blur: the vicar inviting the bride and groom to exchange vows; his pronouncement of them as man and wife; the church organ, wheezing out a hymn as the newlyweds signed the wedding register.

All Esme heard was static.

‘I’m sorry, Mum,’ she whispered, as the organ breathed its final note.