14 Days a Bride

Clutching the hem of my dress I quickly climbed the flight of stairs before me, hesitant to think of what lay ahead. This should be the happiest day of my life. 'You look beautiful!' I recall my friends saying. So why was I holding back such emotions? My bridesmaid Sharon stood at the top of the stairs,  clasping my hand as I neared the top.

''You ok?''

''Yes, fine.'' I quivered as the tears welled in my eyes.

''Here take this - don't want Dad to see you crying." Sharon handed me a tissue and I dabbed my eyes so as not to smudge too much of the make up.

''You don't want to have to put that lot on again! Took a ton of polyfiller last time," she said smiling. Gently she took my hands and placed a beautiful pink bouquet in them, the colour a perfect match.

''But I thought!''

"You couldn't marry my Dad and not have a bouquet to throw. Anyway I know someone who desperately wants to catch it."

I laughed and together we walked along the corridor to the small hospital chapel. Through the door I could see rows of friendly faces and in front of the small altar sat my groom. Although the pain made it impossible for him to stand Roy smiled at me reassuringly, then I knew everything would be alright.

After the service I threw the pink bouquet and Sharon caught it.

''Perhaps one day'' she said.