This night, I couldn't sleep a wink. I lay awake tossing and turning with excitement. I could remember earlier today, how Flora and I giggled round the bridal shop.
"How about this" I said placing the sweetheart necklace which was revealing an appropriate amount of her cleavage.
Weddings!!!.....I loved weddings but the scary part of it was that "till death do us part". I wasn't ready to take such silly oath and so was Flora. So unfortunate, Dad pleaded with her to marry Rhett Pelt.
"Miss Ashley Bell!" So unusual Flora called me officially. "I'm not prepared for this" That was a whisper but I heard it loud and clear.
"You talking to me?" I shot her a stern look.
"It's nothing Ashley" Flora muttered few words to herself.
I noticed it, Flora wasn't as excited as myself and it was supposed to be her wedding. I couldn't figure out the reason for her recent behavior. I understand the fact that she was forced to marry him but she should have refused from the outset.
I twirled a strand of my curled long brown hair around my finger and watched Flora pay the bills for the shopping.
"You know, I'm going to miss you" I said brushing the strand of hair which glued to my face.
"I can't do this" She whimpered confirming my fears.
I woke up past six in the morning and quickly gulped a glass of water. The much awaited day had finally came. Today, Flora Bell would be getting married to the famous star celebrity, Rhett Pelt. Yesterday's excitement had all died. I did my routine chores first before dragging myself to the bathroom.
"Ashley, scrub your teeth. You're going to talk to lot of people" I whispered as I applied more pressure.
I didn't waste my time in taking my bath. I heard noise coming from my room, I got off the bath tub headed to my room only to discover my phone ringing.
"Noah" I grasped wiping the water on my face.
Noah!!!!. I've known Noah since our diaper days. Noah wasn't the smart type and most times I'd stood up for him even in high school. Noah and I were dating, I mean it was something serious. Often times, mom had playfully ask him when was going to propose.
"I thought I said no calling today" I rolled my eyes even when he couldn't see me.
It's my sister's wedding and I needed utmost concentration to give her the best.
"I was missing you" Noah said faintly and I smirked.
"See you at the church" I said blowing kisses at him.
I was brushing my hair in the penthouse suite when I heard voices. Loud, panicked and sounds of people arguing.
"What could be wrong??" I shrugged.
Fidgeting with my figure - hugging cream dress. This dress was damn beautiful and exquisite. Flora had mom fashion talent and so bringing out dress and styles were no big deal. Since I woke up, there had actually been complains ranging from the hall decorations, to the cakes , flowers and even food.
The continuous blaring horns made me slide my curtain to see what was happening. The Pelt's!!!, Flora's in-laws had arrived. Mom hurriedly hugged Mrs Pelt while Dad exchanged pleasantries with Mr Pelt. I stared briefly at Rhett before sliding my curtain to it's initial position.
The noise and panics grew louder and I knew it was beyond food and drinks. my fears were confirmed when the Bell's, Pelt's and Aunty Ophelia barged into my room. The expression on their faces told me all wasn't well.
Aunty Ophelia was our nanny. She had live with Flora and I since our diaper days. Aunty Ophelia was more like a mother to Flora and me.
"Ashley, see what your sister drop" Aunty Ophelia handed a piece of paper to me.
By now, I was too feeble to stand. I sat on my bed and read through the letter.
I'm so sorry Ashley, I had to do this. I'd better plans for my future. I'm sorry for the inconveniences and please don't try to find me.
Flora.
I glanced at the paper for a seconds and glared at Aunty Ophelia.
"Where were you before she left?" I wanted to ask. Rhett, mom, Dad, everyone was disappointed.
"Ashley, I have made preparations for this wedding and we can't just let it slide off" Dad said sadly.
"We need your help" Mom was totally confused as she kept pacing round my room.
Everyone seemed confusion!!!.
"Dad!!!Mom!!" I stared at them both wondering what their plan was.
"This wedding has cost us a fortune" Mr Pelt blunted. "What happens to all the invited guest, the people of timber and caliber whom I have invited".
"Ashley, you have to wear your sister's dress" Aunty Ophelia poked and I sneered.
"You all must be crazy!" I said within me.
All these while, Rhett kept mute obviously lost in his own thoughts. I could feel what he was going through but marrying him was totally out of it.
"Ashley, please save my face. Your sister has brought so much shame" Dad said faintly and I could feel his pain.
It was getting tougher. Calls kept coming in from the church. The whole place was tensed, in tears I wore Flora's gown. Everyone drove on top speed as we hurried to the church. I guess the guest were relieved when they saw fleet of cars.
"Ashley, you forgot the wimple" Aunty Ophelia rushed to cover my face.
I crossed my arms round dad's own as we walked to the altar with pride. I really had to do this to save dad's face.
"I love you Noah!"
"Smile Ashley" Dad whispered in my ears and I forced a smile.
"Can the groom stepped forward" The Vicar announced and my breathing seized.
My wish right now was for the ground to open up and swallow me. I store a glance at the congregation only to see Noah staring at me. His face was pale.
"I'm sorry Noah" I said like he could hear
me.
"Do you Ashley Bell take Rhett Pelt as your lovely husband??" The Vicar said and the congregation was dead silent.
