“And do you take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband?”
“I do.” The words echoed like a tornado. They fumbled around in my brain. My head turned slightly, and our eyes met. Maggie’s my best friend, at least I think. We share a dorm together at the university; we know each other’s secrets. Although, what do you call such a dear person, who just married your ex-fiancé?
The blood red silk dripped down my body coated with my bleached hair as a stood next to her, in front of the sea of blank faces. They all knew what happened. And I knew my face had to be white as snow. My blank gaze soon caught the eye of Maggie’s father. They were gentle, yet filled with fire. As if caught in the eye of a hurricane, when everything is being held together for a while, until the instant comes and everything erupts yet again. I knew he wanted the best for his daughter, just as any parent, and I also happened to know this situation was not on the top of his list of desirable weddings.
My legs wobbled as I attempted to make my way back down the aisle. The blank looks seemed to turn into questioning gazes. They were all wondering how I could be okay with this. On the outside, of course I was, I had to hold myself together. This was a day for Maggie. So, for now, we are best friends.

The night grew dim as we all met again; white-topped tables sprinkled the room parted by a dance floor at the reception. No moonlight or stars were visible, just the depths of the night seemed to drown me. My heart was too full; I couldn’t take anymore of this. I took another sip of the deep crimson wine, maybe one to many. Although, I just couldn’t stop myself as I continued sip by sip. Finally, I stood and my body swayed back and forth. I could see the looks at me due to my bloodshot eyes. I began to wonder. Why should I take this? I don’t deserve this kind of friendship, this kind of backstabbing. My long legs attempted to take a step. I caught eyes with her. Her perfect dark brown hair flowed like the sea, her eyes a deep chocolate brown and wedding dress cradled her body and crested the floor perfectly. I should be there I thought, this should be my wedding. Emotions topped my body, and I couldn’t take it anymore. Just a few more sips of wine, just a little more strength was all I needed.

My ex, her husband, came barreling through the French glass doors. I knew this was it. “Why you little--” I screamed, although, it wasn’t me. I could have kept myself together. It was the wine talking. “Why take my life, our friendship and everything and just toss it away. Was it worth it? That’s all I want to know, you are not good for anything, just take my sloppy seconds and run, don’t look back. Don’t ever think about anyone. I mean that’s what you do anyways. Selfish. That’s all you are. You burn bridges to get what you want, and I can’t wait until everyone here is able to see it because believe me, honey, it’s coming and don’t come crying back to me when your perfect man finds someone better. Believe me. He won’t have to look to hard” the words flowed out so smooth.
Her eyes filled with tears. “Why?” she cried “Why ruin this day for me. I tried to be nice; I wanted us to still be friends. I can’t help who I fall in love with.”
“You shouldn’t have thought about him in the first place. My fiancé should never have been on your radar. So, have a nice life. And find a new place to live. I’m done.”
I stormed out. There was nothing for me to do; my legs still were shaky as I ran for the car.

What had I done? I began to think to myself. Memories flooded back. The long summer nights I spent with Maggie, when the bright sun beat down on our neck that warm summer day on the beach. Or the time Matt, her husband, and me spent all night in the hot tub. What about all the laughs and smiles, the time she baked me a cake when I had the flu, and sat with me all day watching “The Bachelor.”
I really did love her. I don’t know why I said the things I did. Was it worth it? From the beginning of college, we had been inseparable, and I let a guy, a cheap, no good guy get between us. Although, I wouldn’t have been surprised if that was his ultimate goal. The world seemed to spin as I hobbled over to my car, tripping over my own feet.
Maybe I had a little too much wine, but I was fine. The car door clicked open as I fell inside. The lights of the car grew bright as I drove away. I saw the whole road ahead of me. Everything was wrong. Trees blazed by, and the yellow line switched from side to side of the dark SUV. Yellow headlights flooded my vision. Before I knew it, I was stopped. Jolted. Stuck. Scrambling around. I could vaguely see the car I must have hit. It lies dormant on the other side of the road with a large dent in the midnight black door. My vision was still blurred and I couldn’t think straight, probably the reason I didn’t call the police. I could see where I was. My car was tilted to its side, and I could see the green grass and trees to my left, dimly lit by the passing headlights. My eyes were still bloodshot as I looked down at my leg. It was a kaleidoscope. The dark blood rushed from a deep gash made from the flying glass, and the feeling was silent.
There I lay. Regretting everything I had done. Trapped. Although the only think I could think about was getting one more sip, of the bitter sweet wine that still clutched my lips.