AJRMAN
Wedding Day
Five days before the "Wedding" I found my new apartment. Javier didn't understand why I wanted a one bedroom rather than a studio apartment. Which made sense, if I wasn't going to be living here for that long. But we know that's not my plan. I did get to keep Javier's couch, dining room table, and bed. These made sense to him. At least I wouldn't have to spend money to buy new ones. He practically moved everything into my new place by himself. I felt a little guilty. But my leg IS broken.
Two days before the "Wedding" Javier went to the airport to pick up his family. He made reservations for them at the Comfort Inn on Sepulveda. He came home by himself. His family was tired and decided to rest.
The moment never seemed right for me to tell Javier that I didn't want to marry him, or move to New York. Every time I tried, my stomach would get nauseous. With his family here, and the fake wedding just around the corner, I don't see how I'm going to do it.
The house is officially sold. The new owner is allowing us one more week here. Because of the "Wedding". That was nice of her. The house is so empty. We've been sleeping on cots that Javier bought at Wal-mart. They're actually comfortable. I borrowed chairs from work so people could have SOMETHING to sit on. The "Wedding" will be held out on our patio. We're supposed to write our own speeches to give to each other. I have yet to write mine. I truly do not think this fake wedding is going to happen. I see Javier making the plans. I see him cleaning up the patio. I know his family is here. People have been told to come. I did tell him NOT to invite my family. They won't be missing anything, because I don't think we're getting married. I just don't feel it.
The Wedding Day
" I assume you didn't tell him?" Teresa said. We sat on fold out chairs in the guest room. She was in a black cocktail dress. I was in a black suit and tie. I didn't want to wear a tuxedo. We split the left side of my pant leg, so my cast would fit. Except for the cast, I made a handsome groom. Javier had the same suit. Although I'm sure he looked better than me.
" Ya think? " I responded.
" You had weeks to tell him. You have to go through with it now. You know that don't you?"
" I know, I know."
" Well at least I've got you for a couple of more weeks. Until your leg heals that is."
" I don't want to move to New York " I made a mock crying face.
" Well you made your bed. Now you have to lie in it. "
" Okay, Grandma. Geez, who uses that anymore? Where ya from, the midwest?"
" Well if that ain't the kettle calling the pot black." She started laughing.
" Idiot. It's the pot calling the KETTLE black "
" Well, ya win some and ya lose some." She looked at me seriously.
" Okay....enough with the stupid humor."
" Okay, Okay. I'll stop. You're gettin' bitchy."
" It's like lookin' in a mirror, ain't it?" I started to laugh.
" I am NOT a BITCH!"
" I'm sorry. I meant to say you're a big WHORE" I started to laugh really hard.
" That's not funny."
" Teresa, I'm sorry. You're not a big whore." I put my arm across her shoulder. I then said,
" You're just a tiny whore" I started to laugh again. She pushed me, which made my leg move, which in turn caused me pain. I grabbed it.
" That's what you get, Asshole." she said.
I keep denying that I'm the woman in this relationship. But with me hobbling down the aisle with crutches proved again that I was. The fact that "Hear comes the Bride" was playing, only confirmed my suspicions. Javier watched me as I made my way. I was sweating. He came up to me and started to help me down the walk way.
" You okay, guy?" He said, grabbing my arm.
" Yeah I'm fine. Thanks." We both made our way to the front. He propped me up, and made sure I held my balance. He went across from me, adjusted his jacket. He looked down at mine, and adjusted mine for me too. He then noticed my shoe was untied, so he knelt down to tie it. I glanced out to the guests, embarrassed. I saw Teresa holding her mouth, trying to restrain her giggles. When Javier got up, I gave him a thumbs up. He went again to his place across from me. Everyone was silent. This is it. Javier reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out his speech. He wiped his brow, cleared his throat, and began....
" We go through life wanting. Wanting for something to make us whole. I'm glad I've finally found that "Something". I'm glad I found you. I can promise you everything. I can promise you the world. But the one promise I know I can keep, is the promise to always love you. I've always felt that a part of me was missing. But I think I've found that missing part, in you. Yesterday, I was half a man. Today, you've made me whole. I love you..........Mr. Ajrman." He lifted his head and smiled at me. I stood there in silence. Mouth wide open. My hands were shaking when I reached into MY pocket, for MY speech. I wiped my brow, cleared my throat, and began....
" I....I...I..." I couldn't spit the words out. My eyes started to tear up. My chest felt heavy. The tears were now running down my face. I tried again, to read my speech...
" I...I...I..." I put my head down. My face became distorted. I couldn't hold it any longer. I lifted my head and looked at Javier. I'm going to say it, I'm finally going to say it.
" Javier " I said.
" Yeah?" He said.
" I..I..love you. I DO love you. I really, really, really, DO love you. " I was really crying by now. But I kept going.
" And....and....I AM glad I'm marrying you. You make me.....happy." I was now bawling. I couldn't go on anymore. Javier came to me, wrapped his arms around me. He rested his chin on the top of my head, as I wept into his chest.
" It's okay, guy." He started to chuckle. " Well at least we know you're not dead inside" I looked up at him and smiled. Well what do you know. I'm NOT dead inside.
When I calmed down, Javier took a ring out of his pocket and placed on my finger. I did the same for him. It actually looked pretty good on top of the other band. We kissed, and everyone sighed. As everyone clapped, I realized, I'm MARRIED. I'm married. It felt good. Does this mean I'm moving to New York?