Peyton sat in the church, amid all the happy guests who were celebrating this marriage and wondered if she was the only one who could see this was the wrong wedding. Lucas had hold of Lindsey's hand tightly before the altar. And all the while, both saying their vows, Peyton said nothing. Instead she just sat there and let what would happen, happen. She felt Brooke grab her hand and squeeze gently. Peyton smiled sadly at her best friend as Lindsey repeated the ministers vows, looking to all the world like she was the happiest bride in the world. And still Peyton said nothing.
This day should have belonged to her, Peyton thought sadly. She never should have turned Lucas down when he asked her to marry him. What the hell had she been thinking? If she had said yes none of this would be happening. The minister smiled at the happy couple bringing her out of her depressive thoughts. "I now pronounce you husband and wife, you may kiss the bride." Everyone in the church smiled and clapped as Lucas kissed his new wife. Everyone except her. She felt her heart sink to the floor and she couldn't look at them anymore. When they both walked back down the aisle she stayed with her eyes trained on her feet.
Eventually everyone trailed out of the church to head to the reception but Peyton stayed seated. Brooke looked at her friend sadly. "I'm sorry Peyton," she said quietly. Peyton nodded, unable to vocalise her feelings at this moment in time. "What can I do?" Brooke added.
"Nothing," Peyton said with a sad smile. "I'm just going to sit here for a while and pray. For forgiveness and grace. I have a feeling I need a little of those today. Then I'm going home."
"You're not coming to the reception?" Brooke asked.
"If you were Lindsey would you want me there?" Peyton asked honestly. Brooke shook her head as Peyton continued. "I'm going to go home and have a good long cry. But don't let me stop you from enjoying yourself."
"Like I could when I know you're this upset," Brooke said honestly. "I'll come home with you."
"Thank you, but I'd rather be alone."
"You sure?"
"Definitely," she replied surely.
"Okay." Brooke gave her friend one last hug and then left Peyton alone in the church. It was a long time before Peyton could find the strength to get up and leave that building.
Will write more if there's interest. xxx