Speak Now

Lemony stood outside the church, holding a newspaper clipping in his hand. This was the church Beatrice and Bertrand were getting married in. "I'm not the kind of man who should be gate-crashing weddings," he said to himself, "But she's not the woman who should be marrying the wrong man." He stepped inside the church, and stood behind the curtains, his face stony. He glanced up toward the front and saw some of Beatrice's friends and Bertrand's snotty family talking away. He quickly looked away. Somewhere in the back, he heard Bertrand yelling at a brides maid, who had on a gown shaped like a cupcake. He shook his head and rolled his eyes. Bertrand always was a bit dramatic. 'This can't be what you thought it would be like, Beatrice.' Lemony thought. He soon lost himself to a daydream, where he stood up and said; "Don't say yes, Beatrice, just run away. I'll meet you when you're out of the church around back. Don't hesitate, don't say a single word. You have to hear me out!"

Gestures are exchanged, and the organ starts to play. 'Sounds like a death march…' Lemony thought to himself. 'And apparently, I was uninvited by you're oh-so-wonderful husband to be.'

Bertrand looked at Beatrice, who slowly walked down the aisle, a fake smile plastered to her face. She looked so beautiful, in that simple white dress. So elegant. Lemony found himself jealous of Bertrand. 'Don't you wish it was me, Beatrice?' he screamed in his mind.

The preacher starts the ceremony. 'Time's running out, Beatrice. Hear me out…' "… Speak now, or forever hold your peace." said the preacher slowly. There's a long silence. 'Here's my chance…' Lemony stood up, his hands shaking. All eyes turned to him, horrified. Lemony just looked at his one true love. "I'm not the kind of man who should be gate crashing weddings," Lemony said, still looking at Beatrice, "But you aren't the kind of girl who should be marrying the wrong man. Please, Beatrice, don't say yes. Run away, and I'll meet you when you're out of the church around back. Hurry, don't wait, don't say your vows. You have to hear me out." Lemony looked at her pleadingly.

Beatrice looked at him, shocked. Emotions rushed through her; love, relief, betrayal… Mostly betrayal. She set her jaw and turned back to the preacher. "Let's continue." she said stonily.

Lemony stared.

Bertrand and Beatrice were pronounced husband and wife.

Lemony slid onto the floor, his legs no longer able to hold him up. Even after the crowd dispersed, he was still sitting there. He let the tears come. "Beatrice." he murmured over and over again.

Jacques walked into the nearly empty church. "Lemony…" he said quietly. "I'm so sorry."

Lemony stared at the floor. "My Beatrice…"

Jacques sat down beside his brother silently.

Lemony laid his head on Jacques' shoulder. "She ignored me. She rejected me…"

"I know." Jacques murmured.

"I don't know why-" A sob hitched in is throat.

"Oh Lemony…" Jacques said sadly. "My dear brother."

Lemony cried silently on Jacques' shoulder.

Jacques let him cry, knowing it would be easier once he let it out. He knew.