Maura rose slowly, trying to remain as graceful as possible, yet feeling anything but grace. Briefly, her mind flashed back to a night spent on her sofa, researching wedding toasts online. Well, there was no use delaying the inevitable.
The fashionable woman slunk around the edges of the room, not looking forward to loaded small talk that dominated wedding receptions. Eventually, Maura caught the DJ's glance and pointed to the microphone. After this song was over, it would be her turn to toast a couple that should have never gotten past the three month mark. After mentally repeating her key-points for what seemed like the hundredth time, Maura realized that the music was dying down. It was time.
It was time, and her mind suddenly could not remember her well-prepared speech. So many years of training her brain to memorize everything from scientific facts to a brand's signature design elements, and here she was unable to recall a speech she had just mentally rehearsed 5 minutes ago. Eventually the lack of music caused everyone turned to turn towards the DJ, who in turn stared at Maura.
She couldn't take the tension any longer. Reaching out towards the microphone, she began, "When I met Jane, I was sure that I would never know what it meant to have a friend. I didn't think I was capable. Jane taught me otherwise." Maura couldn't help but smile, "Unlike most people, Jane chose a path that led to us developing incredibly strong bonds, both professionally and personally. I have never been more content, than with the life, the family, we formed."
"Well… all paths come to an end, and soon we are presented with a fork in the road. And when Jane saw the fork, she made the," Maura paused, "remarkable decision of choosing Casey. So here we are, today, to witness the merging of two lives–Casey's and Jane's, up until now so full of life and vibrancy, with her sense of duty so carefully balanced with her gifts of love for her family & friends. I wish you both the best of luck, and may we all be here in another 20 years to witness the fruits of your union."
The drink burned Maura's throat, as she uncharacteristically tipped the glass back, and drank it all in one shot. It was time to leave.