I'm Not Your Babe, I'm Not Your Babe, Fernando
Theme song: Judas by Lady Gaga
Her eyes lighten up when she sees him. The corners of her lips curl upward. She leans in closer to the man next to her. The diamond ring around her finger flashes in the light. She whispers something in the man's ear. Together they turn to smile at him. He doesn't smile back. He gives them a small nod. He's aware of people looking at him, waiting for his reaction. He's not here to make a scene. He's here to attend his best friend's wedding. He takes another sip of his champagne. She looks good, he has to admit. Marriage suits her. He's glad she's happy. He's glad she found the perfect man. He doesn't blame her for breaking up their engagement and marrying another man. She made the right decision. They are, as a matter of fact, too different. They loved each other, but they never wanted the same things. He can understand why she didn't(or rather couldn't) wait for him. He was far far away in another country. And she was lonely.
"Brett, my man! Come over here" The half-drunk groom bellows from the other side of the reception hall. "I want you to meet somebody!"
He puts down the glass and stands up. This is the first time he comes back to his small home town since his discharge from the Army. All his families are here. Most of his childhood friends chose to stay or come back here. Most of them have settled down and started their own families. He's glad they are all happy. He's glad they have beautiful wives, smart pets, and and cute kids. Everyone says he looks just the same, but he knows he has changed. He has changed a lot. He started changing the day he made up his mind and picked a very different path. He knew he might lose her if he went away. But he had to take the chance. He had to see the world. He had to experience life and death. With, or without her. He knew he was being selfish. But he couldn't help it. He felt so guilty when he saw her tears. He has to be who he really is. Whatever the cost.
He shakes hands with new acquaintances. He dances and dances again with the bride's still single elder sister. He laughs at old friends' jokes and drinks champagne. No one knows he had her name tattooed on his arm one night when he was drunk. And sometimes, just sometimes, he still dreams of her beautiful smile.
~END OF TATT EIGHT: NAME OF A WOMAN~
Author's Note: You can find the answers to your questions in my profile.
