"Whew I'm glad we got most of the shopping done today" I say as we walk down fourth avenue in Oborozooka district. My hands are full with bags and so are Elma's.

"FREE MENU SAMPLING!" Elma exclaims and runs across the double lane road like a mad woman. I am taken aback that nothing struck her.

"Wait Elma!" She doesn't hear me. I have a hard time catching up with her. When I make it across the road I look around but I don't see her. Being with her is like looking after a child sometimes but I don't mind it.

Where did she run off to again? This was the second time she did so on our shopping trip.

Food, that's it! Where there's food, there's Elma.

So I scan my surroundings looking for possible signs of food. I check the hotdog stand but she's not there. I remember what she said- something about "free menu sampling". So I glance around once more to see I'm standing right in front of our local wedding hall. There is a standing sign that reads

"Free menu sampling today for all couples!

Come in and try our delectable food to make your wedding truly memorable."

OH MY GOD!

I quickly enter the building. I see Elma at the reception desk.

I hear their conversation from a distance.

"Sorry ma'am but you need to have a partner with you in order to try the menu." The receptionist looks obviously tired of Elma standing there. Elma looks like a sore thumb.

I approach the desk. I'm so embarrassed right now. "Um we're sorry. This was clearly a misunderstanding. Let's go Elma." I tug her sleeve.

"Oh Nai you finally reached. This lady was telling me I can't try their delicious food unless I have you with me"

The young brunette receptionist examines us. She smiles. "Oh my! You guys are cute. Well you can both go through the door on your left."

"Elma I don't think it's a good idea. You've caused enough trouble for today" I say firmly.

"But Nai, I promise I'll be good" she says with puppy dog eyes, clearly welling up. I can't resist them. I think about it. Trying their food can't be so bad. It's not that I'm interested but Elma clearly wants it.

I sigh giving into her desires.

"Fine."

"YAY what are we waiting for then?" Elma grabs my hand and we walk through the door into a large spacious room. I see about five couples- smiles on all of their faces. They look so happy. Each couple has their own event planner. A tall blonde in a light pink sundress come up to us. Se is carrying a clipboard."Hello there. My name is Minami. I will be assisting you both today. Both of you, please make yourself comfortable." The three of us sit at a small round table.

Elma looks confused. She raises her hand.

"Yes?" Minami responded.

"Um I was made to believe that I could try some of your delicious food for no cost."

"Yes Miss. We'll get to that soon enough however our policy here is that the couple must have a rehearsal ceremony first. It's like a real wedding after all. First the ceremony, then the food."

"Ohhh I understand now" Elma says enthusiastically.

My hands are becoming clammy. "Oh no! I didn't prepare for this. I'm not ready for a fancy ceremony even if it's a fake one. I don't know what to do." I think of the beautiful girls I see on their wedding day, walking down the aisle in movies and my mind calls back the memories of attending my cousin's wedding 8 years ago. How gorgeous she looked! I'm not even that pretty to dress up and play bride. This is clearly not for me.

"Er will the rehearsal cost us?" Elma asks.

"It's absolutely free of cost. However if you like what you get here, we'll give you a twenty-percent discount if you book your wedding ceremony and reception with us."

"Um I'm not feeling well. Is there a bathroom I can use around here?" I ask Minami.

"Yes. Just go through the first door you see when you turn the corner."

Elma looks concerned. I hope she doesn't follow me. I need some time to think and be alone.

I speed walk to the bathroom and close the door. Luckily there's no one here.

I look at myself in the mirror. "Nayura, what are you doing? This is not for you. You were never one of the pretty girls in your class. You never got fifty prom proposals, not even a single one. You will never be a beautiful bride so quit your delusions." I grit my teeth.

"Baa-kaa!"

I gasp. My eyes shift to my right in horror. Of course, Elma is standing there. She apparently got in and I was so focused on my self-loathing, I didn't hear her come in.

"Um Elma, um how long were you standing there?"

She shook her head. "Long enough to hear the horrible and untrue things you said about yourself."

Yes I'm aware I sounded like an insecure teenager there but sheesh, she didn't have to rub it in. She came closer to where I was standing which was over the sink. She took my right hand in her hands and clasped them closely to her bosom. "Nai, listen to me. You need to have more confidence in yourself. I like you for who you are and nothing will change that. But it seems no matter how much I tell you this, you are still somewhat insecure about your appearance. You don't have to be. I accept you and that's all that matters okay?" She pauses. I'm unable to look her in the eye so I keep my focus on my shoe. "I'm sorry for causing you so much trouble today so I will make up for it. If you don't like this, then we could just go home."

Why? Why does she always have to save me? Why can't I save myself for once?

Maybe she's right. Maybe I should grow up. I'm lucky to have someone who accepts me for the way I look. What was I thinking, running off like a little brat?

I gave her the best smile I can. I want her to know I'm her wife and I will be brave for her.

"Let's get married" I say confidently.

"Are you sure?" Elma asks, placing her hands on my shoulders.

"Then, if this is what you want, let's do it. Let's go out there and show them we're the best couple" she says with a burst of enthusiasm.

I laugh. "We're not competing with anybody."

"I know." We look each other in the eye and share another laugh.

PART TWO COMING SOON

I'd like to say a warm thank you to my friend 4AD for the continued support.