Chapter 4: The Bachelor Party

"Well, Cecil," laughed Edward, "I am glad to know that you enjoyed the cake, even without the traditional entertainment. It just seemed inappropriate for a scantily clad lady to jump out of a cake for a married man!"

The men chuckled at Edward's attempted lewd humor. Had there been a nude woman hiding in the cake, the four other party guests would have died of shock! Edward was such a nice man, probably too nice. And placing a woman in a morally compromising position would be so far out of his character that…well…then again, he did elope…anyway…

Around the table sat Yang, Cecil, Edward, Edge, and Cid. Although only five of them, they were quite a rowdy bunch. Thinking about it later, Edward supposed he had provided a little too much wine, but on second thought, he realized that they had a heck of a lot of fun!

"A toast to our married friend," shouted Yang. All the men held up their glasses in celebration. "So, how does it feel?"

"To be married?" Cecil laughed. "Well, I can't leave my dirty socks on the floor anymore, my bed is mysteriously made every morning, oh, and Rosa is already begging for a child." He looked helplessly at his companions. "I happened upon an abandoned kitten and presented it to her just days after our wedding. She was delighted, but while I thought taking care of the little one would keep her occupied, it only heightened her motherly instincts. She absolutely insists that this experience has fine-tuned her parenting skills and that she is ready to mother a human now."

Tactful as ever, Cid spoke up, "So, is she pregnant yet?"

"Not yet, but, uh, well, how can I put this politely?" He placed his finger at his chin, creating the illusion of deep thought. "I most enjoy the pretense of trying."

The slightly drunken men roared with laughter. Cid, after regaining his composure, came around the table to refill drinks. Upon reaching Edge's glass, he was disturbed to find it untouched. Its owner was staring into space, the conversation clearly too much for him.

"What troubles you my friend?" Yang, catching Cid's confused look, directed his question at Edge.

A knowing expression dawned on Cid's face, and he said, "Take it from an older man. A look like that means only one thing. He has a troubled heart." Cid turned to Edge, "So, who is the lucky woman?"

Edge didn't answer. Instead he put his head down on the table.

Obviously Edge was fighting some serious depression. The men eyed their freshly poured drinks longingly before exchanging determined glances. It was time for some man-to-man-to-man-to-man-to-man psychotherapy. It was time to put the mushy, teary, touchy-feely, womanly stuff aside and get to the point before the wine warmed to room temperature.

Cecil, the unspoken but assumed leader, broke the silence and said, "It's Rydia isn't it?"

When he didn't receive a response, he continued, "Rosa noticed your standoffish behavior at our wedding in general, and especially toward Rydia. In fact, that is all she could discuss that night. Our wedding night for crying out loud! And instead of wanting me, she wanted to discuss her friend's love life!"

That brought a faint smile to Edge's lips. Progress, though Cecil. Finally!

Encouraged, Edward spoke out. "Edge, it has been obvious to us how you feel about Rydia for quite some time." Edge looked at him, disbelief plain in his expression. Edward continued, "Sure, we've noticed your flirtation, and we've also noticed Rydia's."

"You mean you guys talk about us?" Edge seemed almost horrified.

"Well of course we do. Duh, we're only human, and humans gossip like no others!" responded Cid.

"Hush Cid," scolded Edward. He turned back to Edge and said, "I just want to tell you something. I have been in love, and I have lost too. But at least I had a chance. Edge, take my advice. Don't let her go just yet. You will spend your life wondering and hurting. And perhaps she will too."

Lifting his wine glass, he toasted, "To love!"

The men, even Edge, followed Edward's gesture, "To love!" The evening continued, very pleasantly, though no further mention was made of Edge's psychosis. Edge focused on the perfectly aged wine, and after a few more glasses, was able to laugh almost heartily at Yang's and Cecil's stories regarding the perils of married life.