My legs feel tired after a long day at work. Mom came to pick me up, and we just got home. It's been a long week, and tomorrow is finally a Saturday. But so is the wedding, and I have to be up early to get to the hotel where Susan and all the other girls will be getting ready. It's very close to the library, where the actual ceremony is at.
Mom and Dad look relaxed, working together in the kitchen as they make dinner. It's pizza night, and they both love it too much. I chuckle when I see Dad pull out the tray from the oven and act like he's gonna faint from the delicious aroma.
We all enjoy the amazing pizza together, and I have to stop Mom from making more, she's too excited. We move to the living room, and I sit with them for a while, absentmindedly watching the horror movie. When I feel my eyes droop, I let out a yawn, stretching my body and excusing myself, saying them both a goodnight as I head upstairs to my room.
I walk into my closet, undressing myself and looking for a comfortable set of pyjamas. I jump into the hot shower, lathering my body and cleaning myself thoroughly. I get out and grab a towel to dry myself off before putting on the pyjamas I picked.
Letting out a sigh, I climb into bed. Picking up my phone, I remember to set an alarm for the morning before I forget. I also text Tobias and tell him to be there around 11. He immediately responds, saying he can't wait to see me. I smile at that, then send him a sweet goodnight message before falling asleep.
I wake up to the sound of my alarm, turning it off and rolling over in the bed. I lay there till I'm fully awake, then get up to get ready. I hang my dress with its cover in the front of the closet, that's the only thing I have to carry along with a shoulder bag. I quickly go through my morning routine, and I'm ready in time.
Wearing a simple white top with jeans and a jacket on top, I put on the heels I'll be wearing with the dress. It looks odd with my simple outfit, but they match perfectly with my dress. I slowly climb down the stairs, and see that Dad is making some coffee for himself. He tells me Mom is still asleep, and I hug him goodbye before heading out.
The cab ride to the hotel is not long, and I take a deep breath before walking in. I ask the lady at the reception about the wedding, and she tells me that all the girls will be getting ready in room 607. I mumble her a thanks and go to the elevator.
My phone buzzes and I see that it's a good morning text from Tobias. He says he just woke up and will get ready and be here on time. I tell him that I just got to the hotel and will call him when I'm ready.
I reach the sixth floor and walk to room 607, ringing the bell. A girl I don't recognise opens the door, she's probably the makeup artist, and I enter. It's a big room, I think they call it a suite, and there are a lot of things scattered around everywhere. There are chairs set up in a line in front of a mirror, where other bridesmaids are getting ready.
"Beatrice! You're here!" Susan greets me from her chair, where she's being brushed and polished for the ceremony.
"Hi, Susan! Happy wedding day!" She gets up and comes to give me a hug, and I feel like she's my same old friend, only grown up.
I'm pushed into a chair by another makeup artist, and she starts putting stuff on my face. I tell her to keep it natural, I don't like looking like a doll. Susan continues talking and introducing me to the other girls. I try to focus on what she's saying but it's all flying past my head. I only recognise her younger cousin sister Elliot, who smiles and talks friendly with me. I remember we all used to play together as kids.
The lady keeps putting products on my face, though I decline a lot of what she's dabbing on me. Another one starts pulling on my hair from behind, and I jump a little before realising that she's curling it. Wow, this is getting crazy. I had no idea being part of weddings was this intense.
When they're done with me, they send me off into a room on the side to put on my dress. God, when will this be over? I look at myself in the mirror and internally scream. Luckily finding a box of tissues, I lighten most of the makeup, almost taking it off, but not quite. I only leave the light shimmer on my eyes and the lipstick. Turning to see my hair, I run my fingers through the curls, loosening them further. Okay, now that's much better.
I know I shouldn't be so stubborn, but I'm just not comfortable with wearing heavy makeup. I get ready slowly, I still have time. Carefully putting on the dress, I zip it from the side. Smoothing it out, I look at myself in the mirror, feeling satisfied with my look.
The dress is a black one-shoulder, and it reaches my toes, with a thigh high slit on one side to show off my black stilettos. It's very elegant, but also comfortable, and I'm glad I picked it. But I'm sure I'm gonna be cold wearing this outside. I just have to deal with it.
Reaching into my bag, I take out the silver earrings I brought. Hooking them on, I study myself in the mirror. Gathering my curls, I pull them over my naked shoulder, showing off the dangly earrings. I hear the doorbell ring and new voices echo outside. Realising that I'm holding this room, I quickly grab my stuff and walk out.
Susan gushes about my dress, and I blush, thanking her. She is still getting her hair done, it's an elaborate updo. I notice the new girls who just arrived whispering to each other, and I get the feeling that they're talking about me. Trying to shake it off, I focus my attention on helping the bride as much as I can. Although her maid-of-honour, Lily, says she'll handle everything.
"Hey, Tris. You wanna help me with some bridesmaid duties? We have to carry these to the venue." Elliot says, holding onto a bunch of bouquets, and several bags with other stuff.
"Sure, let me help you." I say, taking the bouquets from her. My phone buzzes in my bag just as I pick up all the pink roses, and I'm unable to check it. But I'm certain it's Tobias, and it's very likely that he's here. I can't wait to see him.
We walk into the elevator with the others who are ready. All the girls have a light conversation, mostly about how excited everyone is for the wedding. And after what seems like forever, the doors open to the lobby. I impatiently walk out, looking for my boyfriend. And there I see him, in a corner, looking dashing in a navy blue suit. His eyes are on his phone, probably waiting for a message back from me.
I excuse myself and begin walking to him, wanting his arms around me. Hearing the click of my heels on the marble floor, he looks up, and pauses, his breathing shallow. A deep blush immediately comes to my cheeks, and I feel his gaze travel all over my body.
"Woah, Tris. You look incredible." Tobias whispers.
"Thanks. So do you." I smile as I reach him.
"God, I wanna kiss you. But I also don't wanna ruin your makeup." He breathes, taking the flowers from me to free my hands.
"You can kiss me, it's all smudge proof." I laugh, and in a second, his mouth is on mine.
One hand holds all the flowers, while the other cups my face as he kisses me. I grab the lapel of his suit jacket, kissing him back eagerly. The heels make our height difference shorter, and I don't have to lean up on my toes to reach him, although he's still taller than me.
"There are no words to explain how gorgeous you look right now." He murmurs against my mouth.
"Tobias, you're gonna turn me into a tomato if you keep saying stuff like that." I blush.
"I don't mind. I love your blush." He chuckles.
"Come on, we have to take these to the venue. Can I keep my stuff in your car?" He nods and leads me outside, unlocking his car and placing my stuff on the backseat.
Tobias carries the flowers in one hand like they weigh nothing, and grabs mine with his other as he walks us down to the venue. I admire how sharp he looks, and bite my lip, trying to keep my thoughts decent.
Soon we reach the library, which is fully transformed into a wedding hall with black and pink decor. The bookshelves have been moved away, replaced by rows of chairs which leave space for an aisle leading up to the alter. If I hadn't been here before, I wouldn't be able to say that this used to be a library.
We walk around, and hand over the bouquets to Susan's mom. I don't get to talk to her properly as she's busy with other people. Tobias leads me away and I see another familiar face in the crowd. My brother Caleb with his girlfriend. I didn't think he'd show up.
"There's Caleb," I say to Tobias. He nods and we make our way to him, the people are really starting to fill in now.
"Beatrice! How are you?" Caleb smiles at me, giving me a hug.
"I'm good, Caleb. Hey, Cara. It's nice to see you again." I greet them both. "This is Tobias."
"Of course, how are you, Tobias?" Caleb gives him a hug, too. I frown a little, they look very comfortable around each other for a first meeting.
Our conversation continues, and a lot of people approach us, asking how I've been. It feels odd at first, as I don't recognise half of them, but maybe it's cause they knew me as a kid. Caleb brushes them off, instead talking about his work. I recognise a few other familiar people, but I'm never able to hold a conversation with them as everyone keeps interrupting me.
The ceremony is about to start now, and Lily comes to get me. I say a quick bye to Tobias and he walks with my brother to his seat. Then I go with her to take my place with the other bridesmaids. She hands me one of the rose bouquets, and we stand with the groomsmen. Everything is in place, and I notice Robert for the first time today, standing with Lily. He must be John's best man. The music starts and the ceremony officially begins.
Susan enters with her father, looking lovely. I watch her walk down slowly, but soon my attention is pulled away. My eyes are on Tobias's, who is staring back at me intensely. There's a strange look on his face, and I can't quite place what it means. He sits down beside Caleb when the bride takes her place, his eyes still on mine.
The rest of the ceremony goes by in a blur, and soon the officiant announces and congratulates the new couple. Everybody cheers, and I watch as the happy couple walks hand in hand down the aisle. Feeling eyes on me, I look at Tobias again. I don't know what's going on with him, but he mostly seems uncomfortable. His eyes flick past me to his surroundings, looking anxious, and then to me again.
After the ceremony, the other bridesmaids pull me along with them to click pictures. I try to smile for the camera, but my thoughts are still on Tobias and his weird behaviour. He comes to me when the cameraman stops for a change in setup, interrupting my conversation with another bridesmaid. I look at him confused, this is so unlike him. He is acting so strange, unlike his sweet self.
"Tris, let's go out into the garden." He grabs my hand.
The reception is in the garden area, with food and wine and music. I nod my head and let him lead me outside, apologising to the others. I realise that I make the worst bridesmaid.
"Are you okay, Tobias?" I ask him when we're outside. It's a little cold here, but the sunlight warms us a little. There are tables and chairs set up for everyone, and a stage to the side for the live music.
"Yeah, I'm fine. You?" He asks, turning to me.
"I'm fine, too. I'm just a little confused-" My words are again interrupted when a waiter passing us bumps into Tobias, spilling a little wine on his shoes.
"Damn it!" Tobias curses. The waiter stutters out an awkward apology and runs away. "This is a mess!"
"Go clean up a little. The men's room is that way." I point him in the direction.
He looks hesitant, a frown on his face, but nods, going to where I pointed. I let out a sigh and look around. Everyone's in a good mood, dancing to the music of the band, eating the food, and laughing. I look for Caleb but don't find him anywhere, then walk a little to the front and watch the band play.
This day has been a weird roller-coaster of a ride, I just want it to be over already. I watch as John and Susan kiss, dancing together as everyone surrounds them. I'm really happy for her.
I'm lost in thoughts when I'm suddenly embraced by a stranger. Pushing him away, I realise that it's Robert. Oh, god.
"Beatrice! How are you? I didn't get a chance to say hello before. You look so pretty, by the way. Thanks a lot for agreeing to be a part of my sister's wedding. I know she appreciates it a lot." He blabbers on.
"Robert, it's good to see you, too. It's been a while." I say, trying to muster up a smile.
"Yeah, it's really good to see you. I've missed you." He says, his eyes travelling over me in a way that makes me entirely uncomfortable. "You wanna dance with me? The next song's starting."
"Uh, I'm sorry, I'm waiting for my boyfriend." I decline him, but he doesn't get a hint.
"I'm sure he won't mind if you share a dance with me." He smirks, his eyes changing with a sudden glint of something unfamiliar.
"I don't-" I try to say no to him again, when Tobias cuts in, walking quickly between us, his breath short.
"I'm sorry, are you Tris's boyfriend?" Robert questions him with a smirk.
"Please excuse us." Tobias practically drags me away, without answering Robert, and keeps walking till we are all the way out, away from everyone and all the noise. I yank my arm away from him, his strong hold on it hurting me a little, and I start to get really mad now.
"Tobias, what the hell was that?" I ask him, annoyed.
"Tris, please just stay close to me, I don't want you to-"
"You don't want me to be around others, is that it? What's going on with you?" This is so unlike him.
"I just want you to be safe, okay? I know you don't understand right now, but please listen to me." He grabs my hand again.
"And what if I don't?" I challenge him.
"Tris, this is not the time to be acting stubborn, you need to stay close to me, you understand?" He warns me, pissed.
"No, I don't understand! You won't let me talk to anyone, you're staring at me with that weird look, you practically dragged me out of there! What is going on?"
"I'm just trying to keep you safe! Caleb and Cara had to leave, so-"
"Keep me safe from what?" I question, shaking my head, not understanding his behaviour.
"I think we should leave now, Tris." He pulls me along further.
"What? No, we have to go back inside!" I try to stop him.
"I'm sorry, I can't let you." He says, and my anger builds on.
"You can't let me? You have no right to tell me what to do, Tobias! Why are you being so possessive?" I ask loudly, really mad now, pulling my fingers away from his hold.
"Because I'm your husband and I fucking love you, Tris!" He yells out, his face red with annoyance.
There's a long silence after his words are spoken. I can feel the air around us become heavy. The words hang around us for a few seconds, and Tobias tenses up, a look of regret on his face as he looks into my eyes closely.
"What did you say?" I whisper. There's no way he could take those words back, I heard him clearly. He said he is my husband? What is going on with him today?
"I-, I-, that's not what I meant to say." He stumbles on his words, shaking his head.
"Tobias, I heard you. Explain yourself now!" I demand, feeling my eyes well up with tears. This day just keeps getting worse.
"Can we go somewhere private?" He whispers, looking extremely anxious. I nod my head, mostly because I want to get out of the cold. He goes to reach for my hand, but I pull it away. I don't know if I trust him right now.
We walk side by side down the empty street till we reach his car. I'm hesitant to get in, but I have to know what he meant, so I do. Sitting quietly in the passenger seat, I stare at him, waiting for him to speak up.
"It's true. I am your husband, Tris. We got married two years ago." He speaks, looking at me carefully.
"Is this some sort of prank? I swear, Tobias, I don't like one bit of-"
"It's not a prank. You lost your memories two months ago, Tris. You were in a really bad accident. Tris? Tris!" My sight blurs, and I can't seem to hear the words he speaks. The last thing I notice is his worried tear-stained face before I pass out.
A/N: The big reveal! Did any of you see this coming? Let me know your thoughts in the review! And stay tuned!