2
She clutches his arm, tightly, just as tightly as she does the bouquet of roses and ferns in her left arm; the bouquet that almost did not make the wedding, until a generous neighbour, as his last duty for the day, had asked the shopkeeper he had been working for for years if the bundle of 'nothing' a customer had rejected could be taken with him. The shopkeeper of course, demanded some extra lifting of boxes in return.In the midst of her clutch, she feels the weight of her jewellery and veil suddenly become more present than before. The veil, tediously sewn together, with rosettes that now matched her bouquet, were a gift from her grandmother, the woman who for years had only shown a prime example of tough love. The countless gold chains round her neck together with her sparkly earrings as given by her mother, convinced her that she looked like the bride he expected her to be.
Even as her ivory dress, satin gloves, jewellery and flowers seem to fit beautifully according to the contours of her body, she feels a hinge of uncertainty for the future she has just promised herself to. Doubts of her ever being able to satisfy her duties as wife and mother float endlessly in her deep sea of thoughts.
His crisp, white suit, fitted to match her dress feels somewhat uncomfortable in the humid weather of the time of day. His striped necktie, stoic in its position, adds to the stifling situation. But with each droplet of sweat, he is determined not to show his uneasiness. He recalls the arguments and trouble that came with simply deciding on his garment for the day. All that mattered at this time was her happiness. His would be secondary.
As he feels the tight grip she has on him, he senses a different sort of uneasiness. He feels the skepticism of the people around him together with his own insecurities of being able to provide for her, and God-willing, the children that will follow. He brushes those thoughts off, leaving them to another day.
He momentarily catches a glimpse of her, beautifully made up and adorned, now counting his blessings to be able to be known as her husband. His chest fills with manly pride, knowing how he will be the envy of many once word gets round. He congratulates himself, shamelessly, for being able to get her father's seal of approval, after months of predicament, and coming out of the lion's den unharmed.
The church bells ring as they stand together. He pulls her closer to him, as she clutches tighter, almost gnawing at his flesh. The cameraman calls, and they smile, vanishing all doubts instantaneously. 3
Adding your comment:
