on for miles, desperately trying not to make eye contact with anyone. The room is packed full of Serena’s family, friends and our mutual work-colleagues. The registrar is looking at me with a puzzled expression on his face and I really don’t think I have ever been this mortified.
Talk about a ‘walk of shame.’ I know that I look like a complete state in my too-small dress and hooker-like hair but I keep my head high and walk as I had planned to when I thought I was going to be processing in front of Serena. I glide serenely to a silent tune in my head and I’m quite tempted to hum the Bridal March aloud to really entertain the gawping onlookers.
After what seems like an age I spot Sebastian. He looks beyond gorgeous in a pale grey suit and baby blue shirt, his hair neat against his head. Unsurprisingly, he is staring at me with his mouth open. I try not to laugh. I wink at him, give a jaunty wiggle and incorporate a little twirl into my walk. Ewan starts to giggle and Sebastian joins in. When I finally reach the front of the room I give a little curtsey to the watching crowd before grabbing Sebastian’s hand, like someone who has just completed a marathon would grab a bottle of water. He holds it tight and looks at me expectantly. His eyes run the length of my body and he’s clearly trying to think of what to say to get me to explain the situation to him. I put him out of his misery. Leaning in, I whisper to him
“Serena has set me up. I’m not a bridesmaid anymore. She’s done this to humiliate me.”
He nods. “You mean this isn’t how you’re going to look from now on?”
I give a loud snort and the people in the row behind audibly tut.
“I’m just going to test-drive it for today. If it’s a hit, then it’s a keeper.”
He gives me a big grin and in his eyes I can see concern for me mixed with something that I hope is unconditional love. I lower my voice further.
“Before I go all mushy, have you said anything to Ewan?”
He opens his mouth to reply but is silenced by the familiar introductory music played by the orchestra at the side of the room. As we stand he shakes his head at me.
“I couldn’t. There really was never the chance. Between you and me though, I think he knows something’s up.”
Serena is making her way down the aisle, clearly basking in the adoring gazes coming from all sides. Debbie passes closest to me and gives me an apologetic glance. I smile at her to try and let her know that I don’t blame her at all for Serena’s actions. Serena on the other hand doesn’t even look in my direction, keeping her eyes forward to her waiting groom.
Ewan is not looking at his future wife. He’s gone very pale and is staring intently at his neatly tied shoes. I squeeze Sebastian’s hand and he returns the pressure. Serena reaches the registrar and gives him the nod to start the ceremony. He indicates for us to sit and addresses the room.
“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to witness the celebration of love that Serena and Ewan have for each other. They have come here today to be joined in matrimony and make sacred promises to their life partner in front of you all.”
The registrar gets into his stride and starts to remind everyone about how special this union is and how is marriage is not something to be entered into lightly. Serena appears to be scanning the room for something (Or in my opinion, more likely someone) and a small frown is starting to appear on her perfectly made-up face. Ewan has noticed his fiancée’s concern and joins her in looking around the guests. He leans in to her and whispers something that I can’t make out. She shakes her head and turns back to the registrar. I tune back in to his speech.
“...They should speak now or forever hold their peace”
I am so tempted. Can you imagine it? They all think I’m bonkers anyway, so what harm could it do? Sebastian obviously knows what I’m thinking as he’s put his hand on my knee and is pressing down in a fashion that makes it clear to me that he does not think me jumping up and announcing that Serena is a lying,