I See You

     She thought he had seen David slap her after the wedding rehearsal.  She hoped not.  She didn’t want anyone to know.   He had only hit her once before.  She had explained the bruises away to her own clumsiness and everyone had bought it.   Now he refused to attend the rehearsal dinner with her.  Instead he would rather go smoke a joint with the best man and get drunk than be with her and face the family.  What was she getting herself into?  She wanted to run away but her parents had spent so much money already on the wedding.    Her mother insisted she would be happy once she was married.  After all, David’s family was at the pinnacle of society.  She could hear her mother say it and see the excitement in her eyes as she said it.  The mental image made her physically ill.  She simply wasn’t as sure.  She didn’t drink.  She didn’t do drugs.  She was certain she didn’t love him and perhaps she never had.  Wouldn’t it be better to be alone than saddled with someone who deep down she feared?

       She put on a brave face and joined her family, making excuses for him.  She was always making excuses for him.  She was marrying into a good family.  Her future husband was successful and everyone told her they were so happy for her and that her future looked so bright.    The day of her wedding dawned bright.   There was a flurry of activity all around her as she got ready.  Her gown was beautiful, the flowers exquisite.   She knew she should be happy, but all she wanted was to run away.  Too much money had been spent.  Too many people were waiting in the sanctuary.  She simply couldn’t back out, no matter how uneasy and unsure she felt about going through with the marriage.  Her mother would never forgive her.  What would everyone say?  She would never be able to hold her head up in public again.

         It was time.  Her daddy entered the room and smiled brightly.  “You look so beautiful!” he said as he embraced her.  It was only the two of them.  Everyone else had left to take their places.  He looked into her eyes and took her hand.  “You know you don’t have to do this.”  Startled, she looked at her father, really looked at him.  His eyes were endless pools of blue and she felt his gaze touch her soul.  He knew.  She knew he did.  She started to deny her feelings and lie.  She began to tell him she was fine and everything would be wonderful.  Then she saw the look in his eyes.  “I saw him hit you last night.”  She looked at him panic stricken and he rushed to reassure her.  “Even if I hadn’t I have seen that you are not happy and will never be happy with him.   Sometimes the heart sees what is invisible to the eye.  ”   Hearing those words spoken aloud caused her to crumble against him.  “Oh Daddy, all that money on the wedding!!” she exclaimed.     He reached into his pocket and pulled out his keys.  “You go; I will clean things up here.  Don’t worry my dear, everything will be alright.  I want you happy and safe.  Your prince charming is out there somewhere waiting for you.  Trust me; this one is not the one no matter how much money he has.”  He hugged her again and with one final glance, she hurried away.  He adjusted his tie, and went to announce that his little girl wouldn’t be getting married today and to thank everyone for coming.

This fictional story was written for the 

Write Tribe Wednesday writing prompt "Sometimes the heart sees what is invisible to the eye."

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