Chapter
33
Brian’s point of view
Nick’s wedding came finally. It had been scheduled for a year
before now (in 2015), but sadly one of Kaz’s relatives, her grandfather, became
seriously ill, and she had to go home in case of the worst. Being as close as
sisters, both Clare and J went back to the UK with her. Clare’s sense of duty
to her in particular was astounding – I soon learned from them that Kaz had
known her older friend literally all her life. Nick knew all three of them
well, and both he and Clare postponed the wedding so when the time came for
tying the knot, Kaz could be there too.
Nick had spent much of this time in the UK with Clare, Kaz and J
for emotional support. Unfortunately, the worst occurred, and Kaz’s grandfather
died. The four of our friends didn’t return for quite some time, but it was
only natural for Kaz to want some time to mourn before she returned to the US.
(Authors note: this never happened! My
grandfather is still very much alive at the moment. It’s just for the plot.)
I made extra sure I gave Kaz a big, comforting hug when she got
back. I told her I knew what it was like to lose relatives all too well, grimly
remembering Kevin. She thanked me but clearly didn’t want to talk about it.
Anyway, now here I was, sitting in the Church after the weeks of
running around like headless chickens with the arrangements. Leighanne sat on
my left, with Julie sitting on her lap. Howie was sitting on my left with an
expression of gladness for Nick. Yet, I was sure I saw a hint of disappointment
there too. He must have been remembering his failed relationship with his last
girlfriend, Kate.
Howie was at the end of the pew we were sitting on, but opposite
on the next pew along sat Kristin. I felt a sense of guilt as I glanced over to
her. I had never told her about my problem with hearing the voice in my head so
many years back. Even if it were real, it would have been sick and cruel to
confront Kristin with it. She was at the end of her pew, strategically choosing
that spot in case she had to leave from overwhelming memories of her husband.
The service proceeded smoothly, and I grinned at Nick proudly,
expressing my happiness for him. Yet, it wasn’t long before it became too much
for Kristin, and she discreetly stood up and began to head for the Church
doors.
Both Howie and me turned our heads curiously. Howie elbowed my
ribs gently, looking at me questioningly. I understood, and tapped his arm,
urging him to follow her.
Howie tried to be discreet as possible, but managed to distract a
few faces from the wedding for a brief moment. He jogged away after Kristin and
disappeared outside. I turned back to the service, knowing there was little I
could do from here.
Howie’s point of view
“Kristin?” I called softly.
I didn’t expect an answer, so started search around the direct
area. I found her leaning against a wall, her shoulders shaking as she wept
quietly.
“Kristin…” I began hesitantly. “I understand.”
She just nodded without a word, too choked by tears to reply. I
was truthful: I did understand why she got up and left the Church.
“Here, take this,” I handed her a handkerchief from my pocket. I
had been saving it for myself in case I got a bit emotional and let a few happy
tears for Nick escape. Kristin needed it more now, though. She took it and
managed a timid ‘Thank You’.
After she wiped her eyes, she looked up at me, filled with inner
pain of her memories of her own wedding, always realising that her beloved had
been cruelly taken away long ago.
“I want him back…” she stated through tears. “I want him back so
badly.”
She fell into my arms, and I hugged her tightly.
“I know…”
I wished I had brought a spare handkerchief. Tears began to course
down my cheeks now, and I remembered watching Kevin die in that dark alley, in
front of all of us.
“So do I….”
Brian’s point of view
The service was nearing its end now. They were getting to the
vows. Yet, a distracting felling emerged within me. I couldn’t explain why, but
an intense feeling of sadness and loss overwhelmed me. It was as if someone had
torn part of me away. I closed my eyes and frowned painfully. It was like
….losing someone.
I felt my wife’s hand on mine, and my eyes snapped open. I looked
at her curiously.
“What’s wrong?” she
whispered worriedly.
“Nothing…. Nothings wrong.” I
replied, squeezing her hand for reassurance.
The service had now ended, and Nick and Clare were walking back
down the aisle. Everyone was clapping now, and I joined in.
But why had I felt a sudden sense of loss …….at a wedding, of all
places?
***
