"It's your big day. You nervous?"
I pulled at my tie. "I guess you could say that."
Luther threw his arm over my shoulder. "Get excited man, you're getting hitched!"
Cleo nervously patted my forehead with a cloth. "Get your grubby hands off Simon! If you mess up this suit, I'll kill you!"
Marcel sighed, chopping both Cleo and Luther on the head.
"Both of you, scram. We're starting soon."
They scurried out of the room as I hid my laughter.
"Those two will never change."
Marcel narrowed his eyes, storming forward as he raised his hands.
"Those idiots didn't even tell you your tie was messed up."
He gently unfastened my tie, redoing it with a smile.
"You remember back when we were kids, Simon… we fought so much."
"Who would've guessed that I'd be your best man."
I smiled. "What are you talking about… we didn't fight, you only beat me up."
We both laughed as I placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Marcel… I wouldn't want anyone else in the whole wide world as my best man."
"It could only be you."
His hands shook as he tightened my tie.
"There… now you don't look like an idiot anymore."
The door swung open as Dahlia popped her head inside.
"WHAT ARE YOU IDIOTS DOING?!"
Marcel half-waved. "Sorry, sorry, had to fix the boss man's tie."
I cringed. "Please don't call me that."
"Hurry!" Dahlia shouted as she ran ahead.
Marcel gave me a quick pat on the shoulder. "Come on, let's catch up!"
We dashed out of the room, racing down the corridor as we stepped into the venue.
Jackson stood at the end of the aisle as flowers were scattered across it.
I slowly walked forward, Marcel by my side.
"It's beautiful!"
On one side of the arch stood Cleo and Luther, the other side Dahlia, Alex, and Jackson.
Marcel ran to Luther's side, wiping his forehead.
Bells rang throughout the venue.
Ms. Valeria exited the corridor, holding the hand of Runi.
Her dress stole the breath straight from my lungs.
They stood at the end of the aisle.
Then they took a step.
Opening my eyes, a tear streamed down my cheek.
I looked up at the dark sky, masked by trees and branches.
"Just a dream, huh…"
I shifted onto my side as the grass rustled beneath me.
"Runi..."