The Unwanted Promise (New Cover, Same Story)

21. What Happened Next

I could tell with her actions that this was not a normal day for her. Something was going to happen. 

The doorbell rang quarter after ten, and Chia shot up out of her seat, rubbing her hands together. Bee's father gets up to answer. We all look on as Matt is standing in the doorway with his elders flanking either side of him.

Today Matt addresses him as father. Looking my father-in-law right in the eyes, with his determined eyes, Matt said, "Father, can we please come in?"

My father-in-law looks over at Chia, and back at Matt and his guest. "Come on in. Sit in the living room, and let's talk."

All the men made their way in, shaking hands with Bee's father as they pass him. Before sitting down, they shook hands with Bee as well. Bee and Matt had always fooled around, but today they did a formal shake, greeting each other.

Getting off the couch to make room, I call over to a nervous Chia. Pulling her out of the room, we go fill up cups of water enough for our guest and family. It wasn't just for formality, Chia looked like she needed to breathe otherwise she would have passed out.

The moment I was ready to go back out there was the moment I rethought bringing Chia along. She was over worried, and freaking out.

"Luna, what if dad doesn't let me go? What if I am a bad wife? What if I am a bad daughter-in-law? What if mom doesn't think I'm qualified to be a wife and she tells Matt that he is better off without me? I'm so scared."

In that moment my mind goes blank. What do I tell this terrified girl to assure her that everything would be okay, when all I wanted to do was run away when I was in her spot more than a year ago.

A lump forms in my throat, remembering the past. No matter how simple her engagement was going, I could feel the fear with her. Agreeing to be in a marriage was too simple and too huge. A tear slides down Chia's cheek.

The tray of cups I had in my hand is placed back on the table. Walking over to Chia, I hug the girl who had been my older sister for the last year.

"Are you crazy? Mom and Dad knows how much in love you guys are. They have been waiting for this moment. I'm sure they are worried, giving their first daughter away, but they only want you to be happy. They love Matt, I think even more than they do half of us. He spoils and treats them so good, they probably would have adopted him if you didn't marry him. 

"And you would never be a bad wife or daughter-in-law. You and Matt know each other back and forth, both of you, together, are meant to be. Plus, look at me, I would never have made it this far unless I had you to help me. After me, I'm sure you can handle anything that happens. Have more faith in yourself. You are more amazing than you think."

Pulling away from each other, Chia sniffles a few times before she could get anything out. "Do you really think so?"

"Of course. You have parents out there who love you. A man who is willing to give his all to bring you home. And honestly, you are worth all that tension in that room." 

Right as I finish, Bee pops into the room. "Is everything okay in here? Mom was giving me the stink eye and everybody is waiting for you guys."

Chia sniffled some more and wiped away her tears. She nodded and walked toward the door. I grab the tray of cups and follow after.

The events after go smoother. Matt takes Chia and leaves in the middle. Although there were tears in Chia's eyes, she smiled and laughed as she was walking away embraced in Matt's arms. Wiping away my own tears, I smiled for her happiness.

Bee and I stuck around longer, as we waited for those who would represent Chia's family in her wedding. A process I never got to witness as I was whisked away during my own wedding.