LEOPARD: THE ENEMY WITHIN

Trouble in paradise

I wore a simple wedding gown. White, body hugging and plain. I had argued with Mom about it for hours till Dad intervened and let me have my way. I looked in the mirror and smiled.

"Off the market. Goods no longer on display." I told Celine.

She roared with laughter. She was in a navy blue netted dress that made her skin look pale. We had invited Joe and Troy plus quite a number of Mom’s workmates. But I wanted the day done and gone. I wanted to move on to the next phase. But felt sad. My family was so used to me. Would they be okay without me?        

Dad came for me. It was time to go. When he held my chin and looked me in the eye, he saw sadness. He knew. He embraced me and said he would always be a phone call away. We held hands and walked into the lounge, to song and dance.

I danced, held Dad’s hand and danced. Mom was there in African wear, a turban on her head. She was elegant and the happiest I had seen her. We danced all the way to the car, to songs that basically advised me how to be a good wife, submissive and quiet. Oh Carter would have laughed his ribs off.         

I walked down the aisle with Dad. It was not a big church. A reverend would officiate. My brothers had just walked in with Mom, then Celine. My veil was transparent but I still wouldn’t look ahead.

I held Dad’s arm tightly. Doubt crowded my heart. A thousand questions lingered. What if it went south? What if I had rushed?

My steps were heavy. They were slow. They got slower till I stopped. Dad stopped and turned to look at me. Tears. He embraced me, rubbed my back and reiterated, I was still his princess. I smiled and moved back.

When I looked at the altar, Carter was there looking handsome but very nervous. I smiled, held my chin up and finished the walk to him.

“I give you my child, happy and in one piece. Take care of her. You know her family,” Dad said, smiled at Carter.

“I promise on my life, I will take good care of Elsa for as long as I live,” Carter said respectfully.          

While Dad left for his seat, Carter held my hands and looked me in the eye. I obviously had been crying. He asked how I was, saw me smile. The reverend went on and on while I gazed into those green eyes.

Then Carter was asked to unveil me. He was asked if I was the woman he intended to marry. He responded eagerly, his hands on my cheeks. We exchanged vows, a tear escaping my eye. Then the rings. Then the kiss and the cheers. We signed the certificate and soon enough, it was time for the party.         

Carter and I danced. He asked if I was happy. I was happy. We would stay at his place in Lyon and forge life from there. I looked at him and said I hadn’t been happier.

That was true. We would head to the coast for a four day honeymoon then back to work. Carter’s hands firmly stroked my lower back as I rested my head on his shoulder till I gasped.“Are you nervous about going to bed?” he asked as my lips landed on his neck.

“Yes, husband. I am very nervous,” I whispered into his neck.

“No need to be nervous, you will like it. I promise you,” he whispered, still stroking my back.        

Carter and I got on his bike as rice was thrown at us. I held on to him as he raved the engine and sped off to the airport. Soon enough, we were on a flight to the coast. I was still in the wedding dress.

Carter had ditched the tie and coat and still looked great in the grey trousers and white shirt. We held hands. I was nervous. Sending to war would be easier than the night I was walking into. By we got to our hotel, I was literally shaking and no amount of encouragement from Carter would make me better.