The Runaway Bride

Chapter 18 -- The Final Verdict

(A/N: Italicized words are the conversation between Alex and Diane on the phone before the actual wedding)








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This is the longest walk ever. My heart is pounding. The wedding wasn't even that stressful but knowing that a lot of their eyes were now focus on me as I march, it made my knees weak







All the cameras and lights were focused on me


I can't do this. I can't do this. I can't do this.








Yet my feet keep advancing, one in front of the other towards the front, glancing up at Tyler who waits for me at the end of the aisle










"Diane .. It's me, Alex"


"Alex? Hey .. I've been trying to call you these days but ---"


"I know .. I know" I heard him sigh in frustration and somehow it bothers me hearing such








I tried focusing on Tyler. He was there, he was waiting and it pains me more watching him smile like that on me. My love. My husband. My husband. Oh my God, it still doesn't seem real. 






"It's just that .. There are more things going on inside my head and I've thought about it so hard, Diane-- So hard that even when I would close my eyes.. It's still you"


"Alex..." I warned him dismissing the seamtress for awhile and held the phone tightly on my chest before getting back on it









I glanced at my left and saw my Mother, who wiped her tears away while she smiled at me .. just like I thought she would be on the day of my wedding.. 






I tightly held on the Bouquet that Lauren bought all the way from Brazil, I smiled at her the moment I spot her beside Mr and Mrs Walton, Their parents









"I'm sorry, Diane.. I kept on telling myself that If I lose something, I lose it for a reason but Damn! Just thinking about what-on-hell the reason could be, it crushed me inside Diane.. It crushed the hell out of me into pieces"


Tears fell from my eyes as I listened to the words he just told me and at that moment, I think I didn't only lost my words but also ...  my heart



"But hey, I know you've been wanting this entire bizarre ceremony which you've been craving for far too long. I'm happy for you, diane .. It's just that I thought maybe your happiness was right here with me"








I clasped on Tyler's arms warmly. Consequently,  His lips broke into smiles as he bent closer to whisper gently on my ear "You're the most beautiful woman I've ever seen, Dee"







"Well, You wouldn't be here if I wasn't right?" I whispered back and tried my best to pull out a smile and lighten the mood I was feeling




He just chuckled and then we started marching towards the aisle together








"Alex .. Please don't make it hard for the both of us"


"I'm trying .. God! I'm trying so fvcking hard.. I'm sorry, Diane but I promise you this would be the last-- This would be the last time you'll hear it from me..... I love you"








 
 "Dearly beloved: We have come together in the presence of God to witness and bless the joining together of this man and this woman in Holy Matrimony…" The reverend speaks up as we both knelt right before the altar








"This would be the last time you'll hear it from me.....






"Before we start the ceremony, anyone of you who objects on this holy union?"  The reverend speaks again, asking if there are any among them who object.  







".......................................I love you"







I glanced at behind and saw the crowd didn't even say anything .. From the corner of my eyes, I secretly watch my groom and saw how he looked into my eyes with all the excitement and eagerness. But I, on the other hand, couldn't even directly gaze back at his eyes 





I sighed and then tightly closed my eyes, praying to God that he may atleast give me the guts to say it out loud






"No one? Alright let's------"







"I do... " I said which earned loud gasps and murmurs from behind us. The reverend was shock and thought maybe he heard it differently





He leaned "Come again, my child?"





I looked up to his face not even sparing him (Tyler) a second thought to realize what I just uttered





"I object, Reverend.. I object on this wedding"






"What are you saying, Dee?" Tyler complained beside me grabbing my arm so I could face him
"We both waited for this for so long. Don't you... Don't you love me anymore, Dee?"






I stood up and caressed Tyler's face "Ofcourse, I love you, Tyler. I have always loved you. I love you more and more everyday but lately, it seems so wrong.. So different." I gently pulled away from him and shook my head






He tried holding my hand but I yanked it away "Diane, I know I made a few mistakes but never thought things would turn out this way.. Please don't do this"





"I dont care who's right or wrong anymore, Tyler.. I just don't care.. I'm sorry"





I grabbed the skirt of my gown and started running away, away from everyone else .. away from my parents, his parents.. and away from Tyler..