Speak Now by Adeeb Shukri

    That morning, I had never been so scared and sad at the same time in my life. "After those 9 years of ups and downs yet you leave me because of her?"

    It all started when the wedding invitation made it way to my letterbox. 'Wedding Reception of James and Sophia'. I could not help myself but feeling suspicious about how it was just last week we were counting stars but today he would be marrying the girl he barely knew.

    "This must be some sort of sorcery," my little fragile heart whispered.

    Nevertheless, I mustered up my courage so I went to the church even when my heart was falling apart. When I reached there, I saw his bride's family all dressed in pastel. Her face was somehow familiar but I could not seem to remember where I saw her. It was the time for the wedding to start so everyone began taking their seat. Both of them were standing side by side and I couldn't help to think about how he must be wishing it was me.

    After reading all the sacred words, it was the time for James to utter his vow. Out of the blue, he went silent and looked clueless. I heard the preacher instructing him, "Speak now or forever hold your peace."

    There was silence and without thinking twice I stood up, shakily. All eyes were on me and they gave me this horrifying look but I was only staring at him. Our eyes met and that was the moment he realised he made the wrong decision that could destroy his whole life.

    It was chaotic that time yet James ran towards me and grabbed my hands. "I'm sorry, Julie. I just have no idea what has consumed me but I have never wanted all of this!" 

    Without looking back, he pulled me and we ran out from the church. He explained that all this time he was unconscious and acting against his will. 

    Now that he mentioned, I suddenly remembered who the girl was. James' stalker back then, when we were in high school! It turned out that James had been possessed! That day, the wedding was cancelled and the guests had to go home. Even though the event was traumatising to both of us. it taught us to be stronger for each other. Now, we are enjoying our 70's life by the seaside reminiscing how funny and memorable our youth was.