Prompt: Your inspiration for this quick write is expectations. Your prompt is “my whole life has been building up to this moment…”
The maids around me worked as a frenzied storm to prepare my make up and gown. One curled my hair while adding jeweled pins with another tending to what they called blemishes on my cheeks. It has felt like hours since the whole process started and as I felt I was going to fall asleep again, a full length mirror was rolled in front of me. The reflection of the girl staring back at me was nearly unrecognizable. She seemed poised in her wedding dress with gems dotting her body and hair. Almost like someone who wanted to do this. Someone who isn’t me.
Before I could think much a knock sounded at the door. My father stood in the doorframe looking expectant in his crisp grey suit. He said there was only a few minutes until the ceremony. He took my arm and began to walk me away from the safety of the dressing room to the uncertainty of the the large double doors of the chapel. I could feel my nerves knotting in my stomach and sweat starting to bead on the back of my neck. Father reminded me how this would help the company. How it would help the family. How everything I’ve done my whole life has been building to this moment.
The double doors creaked open as the music started to play. Arm in arm, Father began to lead me down the aisle to my future. I looked to the man standing at the alter as he beamed widely as he watched me shuffled towards him.
Father turned me towards him, nodded a reassurance and ushered me to my spot opposing my husband to be. I stepped up tentatively, bunching the edges of my dress up.
I could barely make out the words the priest spewed as he performed the ceremony. Suddenly I was asked a question. He had already agreed to this commitment but I did I want to submit to this life of servitude for the sake of my father’s whims?
I couldn’t see past my tears as I ran out the doors. The crowd immediately grew raucous as I gave my response and fled the scene.
Mud caked the hem of my gown as I ran down the sodden roads, away from my future, away from my father, away from the expectations and to the life I want. I want to follow my own expectations.
My pace slowed only when I saw the slats of the cabin surrounded by pink blooms. My sanctuary where I could choose what I wanted. Where she waited. Where my future lay. As I walked up the steps and pushed open the door I could hear the sweetest melody singing a gentle inquiry, “Hello?”
