The moment I stepped in, I could hear the stunned whispers. The vile, villainous whispers laced with pity and caked with disapproval as they wrapped around me like a cloak. I shrugged it off and walked along.
What was in my head when I thought to show up for my ex’s wedding reception?
I could see old colleagues from college gathered at the far back of the room, laughing and slapping each other at the back. They all had their eyes trained on me in a look of surprise and wonderment.
The back of my knee began to itch in irritation. Did no one think I was going to show up? We broke up, what was the big deal? Suddenly a need to hold my head high overcame me, and I made my way slowly to the bar.
I wasn’t trying to prove any point to Charles or anyone. He was married now and that was that, but this gorgeous, gold sequined dress had stared at me from my wardrobe and I just knew I had to wear it. I’d felt good about this outfit, now the scathing eyes on me made me feel naked. And alone.
Cursing myself one more time for showing up for this dammed wedding reception, I looked up to see the Bartender giving me a concerned look. He was probably worried that I was a deranged ex about to cause a scene and then he’d have the gross displeasure of tossing me out.
Yeah, I wasn’t going to give anyone such free entertainment.
“A whiskey on the rocks for me, please.” I needed bravado for the night ahead and sadly my confidence alone wasn’t going to suffice. As the bartender began mixing my drink, I looked around. People had stopped staring and were back to their merriment. Thank the good Lord for small mercies. If I was lucky, I’d have no confrontations at all, and I could leave quietly once the night was over.
“Sheila?”
I guess the angel in charge of answering prayers wasn’t on duty tonight.
I fixed a beaming smile on my face before I turned. Charlie’s Dad, Mr. Smith, as bubbly and handsome as ever even though he was nearing fifty, was gazing at me like a long lost daughter.
“Wow, Mr. Smith, what a pleasant — ”
He enveloped me in a hug then, and I could feel my stiff body softening. I’d always liked Mr. Smith and one of the only things I’d been sad about when Charlie and I broke up was the fact that I had to lose Mr. Smith’s friendship as well. Technically, I could have sustained it, but I couldn’t bear pity. Especially from him.
“I didn’t think I’d see you here, Sheila,” he smiled softly at me. “May I seat?”
I gave him a funny look. “It’s literally your event. You don’t need my permission.”
He smiled and shook his head. “I’m surprised to found you alone. I thought the men would have been swarming at you by now.”
I gave a hearty laugh. Mr. Smith was never one to mince words. “Well, you must know that I’m a bit of a pariah now. Beauty or not, this situation is far too awkward for any guy to be seen around me. At least not here.”
“Nonsense, my dear. Young men these days don’t just have a taste.” He bent conspiratorially and whispered. “Even my son, if we’re being honest.”
I gasped, hands on my lips to stifle my laughter. “Mr. Smith!”
He shrugged. “It has to be said. That woman of his is a shrew at best.”
I couldn’t hold my laughter anymore. So, I let it out. When it subsided, I poked at him. “That’s not very nice of you.”
About the same time, the music began and the newly wedded couple walked in. Charlie was still as tall as ever, maybe even more handsome than before. I sucked my teeth. So much for hoping he would have shrivelled up or gotten ugly or something. I blamed Nigerian karma-themed films for my delusions.
I turned to see Mr. Smith staring at me. There was a glint in his eye, but it went so fast I couldn’t decipher it.
“I should be going home,” I said getting to my feet. “At least I’ve showed face.”
But Mr. Smith laid his hand on my wrist. “Don’t go.”
“What?”
He quickly took his hand off. “Uhm, your drink. You’ve barely touched it, and you should also dance a bit before you go.”
I cocked my head to the side and gave him a look. “Is everything okay, Mr. Smith?”
He gave me a tight smile. “Of course, dear. Enjoy the party. Let me go say hi to some guests.” And with that, he was gone.
I ran a finger on the rim of my now-diluted whiskey and moved towards the dance floor. For some reason, I was more confident than when I came in. Plus I still had on the prettiest dress in the room. Waving a long, well-manicured hand at a few people who smiled at me, I began to sway slowly to the music.
The soft prickle at the back of my neck was a tell that someone was staring fastidiously at me. I guessed who it was but I wasn’t going to turn. Somehow, I knew if I did, it would change the directory of my life and as exciting as that prospect was, it could wait a while longer.
For now, I was just going to drink, dance and be the wedding guest that I was.
What I See: I see a gorgeous, gold dress on a woman with beautiful fingers, nursing a drink.
What I Feel: Spotlight. And the aura that comes with knowing you look good.
My entry to the Freewriter's PIC 1000 Contest.
Thumbnail source.
