I walked into the church hall; it was well decorated, and I could see that there was a ceremony about to take place. The church was quiet, and the look on people's faces was that of disappointment. I expected everyone to be smiling and in a happy mood, yet it felt like someone had died.
It was my friend's wedding ceremony, and I was super excited. I have known Jason for 10 years now, and our relationship has been cordial. My phone rang, and I picked it up—it was Jason. He said, "Bro, I am getting married." I couldn't help but shout. Jason has always been a cool, hardworking, and diligent guy. I love him for his integrity and transparency. I asked him the date, and he informed me. I checked my calendar, and I was free like a bird.
I checked the time, and I could see that I was an hour late for the wedding. I was expecting to meet the couple exchanging their wedding vows, and we would all go to the reception. In truth, I was ready to eat and have fun during the party.
I sat close to a young lady, and I could hear her talking with her friend because the groom was not around. I was forced to ask her what the problem was. "Where is the groom" I asked, and she responded "No one knows about his way around, and he is not answering the phone". This came as a shock to me, and I feared for Jason.
I stepped out of the church hall. I called Jason's phone, but no one answered. I saw a mutual friend of ours, Fred. Fred was Jason's best man, and I asked him, "Bro, what's the problem?" He told me they couldn't find Jason in his hotel room, and the manager of the hotel said he had checked out the previous night. On hearing that, my heart skipped.
Fred then said, "I went to the restaurant where we went to eat and have a few drinks, but they said he left before 12 a.m." We all feared the worst. I asked, "Have you told the bride that her groom is missing?" Fred said no, that they told her that Jason had a flat tire and was on his way. I couldn't say if that was the right thing or not. All I wanted was to hear that Jason was safe.
A taxi drove into the church compound an hour later, and behold, Jason came down from the taxi. I could see the relief on the faces of everyone. Jason, what happened?" Fred asked, and before Jason could say a word, his mother asked him, Jason, are you okay?" I could see the surprise on his face; it was that of, Why are these people asking me all these questions? Jason looked on, bothered, and this made his mother angry. She yelled, "Why are you acting like you don't know you've got people worried, young man? You are two hours late for your wedding." Jason laughed, saying, "You guys must be joking. Checking his wrist watch, he said it was 10a.m.
We were all shocked because it was noon. "It's noon, Jason," Fred said, showing Jason the time on his wrist watch. Jason screamed and looked lost. Everyone started laughing, and he could not believe that he had lost track of time on his own wedding day. Jason's wrist watch was two hours late, and he had decided to answer his calls, saying he did not want to be disturbed by anyone.
I was happy that Jason was safe.
We tease Jason about this incident anytime we are together, and it gets more funny each time. It is always embarrassing for Jason, but he is used to it now.
