“Okay, I’ll stay in here to make sure she wakes up on time. Goodnig... Well, morning!”
The next morning, Tanya woke up before everyone. Quietly tiptoeing downstairs to get her phone, she anticipated a voicemail from her man. But to her surprise, Kenneth didn’t reach out. Thinking he may have had a little too much to drink and overslept, she decided to call. She sat at the kitchen table and restlessly waited for him to pick up. After six rings, the phone went to voicemail.
“Hey honey. Just checking on you...guess you’re still sleeping. Hope you had a good time, and....I want to tell you that I love you, and I can’t wait to meet you at the altar. See you soon. Love you.”
Tanya smiled at her phone, ending the call. However, it was strange that he didn’t check in. Panicked concerns prompted her to dial again. Another voicemail.
“Honey! Call me back! I’m worried about you. I need to hear your voice. Love you...Bye”
Twenty minutes later, Shauna walked into the kitchen, phone in hand and rubbing her eyes.
“Hey girl! Thought you’d still be sleep.” She said, taking a seat across from her best friend.
“Nope. I’m ready for today. My head hurts a little.” Tanya giggled. “You look like hell.”
“Shut up. I spent the night making sure you enjoyed yourself. That was one hell of a job! And you DID enjoy yourself for the record. Do you want to see the pictures?” Shauna waved the phone.
“Absolutely not! I don’t even wanna know right now. Save those for after my honeymoon.”
“Fine. I just called the venue and it’s open. The decorators are on their way to finish up. So, everything seems to be on schedule.”
“Great! Shauna, you ARE the best matron of honor ever!”
“I know. And hey, I’m just returning the favor. You were a wonderful maid of honor for me. Didn’t have to worry about a thing.”
“Right, you didn’t have to, but you still did. And you worried ME!”
Shauna gave a smug look getting up from the table.
“We can chill for another hour. Keena’s about to go pick up your dress. She woke me up asking questions, so I gave her something to do.”
“Questions about what?” Tanya asked, staring at her phone.
“Just stuff.” She replied. “And you owe Ms. Lucy a nice gift. She was up at 6am to finish that extra beading you wanted.”
“I’ll be sure to send her something.”
“Have you talked to Ken?”
“No. I tried calling, but I keep getting his voicemail. Has Rod called?”
“Maybe.” She said, retrieving an aspirin bottle from the cabinet.
“Maybe? Your phone is right there.”
“Its been on silent since last night. I’ll catch up with him once we head to the venue. I’m sure he’s fine.”
“That’s weird Shauna. Usually, you can’t go two seconds without talking to your husband.”
“Here, take these.” Shauna handed her two aspirins and a glass of water.
“Hey ladies! I’m going to pick up the dress. Do I need to grab anything else?” Keena strutted into the kitchen wearing a big pair of shades.
“No, I’m fine.” Tanya replied with her head down.
“You don’t look like a woman ready to get married.” Keena said. “Shauna, did Rod finish telling you what happened?”
“Keena just go! We have to get ready to leave, and you know time will fly!” Shauna demanded.
Luckily, Tanya’s mind was on Kenneth and didn’t hear what Keena asked.
“I’m going to take a shower. You need anything?” Shauna asked.
“No. I’m going to sit here and wait for these meds to kick in.”
“Okay.” She replied, walking closer to her. “Hey, you’re getting married today. And everything will be just perfect. K?”
Tanya lifted her head to push out a small smile. “I know. Thanks.”
The rest of the ladies awoke and headed home to get themselves together for the day.
An hour later, Keena returned with the newly-beaded gown.
“Ok Tanya, time to get ready!” Shauna said.
“Alright.” Tanya said in a somber tone; still upset that she hadn’t heard from Kenneth.
She headed upstairs with her phone, thinking about the words he spoke to her the night before. Those words immediately brought a smile to her face.
“I’m heading to the venue.” Keena said laying the dress flat on the sofa. “Y’all good?”
“Yea. Thanks Keena!” Shauna responded.
“What’s wrong with our girl?”
“Kenneth. He hasn’t called. But he’s prob sobering up still.”
“How? You said he ended the party early last night.” Keena said confused. “He should be good.”
“Girl, I don’t know. I can’t think about him right now. He has a best man to take care of him today. MY focus, is getting Tanya ready.”
“If you say so.” She sighed. “I’m out”
I’M GOING TO LOVE YOU FOREVER!
As the phrase from Kenneth danced in Tanya’s head, she closed her eyes, allowing the hot water beat down on her face. Flashes of the wedding appeared in her mind. Then another flash of their first night as husband and wife. All the while pondering about why he hadn’t called her.
After the hot shower, she didn’t have a second thought of checking her phone.
As Tanya returned to the bedroom, she found a dark purple “I’m the bride” tracksuit on the bed. Shauna and the bridesmaids had matching outfits made, highlighting their roles in the wedding. Smiling at her surprise apparel, she started getting ready.
“Shauna, is hair and makeup coming here? I can’t remember what you told me.” Tanya shouted.
“They are already at the venue getting a few of the ladies ready. So you need to hurry up.” She yelled back.
“Yes, PLEASE hurry up. I need to see my baby in her dress already!” Tanya’s mother Tamara said, suddenly appearing in the bedroom doorway.
“Mama! Hi!” She said, giving her mom a big hug. “I thought you and dad were going to meet us there.”
“We were, but I just had to see my baby girl. So I made your dad ride with your brothers so I could come over here.”
“Lewis and Ryann are here? They didn’t RSVP.”
“You know those two. They don’t plan for anything. Just get up and go.”
“That’s true.” Tanya shook her head. “Gotta love my flighty brothers.”
“Awe my baby’s getting married.” Tamara hugged her daughter again. “I’m so happy for you baby!”
Tanya couldn’t hold in the tears of joy. Flashes of being married to Kenneth and her mother’s presence overwhelmed her with happiness.
“Mom, dad said last night that he didn’t think I would get married. Did you feel that way too?” She asked while getting dressed.
“Sweetie, while other girls were playing dress up in wedding attire, you were playing around in my old business suits. Even as a teenager you weren’t worried about prom dates or finding the right boyfriend. You wanted to crunch numbers, research the best colleges, and you spent your leisure time with your brothers picking their brains about their travels abroad. That made me happy. Instead of getting caught up with boys, you were getting caught up in becoming a well-rounded young woman.” Tamara replied. “But I always knew you would find the right man to make you happy.”
Tanya marinated on her mother’s explanation.
“Didn’t really think of it that way. I was doing what felt normal to me.”
“Your dad and I didn’t want to pressure you into marriage sweetheart. We always wanted you to be happy, no matter what choice you made in life. Yes, it’s wonderful to give your daughter away, but if that wasn’t your path, we weren’t going to force it. Now we’ve sat back and watched you make certain sacrifices for love Tanya. To be honest, it worried me a little. But you’re happy, Kenneth’s a good man, and that’s all that matters to us.”
“Thanks, mama. I
appreciate that. I think things will work out the way they’re supposed to. You never know, Kenneth may get a major job offer outside of this country town. Just gotta be patient and hopeful.”
“Anything is possible sweetie.” Tamara shrugged with a smile.
After another twenty minutes of hugging and crying, Tanya and the crew rushed out the front door, and off to the venue. On the way, she finally took a look at her phone and found a text message from Kenneth.
Hi, I’m fine. Love U 2.
She thought the message was a bit bland, but assumed he woke up late and running behind. Instead of analyzing the message behind the message, Tanya smiled and engaged with her mother and Shauna.
They arrived at 11:15am. The wedding was scheduled to start at 2pm. The photographer greeted them at the door, capturing the first candid moments entering the venue with her mother and best friend.
The glamorous decorations were complete and by 12:30pm, the groomsmen arrived. Shauna went out into the hallway with the wedding coordinator, Valerie, to follow up on the progress.
“The groom’s parents are here. We are still waiting on the ring bearer, but don’t panic, he’s en route. Kenneth was here earlier, but he left his ring and cuff links so he’ll be back soon.” Valerie informed.
“Ken better hurry back! Tanya’s father is here and her mother came in with us. All the bridesmaids are done with hair and make-up except for Keena, she’s in the chair now with make-up. I’m about to get started with hair.” Shauna briefed.
“Good. I’ll come back and check in with you in a few minutes.” She replied, tapping her clipboard.
“Thanks!”
As Shauna was about to return to the ladies, Rod walked up.
“Shauna, wait!”
“Hey baby! I missed you.” She said, walking towards him. “How are you feeling?”
“I’m doing alright babe.” He said, kissing his wife on the cheek.
“Why did Ken leave to get the ring and some cuff links? Why didn’t he just send someone?” She asked in distress.
“What ring?” Rod asked, puzzled. “His best man, Terrance, got it from him last night before we left the rehearsal dinner.”
“What?! The coordinator just said he was here earlier, but told her he left them. Did you see him?”
“Nah. By the time I came, the guys told me I had just missed him.” He reached for his phone. “I’ll call him now.”
Shauna stood in front of him, waiting to hear the real story.
“Voicemail.” Rod scoffed.
“Voicemail?!” She shrieked. “Call him again!”
“Babe, go in there and stay with Tanya. I’ll track him down. I promise.”
“You let me know the minute you talk to him. Something doesn’t feel right.”
Shauna re-entered the room trying her best to cover up the worry running through her mind.
By 12:57pm, Tanya was fully dressed in her mermaid-beaded gown, while the cameras flashed on the happy bride and bridesmaids. They drank champagne, celebrating the last few moments of her single life.
Unfortunately, Kenneth hadn’t returned. Shauna snuck out of the room to find the wedding coordinator for an update. She found her in the hall speaking with Rod and Terrance.
“So, what’s the update?” Shauna whispered, walking up to them. “Where’s Ken?”
“He’s still not here. And Terrance just told me that he had the ring the whole time.” Valerie replied. “I don’t know what happened. Does Tanya know anything?”
“No!” Shauna said in a loud whisper. “And she doesn’t need to know.”
“I’m mean does she know where Kenneth could be. Has she talked to him?” The coordinator clarified.
“No. He hasn’t checked in. And Tanya hasn’t asked about him. She’s happy, and I need to keep her that way.” Shauna said looking over her shoulder.
Valerie stepped away to find anyone who had answers.
“What the hell is wrong with him!?!?! Ken knew he shouldn’t have left.” Shauna sighed. “I’m hoping there wasn’t an accident.”
“I haven’t heard of any accidents in the area.” Terrance added, rubbing his face.
“You can’t know for sure Terrance!” Shauna snapped.
“Calm down babe. He can’t be too far away.” Rod said, attempting to calm his wife.
The coordinator returned, frantically tapping the clipboard. “Okay. I talked to Kenneth’s parents, they are trying to reach him now.”
“Great. His own parents don’t know where he is. I’m going to make sure Tanya’s still in a good mood. Please let me know of any updates as soon as possible.” Shauna said leaving them. “FIND HIM!”
“I will babe.” Rod sighed.
1:15pm. Tanya drunk more champagne out of the gold-trimmed glass specially made for her. Unknowing about the chaos going on outside of the room.
“Shauna, come drink with me. Take a load off. Valerie is handling everything, so you don’t have to be on the job anymore.” Tanya waved the champagne bottle at her.
Taking her friend’s advice, she poured herself a glass.
“Tanya, slow down on that sweetie.” Tamara said grabbing her purse. “I’m going to go check on your father. Do you need anything?”
“No mama.” She replied, ignoring her mother’s suggestion.
1:45pm. The champagne relaxed Shauna and she concluded that Kenneth found his way back to the venue. Tanya noticed little whispers between the bridesmaids, but didn’t think to ask. Her mind was on marrying Kenneth, not caring about anything else. The makeup artist sat her down to do a few touch ups on her lipstick, since most of it ended up on the champagne glass.
By 1:57, the entire bridal party started to ask questions. Tanya wasn’t bothered. She’d never attended a wedding that started on time anyway. Pouring another glass of champagne, she enjoyed the view of the flower-filled courtyard through the window. The photographer took that opportunity to capture more candid shots.
Shauna almost lost track of time until her husband came to the door motioning to meet him outside. She hurried out the door, leaving the other bridesmaids wondering. Rod held his phone to his ear, while Tamara and the wedding coordinator were having a deep conversation.
“What’s going on?” Shauna asked. “Ken’s here right?”
“He’s um...” Valerie hesitated. “He’s....not going to make it.”
“Was there an accident? Is he alright?” She panicked. “What’s going on Rod!?”
Right when the wedding coordinator prepared herself to answer, Kenneth’s mother joined them, sobbing alongside his father.
Chapter III: The Devastation
“Do you know what your son has done?” Tamara asked his parents.
His mother continued to sob as everyone’s focus suddenly went to Rod having a heated discussion over the phone.
“Look man, I don’t know what the problem is, but just come down here and talk about it! Ken!...Ken! Hello? Hello?” He yelled. “Dammit!”
“Wait, what did he do? Rod, what’s going on? Answer me!” Shauna demanded.
He tried to gather his words before delivering the bad news. “Baby, Kenneth isn’t coming. I’m sorry. I don’t know what we’re going to tell Tanya.”
“What?!?!?! What do you mean he’s not coming?! He’s getting married today!”
“I don’t know baby. I talked to him and...And said he wasn’t coming. He wouldn’t say why.”
“So he just up and decided TODAY, not to show up and marry my best friend!?!? What in tha hell is wrong with him?” Shauna replied, looking around for answers.
No one had an answer. Not even Kenneth’s parents who were equally stunned by the news.
Keena soon emerged into the hallway looking for answers. “Ummm, what’s going on here? The wedding is supposed to be starting.”
Silence.
“Look someone needs to say something. Tanya is going to start asking questions soon. I mean she’s fine now because of the champagne, but that can only l
ast so long.” Keena preached to the disappointed faces staring back at her.
“Ken is standing my baby up.” Tamara said, tearing up.
“I don’t know what to tell her Keena.” Shauna cried. “I just don’t know.”
“STOP!” Keena shouted. “Can somebody explain what the hell is happening here?!?”
Her outburst went ignored and unanswered. Only because they couldn’t make sense of Kenneth’s rash decision in not showing up.
“Hey, we can all tell her together.” Rod said.
“What do we need to tell the guests? Everybody is here.” Kenneth’s mother asked, finally breaking her silence.
“We need to worry about Tanya FIRST. THEN we’ll deal with the guests.” Keena fussed. “Can you find your son for us, please? He owes everyone an explanation. And he owes me money for this damn dress!”
“I agree, let’s help Tanya first. I’ll have the bridesmaids join the groomsmen and I’ll speak with them, that way you guys can have some privacy with Tanya.” Valerie chimed in.
Questions filled the hallway as the photographer, bridesmaids, and flowers girl followed the coordinator to another room.
“Hey guys! Rod, what are you doing here? Mom, how’s dad? He needs to hurry back here to be ready to walk me down the...” Tanya noticed the dismal looks on their faces. “Hey, what’s wrong? Did something happen?”
“Baby, we have some bad news.” Tamara started.
“Is Kenneth ok!?!?” Her voice dropped.
“He’s fine baby.” She replied, then took a deep breath. “He....He said he isn’t coming.”
“Wh-What? Tanya asked, confused. “He said that to who?!?!?”
“Tanya, I just talked to Ken.” Rod said. “He said he loves you, but he just can’t get married. I tried my best to get him down here to tell you himself but...he didn’t want to. Look, I’ll try my best to get you more answers, but right now we need to get you out of here and back home so you can relax and process all of this.”
“You guys are kidding me right?!? Kenneth LOVES me!” She laughed hysterically. “He knows how important this day is to US!”
“We are all confused baby.” Tamara added. “I wish I could tell you what is happening or even how to fix this but...Let’s just get you home.”
Devastation or Destiny??? Page 4