I will lower the moon for you

by Becca Randall

  "You amaze me in so many ways, Mark. We are lucky to have you in our lives. I just hope Emma receives your plan in the right spirit and embraces the love she deserves. I want her to be able to finally chose her happiness."

  "Me too. It's just matter of a day now; you have supported me thus far, thank you for keeping it a secret."

  "I didn't even tell Britney. She had been so busy with her wedding. I just didn't want to divert her attention."

  "You did the right thing, Niki. Thank you for everything!"

  Soon we reached Vancouver, and the moment we stepped out of the airport, we were enthralled by the scenic beauty of this place.

  Britney was waiting to receive us, and as soon as she saw us, she came running as the girls jumped into a group hug.

  "Welcome to my heaven guys. I am so glad you all made it." Britney glee in excitement, as she gave both Barry and me a hug too.

  "Your hometown is gorgeous Britney. Why will anyone want to leave this place and settle somewhere else?" Barry said as he got awestruck by the surroundings, this place was indeed something else.

  "What to do, Barry? That's life, always one step ahead. And if I stayed here, I would have never met all of you." Britney replied, smiling ear to ear. She looked so happy.

  "Where is your Secret Santa? He didn't accompany you to pick us up?" Niki asked in an amusing tone.

  "What the fuck. Can you stop calling him that? And he had to go for his suit fitting; he will join us in the evening."

  "Yes Niki, stop calling him that. Christmas is history. He might be a cop by now? Or maybe a doctor? What say, Britney?" Emma joined the tease party, and they both kept embarrassing Britney.

  "Shut up, you two. Stop it. And just for the sake of setting the record straight, he was a pilot last night. "Britney grinned and gave them a wink.

  "Woah! Is it even allowed to sleep together a day before the wedding? Get a grip you two." Niki continued as we all were now seated in the SUV Britney got to pick us up.

  "No, we thought we would wait until our wedding night, but Max sneaked in my room from the window yesterday, just like our old college days." Britney's face was flushed as she and the girls continued to chatter.

  "Horny bastard." Barry whispered to me as his lips curled up distastefully, and we both started laughing.

  "Somebody gets these two married already." Emma retorted, rolling her eyes.

  Both me and Barry took out our phones, wore our earphones and played our favorite music tracks on full volume. We had learnt the trick of the trade to handle our over-enthusiastic girl-friends, especially when they regroup and blabber like there was no tomorrow.

  It was noon as we all settled in the resort Britney and Max booked for us, which was also the venue for their pre-wedding party tonight as well as for their wedding tomorrow morning.

  This resort was situated next to a small lake, high up on a granite cliff overlooking forests, islands and shining blue water beneath, making it a magical setting for their big day.

  As I explored the place, I saw neat white chairs were getting set in their huge back lawn, probably as part of the wedding preparations tomorrow. I sat and silently observed the surroundings, imagining how I would love to get married to the love of my life, in a place like this someday.

  I closed my eyes, soaking in the captivating view, and flashes of Emma's smiling face appeared in front of my eyes.

  Give me a chance, Emma, and I promise I will never let that smile fade. I love you so much. I sighed and thought to myself.

  I sat there for hours before it was evening already and I saw Emma was walking towards me, I think she came looking for me.

  She looked ravishing.

  She was wearing a dark blue off-shoulder gown, with small blue beads designed on the hem of the dress. Her beautiful curls were brushing her bare shoulders and her pink lips shined with the coat of gloss she applied on them. My mouth went dry, just by looking at her.

  I felt like taking her in my arms right here right now and kiss those moist lips. For once, I felt like showing her what she meant to me, and what all I could do for her. For once, I thought of being careless and let go off the control I bravely adorn whenever I was with her.

  Determined to end this game finally, my eyes looked deep into hers, I got up and walked straight to her.

  Chapter 48

  Britney and Max

  Emma

  Vancouver - Britney's Wedding Day

  It's been ninety-one days; five thousand four hundred and sixty precise minutes since I last saw Jake.

  I remember how we both sent the response card for Britney's wedding invite together, he was supposed to be my plus-one, and also one of Max's groomsmen today. When Max asked Mark, he agreed to do the needful in Jake's place instead.

  Last night when I found Mark, he was sitting all by himself in the backyard of the resort. The moment he stepped closer and looked in my eyes, for the first time, I saw pain.

  He was hurting, and unlike the usual, he choked on his words. I tried to understand the reasons that caused this state, the dilemmas that clouded his mind, and the fears that clenched his heart.

  His body was here, but his mind was elsewhere. He diffused my questions and dodged eye contact, and I could sense he was hiding something from me. I decided not to push him too much, not until the wedding at least.

  Finally, it was the wedding day, and as bridesmaids, Niki and I took the responsibility of dressing Britney. We were also accompanied by Alice, Britney's maid of honor, and her closest first cousin. Alice was maybe a couple of years older than us, she was a psychiatrist, and had blue eyes too, and every time I looked at her, I was reminded of Jake.

  The guys were in charge of getting Max ready as they were his groomsmen. Max's eleven-year-old younger brother, Martin, volunteered to be his best man.

  It was time, and we helped Britney with her final touch up.

  She looked exquisite in her white wedding dress; her threaded off shoulder lace corset fitted her body perfectly, showing off her slender figure, and hugging her curves in all right places. The plain white satin skirt that fitted her little waist flowed down her legs with just the right flair. Her hair locks were curled and let loose as they partially covered her bareback, and the braided crown hairdo held her veil in place.

  She looked like a dream!

  A slight knock at the door got us out from our trance. The room was in pin-drop silence as we all got captivated by Britney's bridal grace. Her cousin Alice was teary-eyed, while Niki embraced me in admiration, reminding how heartwarming weddings could be. She sure was the next bride amongst us.

  As we opened the door, we saw Britney's parents gasping in awe of their daughters' beauty.

  They all shared a little familiar moment, as we stepped outside, waiting for them to join us.

  As bridesmaids, we wore pastel-pink long slit dresses, that we clubbed with soft woolen shawls in the same color. Alice wore a similar style; only the color of her dress was lavender-pink instead.

  As Britney's dad led and walked her down the aisle, we followed behind them. Alice and Martin were the first to join, followed by Niki and Barry, and then finally, Mark and me. As Mark held my hand, I could see the same anxiety in his eyes. I decided to talk to him later in the day today.

  The groom's team chose to wear the same grey classic tuxedos with waistband and peaked lapels accompanied by maroon silk bow ties.

  The alter arch was covered in white and pink flowers, and as it overlooked the vast, beautiful lake below, the water sparkled, emanating bright reflections of the soft sunrays that fell on them.

  Max looked handsome as ever, in his tall demeanor at the altar, his eyes were glued on Britney before he gave her his hand and made her stand by his side.

  They both blissfully accepted each other as man and wife, and their first kiss as a married couple invited innumerable cheers and gasps from the audience.

  A reception followed the wedding, and after Max and Britney shared their first dance,
the floor was open for everyone to join.

  Mark asked me for a dance, I accepted as he held me in his arms, and my body swayed in the rhythm of the soft music playing in the background.

  "What's wrong Mark? You look tensed? Please tell me. I am starting to get worried about you." I asked him in a concerning tone, as he held me firmly, in his dancing embrace.

  "It's nothing Emma, I have some work to attend. I am worried about that; I will leave within the next half an hour and will be back later in the evening." He replied as calmly as possible.

  "Oh! What work can you possibly have here? We leave for our trek at six in the morning. I hope you remember that?"

  "Of course, I do. And you will know soon. I will get back in no time, don't worry". He said with a soft smile that quite didn't reach his eyes. I was curious about what made him so uneasy all of a sudden. I had a strange feeling, but I decided not to dig any further.

  I tried to change the topic, "Britney and Max look so happy together. I just adore the bond they share." I said as I watched them laugh amongst a group of their childhood friends.

  "Yes. Love does that to you; the happiness and glow just follow." He said in a husky voice as he was now looking deep in my eyes. Our bodies were still moving in small synchronized steps, and a shiver ran down my spine. Mark's hold on me today wasn't the usual friendly one, it was different and it made me extremely nervous.

  "I agree. I am happy at least someone got their happily ever after today." I let out a deep sigh as my heart fluttered, a sudden strange vibe was now overwhelming me.

  "But don't you think, maybe it's not about the happy ending, maybe it's more about the story? Maybe it's about the journey and not the destination?" Mark asked in a curious tone, making me seriously ponder on his question.

  In a swift move, he twirled me around, his hands snaked my waist from behind, and my back now leaned on his body, as we continued to dance together. His chin was on my shoulder, and he leaned in closer to whisper in my ear, "Love is about giving Emma, and expecting nothing in return. It is about doing everything in your power to make your partner happy, even if that means sacrificing yourself. Your love can be so strong that it can be enough for both. It's selfless and unconditional."

  The music stopped, and so did I after hear Mark's words. A warm feeling engulfed my body, his words intrigued me, and I turned around to look at his face.

  He was hurting, and I didn't know why?

  I had a strong feeling that he was talking about me, I don't know if I was over-thinking, but for a minute I felt, that I meant a lot more to Mark than just a friend.

  Was he hurting because he loved me? Was he trying bring me happiness and expected nothing in return? Was he referring to his love as one-sided and enough for the both of us?

  I had a million questions in my head but no courage to look him in the eye and ask him. We both stood there, reading each other's expressions in an attempt to find our respective answers.

  "Goodbye Emma. I will see you tomorrow morning on the trek." He gave me a soft peck on my cheeks and turned around to leave.

  The moment his breath fell on my skin, and his lips touched my cheek, I knew it in my guts that he had strong feelings for me.

  The next morning, we all woke up early and re-grouped at the resort's reception ready with our trekking gear.

  Mark was already gone, he dropped a text that he will meet us at the trekking base camp, which was a couple of hours drive from here.

  It was almost nine am when we started hiking. It was supposed to be a six-hour-long climb up to Joffrey lake. Mark was cheerful this morning, and I honestly was relieved as the building tension between us, was somehow diffused. I didn't want things to get awkward between us; I didn't want to lose his friendship.

  "Hey, Emma. Would you prefer some snack?" Mark asked as he chased me from behind. Even though I had my left leg shot, I was faster than all of these lazy asses combined.

  Britney and Max were in their newly found marital bliss and hence slower than the rest.

  Mark was busy taking care of everyone, and I don't know what the hell Niki and Barry were doing, so I decided to ask them, "I wonder how come you both signed up for this hike? You are barely able to push your slump bodies forward." I spat my angry words at them. I was irked by their lack of enthusiasm and how they were delaying the journey altogether.

  "Hey, don’t be mean Emma. At least the cabins up there are cute. We are here for the views." Niki grinned as she gave Barry a wink.

  "You all are crazy. I am taking the lead and going ahead. I can't wait to see the picturesque scenery across the trail. Hope you idiots will catch up with me soon." I rolled my eyes and just marched forward without waiting for their reply.

  "Wait, Emma! I will come with you." Mark followed me and gave me a warm smile.

  "Sure. Let's go."

  After hours of climbing, we reached nearly the end of the trail, as our remaining gang was nowhere to be found, even at the farthermost visible corner.

  I enjoyed every minute of the day. I never thought a place could be so beautiful; it seemed right out of an artist's canvas. It was already close to dusk as we started reaching the end, we had reservations in the cabins situated next to the lake at the top. As we closed in, I observed that the sides of the trail were decorated with beautiful lilies and tulips that were threaded in heart shaped bunch of bouquets on both sides of the road.

  The sky above was now covered by a blanket of golden and silver sparkling lights sheeted together, illuminating the path beneath. The trees on both sides were ornamented by glass jar shaped chandeliers from an overhanging bough. The whole place was embellished beautifully, making it a rare sight.

  "Woah. This decor is extraordinary. I didn't know they light up like this in the evenings?" If I was amazed by the natural beauty of this place, the human-made touches of tender decoration added to its elegance.

  Mark stepped closer, his face just inches away from me, and he pointed at something in the far corner, as he slowly said, "No, this is not routine Emma. All this has been done, especially for you."

  My brows furrowed in confusion, and I tried to look what he was pointing at. To my utter surprise, I saw a huge bouquet of roses forming the letters of my name. I gulped, quite unsure of the events that were unfolding in front of my eyes.

  "Do you trust me, Emma?" Mark asked me getting me out of my thoughts. He cupped my face in his hands and made me look into his eyes.

  "Mark? What is all this? What are you doing...?"

  Before I could complete, he asked me again, this time a bit more loudly, "Do you trust me Emma?"

  Honestly, my palms were sweating, and I was shaking in apprehension. I was scared of what's coming next.

  I was not ready for this.

  Reluctantly, I nodded. He took my hand and made me follow him. Every trembling step I took, made my heart thump. I felt I couldn't feel my limbs anymore; I was constantly looking down as I didn't know what to expect, and didn't have the courage to see what's next.

  Suddenly, he stopped, and asked me to look up.

  "Emma, this is it. Please look up and look in my eyes." He whispered. I collected all my courage and looked in his eyes, which were now red, anger and hurt dancing in them.

  He pointed at a beautiful green pergola, and I could see a candlelit table setting right in the center of it, and behind the table stood a man with his back towards us.

  The moment I saw him, I knew in my soul who he was, my heart dropped to my stomach. He was here.

  My vision was blurred with overwhelming tears, I had imagined this day a million times before, and when it finally came, I couldn't believe myself. It felt unreal.

  "Mark? Is that.... Is that him?" I stuttered, my throat lost its cords, and I felt I couldn't breathe again.

  "Yes Emma. It's him." He whispered.

  I froze at my spot, and I scanned every inch of his back. I didn't even realise, but my cheeks were now wet. I couldn't believe it was actually him.

&n
bsp; "Jake?"

  "I am sorry I didn't tell you sooner, Emma. He approached me a week before, and even though I badly wanted to shun him away, I just couldn't." Mark said in a trembling voice; I could see the intensity in his eyes, tears were now welling up.1

  Mark was hurting because of this. It was not hidden anymore, he loved me and yet helped Jake come back to see me.

  "Mark!? I can't believe you did this. What about all the things you said to me yesterday?"

  "Nothing matters more than your happiness Emma. Even if the reason behind it, may not be me. I will respect your decision, no matter what."

  "Mark, I don't know what to say..."

  "Say nothing. Just Go. He has been waiting since morning."

  With that, Mark walked away. I turned around towards the arbor, and that's when I saw him. He was facing me now. He stood there with his piercing blue eyes, his hands both in the front pocket of his jeans.

  There he was, standing right in front of me, so near, yet so far.

  Chapter 49

  His dilemma

  Jake

  Joffre Lake Hike

  It had been almost three long months, and I just couldn't bear the pain anymore. To say I was suffering would be an understated joke on how I had been enduring destiny's ferocious punishment for my heedless mistakes. I bought it all on myself, as I decided to walk away from her.

  I backed away from the only source of happiness in my life, and even if I got to turn back time, I might just do it again, because, in that moment, she was better off without me.

  I could condone a forever miserable existence if I was assured that no harm would ever reach my Emma. Due to my irrational and indignant actions, I got myself slapped with a lawsuit of attempted homicide for attacking Ben Murial in his home; my father's death case got re-opened; my only family, my mother, became one of the prime suspects in a third-degree crime, and the cut-edge media scrutiny just lifted the scandalous rank of the whole situation.