Walk Me Down The Aisle
It was a beautiful autumn season at the wedding day of Danni's friends. She got up from her table to refill her glass of champagne, and as she walked past the head table, she saw Scott sitting there. They exchanged polite smiles, but didn't talk much. Danni had seen Scott before, but had never really talked to him. She knew he was an actor, but chose to keep quiet about it, because she wanted to get to know the real person behind the fame. Over the weeks, they started to enjoy each other's company, and seem to still seeing each other at weddings. Scott never knew that Danni was a writer in the movie industry, and Danni never told him. She enjoyed the anonymity of being able to observe him without him knowing who she really was. One day, while in their hiding place, Danni opened up to Scott about how she was feeling. She told him that she had developed feelings for him over the passed months and wanted to explore a relationship with him. Scott was hesitant at first, because of his past heartbreak, and wasn't sure if he was ready for another relationship. But with Danni's persistence and patience, they started seeing each other and fell in love. They had a whirlwind romance filled with laughter, passion, and adventure. Danni was happy, and she felt like she had finally found her soulmate. She loved him so much that she decided to write a book about their love story. It became a bestseller and the spotlight was on them. But then something happened that she never saw coming. Scott was disappointed about the book, and his father was filled with anger towards her. Scott felt like his privacy had been invaded, and he became distant from Danni. She tried to reach out to him, but he wouldn't respond. She felt like she had lost him forever. But doon reconciled but it was too late. Years went by, and they were both at a mutual friend's wedding again, with their own partners. They locked eyes from across the room and smiled with the idea of their past. They didn't exchange words, but they both knew that they were happy in their own lives. Danni looked over to her companion and felt thankful for everything she had. She still loved Scott, but she knew that they were just characters in each other's stories now. She realized that sometimes, life doesn't go as planned, and the person you thought was your happily ever after, wasn't meant to be. But she was grateful for the memories they shared, and for the love that had filled her heart for a time. As the night went on, Danni realized that sometimes, the best love stories don't have endings that make sense. And sometimes, the best love stories are the ones that you hold in your heart forever.
Chapter One
In most aspects of my life, self-assurance guides my actions and decisions. I embrace a resolute belief in myself and my work, adorning my professional career with unwavering conviction. However, a contrasting vulnerability shrouds the territory of love. They speak of occurrences that epitomize "once in a blue moon," yet that flicker of longing within me continues to burn. Despite the countless hardships life has thrown my way, I hold onto the possibility that amidst it all, I could bask in the radiant bliss of being with the person I hold dear.
Nevertheless, in my role as a writer, I find comfort in fervently praying to live vicariously through the characters of my creation, craving to experience the enchanting lives I've threaded within the pages of my literary tapestry.
Autumn arrived, enveloping everything in its vibrant hues and crisp, cool air. This particular season held a special place in my heart—not just because of the impending winter but for the abundance of magic it seemed to bring. As the leaves fell gently from the trees, destiny came knocking on my door in the form of a wedding invitation from my dear friend. She asked me to stand by her side as a bridesmaid on her wedding day, urging me to temporarily escape the clutches of my chaotic work life and find ease in moving on from my recent breakup. Although deep down, a part of me still held onto the hope of rekindling my tormented love for my ex.
The decision weighed heavily on my mind. I refused to be labeled a martyr, someone who endured a relationship that only I could comprehend. How often had I defended our relationship, convincing myself that somehow, in some way, we would find our way back to each other? But I also knew that I didn't truly deserve that chance. The truth is, he didn't deserve it either, or did he? A torrent of conflicting emotions surged within me, making the choice all the more difficult.
Summoning courage, I approached my boss and submitted a request for a vacation leave. Surprisingly, my request was promptly approved, accompanied by a sharpened gaze of concern. "Are you sure this isn't a sick leave? Is everything okay, Danni?" my boss questioned, searching for any signs of distress or illness on my face.
At that moment, I realized how fortunate I was to have a compassionate boss who understood the true reasons behind my urgent need for respite. Grateful for their understanding, I assured him that physically I was fine. But mentally and emotionally, I needed this break more than ever. As I ventured on this journey, I hoped it would provide me with the clarity and strength to navigate the unpredictable tides of love and life.
"Mitch, I can't stress enough how much I need this break," I asserted, feigning a grin as I argued with my boss. The constant storm that clouds my creative process is hindering my ability to come up with a captivating story. "I desperately dreamed to breathe in some fresh air, clearing my mind, and finding inspiration in new surroundings."
Slightly unsure, my boss, questioning my choice even though he already agreed, responded, "And you believe you'll find that in Austin?"
Confidence welled up within me as I confidently unveiled my invitation, putting in words, "I do have a wedding invitation. I've been entrusted with the role of a bridesmaid."
As the conversation continued, my boss finally relented, saying, "Alright, cool. But please be careful. And when you return, I expect you to have an impressive story ready to write." Within the workplace, we were more than just colleagues; we were friends. My boss and some of my co-workers knew that I had not yet experienced much in life beyond conceptualizing an unsentimental story for my next writing piece.
I longed to embark on the challenge of a romance novel, but alas, I found myself at a loss. Even if I sought inspiration from my favorite author, the genius of "Nicholas Sparks" seemed insurmountable, making me feel inadequate as a love story connoisseur.