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'I now pronounce you man and wife.'

That special phrase that changes people's lives forever.
You'd think.
It was just earlier Carly had found out she wasn't marrying the man she should be. The one she really she really wanted to be with was her childhood sweetheart. She loved him for years, and forced herself to stop loving him only 3 years ago, when she met Michael. The instant connection was like fireworks meeting with a flame. No-one had ever seen sparks fly so high between two young people. But this was for real. Or so it seemed.
Standing at the alter, she'd slowly recited the vows, staring deep into Michael's sea blue eyes. Yes, he made her melt, but when she looked, all she could think about was the boy she longed for all those years through high school. His named echoed through her mind. Darren Hapkin. Her husband's best man. She couldn't focus, had no idea what it was she was saying, dreaming. They had stayed friends after they graduated, and he was there. Within reach.
'How can he sit there? Knowing how I've felt all these years. Watching me become pledged to another man. If only.' Her thoughts ran through her mind. She saw his smiling face and his eyes, so deep and brown. The first thing that attracted her to him. If she could jus sit with him, not having to worry about whether adultery would be the script she would read from her divorce papers. She was scared. How could this be happening?! A grand prix of thoughts darted around her mind.
'I had a haircut' Darren blurted out once, making a silly action that forced Carly into laughter.
'I noticed, it looks fab.' giggled Carly.
Biology was the lesson she always looked forward to at high school. Where she sat next to him, enjoying his quirky company.
Carly stared at him, longingly. 'Yeah, my cousin was taking the mick, because when it grows, it goes curly. So I went to Brintown to get it cut.'
'Aww, that was mean.' Carly laugh was drawn into an insane flirt, as Darren laughed with her.
She forced a big smile. Everything had been perfect. Gorgeous boyfriend. The best friends in the world. Sunny wedding. And a crowd of people that loved and cared about her. Next, came the dreaded part she never wished to come.

'You may now kiss the bride.'

Looking, she saw Michael's puckered face zooming in. She closed her eyes, and tried to focus. But then more and more memories flooded back.
Fireworks were exploding, drowning the sky with colour and expression. Darren had asked her to the year 11 prom. She wore the best, custom-made dress, and hair and make-up was professionally done. The year group all stared the sky.
'There is only one more thing that could make this the best night ever.'
The first kiss. Carly froze, taking in every thing. Where she was, what she was wearing, the time, the date. It was the best kiss she had experienced in her 16 years.
Everyone awoke her from her dream with clapping and cheering. The packed church emptied rapidly, with the friends and family filing into the hall across town for the reception. The party was just beginning. Michael, with a smile beaming across his newly-wed face, scooped her up.
'To the car, Mrs Hillawore.' She giggled. The happiness was at a great battle with the sadness but this time, the sadness was winning. The exited the church, to a parade of loved ones shooting at them with party poppers and confetti, all shouting different things. Paranoia was eating at her. She couldn't hear the warm, loving comments; all Carly could hear was 'How could you' and 'Disgusting' and 'He loves you.' Smiling consciously, they clambered into the car and sped off to the reception.
'Oh my goodness. Speeches. Darren. What would he say?' her thoughts were so loud, she couldn't hear Michael speaking to her. She didn't understand. She thought she was marrying the one she loved. But seeing Darren's face again, and not be able to flirt outrageously was torture.
'I love you babe, so much.' Michael gazed at her.
'I love you too.' Carly stuttered unconvincingly.
'You okay, babe?' Carly stared. Thinking she'd been caught, she blinked nervously. Michael had sussed her.
'Erm..Yeah, wedding nerves, I guess,' The tension in the car was mind-blowing, Michael gave a huge sigh of relief, and put his arm round her, showing her the affection and love she had always adored when it was being given.

They soon pulled up at the reception, where they were, once again, greeted by a number of beaming faces. Now was the time everyone would come and say the typical conversations:
'Congratulations! Your dress is gorgeous! You look stunning! Aww, Michael is a lucky man. Best wishes to the both of you.'
And yet, as predicted, the kind and generous comments were pounding in, like a peacock attracting the females with his stunning feathers. She really wanted to love this day. Make it the best day of her life. Their lives. And then he came over.
'Hey there!' Darren winked, 'Looking good! Congratulations to you. I know he is the luckiest man on the planet. And you are a great girl. Best of luck for the future!' And on that, he hugged her. Carly, deep down, knew she wanted him to, but hated it.
'Yes!' Another pleased leaving year 11 student exclaimed. '3 A's and the rest B's!'
Nervously, Carly gathered her results. Darren was at the same table, as their surnames collided.
'How did you do?' Darren asked, curiously.
'I don't know yet. I'm too scared.'
'Don't be! You couldn't have done worse than me! Go for it!' He helped her.
'Okay...Here goes. Ooh, the tension!' She joked as she carefully ripped the envelope open.
'Oh. My. Goodness. All A's!!' She couldn't control her excitement.
'Well done!' And then Darren hugged her tightly, spinning her round.
They broke out of the hug, both a bit surprised to how much they missed each others comforts.
'Thanks, Darren. Hopefully, we'll have it all perfect.'
She slowly turned a sped of clonking into the dining hall of the posh golf club.
Darren sighed. Looking at her. 'Great minds think alike. Ha.' Darren thought, walking away with a sussed smile.

'The dining hall is ready, find your names on the lists outside at the rear of the hall.' The polite waitress directed. Now was the time she had been dreading. The seating plan was not like an ordinary wedding. The best man and groom surrounded the bride, through no idea of Carly's own. They all sat, and watched as the expensive banquet arrived, the guests looking at the food, like a child seeing its presents arrive at Christmas. The piping hot potatoes, cold meat and scorching gravy soothed the noisy guests into silent, fervent mice. Tucking in, everyone polished the plates into spotless tableware. Anxiously, Carly slowly ate her meal, constantly scanning the room for spies. Paranoia had not gone to an extreme high, and Darren started to notice.

....