“ Life is more about the journey, not the destination. ”
***
— Cecile —
“You what—?” Bernie’s reaction was exactly what I had anticipated when I FaceTimed her later that afternoon. Joel had just stepped out to grab groceries—an errand made necessary because, understandably, he hadn’t been planning for company.
“I’m getting married tomorrow.” I repeated myself, my voice quieter this time, as if saying it softer would make it less surreal. Yet, as the words left my lips, their weight settled heavily on me.
Bernie’s face softened with concern, her usual humor replaced with something far more serious. “Are you sure about this, Cec?” she asked gently.
I hesitated, my gaze falling to the floor. “Yeah... I’m sure. Just... I feel a bit pressured, that’s all.”
“That’s normal.” Her reassuring tone felt like a warm hug through the screen, coaxing me to meet her gaze again. “You’re graduating in less than six months, right? You’ve got a lot going on.”
“Yeah… Joel said I don’t have to take his name until after graduation, though.”
Bernie nodded, but the silence that followed was thick with unspoken questions. I could almost hear her thoughts. Finally, she said, “You know, my only regret is that I won’t be there as your bridesmaid.”
A sad smile tugged at my lips. “Yeah... mine too.”
Her next question came softly, as if she were testing the waters. “You love him, right?”
“More than ever.” The admission escaped before I could second-guess it. They say women fall deeper in love after intimacy, but even without crossing that line, I found myself tumbling hopelessly further into my feelings for Joel.
“That’s a good sign.” Her approving smile eased some of my tension, and our conversation drifted to lighter topics. Hours later, after our call ended, I dozed off without even realizing it.
---
— Joel —
When I returned to the apartment, groceries in hand, my first instinct was to look for Cecile. She wasn’t in the living room where I’d left her, and a flicker of panic crossed my mind.
I set the bags down and took a detour to the bedroom. There she was, curled up on the bed like a child, her small frame tucked into a fetal position. The sight of her, so peaceful and innocent, pulled at something deep within me.
“Hey, Joli.” I leaned down and gently patted her face, reluctant to disturb her but knowing she hadn’t eaten yet.
Her eyelids fluttered open, and her gaze met mine, full of sleepy concern. “Joel…” she murmured softly, her voice like a melody I never wanted to stop hearing.
I scooped her up without a second thought, carrying her to the dining table. “Let’s eat something,” I said, setting her down and preparing a simple meal of oatmeal and fruit.
But before I could even serve her, she asked, “Can we eat on the couch instead?”
I nodded, indulging her request. Settling onto the couch with her nestled in my arms, I fed her in comfortable silence. The unspoken understanding between us felt sacred, a peace I never knew I needed.
“When are we leaving tomorrow?” she finally asked.
“Seven a.m. sharp,” I replied.
“Okay.” She nodded, her voice as soft as a whisper, and the silence returned.
---
— Cecile —
As we prepared for tomorrow’s trip, a whirlwind of thoughts swirled in my mind. Questions I wanted to ask Joel lingered on the tip of my tongue, but for some reason, I held back.
His home was warm, cozy even, and it felt surprisingly familiar—almost like I had always belonged here. It wasn’t until I noticed a framed painting of myself on the wall that curiosity began to win over my hesitation.
“Joel…” I called softly as we sat together on the plane the next day.
He turned to me, his responsiveness making me smile despite myself. “Joli?”
“How did you become so rich?” The question slipped out before I could stop it. It wasn’t meant to pry, but I couldn’t help wondering how the same Joel from high school—who lived a modest, average life—had achieved so much.
A small smile played on his lips. “I sold some of my artwork. A few pieces were auctioned off for pretty high prices.”
“Oh…” I paused, intrigued. “Do you own a studio now?”
“Yes, I do. I’ve got a manager and an assistant to help run things. On days without lectures, I’m usually there.”
I found myself blushing at his next words: “Until now, I was mostly alone at home. But not anymore, Cec.”
His wink made me flush, and I looked away, trying to mask my embarrassment.
---
— Wedding Day —
“You make a beautiful bride, Cecile.” Bernie’s words over the video call brought tears to my eyes.
I dabbed at my cheeks as she continued, “Joel’s lucky to have you.”
“Yeah, he is,” I replied with a small laugh, though my voice wavered.
Bernie couldn’t attend in person, but she’d asked for the entire ceremony to be streamed for her. Somehow, knowing she was watching made me feel like she was right there beside me.
“Stay beautiful, Cecile. And most importantly, stay happy.”
***
“Thank you, Bernie. ” Cecile whispered as the video call ended. She had barely set her phone down when she heard her name being called.
“Baby…”
The familiar voice froze her in place. Turning slowly, Cecile gasped as she saw her father standing just a few feet away. “Dad!” she cried, rushing into his arms. She clung to him tightly, her emotions overwhelming her. She had only told him about the wedding hours ago, yet here he was, in the flesh, making the impossible happen.
“You’re getting married, Baby,” he murmured, his voice thick with emotion. Cecile felt his tears dampen her shoulder, and her own began to fall.
A memory, vivid and bittersweet, flashed through her mind.
“We’re going to make the most beautiful brides on our wedding day, Cecile.” Celine’s voice rang out in her thoughts, full of joy and unshakable certainty. They’d been sitting together after watching a story about identical twins marrying another set of twins on the same day.
“Yeah… we will,” Cecile had replied confidently, believing in that future with all her heart. But life had other plans—plans that didn’t include Celine being here to share this moment.
“I miss her, Dad,” Cecile whispered, her voice breaking. Tears streamed freely down her face.
“We all do, Honey,” her father said, pulling her even closer. “We all do.” They stayed like that, wrapped in each other’s embrace, until their sobs quieted. When her father finally let her go, he stepped aside, and Cecile’s breath caught.
“Mom.”
Her mother stood just behind him, her eyes shining with unshed tears. Without hesitation, Cecile stepped into her arms, feeling the weight of unspoken words dissolve in that moment.
“Cecile… I miss you,” her mother murmured, her voice trembling. Their relationship had been strained for years, reduced to occasional chats, but now, none of that mattered.
“Same here, Mom,” Cecile replied softly.
Her mother cupped her face, her touch gentle and reverent. “She looked… just like you,” she whispered, her gaze searching Cecile’s features. The words struck something deep within Cecile, and tears welled up again. They both broke down, holding each other as years of grief and longing spilled out.
“Yes, Mom,” Cecile whispered when they finally calmed. The weight of loss still lingered, but for the first time, she felt truly supported.
“Bestie!”
The unexpected word pulled her attention. Cecile turned, stunned, and saw Bernie standing in the doorway. Dressed in a bridesmaid gown that matched the soft pink accents of Cecile’s white dress, Bernie looked radiant and smug.
“You came…” Cecile’s voice trembled with disbelief. Bernie had claimed she was stuck in Japan and couldn’t possibly attend the wedding.
“I wouldn’t miss your wedding for anything, Bess,” Bernie said, grinning. Cecile collapsed into her arms, overcome with emotion.
As they embraced, a memory of Celine’s voice surfaced again. “I will not leave you comfortless… I will always be with you, Cec.”
The realization hit Cecile with startling clarity. She pulled back slightly, looking at Bernie with new understanding. No wonder they had been inseparable from the moment they met—it felt like fate.
“I love you, Bernie,” Cecile said, her voice brimming with gratitude and love.
Bernie smiled, wiping away Cecile’s tears. “I love you more, pretty bride.” She then tugged Cecile gently back toward the dressing room. “Come on, let’s fix your face. We can’t have you walking down the aisle looking like a raccoon.”
Cecile laughed through her tears, the weight of the day lightened by Bernie’s presence. It wasn’t lost on her how lucky she was to have a friend who cared so deeply, someone who always showed up when it mattered most.
So much for having a best friend who truly cared… ah!
---
A/N: This chapter turned out so beautifully emotional. What do you all think? Did it touch your heart as much as it did mine? Let me know in the comments!