VII||SLIPPING UNDER

                                    

                                          
WAS IT REALLY WORTH YOU GOING OUT LIKE THAT?
•••


DECEMBER 24, 1994
DIVINE
Today was Jada's and Teddy's big day and I honestly could say that I am super ecstatic about it. The women have been on go since earlier this morning and the time was nearing the start of the ceremony in just a matter of ten minutes. When I say that all of us; Elliesha, Janet, Rochelle, Ms. Sylvia (Jay's mother), and I were running around like chickens with our heads cut of was not just some figure of speech. It was the truth. All in all, this day was deemed special for my best best friend, my sister of eight years. 
Just as I helped Jada adjust her veil that was made into a crown, my eyes couldn't help but sting in the very back of them. She was beautiful. She was glowing so beautifully due to her pregnancy and her belly was showing just enough through her tailored white gown. Her hair was done in a chignon, showing off her gorgeous features that makeup couldn't do any justice to. She didnt want to over do it, so she wore something subtle and close to natural. She was just absolutely... 
"Stunning." I smiled at her through the full body mirror. 
The entire time we've all been in the dressing room of the ballroom they had rented out for the wedding. Instead of the traditional church and relocating for the reception, they had decided to make it more convenient for their guests to have everything in one place. I thought it was a brilliant idea and so did everyone else who were all in it. 
Looking at me with a faint smile, trying her hardest not to shed a tear and ruin her makeup, Jada replied, "thank you, Divine. I can't believe I am about to become Mrs. Edward Theodore Riley. It just all seem so surreal." 
"I felt the exact same way when Michael and I eloped in Vegas. I knew it was real but didn't feel as though it were." 
"But the most important thing of it all is that you married the man of your dreams and your best friend." 
I nodded. "Exactly. And you are about to do the same. I'm so happy for you, girl." I pulled her in carefully for a warm embrace and we held each other  tightly for a while before pulling apart. 
The girls and I stepped out to give Ms. Sylvia and Jay some time alone. She wanted to do the traditional "Something Old, Something New". I wish I were able to do that with my own mother on my wedding day, but to know that Jada is experiencing that very moment warms my heart. 
It didn't take much for the wedding to begin and everyone walking down the isle to stand in their respective places at the alter before the big entrance of the bride. I glanced over at Michael whose eyes were already glued to me. He mouthed the words, I love you, which caused me to blush profusely. I tried so hard to hide it but to no avail. Once I got myself together I mouthed the same words back to him before the playing of the beginning chords of Here Comes the Bride and everyone standing to their feet for the arrival of Jada. 
•••
When the officiant announced Teddy and Jada as husband and wife, it was a done deal. The moment their lips met for a passionate kiss, everyone shouted out with joy and applause ensued. The wedding itself lasted for a good twenty minutes and that's how they both wanted it to be. They didn't want some long dragged out ceremony and just wanted to do something nice and simple yet worth it.