This is my entry for the Monthly SimLit Short Story Challenge hosted by LisaBee. If you, the reader, would like to participate, please read all the entries and vote for your top three in both categories, Veteran and Novice. A list of entries and voting instructions will be given out on the first of July. Thank you all for your support of all the talented participants who work hard to provide these awesome stories for our reading pleasure.
This month’s theme – A June Wedding
Word count – 800 max
Screenshots – 5-8
My word count – 489
Screenshots – 5
The balmy, perfect June day felt as frigid as a December blizzard. I shivered, hugging myself as I watched my twin sister preen before the mirror in her flowing white wedding dress. She looked exquisite, and the euphoria radiating from her shattered my heart into a million irreparable pieces.
My sister was getting married. I should be happy. Instead, I wanted to die. It should be my wedding day, not Victoria’s.
“Oh, sis, I can’t believe this day is finally here!” Victoria gushed, hugging me tight. “Thank you for standing up with me and being the best twin sister a woman could ever have.”
“I wouldn’t have it any other way.” I arranged my face into a sisterly smile as I hugged her back. I loved my sister; she was my twin. I wanted her to be happy. I wanted to be able to rejoice in her joy. For the first time in my life, I couldn’t fully do that…and it was all because of Matt.
Matt used to be my boyfriend until two years ago. We were happy and madly in love, and I always thought I’d marry him one day. Our life was almost perfect, but almost wasn’t good enough. Matt wanted kids; I didn’t. I wanted to travel the world and explore unfamiliar lands. It became an unresolved issue in our relationship, the proverbial elephant in the room. The engagement was called off, and we went our separate ways to lick our wounds.
I went on an eighteen-month trip to Asia, and Matt took a trip right into Victoria’s waiting arms. She wanted kids, the big family, and a nicely grounded life; they were perfect for each other. I told myself I should be happy for them, but my heart wouldn’t listen. I still loved Matt and would run back to him in an instant if given the chance. I’m a selfish person; I want Matt and my globetrotting life. Wanderlust lost me the love of my life, and wanderlust is now the only thing that comforts me now.
“You’ll find your Mr. Right, too, Regina,” Victoria said softly. Even now, we always picked up on each other’s emotions.
Again, I smiled but allowed a tincture of sadness through. “Don’t you worry about me. This is your day, and I’m elated for you. I’m okay, really.”
“Promise?”
“Pinky swear.” I laced my pinky with hers, knowing that promises made could easily become promises broken. “Now, let’s get you hitched.”
The ceremony was beautiful; there was not a dry eye in the entire place. I cried most of all, but nobody was aware of my broken heart. I always cried at weddings anyway. I’d always been outwardly supportive of Matt and Victoria’s relationship, so nobody was wise to the despair within my soul.
My twin sister was married on a beautiful, golden June day. For me, it would always remain the coldest, darkest day of the year.
Oh my… I could actually feel her pain.. Beautifully written.
Thank you so much! I’m so glad you enjoyed it. ❤️ She’s really in a lot of pain because she still loves him. She loves her sister, too, and doesn’t want to infringe on her happiness. What she needs is someone with as big a traveling bug as she has to swoop in and sweep her off her feet.
Oh, so sad!
I know. 😩 Perhaps she will find peace one day soon.
Oh my, that was really sad.
I know. 🙁 Her pain was palpable. Hopefully, she can find someone to steal her heart and find love again.
Aw, man. How tough that must have been. I love how these sisters are still really close, even through events that could have easily pulled them apart.
It really was tough, and it’s such a sad situation to be in. Yes, me too! Those sisters could’ve been pulled apart so easily, but they managed to remain close.
So heartbreaking…I would never want to be in that situation. Hope she can find her special someone someday. Beautifully written, though!
I know what you mean. It would be a terrible situation to be in – so very painful. She needs someone to totally sweep her off her feet. That’ll likely happen when she least expects it. 😊 Thwnk you so much for the compliment about the writing and for reading.
Awww, although I think she made the right decision. If they’d married, they’d have been miserable. I just hope she gets to find happiness eventually too!
Yes, I think you’re right. They both want different things, and when those different things clash, all hell can break loose. They were right to break up although right now, she wonders if it was the right thing. Let’s hope she can find her own happiness. When she does, I’m sure she will realize this was for the best for everyone concerned.
Such a bittersweet take on the theme. But I find it unique and also I have hope for Regina. Right decisions don’t always feel so perfect but I think looking back she will feel she made the right one for her sister and herself.
Thank you so much! Yes, I totally agree. The right decisions sometimes aren’t the easy ones to make, and sometimes second thoughts play into it. However, let’s hope Regina finds her own happiness and realizes there was something better for her out there.
This is such a unique perspective. Sometimes weddings aren’t a happy occasion for all. I was wondering if Regina was going to object or confess her feelings. I’m glad she didn’t. She may feel selfish, but the fact that she’s willing to step aside and not give in to her emotions is mature and selfless. Being selfless isn’t necessarily feeling that way but doing what’s best for someone even if it’s not what you want.
It is a heartbreaking story but they wanted different things out of life and neither would have been happy if they had to give up their life for the other. The marriage most likely would have never worked. Things are probably better the way they are now and I’m sure she will find the right man who shares her dream. However it is still very sad.
It really is a heartbreaking situation, and I felt really bad for her. You’re right. They would have been miserable, and the marriage likely wouldn’t have worked. I’m sure when she finds the right man, she’ll understand that this was the way it should be. Until then, though, she’s going to hurt. 🙁
Thanks so much for reading.