The Pearl

As the sky gradually transformed from blue to black, the white spotlights illuminated the well maintained garden. It was a perfect night- the full moon floating in a soup of billion twinkling stars. Far below, guests crowded into a fancy white marquee. A champagne glass pyramid had been erected near the crystal punch bowl. Soft laughter and chatting filled the air. This was my hell, my aunt Mildred's wedding, and my parents were adamant that I came.

I snuck quietly into the marquee, in an attempt to avoid any chatter-box relatives. I quickly surveyed the territory for an available seat. I looked ridiculous in my suit and tie, so decided to sit at the back where nobody would notice me. As I reflected on how much I hated weddings, the minutes changed into hours, days, weeks, eternity. Peeling my skin off would have been more entertaining. Then, I saw her.

Everybody and everything around me disappeared, except for her. It was just the two of us. She stepped into the marquee, her chhocolate brown hair flowing over her perfect shoulders. A tiny pearl necklace sat elegantly on her neck. She looked amazing in her white silk dreaa, which could have almost passed as a piece of lingerie. She turned around and headed in my direction. Her hazel eyes made contact with mine as she approached the seat beside me. She moved closer and then... there was my uncle Tim or Tom or whatever his name was and as if there were no other seats available, he popped into the one next to me!

Blah, blah, blah. He just kept talking and talking. He gave me his opinion on the assasination of Presidents, hints on growing inflation and he told me told me about his war experiences. I was amazed that he was not locked up in a madhouse somewhere. He seemed to have no notion that I was dying to get away.

As uncle Trevor told me about the aliens which had abducted him yearsago, my mind drifted farther away from reality. I was on a deserted island in the Maldives, the palms swaying gently.... then like an angel she suddenly appeared out of nowhere.

"Excuse me, but that man over there is looking for you", she said.

Although I was somewhat confused, I would do anything to escape my boring uncle. I got up and walked away.

"Thanks! another minute with him and I would have exploded!", I said

"I could see that. I'm Jennifer. Anyway, see you later."

Throughout the wedding ceremony, I remained preoccupied, with Jennifer on my mind. The bride and groom had just opened the dance and I decided to ask Jennifer if she would like to dance. I was a nervous, self-conscious wreck, but I managed to gather enough courage to squeeze a few wotds out of my mouth.

"Jennifer, would you like to dance?"

"Sure", she replied.

Yes! So God did love me after all!

I was not a very good dancer, but could manage slow songs. She rested her head against my chest- I hoped that my pounding heart did not hurt her face. I could have held her in my arms forever. There was something magical between us- some sort of connection.

As a new song began to play, she picked up her head and looked into my eyes. What was I to do next? Well.... maybe it was too soon, but I could not resist. What was the worst that could happen? She could break my nose- well, it was worth a try. I leaned towards her and we kissed. Just as I was about to suffocate, I broke our embrace.

We walked into the garden d that was when I saw my mother frantically waving at me from behind a rose-bush. We walked towards her.

And she said "Honey, I'm so glad you've finally met your cousin Jennifer!"