24 July 2012
-NATE-
"How was your run?" Charlie said as I got back. He'd already put his shirt and his suit on, and all he had left to do was his bow tie and jacket. "Good. I went to see Tiffany" "You did what? Nate, you shouldn't have!" "I didn't see her, I just went to see her mother" "You're unbelievable you know that?" Charlie said, handing me my tux. "Sorry I'm in love!" I said, taking it and heading upstairs. I showered and changed, making sure my tuxedo was stainless and clean. It was, and as I slipped it all on, I found myself thanking Tom Ford, the master of men's formalwear. It was very simple: a white shirt under a black trouser suit, with black silk lapels on the jacket, and a white bow tie. I considered my face, and contemplated shaving again. I already had this morning, but I knew there was nothing worse than finding stray areas. After I'd shaved again, I moisturised my face, and felt it thoroughly, making sure that when Tiffany did it would be up to her high standards. I brushed my hair, and mussed it up a little so it looked natural. Then, I began to apply liberal amounts of aftershave. I spritzed the sweet, adventurous smelling scent all over my tux, and especially in my hair, where I knew it would stay all day and all night. "We should leave in ten" Charlie called up to me, causing me to panic slightly, and question what was really happening. I looked at my face in the mirror; my youth shining through in this adult's attire. Was I really about to get married? Was I really signing away my whole life to Tiffany? Was I even ready to make such a life changing step? Just as I began to panic, I paced around the room, drumming my fingers together whilst I tried to regain my composure. I looked up at the familiar white ceiling, and followed it across to the bed; where Tiffany and I had lain together for numerous sunrises. Then I looked at the smaller details of the room, most notably the pictures. First of all, I saw the Vogue pictures, and I saw the look of love in both of our eyes. Then, I looked at the pictures of Tiffany: this confirmed how much I loved her. As I stared at her beautiful olive complexion, and her gorgeous big brown eyes, all the doubts slipped from my mind, hanging in the air slightly before I looked at the final picture. It was the picture of our scan, that had taken pride of place on the mantelpiece. I picked it up, and sat on the bed, gazing at what once was our child. Looking at this symbol of hope and unity in our relationship made me certain that what I was doing was right. Once upon a time, we'd been prepared to have a baby together. And even after the miscarriage, we're still a strong couple. Pulling through something like that takes more than a loving relationship. It takes a special bond that can only be found in the truest of love. I took the scan picture out of its frame, and I placed it in my inside pocket, leaving the bedroom and walking down to see Charlie. He handed me the white rose I was putting on my jacket, and he straightened my bow tie. "You look good" he said, standing back to make sure everything was straight. "Thanks, so do you" "Are you ready to get married?" he said to me. I contemplated this issue, thinking again about all the things Tiffany and I had been through throughout our whole relationship: starting it off as a secret affair, going to prom together, Tiffany's coma, moving in together, her getting pregnant, me proposing, me getting injured, buying our New York house, Vogue, then losing the baby, and going back to school. Truth be told, I was so excited to add our marriage to that list. What it showed was the balance between highs and lows, that no matter how rough the situation, we always triumphed, staying on top; staying in love. "I really am" I said to Charlie, leading him out of the door, my head held high.
Love You Too: PART SEVENTY TWO • Opuss № I