#white flag

The thin lace curtains danced as a gentle winter breeze slid through the opened window. As it moved through the room, it coaxed all it could to join the merry jaunt. You sat watching with a cooling cup of tea, fresh from arguably the most difficult night’s sleep you had ever had.

Your mind is still racing a million miles a second as you contemplate what tomorrow will bring. The hours ticked by, and before long, slumber’s gentle embrace found you, coaxing you to dream until woken by the chirp of your alarm. Still, it was relatively early, the others would not arrive for some time. It would simply be you and your thoughts.

The light of the early morning sun shone through, as a smile formed upon your lips, as you pondered gleefully through the events that had led you to this moment in time. It had been a rollercoaster, full of many ups and downs. Soaring heights that made your blood rush and deafening lows that nearly broke your spirit along with your heart.

Remembering those dark moments alongside the good was necessary, for they came hand in hand with your beloved. A friendship that had been tested by late nights and early mornings before it blossomed into something deeper, but no less meaningful.

The chill lingered in the air as you pulled your fluffy blue dressing gown tightly around your frame. Trying to escape the cold for just a moment longer, but maybe this was a sign that snow was on its way to coat everything in sight with a glistering white. Now, that would be the cherry on top of a thoroughly planned day.

The bouquet of sunflowers and bluebells entwined with leaves of varying shades of green sat on the dresser. Your friends at first had questioned your choice of flowers, but you held steadfast to your decision. The colours were symbolic but, at the same time, had wonderful memories tied to them. Your first date, your first kiss, to name a few off the top of your head. Yet it was the small silver charms that had been woven through the ribbons holding the bridal bouquet together that tugged at your heart, Jake had been the one to gift them to you.

He and his mother, Janey had welcomed you in their world after it was clear that you were here to stay. Jake might not have been Robby’s biological son, but their connection ran far deeper than that. It was heartwarming to be able to foster a close relationship with him and his mother. Both held a place within Robby’s life and his heart. They came pre-attached, and it would be selfish to even consider pushing them to the wayside. The romantic candle had long since blown out, but the affection had remained.

Robby was a positive male role model in Jake’s life, one who had chosen to remain even after the breakdown of his romantic relationship with his mother. A friendship had risen out of the ashes as he continued to be there. Holding his hands as they navigated through this new dawn.

You couldn’t help but smile, thinking of what lay ahead. This was only the beginning of the story that you would weave together as husband and wife. “I can’t believe that we are finally here” The sound of your mother’s warm southern drawl drew your attention away from the lace as it continued to dance with its invisible partner.

“Neither can I. I’m getting married in only a few short hours," you gleefully replied, watching as she made her approach. Soon enough, the rest of your bridal party would arrive, and you’d get ready for the long day ahead. A day that you never forget, with memories you’d cherish regardless of whatever life threw your way.

She was going to be his wife in less than an hour; Robby might be nervous, but there was an electric level of excitement pulsing just beneath it. It was almost hard to believe that he was going to be married to her, the mere thought that she had even said yes to a date back then. There had been no polite rebuttal, no pushback. Just a chance to see where this went, and here they were, on their wedding day, ready to take the next step.

All roads led there, and sooner, they would lead you to Robby. With him standing at the altar, with his best man, Dr. Jack Abbott, standing at his side. You were ready to be his wife, to walk this path together, hand in hand. –-------------------------------------------------

Robby’s nerves were shot as he aimlessly played with his cufflinks for what has been the third time in the last few minutes. Today was the culmination of months of planning and devotion to the finer details. His fiancee, soon to be wife, Michael couldn’t help but smile as soon as the thought appeared.

It was hard to belive that he was just that goddamn lucky. Robby might have opted out of a traditional Jewish service at Temple, but this venue was the one. He remembered when they had viewed it after having seen a few serious contenders, this had been the last stop of the day. From the moment that they had entered, he had seen how her eyes had lit up; that reaction had been enough. He had been sold then and there.

He had booked with the vendor on the way out, knowing that the date had been decided a few days before and as soon as he had been told that they had availability, he had given them the necessary deposit. She was beyond worth it. His ever-present golden chain with a small Star of David had been tucked beneath his crisp white dress shirt, touches of his faith bleeding through. He had debated over whether to wear a Kippah. Yet she had given Jack the one that his Grandmother had given him after discovering it in a box in one of the many high shelves tucked away for safe keeping.

The accompanying note had tugged at his heartstrings. She was always the brightest spark in his ever-darkening world. 

Wear it today, it will be as if she is here with you.

His Fiancee had never gotten the chance to meet his beloved Grandmother, who had a hand in molding his compassionate heart. She had long since passed by the time he had started his residency. Yet, still her influence remained, alongside the strict but fair guidance of his mentor Dr Montgomery Adamson. Both had been instrumental in forming the kind of Doctor he wanted to be. Without either of them, Robby would not be the man he is today.