Page 35 of It Was Always You

The meal was lovely, but Lily could hardly stomach anything. The champagne was flowing and just about took the edge off her nerves. The time was looming when she would have to stand and tell the world how happy she was to be losing the only man she had ever loved. The one man she could envisage marrying. The only man she could ever imagine having children with. He was lost. He was in love. She was happy for him but in being happy for him, she’d had to say goodbye. How could she ever let go? A love so deep wasn’t something you could just forget.

After a nod from the master of ceremonies, she stood and clinked her glass with a fork. The room fell silent and all eyes turned to her.

She cleared her throat. ‘Erm… hi, everyone. As many of you know, Adam and I go way back. Way back to little school, in fact. He used to defend me against the bullies who tried to take my crayons and pinch my carton of milk. In those first few years I knew…’ She glanced at her mother who had tears in her eyes. Lily swallowed hard. ‘Erm… sorry… in those first years I knew that Adam and I would be friends for life. We’ve been through some entertaining experiences together… like the time we got locked in an old house down his street that everyone said was haunted. We sat there for ages hoping someone would realise we were missing, but really, I think they were relieved to have a break from our constant chatter. Anyway, Adam was a big baby and cried the whole time, but I let him wipe his nose on my T-shirt so he was fine in the end.’

Laughter travelled around the room. ‘Oh… and there was the time he spilled juice on his crotch at my house, when we were about eight…’ Lily sniggered at the memory. ‘My mum had to dry off his shorts, but he had to borrow a pair of my knickers to go home in!’ The laughter grew louder and Lily glanced over at Adam who was beet-red and peeking through his fingers as Eve laughed heartily beside him, squeezing his leg. ‘Yep, he’s never lived that one down.’ Lily took a deep breath. ‘Anyway, I’m not going to embarrass him any more. In fact, I’ve written a little poem that I’d like to read out… So okay, I might embarrass him for a few seconds longer.’ The room fell silent again.

Taking a deep breath and glancing over at Adam and then down at the paper she held in her trembling hands, her emotions began to get the better of her again as she started to read aloud.

As little kids we’d graze our knees

We’d laugh and climb and know no fear

The path we took towards this day

Who would have thought we’d end up here?

You’ve been my rock and my big brother

You’ve fought my enemies ’til the end

My best friend, protector, and confidante

The someone on whom I could always depend

I’ve watched you grow and been so proud

The secrets kept are ours forever

I won’t tell if you don’t tell

The trouble we’ve caused will be known never

We always stuck together fast

Nothing could put our friendship asunder

But we knew it couldn’t last

I got fed up of you… there’s really no wonder

You’ve met your love and your heart is whole

You share a love so deep and true

I’m so glad for you my dearest friend

And know how much she truly loves you

So when it all is said and done

And all the joking’s put aside

I’m sure you know but I’ll tell you now

You really do have the most beautiful bride

And so you go off to married life