The man in the memories was nothing like the father she knew, it was almost like they were two entirely different people. The man was a kind and gentle man, while her current father was the opposite. She moved on to the next room, eager to know what caused this drastic change.
Alphi arrived at the next room; it was the preparation for the wedding. Everything was going great. Eric did not hold back in the spending, he wanted to make sure it was a grand wedding. There was a man who was supposedly Eric's best friend, his name was Stephen. He had dark brown hair and black eyes, he was always smiling and was quite handsome. Stephen did his best to assist Eric in whatever way he could, and Eric was really grateful and appreciative.
The next room was the shopping day. Alphi's mom was given the most beautiful wedding gown she had ever seen. Well, possibly the only one she had ever seen, but it was stunning—a beautiful blend of white and gold. The pattern and design were so beautiful. Alphi was in awe. As Alphi's mother put the gown on, she seemed to glow like an angel. Her beauty was unmatched, like that of a queen. Alphi couldn't take her eyes off her. Eric stared in amazement and joy. How did I end up with such a goddess? he thought.
Alphi's mother stood there blushing as Eric moved closer and gently hugged her.
"You look beautiful, Anna," he said.
Anna was the name Eric called Alphi's mother. Alphi's mother turned red from blushing and shyly smiled at him. Everyone in the room was so jealous of Eric; the men couldn't take their eyes off Anna. Eric himself didn't fall behind—he looked like a prince in shining armor as he put on his suit. All the ladies in the room turned red, some even fainted. He was truly handsome indeed.
Alphi watched with a gentle smile on her face, the whole scene made her happy, she didn't even realize that she was crying. She slowly wiped her tears.
Why did he have to change? Was this really the same man who hit me every night? Where is Mom now? It seemed totally unreal.
Why can't I just stay here with Mom and Dad like this? How happy I would have been.
Alphi finally noticed the tears.
Why am I even crying? Always crying, that's all I ever do.
The night before the big day, Eric was on the rooftop with his best friend Stephen. The cold, gentle breeze blew at them as the radiant moonlight shone on them.
"I can't believe it's finally happening," Eric said.
"Yes, from tomorrow, you are officially a married man," Stephen said.
Eric smiled, "Don't say it like I'm old."
They both laughed.
"I believe you will find someone soon—well, obviously not better than my Anna, but still someone good."
"Yes, great prophet Stephen," he joked while laughing. "Sorry, but my wife will be even more pretty than Anna."
"That's sister-in-law to you. I'd like to see you try to find someone as pretty and loving as my Anna," Eric said.
"Ohh, someone is in love," Stephen joked.
"Wasn't it obvious?" Eric replied, laughing.
"Well, I'm happy for you, man. Make sure you treat her like a queen," Stephen said.
"I sure will. Thanks for everything, Steve," Eric said.
"Don't mention it. What are best friends for? Now go get some sleep or you'll scare goddess Anna away."
They both laughed as they left the rooftop. Alphi smiled as she watched them leave.
It was finally the big day, the day so eagerly awaited was here. Eric was so excited and happy; he seemed the happiest out of everyone. He danced around and complimented everyone. He had such a charming personality that always attracted people. Anna, on the other hand, was so nervous; she was clumsy and felt so much pressure to make everything perfect. The wedding venue didn't lack anything; the decorations were beautiful. The dress code was blue and gold. The balloons were neatly arranged in different ways, the seats were organized in a circular pattern, the catering was handled by Eric's restaurant, and the cake was just wow. Everyone's names were written on their seats, and Stephen was the guest of honor. Eric rushed over to the venue to make sure that everything was going according to plan. There was no room for mistakes; it had to be perfect. Anna hurried to the restaurant to ensure that the food was being made to everyone's taste. In a few hours, the wedding commenced.
The venue was filled with people—it seemed like Eric and Anna weren't the only ones waiting for this day. Everyone was dressed in blue and gold and was surprised by the exquisite decorations. The caterers began their work, distributing snacks to all those who had arrived.
In due time, the bride and groom made their entrance; they looked no less than royalty. Stephen, dressed smartly in a blue suit designed with gold laces, looked absolutely breathtaking. He walked up to the stars of the show and gave a small bow.
"Your Highness," he joked.
Eric and Anna laughed playfully at the remark, and then Eric walked up to the altar. He signaled for the music to stop and gave a small speech.
"May I have your attention?"
Now, all eyes were on him.
"I thank you all who have made out time to join us in our celebration. You might have had things to do, activities to handle, but you made out time to be part of our happiness, and for that, we are grateful. As a man leaves his parents' house to join with his wife, today I shall be one with the love of my life—the woman whose smile brightens up my day."
Now staring at Anna—Anna blushing shyly—he continued, "Do well to enjoy this day and eat to your heart's content. Once again, thank you. Now, let the celebration begin!"
There were loud cheers and applause, and then the music continued.People danced and ate from one dish to another. Alphi had never seen so many dishes in one place—it made her salivate like a hungry dog. Now it was time to exchange rings. The pastor was called, and after the usual formalities, the rings were exchanged and the wedding was finalized.
People presented their gifts to the newly wedded couple—Stephen even gave them a brand new car. The wedding soon came to an end with no disturbances and went down as one of the biggest weddings in their community. They all went home feeling tired but overjoyed, and Alphi was overflowing with happiness—she had just witnessed her parents' wedding.
Little did she know, things were about to change.
After a year of a happily married life between Eric and Anna…
"Eric, I have big news for you," Anna said.
"Okay, what is it? Is it good or bad? Wait—let me guess. Is it the accounts again?"
Anna didn't say a thing.
Eric, who was eating, suddenly left his food, worry on his face. "What's wrong? Is there a problem?"
Anna stammered as she spoke, "Well, I—I… it's just that…"
"It's alright. Just calm down and talk to me. Whatever the problem is, we'll face it together," Eric said.
"I'm pregnant," Anna declared.
Eric was dumbfounded. Then he spoke, "Anna… are you serious? This isn't a prank, is it?"
Anna nodded in affirmation.
Eric quickly got up and lifted her into his arms. "I'm going to be a dad!"
"And I'm going to be a mom," Anna said, tears in her eyes.
"You know what? We're going out," Eric declared.
"Right now? You aren't even done with breakfast," Anna replied.
"Just leave it—we're going to celebrate!" Eric said as he stormed out of the house with Anna in his arms
They went shopping and visited their favorite places.
"I'm going to be the best father in the world," Eric said, munching on a hot dog.
"I'm sure you will," Anna replied as she held her ice cream. Then, in a rather sad but serious tone, she added,
"Eric, I'm glad I met you."
"I am too," Eric said as he hugged her.
Alphi stood in silence as the memory faded to the next.