30 Guys in 30 Days

Ben

"What's taking so long?" The priest came up behind me and whispered in my ear. He was getting impatient.

"She'll be here soon, Father," I answered. She's probably stuck in traffic."

But the congregation was beginning to get fussy. People were muttering and grumbling, but quietly, careful not to make too much noise in the house of God.

I stood there at the altar, heart thumping beneath my new suit, as I waited for Shirley, my lovely bride, to show up.

I turned to my twin brother, Benjamin.

"Try her number one more time."

"I have, she's not picking up. And just now it's switched off," he answered.

I nodded, but the anxiety was beginning to gnaw at me.

"What if I go and look for her?" He suggested.

"No, Ben. I need you here with me. You know I can't handle this big crowd alone." I said as I removed my glasses, and cleaned it for the hundredth time.

It was a great suggestion but I needed him. My introverted nature can only handle so much at once.

As we stood whispering to each other, my father came up to us on the altar, bending slightly in reverence as he approached.

"What's going on Benedict?" He directed the question at me.

"Why aren't they here yet? It's been half an hour and people are starting to leave. The investors took their time to be here today and now this?"

"Investors? My bride could be lying in a ditch somewhere and you're worried about business? Dad, please." I cautioned him in my most calm voice.

My father is a good man, but sometimes his dedication to business can be obsessive, making it seem like his only priority.

By now, the priest had retired back to his altar chair and kept glancing at us in displeasure as we huddled together and held a mini whispering meeting right there on the altar, in front of the congregation.

Hands on my waist, I paced back and forth within the small circle we'd formed. Every two seconds, I would look towards the church entrance, willing her to appear already.

What if she really got in an accident? Or got kidnapped by some psycho?

"Let me go and look for her, Ben. You stay here in case she comes back before I do, so you can get on with your wedding and not have to keep people waiting." Benjamin suggested again.

"Yeah, okay." I nodded profusely. Anything to find my bride. He was my best man and I was grateful to have him by my side at that moment.

Benjamin immediately left to find her.