My foot bounced up and down, slightly, my irritation evident, hidden by a lavish white dress. I had to go to the bathroom. I had to go to the bathroom before I'd calmly sipped the wine out of the expensive glass, or before I'd even thought about the fifth glass that I'd just downed. By that point in my night, I decided I'd been to better weddings with better people that had better receptions with better food, music, and wine in better cities with a better dress then the one I was wearing. Sadly, it was my own wedding. My eyes darted from face to face, taking it all in slowly, my drunken mind functioning slowly. I stood up from my chair, excusing myself with slurred speech and shaky knees, avoiding the eyes of my groom, and various onlookers as I made my way around the table. I ignored the people who tried to stop me, their congratulations washing over me like an unexpected wave that was dragging me under, its rip current hidden. The rip current deadly.  I pushed my way out of the ballroom, making my way to the empty hall, my legs picking up the pace. My heels clicked on the tiled floor, the sound reverberating through the empty hall as I ran out of my reception. I pushed the doors open, walking into the large courtyard, my heels sinking into the wet grass as I walked forward. The freezing water of the pouring rain washed over me, ruining priceless couture and an extravagant wedding, priceless couture and an extravagant wedding I hadn't wanted in the first place. I glanced down at my left hand, the large diamond engagement ring glinting in the partial moonlight, the gold of my wedding band sparkling new, engraved "To my dearest." I yanked them off, ignoring the sharp pain that shot up my upper arm, tossing them to the damp ground beneath me, tears welling in my eyes. "I take it I missed the nuptials." A low voice said, sending a thousand shudders down my spine as a thousand emotions ran through my mind, making my heart skip beats. "You missed the nuptials." I repeated; shivering as a light breeze blew through the courtyard, the flowers and leaves fluttering, like the caged butterflies that were being released into my stomach, crawling up my throat like bile. "Why is it that I am always too late? Like the knight in shining armor that left his sword at the castle?" He whispered, stepping forward, his pale skin glinting in the moonlight, more precious than the metal I'd thrown to the ground, his eyes focused on mine. "Because destiny has our lives going separate ways, we aren't meant to be." I whispered, wiping at my wet face with a damp palm, my tears blending in with the raindrops, my makeup still planted firmly on my face. "Meant to be, who's meant to be more than you and me?" He asked, suddenly in front of me, his arms on my upper arms, shaking me lightly as I stared up at him, "You should hear some of the nonsense that passes from your lips time to time. I'm so glad I'm here to set you straight." I laughed lightly, tears still falling from my eyes. "If only it where that simple." I told him, as he dropped his arms back to his sides as I shook my head. I stroked his cheek lightly, as we stood in the dark of a night in June, the heat and humidity nearly suffocating in my heavy couture dress, but I didn't notice at the time. I'd lost myself in his eyes again, I was drowning, but there were no rip currents in his eyes. There was nothing hidden from me. At that exact moment, he was an open book, his emotions visible in his eyes. They were stormy, like the sea, full of disgust, and hurt, yet so clear, shining with love, his love for me. I turned my head, hearing footsteps approaching, barely leaving the ballroom. "You must go Carlisle; you must not turn back either. Forget me." I whispered, ripping myself away from him, dropping to my knees, feeling around blindly for my wedding rings. "Beth, it isn't that simple!" He growled, taking a step toward me. I glanced up at him, nodding my head. "It has to be. Do it, for me." I whispered, my tone low, but I knew he heard me, I could see it in his eyes. I watched his heartbreak. "Elizabeth!" A voice boomed as my groom emerged in the courtyard, his anger radiating. I was light-headed for a split-second, nearly letting it overwhelm me. I glanced up, one last time, memorizing a face I'd never forget. He was my only love, the kind of love that had painted itself on my heart, the kind of love that would never be removed, or replaced. "I love you," He whispered, his heart shattered on the courtyard at my feet. "I love you, too," I whispered into the darkness as I scrambled to my feet, clutching my wedding bands in my fist, fearing he couldn't hear me, but he did all those miles away. "Elizabeth, what are you doing?" John asked, wrapping his fingers around my upper arm, tearing into my tender flesh. "Nothing, I needed some air," I answered, my mind clearer than it was before I stepped into the courtyard. "You embarrassed me in front of everyone who matters! Do you know what they'll be saying in the papers in the morning? Do you know what venomous gossip their filthy lips will spread about us?" He demanded, gripping my arm tighter. "I don't care," I shrugged, not dodging the slap I had already been expecting. "Good for nothing harlot," He spat, dragging me back toward the reception hall. I closed my eyes, taking a deep breath. It'd be over eventually. John dropped my arm, and I didn't rub the spot that was throbbing, or raise my hand to soothe my aching cheek. I walked into the reception hall, listening to my soaked dress squish against my body, and my heels click, but it was irrelevant. I held my head high as I walked back into the ballroom, avoiding the eyes, and the whispers. My cares, and heart, were lying broken in the courtyard with Carlisle's. I took my seat at the table, staring ahead blankly, my thoughts occupied. The time would come, eventually, it was just the eventually that was going to take so long.