2.Holy Ground

“Rory, what’s going on” it was a stupid question really, anyone with eyes eyes and more than two functioning brain cells could probably correctly guess what had happened. But I didn’t want to assume, there was no way this stupid cliché could actually be my life. I was internally crossing my fingers in hope that there was a reasonable alternative to the explanation that my head is already conjuring up.

“Baby, listen to me; I can explain—“ Camden began, before Rory cut him off.

“When I got to Liz’s car I could immediately tell something was up. The car was moving a bit so I knew that there was someone in there. The closer I got, I could see clearer through the window and I could tell Liz was… bouncing up and down.”

A huge lump began to form in my throat, and I closed my eyes trying to ward off the images that that phrase branded onto my brain.

“I went to knock on the window, as a joke” Rory continued, “and to tell her and the– at the time– mystery man to hurry up. I knocked on the window, they started to panic and it was then that I saw that the ‘mystery man’ was Cam. I’m sorry, Dar.” Rory turned to me with an apologetic look on her face.

“You have nothing to be sorry for, Rory. Thank you for telling me.” I said, in the strongest tone I could muster. Though my voice threatened to betray me and I could feel my eyes welling up with tears.

“Baby, look at me. It wasn’t what it looked like, I swear it didn’t mean anything.” Upon hearing Camden speed run excuses while still calling me “baby”, my sadness is immediately transformed into anger.

“Which one is it then Camden? It wasn’t what it looked like or it didn’t mean anything?” I ask. Eliza stood next to Cam with the audacity to look hurt at the notion that she might not mean anything to him. Like she didn’t know that she was a side piece and I was meant to be the wife.

“Neither. Look, can we talk? Alone, please. I promise I can explain everything.” He pleaded.

Everyone begins a nervous shuffle to get their stuff and mumble an excuse to leave and give us privacy, but I stop them in their tracks.

“No. No one is going anywhere. At least with them here I can be sure that someone will step in if necessary and keep me from doing something I will regret.” I raised my voice and took a step toward Eliza. She stepped back instinctively, and my eyes were drawn to how she brought her hand toward her stomach as she did so. My stomach sank even farther.

“Oh, you have got to be fucking kidding me. Is she pregnant?” I asked. Camden turned to Eliza as if this was news to him too. Everyone was now looking at her as she shamefully nodded her head with tears falling down her face.

“Don’t do that, don’t cry”. I chastised her. “You fuck my fiancé. On my wedding day. IN A FUCKING CHURCH, you sacrilegious pieces of shit, and you’re gonna sit there and cry like you’re a victim?” I yell. “I’m the victim! God, is a victim. You, however, are the furthest thing from it.

Goodness, on holy ground, Camden, really? Of all the filthy things you could’ve done, sinning on holy ground?”

“Does the church parking lot count as holy ground?” I heard one of the bridesmaids whisper.

“It does.” I reply firmly.

“Dariana please, can we just talk in private.” He pleads one more time.

“I don’t trust myself with you in private.” I repeat. “How long has this been going on?” I ask, looking at the two of them for the answer. “Well?”

“A year.” Camden whispers.

“A year?” I echo, “so this has been going on since before you proposed?” All he could offer me was a nod in confirmation.

I couldn’t help but laugh at this revelation. I laughed so hard I couldn’t breathe. I laughed so hard tears started to form in my eyes, though those could be from before, it’s hard to tell. I laughed so hard I doubled over because my stomach actually started to hurt.

“Dariana, I’m so sorry”. Eliza spoke.

“Get out.” I said, between hysterical giggles. “Both of you.”

“Dariana–“ Camden started to walk toward me.

“I said get out!” I yelled and picked up my bridal heel that was next to me and threw it at him. He managed to duck in time before it narrowly missed hitting his head.

As soon as he closed the door behind him and Eliza, I fell to the ground. My laughter turning into full blown, ugly sobs.