First Met

Chap. 1

I looked in the mirror to see how I looked in a white wedding dress. I watch my face which was being dressed by the make-up who were standing around me.

Yes, this is my wedding day with someone I love. Imagine how difficult it was when we fought for our love story. When we both were quite young.

We were both young when I first saw you.

I close my eyes and the flashback starts.

Flashback on

I'm standing there, on the balcony, in summer air.

I stood on the balcony, looking down, where a party was being held by my father. Summer breeze blows through my hairs, which falls beautifully on my back.

I take a deep breath feeling the oxygen enters the respiratory organs, and exhale slowly.

See the lights, see the party, the ball gowns.

I continued to stare at the lights hanging at the party, staring at the party dresses worn by the invited guests.

See you make your way through the crowd and say "Hello".

Little did I know.

My gaze turned to the young man who was walking through the hall, through the crowd, toward the upper staircase where I was standing on the balcony. It seemed like he needed some time alone for a while. But he didn't know that there was me who was standing here pondering.

"Hello,"

A voice broke my reverie. It turned out to be the voice of the young man that I was contemplating. I was so busy daydreaming that the person was behind me.

"You didn't answer my greeting?"

"Oh, um, sorry." Duh, so embarrassing ~

"Hmm, can I meet you? My name is Romy." he said, holding out his right hand.

"Julie." I replied briefly

"Nice to meet you," he said pleasantly.

"Hmm," I replied his words.

"What are you doing here, by the way?" he asked pleasantly.

"None of your business," I replied coldly, my gaze still moving forward.

"Okay, sorry." he said.

"It's nothing," I replied simply.

"I'm sorry for being unkind to you, this isn't your fault either. Even though you've tried to be friendly to me, but I responded with disrespect. Sorry," I unconsciously spoke so long to him, even though I was angry with acute level.

"No problem," he replied.

"I know, from the look on your face, you look like you're angry. If I may know, what's your problem?" he asked.

Hmm, alright, if I could share a little story with him maybe my emotions could melt a little. ~

I thought. For some reason, I felt comfortable around him. Even though he is in the category of people who are just known, but I already feel that he is my old friend. I believe he will respond to my confession well.

"Very well, if you wish, I'll tell you." I said starting.

"My father has an old acquaintance from the opposite island, he intends to set me up with his son. Even though I never met him, let alone know him. Who is willing to be matched with someone who is not yet known?"

"As far as I know that marriage is based on feelings of mutual love between partners, and that is also what I hope for my wedding later. How do you want to love of you haven't met? I'm really upset right now." I who told a long story finally ended my story.

Romy turned to stare at me with his dazzling beaded blue eyes.

Then he said, "I know your feelings. I have a younger sister that my mother also arranged for. Her name is Marcha." Romy looked away.

"She was so frustrated that she had to face the match my mother wanted. Until one day, she came to me with tears in her eyes, begging me so that I could persuade my mother to cancel the arranged marriage on her behalf. Her marriage will take place in a few years, after she finishes her education."

After saying that, he looked back into my eyes which implied the question 'What follows?'.

He laughed while looking into my curious eyes.

"My mother remains stubborn in her stance, she is determined to keep Marcha married to that man no matter what. Because she believes, love will grow with habit." he continued.

"I'm a little annoyed with my mother now. Because, after all, the one who is going to undergo the marriage is Marcha, not my mama. She should have asked Marcha for approval first, then she could match her."

I nodded in agreement at his last sentence. Of course, the matchmaking will be me, not my father.

"Thank you for being willing to hear my confession earlier." I say thank you.

"I feel more relieved now that I can share my feelings well." I continued

"No problem," he replied.

"Julie!" Suddenly someone called me. I recognized his voice, of course it was my father.

My position and Romy, who were resting their hands on the balcony looking at the scenery below, suddenly changed to face the back of the balcony, where my father was standing.

"What are you doing here? I've been looking for you since earlier. I remind you that you will be arranged, so don't be alone with a man you just met!" said my father.

"But I already know him! I've met, exchanged greetings, chat, even know his name! You said not to be alone with someone I just met, but how can you marry me to a man who I don't even know his name?!" I argued.

Such trifles could be used as a weapon against my father. Because, every time the man who was arranged with me was invited to meet, he always could not come with the pretext of business. He was indeed a wealthy merchant from across the island, but that could not guarantee his loyal behavior or not.

Father exhaled rough and immediately pulled my hand away from the balcony and Romy to my room. I looked into the eyes of Romy who was standing on the balcony watching everything that happened just now.

I can only surrender to my father's treatment. Maybe this is the first and last time I can talk and look him in the eye. Eyes that convey shade, understanding, warmth and serenity to me. I haven't even had time to say goodbye to him.

That night when the party ends ~

I curled up on the bed playing everything from the start. From the first time he greeted me until my father pulled my hand forcibly. When playing the incident with Romy, I smiled.

He is really a good young man, a young man who loves his younger sister, cares for his family, has a deep sense of sympathy, understanding of the situation, and whatever else I think is good about him.

My heart rippled when I remembered. At our first meeting, I guess,

I fell in love with him ~

Flashback off

I have finished dressing, now is the time for me to walk towards the altar, the place where the groom and the priest are waiting for the bride to come.

I smiled happily as I walked towards the altar, accompanied by my father. My arm is connected to his arm.

The song played softly in rhythm with my steps.

*Not sure if you know this,

But when we first met,

I got so nervous,

I couldn't speak.

In that very moment,

I found the one,

And my life had found its missing piece.

So as long as I live I love you,

Will have and hold you,

You look so beautiful in white.