"I know you've a tight schedule but can't you make time for your dearest best friend..." Shiobhán pleaded.

"There's no need to be dramatic. As I said earlier, I'll be there on time." Lise raised an eyebrow at her 'dearest best friend'.

"Hey! Don't agree so easily! I'm supposed to play the part of 'the damsel in distress' friend who's trying to convince her friend to attend my once in a lifetime wedding."

"You mean, you're trying to convince your 'already convinced friend'?" Lise' voice was full of sarcasm.

"That's... You know why I'm here!" Shiobhán frustratingly said.

"To meet your soon-to-be husband. You're not supposed to meet him before wedding but, you can't wait so you're just using me as a stepping stone for your date. Yeah, I know that."

"No need to make me feel so mean here!" Shiobhán replied in her defense to which Lise laughed a little.

"Anyways, I know that we are free to get married on any day we want. But, is marrying on Easter okay?" Lise asked, concerned that this won't be a good time to wed.

"I know right... Everyone was asking the same thing for the whole year now." Shiobhán sighed.

In truth, Austin (Shiobhán' fiance) was an architectural engineer and he had to leave the country for an year this April. So, they decided to get married on Easter this year, both because they wanted to have their wedding in April and it was the only available weekend that month with the vendors they wanted to use. They did ask all the relatives and friends if it would interfere with their traditions and the vast majority said it was fine, because most of them were working in different states and gathering on a holiday would be easier for them.

Getting everything ready wasn't easy. They really had no other choice, than to get married around Easter. They had seek so many permissions before. They spoke to the priest, who in turn needed to seek permission from higher authorities. The priest, then needed to write a letter to the Bishop on their behalf. In their special case they were finally granted permission. It wasn't an easy job but, they were finally here.

"Say, do you think it'll be okay?" Shiobhán fumbled with her words.

"There's no use stressing yourself with this. It is what it is. Anyways, when is he coming? I've to go pick Charmaine from her school." Lise tried to cheer her friend but, she had to cut it short as the time to pick her child was coming closer.

"He'll be here soon. So, have you decided who you'll be coming with, as your date, I mean?"

"Of course I haven't. Austin didn't have to go far as to specifically ask me for it. If this continues to stress me, I might not even attend." Lise said in a serious tone.

"Don't say that! He didn't really mean it that way... Besides, it's been so long since you dated, don't you think it's time to move on from E..."

"Don't." Lise sternly cut before she could finish her ex' name.

"I'm sorry but..."

"Your soon-to-be husband is here. I'll leave first." Lise stood abruptly and left the cafe. On her way, she briefly said 'hello' to Austin.

"What happened to her?" Austin came to sit across Shiobhán.

"Ethan... Who else? But, are you really sure about this? She's no more the single girl of college. She's..." She spoke slowly.

"I know. You believe in me, right?" Austin reassured her.

"Let's hope everything gets better for us, and her."
------------------------------------------
"Bring a date? How could she!" Lise threw her clothes on the bed, frustrated with today's conversation.

What Shiobhán was saying was completely wrong and unwanted. She didn't need anyone. Charmaine was more than enough for her to live happily forever. And, Austin didn't have to get her this +1 card at all. She didn't want to go there with anyone. She even suggested them the quickest way to cut down their wedding budget, i.e slash the guest list.

"Obviously, such a difficult task was easier said than done." Austin had said when she proposed them the idea. 

"You don't really need to think much. The very first place you can start is by eliminating some plus-ones and refraining from allowing certain people to bring one. Single family and friends don't need "and guest" on their invitations, right? Definitely not me. You shouldn't allow all wedding guests to bring a date out of courtesy, okay?" Lise had tried again.

"Of course, this is an age-old debate. But, Lise, it's definitely gracious to allow single guests to bring a date so that they don't feel awkward or left out." Shiobhán had said.

"Besides, according to our parents, all members of the wedding party should get one. They were like, 'if you have unmarried friends and relatives in long-term relationships, you should invite their partners and even if they're not married, they're at least committed'." Austin added.

"There's this thing also. Coming from an etiquette standpoint, any single person who won't know many people at the wedding will probably feel awkward without one, so they should be allowed to bring someone also. We want everyone to enjoy so, this is the least we could do." Shiobhán perfectly added to ruin Lise' idea of canceling her +1.

"Besides, we didn't earn all our lives to cut our wedding guest list." Austin laughed at the end of their conversation.

Now, she was contemplating whether to go or not. But, Shiobhán and Austin were her highschool mates. They were always together so, she couldn't possibly miss their big day.
----------------------------------
"At the end, I'm here." Lise sighed as she stepped out of the car.

She was already at the wedding venue. This was an open wedding venue, in the garden which was set like some sort of fairytale. They had created a dreamy ambience with pastel-colored flowers, paired with white decor, outfits and sunshine. String lights created an instant magic to the wedding ceremony. They added a warm glow to the venue, and they were reminiscent of sparkling stars. There were remains of Easter as well, to remember the holy day. Overall, their wedding venue was absolutely magical.

As she was moving around the crowd, her eyes met the eyes of someone she had never even dreamt of meeting again. He was no man but, her past itself. He took a step towards her, as her steps automatically moved backwards. Suddenly, the area wasn't crowded anymore. There were only two people. Him and her.

"Lise..." His voice dragged her out of the haze, only to realize that he had already covered the distance separating them. He was close enough to talk to her and disturb her mental balance.

"What are you doing here?" Lise had to ask that. This was the most important question. After all, he had promised not to return...

"I came back. For you..."

"For me?" Suddenly, Lise couldn't control it and she laughed loudly, attracting the eyes of passerbys. This was the same guy who left her saying girls will come and go, career won't.
-----------------------------------
10 years ago, it was the college farewell party where everyone was teary eyed to leave the best memories behind. But, Lise had to shed different types of tears that day. Tears which were unnecessary and totally undeserved.

"Ethan!" Lise almost screamed.

"Don't be so frantic. Think a little rationally. What's more important in life? Love or career? Absolutely career. There is no denying this fact that one of the priority that a person should keep above everything is the career. Love will automatically follow, we won't have to chase for it. Believe me, if something is your biggest priority, sacrificing love is worth it."

"Save your words Ethan. I'm not here to listen and compare what's more important and what's insignificant. I'm here for answers. Why didn't you tell me that you were leaving the state?" Lise spoke. In the background, the music had started to fade, just like Lise' hope of keeping their relationship alive.

"Fine! I didn't tell you because I knew you'd create a scene here."

"A scene? Then what do you want me to do? Help you pack your bags? Just tell me clearly, were you even going to tell me?"

"Honestly, I wasn't. Just think Lise... When you have a job you like, you don't care about the challenges or the obstacles you have to face on a daily basis. The same applies if you are in a relationship. We are in our 20s and I want to chose a career I love, should I just give up all if I fall in love with someone?"

"Someone? Do I look like someone to you? Did you fall for me yesterday?" Lise was seeing her whole world collapsing in front of her very own eyes. Ethan and her were high school sweethearts. Never in her dreams, did she imagine herself in a similar situation where she'd be continuously questioning all the time they had spent together.

"No I didn't. And you're no someone. You're Lise and I know it. But, Lise who doesn't love to be independent and do things they always dreamt of doing? Rather than being someone who is emotionally and financially dependent on a person. Being independent would help us to live our life according to our choices. I won't have to follow someone else's instructions and I would be able to take my own decisions. I'll be free. Completely free. Don't you want that?"

"Are your even listening to yourself? You're speaking like you've lived all your life caged. Your parents were so supportive till date yet you didn't even consider telling them and now I'm hearing you'll be leaving tommorow?" Was this a dream? If yes, Lise wanted it to end quickly.

"You don't understand. If I told any of you, you guys would try to convince me to stay which I don't want to. I want to build my career and earn money for myself and with that money, I could do so many things. Unlike relationships where I'd eventually have to spend thousands of bucks on date nights, shopping and surprising my partner, my career would fetch me money for my skills and hard work. During my hard times, I would be able to deal with the crisis and take care of myself. Tell me, would you guys let me do this?"

"Of course we would! Why wouldn't we? We love you and want to support you in everything you do. It's not even about why you're leaving. It's all about letting us know..."

She couldn't believe what she was hearing. He just said that he had to spend thousands of bucks on her. Was it always a burden for him? To be in a relationship with her. As far as she remembered, they never went out to eat dinner, nor they had any movie dates. All they ever did as dates was going in parks and studying together. Was it too much? Ethan was worrying about the future consequences of dating her rather than even thinking how they lived do far.

"I'm not a kid..." Ethan started.

"Of course you aren't! Even kids would be more understanding and reasonable than you are..." Lise cut before he could say anything further.

"Lise... You know, I'm the sole earning member of my family and in that case, it is essential that I stick to my job and look for better opportunities. A time comes when I'll have to take care of my family and make sure they aren't facing any money shortage or financial crisis. When you are able to take care of your family, you would have a sense of pride and inner peace. But this is only possible if your career and source of income are stable. And of course, if I AM stable."

"So, are we burdening you?" Lise was slowly loosing her voice as well as willpower. What were they even talking about now?

"Honestly, yes. With each passing day, I feel like I'm loosing myself in you guys. I don't even feel human. More like a shadow. So, I want to leave and focus on my career which would always give me an identity. Though, I have a name, place to live and an identity that my parents gave me. It's just not enough. I want a new identity." Ethan's voice rose.

"Ahh... WE ARE BURDENING YOU? You know what? We aren't! You are! You're the reason for every single thing you're feeling. You say you're living in shadows? You aren't! We are. Every single day, we wake up in hopes that you'd appreciate the efforts we put to make YOU happy but no! Nothing is enough for you. What else do you want? Huh? Tell me clearly so that I remember it."

"Lise... That's what I'm trying to say! Do you even love me? If you are in love with someone and believe that he is the one for you, then you don't have to give up on your career for the sake of your relationship. The right person would always support your dreams and would make sure that you are following your passion and pursuing your dreams. The right partner would never compel you to leave your career for the sake of the relationship. But, you're not doing the same!"

"That's what I'm asking. What exactly are you telling me to do here?" Lise spoke, confidence back in her eyes.

"I want you to stop doing whatever you're here doing! That's why I find career a better option. Unlike relationships, my career won't give me bitter memories. In fact, it would bring me peace and comfort during my later years. At least, my career will never wake up and tell me that it doesn't love me anymore."

"Ohh?" Lise raised an eyebrow.

"Yes. So, please stop whatever you're here for. Not everyone is born with a silver spoon in their mouth, like you were."

"Stop right there! And I will stop now as well, I guess. I was here for answers but I can't get it. At least never from you. You want me to end whatever I'm here for. Right?"

"Yeah..." Ethan's voice was a low hum.

"I was here for OUR relationship. A relationship which never really existed to begin with. It was always about you. In a relationship, where there's no Lise, only Ethan. I won't stand this ridicule any longer. Let's just end it. Right here."

"Fine! Even I don't want a rich girl who can't respect a middle class dreams and career. Just remember, if you leave now, I won't ever be coming back for you."

"You're more than welcome to do so." Lise turned around and walked with her head held high but, deep down she was crumbling.

A rich girl? Born with silver spoon? What more did he think about her? A future gold digger? Her heart ached, thinking how she had invested so much in their relationship. Was it all nothing, but a mere illusion?

They could've communicated and tried being in a long distance relationship. They could even meet nearly twice or thrice in a year. And it'd have been still the same strong and solid relationship with the love of their lives. She even dreamt of marrying him someday. How naive.

For her, at some level, it wasn't the physical proximity that mattered; it was the mental, intellectual connection that did. They would try talking every single day. After all, they already knew each other in and out. They knew what could make the other happy or sad. Or was it only her who knew?

And never in all those years, would they need to compromise on any of the career opportunities. Throughout all this, she would always stand by him firmly. At least, that's what she thought.

If one of them ever faced some level of depression in life, the other would help them get out of it. She was ready to encourage him to study anywhere in the world. Communication was all that mattered. She thought she could mull over it with all the inner peace she had because she knew that she is not going anywhere and neither was Ethan. It was supposed to be all mutual. What you give is what you will receive. They had fights, big fights but they'd never let those affect one thing: daily conversation, because that is the only thing that would keep them connected.

This, I believe, was the love of life she thought she had. And if you think that the person you are talking about is truly the love of your life then you have nothing to worry about choosing between your career and your love. They'd converse, stay connected intellectually and it should work out without either of them having to compromise upon anything. Unconditional trust from both the parties was the key, after all. What a Disneyland she had created in her mind. Thankfully, it was all over now...

With these thoughts, and her broken but, better heart, Lise left the campus and never looked back.
------------------------------------
"Aren't you the guy who called me a 'silver spoon'? You're here for me?" Lise was laughing like a mad person now.

"Lise... Don't make it hard as it already is... Let's talk somewhere else." Ethan pleaded in a low voice.

"Let's not. I don't really want to hear anything more than this." Lise wiped a few tears that had collected on the corner of her eyes. She had stopped laughing now.

"Lise... I know I was wrong. Even back then..."

"No no no... You were completely right. Look, even I followed your footsteps and focused solely on my career and tadah! I'm living my best life."

"I'm... I know I'm at fault. I was focused on my career. I had a fine lifestyle with travel, free food and a car in every city that I went to. Airline club membership. All my friends envied me..." Ethan started.

"Friends? So, you actually had time for friends?" Lise raised an eyebrow. Her hands crossed before her. Even she didn't know why she was listening him. Coming here was a mistake. Definitely a mistake.

"Lise... I realized it too late."

"What did you even realize now? That you chose a wrong career?" Lise laughed a little at her own lame joke. This guy was impossible.

"No. Years later, I realised that this career was like ashes in my mouth. Life was empty. I did other things and was moderately happy. I even dated some girls. But, there was never you. Not another Lise. I know that you would have been a fine wife, someone that I could have adored for the rest of my life. Loved. I could have been very very happy. Except I sacrificed you to the dreams of career. I wasn't really able to forget you."

"The audacity!" Lise mumbled. This guy had the nerve to stand and talk face-to-face about his love life. He even had to go ahead and say that he still loved her. What exactly did he think she was? A petrol pump? Whenever the life's petrol run out, he'd come for a refill and she'd gladly accept it as it's the only thing she could do?

"Don't make it this more hard. It's already tough. Now, I rate love greater than career. I've realized. You can make money doing ANYTHING. You cannot however, love just any person who comes across your path."

"So? Decide on what you want. You have to live your life. Just mind your own business. I've nothing to offer." Lise turned around to leave. This was already enough.

In her experience and opinion, it didn't make sense to over-pursue a specific career at the risk of losing someone that you consider to be "the one for you".

"Lise... I know I'm a little late but please. I realized that you can make money doing anything. But, you won't get too many opportunities to be with someone who is truly compatible. I needed to play the numbers and go with my heart. But I didn't. Ple..." Ethan's voice started following her until a cute singsong voice interrupted him.

"Mommy!" A little girl ran towards Lise, who immediately crouched down to her level and engulfed her in a hug. Ethan stood there unable to process what was happening. Lise wasn't married or in a relationship. He had already confirmed it with his sources. But, she had a child...

"Li..."

"What?" Lise snapped covering the ears of little Charmaine.

"I..."

"Whatever you've to say I don't want to hear it. There's no reason to. Obviously you want 'us' back but there's no us anymore. It's Lise. Only her. Remember this and stay wherever you have been. Far away from my eyes." Saying so, Lise stoop up and started walking towards the aisle where a worried Austin muttered 'sorry, didn't know he was going to be here'. And she nodded.

Later, she got to know that one of the guests, (who was once together with them in college and who didn't know why they broke up) with their plus one card, brought him here in hopes of rekindling the relationship. She apologized repeatedly when she got to know whatever had happened. Overall, it was a pleasant memory. An Easter wedding, that was.
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Number of words : 3592
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