The Girl in the White Dress

The forest floor was littered with patched of sunlight that filtered down through the trees. My heart pounded as I searched the foliage for anything out of the ordinary. I stopped by the thick oak tree and looked around once more. I saw nothing. I heard nothing. And yet, I could tell I was not alone. Had I been followed? I had thought I’d been able to slip away rather successfully. I turned around, taking in my surroundings and watching, warily.
I was still wearing the long, flowing white dress, my wedding dress. The sleeves fanned out and the it laced up the back, fitting me perfectly. My golden hair was pulled up in an elaborate coiffure. My mother had said I looked like a goddess. And indeed, I should. This was my wedding day. It should have been the happiest day of my life. And yet, here I was, escaping my ladies in waiting just hours before the wedding ceremony.
My stomach turned with anticipation. Today I was going to be married. The reality of the situation was just now hitting me with the full force of it’s importance. I clutched my stomach and breathed deeply through my mouth. I could do this. I had been born for this. It was my duty and it was an honor. And yet, my heart was breaking as the realization hit me and I felt like I would never be able to go back to the wedding ceremony.
I suddenly became aware of someone watching me. I turned around. A man stood several feet away, just watching me. He had deep eyes and sweeping, dark hair. He was well built and tall and was wearing his usual breeches, boots, loose shirt and jerkin.
I couldn’t move. At the sight of him, my heart had stopped and my stomach had dropped. We simply stood, watching each other for a moment.
“I have to go back soon.” I whispered, feeling the tears rise in my chest.
He nodded.
“I’m sorry.” I whispered, my voice choking.
He shook his head. “There’s nothing anyone could do.”
I nodded my agreement. But we both knew this wasn’t true. My father could have done something.
“So, I guess this is goodbye.” he said, cautiously.
I looked up at him sharply. “What do you mean?”
“oh, come on,” he said incredulously “You didn’t think they’d let us see each other, did you?”
I didn’t say anything, I didn’t have to. We both knew he was right. I would probably never see him again.
“I’m sorry.” he said.
My face crumpled with emotion. I felt angry and frightened and wretched.
“This is suppose to be the day of my dreams.” I mumbled through my tears. “Not the day of my nightmares.”
He stepped toward me and gently lifted my faced to look at him.
“It’s going to be okay.” he said firmly.
I didn’t reply, just looked at him with disbelief and hopelessness.
He shrugged as if to say he didn‘t know why he was being so positive. “This is the way the world turns.” he said “And nothing you or I could do will ever make it turn back.”

This was something I wrote a long time ago and it was inspired by a picture I had, but I wasn't able to get that particular picture to upload...