Something didn't feel right about the day, I had an impending gut feeling warning me that something would go wrong.

"It's just pre-wedding jitters." Mama Ekuban said to me.

She had brewed marijuana tea for me and I was sipping it slowly trying to figure out what exactly could be wrong. Kwashie and I sorted things out so it wouldn't be awkward at the wedding. I haven't seen her since last week, her mom said it was tradition that we stay apart from each other until the wedding day.

"I'm glad you two could work through your differences," She said to me.

"Me too," I continued sipping on my tea staring into the mirror at my reflection.

I was in the booked room in the hotel that was close to the beach, I slept here last night unknowing that Kwashie was also in the same hotel just on a different floor. I knew the plans, after the reception we'd be driving away to a different hotel for the night of consummating the wedding and then we'd be leaving for our honeymoon at her hometown in Ghana.

"The makeup artist should be here soon, the hairdresser as well and the tailor, Mr Saveti, should be here with your suit." Mama Ekuban came back into my room pushing a cart.

"Room service," she laughed when she saw the questioning look on my face.

I moved from the spot on the couch and we both sat outside on the balcony for breakfast. She spoke about the last time she was in Ghana and how hard it was for them to get by. Since she left 10 years ago, she hasn't went back. Kwashie and I texted for a bit laughing at the fact that we agreed to a beach wedding and wouldn't be wearing beachwear.

"Come on Zidania, go take a shower so that the masseuse can get to work." Mama Ekuban cleaned up the table and rested them all back on the cart.

I took up my robe and went to the bathroom to take a long hot shower. Mama Ekuban had lavender stalks and peppermint leaves scattered over the shower floor and it actually worked just as she said it would. I wrapped my self in the robe and walked out to the waiting masseuse who had a broad smile on her face with her hands behind her back.

"Hello beautiful," I smiled at her.

"Well aren't you just a sweet talker," she blushed.

"I can be more than that," I winked.

"I'm sure your fiancé wouldn't like to know that you are flirting with the masseuse," she said.

"I don't think my fiancé would mind, you're stunning." I wasn't lying. She was beautiful and her feminine African accent caught me the moment she said her first words.

"Thank you for the kind words but let's get started."

Without shame, I dropped the robe from my shoulders and walked up to the table using the makeshift step to get onto it.

"How do you want me?" I asked with a mischievous gleam in my eyes.

"On your back first please, you are supposed to be getting a full wax."

My back had almost touched the table when I shot back up jumping off the table and grabbing my robe.

"No..." my voice was stern.

"It was already paid for.."

"I don't care. No."

"Okay, we can skip that that. Please, come and lie down... on your stomach." She waved at the table.

I sighed and dropped the robe once more moving back to the table. I laid on my stomach feeling the breeze blow in from the open balcony doors softly brushing against the hairs on my skin.

"You are perfect, I don't see why they would request a wax for you." She complimented me.

"I'm not perfect but I do have a good skin care routine." I chuckled.

"I bet you do. Tell me about your husband to be." She said.

I started talking. I started from the beginning where we started off on a bad foot and how we grew closer over games and ice cream. Of course I left out Carter Jones, the real arrangements of this marriage and the fact that my beloved husband was actually a wife. She told me about her love interest and how she was afraid to do anything because he belonged to someone else.

"Don't let his girlfriend, fiancée or whoever stand in the way of you finding true love, sis." I said to her.

"I wish it was that simple," she laughed.

The person she described sounded like a literal Prince Charming. He was kind to her and she found comfort because they were the same, wasn't sure what they were the same in because she didn't specify. I listened to her fantasize about this dark, tall and broody love interest of hers while feeling completely relaxed.

"It's time for me to go," she softly caressed my stomach.

My skin was glistening from neck to toes in a cocoa butter and Vitamin E oil concoction that mama Ekuban whipped up for me. She didn't trust the oils they would be using so she brought her own of course.

I didn't object, I got up and wrapped my robe around me allowing her to pack up her stuff while I felt like sinking into the mattress and drifting off to sleep. Someone held onto my hand and lead me towards a high seat in front of a mirror.

"Zidania? Are you okay?" She asked.

"Huh?" I was exhausted.

"It's Lisa," she said.

"Oh, hi Lisa." I smiled at her.

"You don't look so well," she pointed out.

"I'm fine."

"Are you sure?"

"One hunnid and one percenT." I sharpened the T.

She sighed and started on my hair. I wouldn't be wearing a wig today since Mama Ekuban suggested a head wrap that went with the orange, red and yellow wedding theme. Lisa used edge control to slick back my hair before she drew a bald cap over my head and pulled it back. She did my edges and curled up the hairs beside my ears. She wrapped the turban just as she was told by Mama Ekuban. My vision was fading but I blamed it on my exhaustion.

"Awwwwee, you look so beeaaaautiful," that voice was familiar.

"Carey, doesn't something look not right with her?" Lisa asked.

"You're right, she does look off. Could be pre wedding jitters." Carey beamed.

"My turn, I love what you did."

I saw them high five in the mirror as Lisa cleaned up her supplies and Carey dropped her big kit onto the table. She was squealing with excitement saying that she was happy for the invitation, I was too busy spacing in and out to catch onto everything she was saying. I closed my eyes and allowed her to blend my eyelids and work her magic.

"Zidania, you look absolutely gorgeous." Mama Ekuban said.

"Thanks mama," kissed her cheek.

She was already dressed in her fitted linen suit with her own head wrap, she was family so she followed the theme. Sharon walked in dressed in her bridesmaid dress and her hair and makeup done to perfection. I tried my best to keep focus but it was hard, I felt like passing out.

I went to the bathroom to get dressed in my underwear. Instead of my typical sports bra, I went for a white mesh bralette with a broad band and white fitted Calvin Klein boxers. I walked back out to them hiding my nipples. The weight I had gained over my one month of pity partying I made sure to put in extra work in the gym every day leading up to today to get rid of it.

They helped me into my linen button down and my fitted trousers. Sharon tucked my shirt in while Mama Ekuban got my vest on and Sharon buttoned it down. I looked at my all white attire in the mirror and smiled. I was finally getting married. Everything fitted perfectly and it felt like my special day, yet still that feeling still floated around in my mind.

"It's 3:45." Sharon said.

"She's supposed to be out there at 4. I'm going to check on Kwashie and then take my seat okay? I trust you have everything else under control Shar?"

"Yes Akua," she smiled.

"How are you feeling, Zim?" Sharon asked me once Mama Ekuban left.

"I'm peachy," my speech was slurred.

"Have you been drinking?"

"I haven't taken a sip of anything else but tea and orange juice....... and water." I smiled.

"Well you sure do look drunk." She shook her head.

I shrugged my shoulders and went to sit so she could lace my Clark's Oxfords up. I stood up and she pinned the long flowing cape with the same fabric print as my turban on my jacket suit. Instead of a train they decided that I should get this cape thing, it was weird at first but it grew on me and I couldn't wait to flash it while walking down the aisle.

"Are you crying?" I asked Sharon.

"I'm just overwhelmed with emotions, that's all." She laughed.

"You're going to make me nervous," I sighed.

"I'm sorry my little mittle, I'm just so glad I could be here with you. It's time." She grabbed my hand leading me out towards where Richard was standing. He handed me my large bouquet of white orchids and handed the smaller one to Sharon, my maid of honor and only bridesmaid.

"Wow, I think I'm going to cry." Richard pulled me into a tight hug.

"You're not beautiful, you're magnificently stunning and breathtaking." He said.

"Thank you, kind sir." I courtesy.

"M'lady," he bowed and offered his elbow for me to take.

I laughed and connected our hands, this was my family. Sharon had already met her husband and walked down the aisle after Cecila did her flower girl duty of scattering mixed flower petals. The pianist started playing the keys to I can't help falling in love with you and I knew this was my que.

Richard and I stepped in sync, just as we had practiced before. Cecila would walk back around and come behind me to scatter more flower petals but this time it would be roses. My cape train thing would surely draw the petals that were already there so we just wanted to make it extra.

"Hold your head up, baby girl." Richard said.

I sighed and lifted my head. My eyes scanned the broad boardwalk where the wedding was being held. There was no sand but the breeze surely blew some in our direction. I looked out at the line where the sky met the sea, it was still a bright blue but in due time the sun would make its course and set leaving the dim hue of the evening glow.

Then my eyes met Kwashie's. She was in her burnt orange three piece tailor made suit and bow tie that matched my turban and cape. Her dreads were in a fresh updo with a sharp line up. Passion danced in her dark brown eyes while they watched me saunter up the aisle holding onto Richard's elbow. I slightly felt weak but I had to push through.

Richard gave me away to Kwashie and I knew he'd shed a tear, he was too emotional for his own good. Kwashie took my hand and I stood in front of her while Sharon fixed my train cape for the glamour shots. I smiled at her husband who was like an uncle to me and he smiled back.

"We are gathered here today to celebrate with Kwashie Ekuban and Zidania McGlashan as they proclaim their love and commitment to the world. We are gathered to rejoice, with and for them, in the new life they now undertake together." Pastor Claire started. He was the one to officiate Richard and my mother's wedding.

"Let us pray.." he said.

The prayer started but Kwashie and I never took our eyes off each other. We stared into each other's soul daring the other to look away, to go against our nonverbal agreement. She narrowed her eyes at me and I raised my eyebrow. We spoke our love language right there and then while the pastor was praying and the congregation had their heads bowed with their eyes closed. It was her time to raise her eyebrow at me as the same fear from earlier came back, I gave her a reassuring smile as my mouth salivated and I felt sick.

"Amen.." we said at the same time. Pastor Claire cleared his throat and continued.

"Kwashie Ekuban and Zidania McGlashan the relationship you enter into today must be grounded in the strength of your love and the power of your faith in each other."

"To make your relationship succeed it will take unending love. It will take trust, to know in your hearts that you truly want what is best for one another and to learn and grow together. It will take faith, to go forward together without knowing what the future holds"

I felt Kwashie tighten the grip on my hand as my own loosened, her face showing her obvious concern.

"If anyone here should have any reason as to why these two should not be united in holy matrimony, please speak now or forever hold your peace." Pastor Claire looked across the crowd.

We agreed on 3 minutes, that seemed reasonable and long enough. I heard Kwashie's watch ticking down and I focused on that instead of the terrible nausea that was waving through me or the dazed feeling in my mind.

It was nearing the three minutes and I couldn't be anymore happier, I needed this to be over with and done. I looked over at Pastor Claire and then I looked at Richard, he had his secretary beside him. He wiggled his eyebrows at me and I forced my lips into a smile. I knew I was sweating despite the cool evening breeze. I figured that an hour had almost passed since the ceremony begun.

"If you bo-" Pastor Claire was cut off by distant screaming.

"I OBJECT!!" I heard.

The figure was running from the direction of the hotel. Once again Kwashie tightened her grip on my hands.

"I OBJECT!!" The feminine voice yelled again.

I was trying to hold back my dizzy feeling. I quickly drew my hands away from Kwashie's death grip and rested them on my knees tilting forward taking in big gulps of air. There were murmurs in the crowd, different gasps and shocked voices. Sharon was beside me in the next minute patting my face and rubbing my back.

"I OBJECT!" The voice rung out again but it was much closer.

I heard when the shoes hit the boardwalk and their heavy breathing sounded out the obvious exhaustion they felt from running.

"I object!" They were out of breath.

"Where's a judge when you need one?" I knew for a fact that was Richard. If I wasn't feeling the need to hurl my stomach out I'd surely be laughing.

"Girl, we heard you the first time." Sharon hissed her teeth.

"What are you doing here, Kacely? Why you dey give wahala?" Kwashie shouted.

Her anger was unabridged and raw. Meanwhile I was fighting the calling need to faint, my body was shutting down and there was no stopping it.

"Someone said that I shouldn't allow your current predicament to stop me from getting the love of my life," she confessed.

That sounds like something I'd say and if I remembered clearly, something I said earlier. Her voice was eerily familiar too.

"I've told you countless amount of times that I do not want you." Kwashie was getting irritated.

I couldn't allow her to fully lose control of herself because her feminine side will come out and we couldn't afford that, not after everything we've all been through but I couldn't move. If I did, I'd surely pass out. What was happening to me? Mama Ekuban was also by my side and I wondered why no one has thought about making me sit down. I was standing strong on my feet wavering every now and then and catching back my grip on reality before my vision went blank.

"But.. bu.. but I love you." She was crying now.

"She's not the one for you! I am!! We are from the same culture, we are from the same roots. She'll never understand you like I can!" She screamed.

I turned my head to the side and saw my masseuse from earlier today. Was that what she meant by same? She knew who I was all along? Did she poison me, but how? The oil she used was the one Mama Ekuban gave her. Could she have switched the oils and is possibly slow poisoning me through my skin?

"You are a naive and impulsive girl, you are foolish and obsessive. Why would I ever leave my asantewaa for you? You will find someone who will love your ugly traits but that person isn't me. You've just ruined my wedding day and I shall never forgive you for this." Kwashie said.

"Release the hold you have on my daughter in law, you witch!!" Mama Ekuban shouted out.

"You'll regret not loving me." The girl I now knew as Kacely shouted out.

"You'll feel the pain I've felt," she said.

A pain coursed through my body as my knees buckled and I ended up with one knee pressed into the boardwalk and Sharon holding me up by the arm. I felt Kwashie's presence and her arms wrapped tightly around me.

"You'll suffer as I have suffered." I screamed out from a sharp pain in my abdomen.

"STOP IT!!" Kwashie cried. She cradled me in her arms.

"You'll never find happiness.."

"Please, don't finish that sentence." Kwashie was crying now.

I heard Mama Ekuban in the background chanting and I'm sure Pastor Claire was praying out of confusion. I didn't know what was happening behind the spectacle taking place in front of me. Where was Richard? Where was my family? Where was everyone else? My eyes were squeezed shut as the pain continued tearing through my abdomen.

".... where you seek it most." Kacely finished.

The hold I had on my stomach loosened. I heard Kwashie hollering above me and her tears staining my own face as she pulled my cheeks up to her face. Mama Ekuban was saying to not let her go. Mr Devereaux was straining against the fighting Sharon telling her to calm down, to not fight. This was supposed to be a happy day for me, I deserved it and I know I did. The grip I had on reality finally left my limping bones allowing my mind to succumb to the darkness.