Copycat

CHAPTER 1: PARTING

"I do!"

I bounce back into reality just in time to see the whole congregation and the wedding party staring at me with bewildered eyes. The pastor had just asked my twin brother if he would take his fiancé, to be his lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold and all that good stuff. Somehow, just at that moment, I had blurted out the magic words before my brother.

Let me explain.

Rafael and I had met Jessica at the same time, at a ball during our college years. We used to fight bitterly to get her attention but everything tipped in his favour when he wrapped a silver necklace with a sapphire pendant around her neck on graduation day. The funny thing is, I was the one who bought that necklace for her. It was only when I saw him give her the present that I realised that I really didn't forget it in my jacket at the cleaners. My love for Jessica is still as strong as it was in college but it may be too late to tell her how I feel.

"Enrique? What is the meaning of this?" my brother questioned.

"No. No. I meant. I do approve of this marriage. Please continue Father." I quickly responded and laughed nervously as everyone seemed to accept my fictitious statement.

Everyone except Jessica.

Her eyes met mine for a moment with a wondering glance which searched for a deeper answer, and then her head turned back to Rafael with a heart-melting smile. My knees grew weak as I watched the service continue. Today was really the day that I would lose the love of my life. Her scarlet hair fell elegantly upon the silk fabric of her wedding dress. Did she even guess that every time she paused to part her hair behind her ears, my fingers danced from the memory of my hands running through her hair? Or that as her lips carefully crafted each word that my lips quivered in turn, reminiscing on each moonlight kiss?

Am I just supposed to watch silently as your 'Just Married' car rolls away?

I snapped out of my thoughts to see Jessica and Rafael both facing the priest.

"If anyone can show just cause why this couple cannot lawfully be joined together in holy matrimony, let them speak now or forever hold their peace."

A deafening silence fell over the church as I felt my heartbeat speed up; slowly at first and then so rapidly that I could barely breathe. The sweat running down the back of my neck sent cold shivers through my body. My hands retreated to my pockets as the shaking became more visible. Running to the bathroom now would make my intentions to break them up too obvious. Part of me wished for the pastor to hurry up while the next half of me was willing myself to be a man and speak up.

"You may now kiss the bride," the pastor said.

On the outside I was smiling and clapping but inside I was falling to my knees, cursing the world that I was too macho to even let my eyes betray my emotions. Time stopped as I glared at the two of them together. Rafael slid his hand across her cheek and pulled her waist against his body as their lips entwined. Cheers and whistles flew around as Jessica melted on his bottom lip. She ran her fingers slowly through his hair as her right hip raised up slightly against his leg.

The pastor cleared his throat.

"There is still a honeymoon afterwards you know," the pastor uttered behind a smirk.

Jessica and Rafael both stopped kissing and looked up at the pastor with embarrassed expressions.

"I now present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Rodriguez."

Helium balloons were released in groups of ten and bubbles blown by children running around the church. Rafael and Jessica led the way down the church aisle, followed by myself and the other groomsmen, the maiden of honour and the bridesmaids. The second bridesmaid had been flirting with me for the whole service but she was no Jessica. My eyes focused solely on her as we exited the church. A crowd grew around the newlywed couple as they waited for their car to approach. This was my chance. I bumped against Jessica and grabbed her butt.

No response.

It was as amazing as the first time I touched it. Firm but not too firm.

I paused for a moment.

Why didn't Jessica turn around? It was so wrong but I tested my luck again and slid my hand across her butt as my brother stared at the road. Jessica turned around this time and my head turned with the same speed as hers. When I thought it was safe, I turned back around, only to see Jessica still watching me and smiling. I wanted to take a few steps back in shock but the crowd prohibited it. She winked at me and turned back towards Rafael as the car rolled in front of them. He lifted her into his arms and placed her in the car, kissing her softly before resting her down. Rafael entered the car after her and then they drove away with the 'Just Married' sign boldly decorating the bumper of the car. Surprisingly, I found my face shaped into a smile as they drove away. Maybe it wasn't the end.