The Wedding Loop

I was sound asleep the night before the wedding when a video call from my best friend, Eve, came in.

“Aisling, my wedding’s starting in half an hour. Where is my maid of honor?”

I pulled back the curtains and stared in resignation at the still night at one in the morning.

“Eve, what are you talking about? It’s not even dawn. Who gets married in the wee hours? You’re working overtime as my alarm clock.”

It was a pause on the line until Eve’s camera shifted to the blue skies behind the groom.

“Are you still asleep, Aisling? It’s morning.

“Our families have arrived. Everyone’s waiting on you. Get here quickly.”

The call ended, and I snapped awake.

Judging by the family members caught in the frame of the camera, it didn’t seem like a prank.

The wedding venue was downstairs in the hotel ballroom, so the time difference didn’t make sense at all.

Just in case, I put on my maid-of-honor dress and made haste to the venue.

Right after I stepped out of my room, a drunk guest mistook me for an escort. During a struggle, he stabbed me to death.

When I came to, I was back to the moment just before Eve FaceTimed me.

“Where are you, Aisling? The wedding’s about to start. Get here quick!”

The voice of my best friend, Eve, rang in my ear.

I inhaled sharply, my fingers brushing up against my abdomen.

The contact area was flat and warm, with no visible injury present. Yet, the searing pain of the blade cutting into my flesh from my past life lingered.

“Aisling? Are you there? We’re moments away from the ceremony. When can you get over here?”

It was the same familiar, frantic voice. I stared at Eve in her wedding gown through the screen, my heart racing.

“What time is it, Eve?” I asked.

Furrowing her brows, Eve looked at me as if I had lost my mind.

“What kind of question is that? The ceremony starts at ten sharp. It’s half-past nine right now.

“Are you still dreaming, Aisling?”

Hunter Keeley, Eve’s fiancé and the groom of the day, snatched the phone from Eve.

“Aisling, it’s our big day today. The families have arrived. Come down here now before you miss our special moment.”

“Yeah, Aisling. The wedding starts in half an hour. I know you two are close and that you’re reluctant to see her go, but today is her big day. Stop playing around. Once the wedding’s over, I’ll make sure you get to spend some time together.”

Eve’s mother, June, also joined the call, trying to persuade me.

Each of them was in formal wear, looking immaculate down to the very last strand of hair.

It didn’t look like they were messing with me.

Still…

Recalling the pain of being stabbed in the stomach when I stepped out of my room in my past life, I swallowed hard.

I spoke in hushed tones, “I’ll ask again. What time is it now?”

Hunter grimaced.

“What is wrong with you, Aisling?”

He pushed Eve away when she tried to intervene and cursed at the screen.

“I have voiced my issues with you for sticking your nose in our business, but that doesn’t give you reason to come between her and me.

“Must you play these mind games on such an important occasion and waste our time?

“I can’t believe Eve calls you her best friend. You’re a piece of work.”

“Just stop it!”

Eve pulled him away and looked at me apologetically.

“Aisling, just ignore him. Hunter is just stressing out.

“I trust that you don’t mean to. Just get into the dress. The ceremony’s about to begin.”

She broke out in a sweat due to nerves. It didn’t look like she was lying to me.

However, I remained still. Since the memory of being killed in my previous life was too overwhelming, I needed some answers before anything else.

I kept pressing.

“Tell me, Eve. What time is it on your end?”

Eve was taken aback.

Her lips parted as disappointment flickered in her eyes, her voice turning grim.

“Aisling, I consider you my best friend. I only chose you to be in my bridal party. It’s not a time to joke around.”

I bit my lips and shook my head frantically.

“I’m not joking around. Just tell me what time it is, and I’ll head downstairs right away.”