Staring at the clock as it reads 12:00 A.M. Finally the worst day of her life is over. She breathes a deep sigh of relief. Never in a million years would she have imagined such a horrible day. It seemed to go on forever. It was suppose to be happy but it was far from it.
It all started with the alarm ringing, announcing that it was 7:00AM. Time to get up and start on the day’s tasks. She had so much to do in very little time. First to finish setting up for the reception, then pick up her dress, before going to the church to make sure everything was ready and in place. She had an appointment at eleven for her hair, make-up, and nails. After a quick lunch, she would finally meet with her bridesmaids and begin getting ready. She wondered if she would get everything done.
One by one everything was taken care of. Everything was set. She left the beauty shop looking so beautiful. She reached the church right on time. She had done it! Everything was perfect. She met her bridesmaids and they began their usual chatter.
As time for the ceremony drew closer, she went through numerous emotions. She put her dress on. She was the most beautiful bride. She had something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue. Looking at the clock, there was just enough time for a quick trip to the bathroom, mirror check, and to have that little talk with Daddy.
Looking in the mirror one last time, she heard a knock at the door. Opening it she saw her father with a very saddened look. "Daddy, it's not that bad. I'll always be your little girl," she giggles.
"Princess, he's not coming."
"Who's not coming?" she asks.
He takes her hand and leads her to a chair. "Honey, something went wrong."
"Daddy who's not coming and what went wrong?"
He tearfully looks at his daughter and says, "Billy's dead."
She quickly looks at her father. Her eyes filling with tears, "Daddy, that can't be." "Katie honey I'm sorry but we just received word."
Rising and walking to the window, " Daddy, how did it happen?"
"Honey, all the details aren't for sure but the Army told us what they knew."
"Daddy, are they sure it was Billy?"
"Yes, Katie. He was still wearing his dog tags and all his records matched."
"Oh Daddy, why did this have to happen? I want to be Mrs. Billy Jones."
" Yes, I know, but you knew he was a Lieutenant in the Special Forces before you got engaged. He was out on the last mission before his leave. His team had to recover some POW's and wounded soldiers. They loaded the wounded on the chopper and went back to where they had hidden the POW's after escaping with them. They were taking them to the chopper. Just before reaching them, they were fired upon. They took cover in the woods, but the chopper was across an open field, and it could only remain a short time. They had no choice but to try to make it. Billy took the responsibility of covering while the rest of his team and the POW's made a run for the chopper. Katie, stop me anytime."
"No Daddy, I want to know. I need to know."
"Well, he was covering them as they went to the chopper. They all made it safely. Billy continued firing as he went to the chopper. As he reached it and turned to jump in, he was shot. They grabbed him and pulled him in as the chopper lifted off. They worked with him and did all they could, but he died before they got to the hospital. If it's any comfort, he died a hero and saved the lives of the other eight men."
Katie begins crying uncontrollably. She drops to her knees and buries her face in her hands. "Billy. Billy!"
Her father rushes to her and puts his arms around her. "It's OK Princess, just let it out."
"Daddy, did he say anything before he died?"
"I don't know, but I'll do my best to help you find out. Katie, I am going to go get Amy and the rest of your bridesmaids to help you get your dress off and then we will go home."
"Daddy, do you think Mama and Billy will meet each other in Heaven?" "Baby, if I know your mother, she is up there right now fusing at Billy for getting shot and not being here. Don't worry. I am sure your mother and Billy are watching out for each other and then they both will watch over you."
After finally getting home and taking care of some business, Katie decides to try to sleep but it just isn't working. Every time she closes her eyes, she sees Billy getting shot. Now as the clock strikes midnight, she thinks back to the day that she and Billy first met on that long bus ride.
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