The sun rose over the beautiful empty green fields of northern England on what would seem like a normal day to most. There was dew on the grass and birds singing in the trees, creating a heavenly chorus. This was the scene at Dowdales Hall, a Victorian era building that had stood in this remote area of countryside for hundreds of years, greeting countless numbers of guests and hosting events every single weekend without fail. It was a highly in demand location and people had to reserve their slots months, if not years, in advance if they wanted to use it for birthdays, conferences, weddings or any other important events.
I was standing outside of a small white chalet with Tom, just down the road from the main building, both in only our pajamas and trainers as I took a long, slow drag from a cigarette. The smoke billowed into the morning air as the end of it burned, ash falling to the ground, the sweet nicotine entering my bloodstream and calming my mind on this most important of days. "Don't tell Ash about this, okay?" I asked, turning to Tom, "he'll just be upset about it and I don't want to ruin his special day."
"Don't worry, I won't say a word," Tom replied with a smile, extending his arm to take the stick of tobacco from me so that he could take a drag of his own. He had been honoured when I had asked him to be best man despite knowing that I hadn't really had that many options to choose from. Unbeknownst to Tom, I had actually first asked my Dad to do the honors, but he had politely turned me down, explaining how much it meant to him that I had asked, but suggesting that I pick one of my friends from University instead.
"I've been a best man before," he reasoned, "besides, are you really going to want me organising your stag do?" he asked with a cynical raised eyebrow.
"I guess not, might be a bit awkward" I replied with a wry chuckle.
"Choose someone your own age to be best man," he suggested, "it'll mean a lot more to them, help bring you closer. It's a lifetime bond, being asked to do something so special."
"Thanks Dad, I will," I'd replied, "thanks for the great advice as always." We had shared a quick, awkward father son embrace before we heard Mum making her way towards us from the kitchen with a tray of drinks in hand, the mugs clattering as she walked, Dad raising his finger to his lips to signal me to be quiet.
"Here we are boys, a nice cup of tea for you both!" Mum said warmly as she set down the tray on the table, looking up at us both quizzically as we stood in silence. "What were you two talking about?" she asked suspiciously, able to tell her boys were acting abnormally.
"Oh nothing Mum, just football." I had replied, unconvincingly but after a raised eyebrow showing that she didn't believe me one iota, Mum had decided to leave it alone.
"Is Ashley still in bed?" Mum asked nonchalantly as she poured the hot tea from the pot into our individual mugs.
"Yeah, he was really tired out after..." I trailed off, remembering our previous evening's tryst and how he had fallen asleep in my arms after our third round of lovemaking.
Mum and Dad shot each other a look indicating that they knew exactly why my fiancΓ© was so tired and despite their best efforts to remain stone faced, Dad couldn't help but crack a cheeky little smile. I remembered that in that moment of embarrassment I had told myself that I needed to find a place for myself and Ashley as soon as possible. Thankfully it was only a couple of months later that we had found a nice little flat just a few minutes walk from Mum and Dad's house that was big enough for our needs and in our budget.
As my memories faded I took the cigarette back from Tom, its slender, white shell looking elegant between my fingers as I raised it to my lips and inhaled deeply. Of course I know that smoking is a dirty habit, in fact, I'd always told myself growing up that I would never be a smoker. Despite this, I was on a night out during freshers week and had been offered a smoke by one of my coursemates and partially due to my drunken state and partially due to wanting to seem cool, I had accepted. I had tried not to make a habit of it, but when boozing or stressed, I found it hard to resist. My wedding would of course be one of the best days of my life, but it would be far from stress free and so I had bought myself a pack a few days ago, doing my best to hide them from my better half out of fear of being rightfully chastised. I knew that Ash would just be worried about my health, which was entirely valid, but I still didn't want to be judged by the man I love most, even if it was justified.
"So, are you nervous?" Tom asked as he looked at me closely, wanting to interpret my response.