It all began with Gene. If he hadn't pulled a stupid stunt, none of this would have happened.
Gene was a fairly good friend of mine as we grew up. We hung out, played games, explored the neighborhood, and played 1-on-1 basketball. He was a year younger than I was, but skipped first grade, so we were in the same classes a lot.
As we became teenagers, I noticed that Gene was actually talking less to me and more to my younger sister, Karen. By the time he and I were seniors in high school (and Karen, a sophomore) the two of them were an item. I was protective of her, but didn't mind her being with Gene. After all, he and I were still friends, and I trusted he wouldn't do anything stupid.
Sure enough, he waited until after Karen's high school graduation before taking their relationship to a significant physical level. About 3 years later, the two of them were living together. It wasn't long before they were engaged to be married, and Karen became pregnant. She was of course very happy about the prospect of getting married. They scheduled the wedding for June, having been engaged since the previous March (15 months). Karen would be about 6 months pregnant for the ceremony. She was showing and glowing at the same time.
Gene asked me to be his best man. I wasn't his best friend, but the fact I was a good one AND the bride's brother made the decision easy. I of course accepted on the spot. The wedding was planned for a Saturday early afternoon.
Gene was in position. "Here Comes The Bride" began playing. (I had argued for something else, but Karen wanted to go with tradition.) In her white dress, Karen slowly proceeded down the aisle, with our parents flanking her. Then it happened.
Gene suddenly bolted out the back door. Before anyone could react, he had jumped in his car and driven off. The car was later found at the airport. Karen looked in shock as her fiance split abruptly for parts unknown.
My sister's face collapsed and she began bawling uncontrollably. Breaking away from my parents, she lumbered [6-month-pregnant women do not sprint] as quickly as she could towards where Gene had split. I grabbed her as she approached the stage, where the minister had been ready to start the ceremony, and escorted her outside, to my car [she had come with our parents.]
I drove her to my apartment, which was about 5 minutes away. After getting her inside, I sat her down on the couch and said nothing. I just pulled her against me and let her tears flow like a river. She put her arms around me and held very tight, as if she was afraid to let go for fear I'd disappear.
After about an hour of waterworks, she finally appeared to be cried out. Through some sniffs and sobs, she said "I can't believe that rotten bastard could do this to me when I'm carrying his child!"
I adjusted my position so that her head rested on my chest. "I don't know what to tell you," I said. "I'm not in the mind-reading business. I was as surprised as you were."
Karen pulled my body against her with savage intensity. "I'm glad you were here for me," she whispered. "You've always been the one who tried to keep me from getting in trouble. I've always thought that you're the most wonderful man imaginable. Don't ever let go of me."
