The 365th Delay Was My Last

On our wedding day, Lauren was late. Again.

The venue was packed with guests, their murmurs echoing under the high ceilings of the ballroom, but there was still no sign of the bride. Her bridesmaids cornered me in the holding room, their voices dripping with that practiced, superficial sympathy.

Wyatt, just be patient, one of them said, patting my arm. Its not like this is the first time shes run late. You should be used to it by now.

Exactly, another chimed in, checking her lipstick in the mirror. Shes late, not a no-show. If worst comes to worst, we can just tell the caterers to serve the appetizers first. We can do the ceremony whenever she gets here.

Besides, today is Lucass college graduation. Thats a major milestone. Lauren promised him ages ago that shed be there to take photos with him. Theyve had this planned forever.

I glanced at the clock on the wall. The hands were creeping toward noon.

Five years of loving Lauren. Three hundred and sixty-four times she had kept me waiting.

She always had a reason. Traffic on the highway, a glitch in her GPS, rain slicking the asphalt, a sudden headache. There was always a reasonable, polished excuse.

Even the time I fractured my ankle on a hiking trail and called her, shivering in the damp woods, begging her to come get me, it took her eight hours to arrive.

But for Lucas? For Lucas, she started preparing the night before. For him, she was never late. She was always early.

Before she left this morning, she had squeezed my hand, looking up at me with those bright, earnest eyes. Im just going to run over, take a few quick photos with him, and be right back. Ill be back by ten. Plenty of time, I promise.

But she was late.

The last time she had kept me waiting, I made a silent vow to myself: if she reached three hundred and sixty-five delays before we were married, there wouldnt be a wedding.

The wall behind the altarthe space designated for our massive canvas wedding portraitlay bare. On the day of our engagement shoot, she had gone shopping with Lucas instead. By the time she finally showed up at the studio, the photographers had already packed up and turned off the lights. She had promised we would reschedule, but we never did.

Even on our wedding day, her priority was playing photographer for Lucas.

I reached up, unclasped my bowtie, and threw it onto the vanity. I began unbuttoning my vest.

This time, I was going to be the one who didnt show.

When I walked back out into the lobby, I had changed into a simple linen shirt and jeans.

The heavy double doors of the entrance swung open, and Lauren walked in, her hand wrapped tightly around Lucass.

Her bridesmaids immediately swarmed them.

Where have you been? Wyatt is furious. We dont even know where he went.

Well, at least you dont have to worry about changing. Lets go find the groom.

As they turned, their eyes landed on me standing a few yards away. The chatter died instantly.

Wyatt? one of the bridesmaids stammered. Why are you dressed like that?

An awkward, heavy silence settled over the lobby.

A catering coordinator stepped forward, clipboard in hand, looking between Lauren and Lucas. The bride and groom are here. Shall we queue the music and begin the ceremony?

She assumed Lucas was the groom.

It was an easy mistake to make. Lauren was in her stunning white bridal gown, and Lucas was standing beside her in a sleek, tailored black tuxedo. Holding hands as they were, they looked exactly like a couple about to walk down the aisle.

Lauren glanced at me, her expression tightening slightly. Lucas wanted to wear a tux for his graduation photos. Dont start, Wyatt. You know how he is. He even wore a tuxedo to that concert last year.

Lucas nodded quickly, offering a boyish, innocent smile. Yeah, Wyatt. You remember the concert, right? I actually went viral for it.

How could I forget?

Lauren had gone with him to that concert while I was shivering in bed, burning up with a fever from a brutal case of food poisoning, begging her over the phone to come home and take me to the clinic.

She had told me to wait.

I waited three hours before blacking out. If my mother hadn't dropped by to check on me, I might not have made it to the hospital. As I lay in the emergency room with an IV in my arm, I saw the live broadcast of the concert on the wall monitor.

A reporter had stopped Lucas on camera, asking why he had dressed so formally for a rock show.

You dress up when you go to see the person you love, Lucas had said with a coy, knowing smile.

The reporter laughed. And shes standing right next to you, isnt she?

Lucas hadn't denied it. Lauren hadn't corrected her. Within hours, photos of them were trending online as the "perfect couple."

When Lauren finally came home that night and found the house empty, she realized she had ignored my calls. She rushed to the hospital, repeating the same defense over and over:

Lucas is just a kid at heart. The concert was packed, and that suit of his was custom-made. If it got ruined in the crowd, hed be devastated. I had to stay close to make sure nothing happened to it.

I had always known I took a backseat to Lucas.

They had grown up together, shares of a childhood that didn't include me. They shared food, stayed in the same rooms, even used the same toothbrush when they traveled.

Whenever I expressed my discomfort, Lauren would brush it off. Hes like a little brother to me. If I actually liked him that way, I wouldnt be with you.

For a long time, I let her make me feel like I was the one being small-minded and insecure.

Lucas stepped toward me now, reaching out to grab my arm. Wyatt, why aren't you changed? Come on. He smoothed his lapels, spinning around to show off the suit. Do you like it? Lauren helped me pick it out.

The fabric had a subtle, high-end sheen. I remembered trying on that exact tuxedo months ago.

Lauren had taken one look at me and shaken her head. Its too flashy, Wyatt. It doesn't suit you. Youre not a kid anymore; theres no need to dress up like you're trying to prove something.

I had loved that suit. But to please her, I put it back and chose a plain, dull option.

Now I saw who she had actually envisioned in it.

Come upstairs with me, Lucas insisted, tugging at my arm. Change into yours. Ive never actually seen you in a tux.

I yanked my arm back. Im not wearing it.

The sudden movement caught Lucas off guard. He stumbled back, his heel catching on the edge of the rug. Lauren lunged forward, catching him securely before he could fall.

She glared at me, her eyes flashing with anger. I know I was late, and Im sorry. But Lucas was just trying to be nice. Why are you taking your frustration out on him?

Its just a ceremony, Wyatt. Is a little delay really worth ruining our entire wedding day? Youre making a scene over nothing.

Were supposed to be partners. You cant be this petty about every little thing. Lucas has more respect for this day than you do, and hes the one calling you family.

Lucas lowered his head, his shoulders trembling slightly. Maybe I shouldn't have asked Lauren to take photos with me today. But we promised we would do this years ago.

How was I supposed to know you guys would pick my graduation day to get married?

When we were choosing a date, I had wanted a cool autumn wedding.

But Lucas had pointed to todays date on the calendar. I think this day is perfect. Look, it says its highly auspicious.

And Lauren had immediately agreed. Then this is the day. You always have the best eye, Lucas.

Of course he knew when his own graduation was. He had chosen our wedding day on purpose, ensuring Lauren would have to choose between us. And, as always, she chose him.

Lauren wrapped an arm around Lucass shoulders. Hey, dont cry. Wyatt didn't mean it. Hes just stressed because I was late.

Ill deal with him. You look beautiful today, don't ruin your face with tears.

She knew exactly how to soothe him. Hearing her words, Lucas wiped his eyes and gave her a watery smile, swatting at her arm playfully. Shut up, I dont look bad.

Lauren turned back to me, her hand extending to take mine. I was wrong today. Dont be mad anymore. Im apologizing, okay?

Her apology was stiff, a checklist item to be cleared so we could move on.

Now that Ive apologized, dont you think you owe Lucas one too? she added.

Lucas looked up at me, his eyes wide and innocent, while the bridesmaids stood by, waiting for me to bow my head.

I pulled my hand out of Laurens grip.

I stepped up to Lucas.

Before anyone could react, the sharp crack of my hand against his cheek echoed through the lobby.

Lauren gasped, shoving me aside with a force that sent me sprawling. She threw herself over Lucas, cupping his face as a red handprint began to bloom across his pale skin.

She looked down at me on the floor, her voice trembling with disbelief. Are you insane? I thought you were a decent, gentle man. I didnt know you were capable of this.

In the years we had been together, I had never raised my voice. I had never lost my temper.

Not because I didn't feel anger, but because I knew I didn't have the luxury of throwing tantrums. Throwing a fit required someone who would comfort you, a privilege reserved solely for Lucas.

If I got angry, Laurens only response was to walk away and tell me to "cool off" on my own.

I pushed myself up from the floor. Laurens shove had been so violent that my palms had scraped hard against the textured stone of the lobby floor. A sharp, burning pain flared in my hands.

I looked down. My palms were raw, oozing blood.

Lauren saw them too. But she didn't move toward me. Instead, she took Lucass hand.

Im taking Lucas upstairs to get some ice, she told a nearby server. Then she glanced back at me. Take him to get cleaned up.

He has a red mark on his face and youre personally icing it, I said, my voice dangerously quiet. My hands are bleeding, and youre handing me off to a stranger?

Im not a doctor, Wyatt. The staff is trained in first aid.

With that, she led Lucas toward the stairs without looking back.

The server brought out a medical kit. The sting of the antiseptic made cold sweat break out across my forehead, but it cleared the remaining fog in my mind.

I can only do a basic wrap, the server murmured gently. These scrapes are deep. You should probably go to an urgent care clinic to make sure they dont get infected.

I nodded numbly.

From the open door of the staff room, I could hear the muffled sound of Lucas crying in the adjacent hallway, followed by Laurens soft, cooing voice.

I really wanted to think of him as a brother, Lucas whimpered. If you guys get married, is he going to hit me every day?

Dont say that, Lauren whispered. I didnt protect you today, and Im sorry. Im going to make him apologize to you. If he doesnt, were not going through with this wedding.

The server looked at me with pity.

I felt nothing but a profound, hollow stillness.

I had wanted this wedding so badly. I had spent months planning every detail, from the venue to the menu, doing all the heavy lifting myself.

My only regret had been the lack of engagement photos. Lauren had promised we would make time, but she was always too busy. Now I understood. Our wedding portraits simply weren't as important as Lucass graduation photos.

Before the server could finish bandaging my second hand, Lauren knocked and pushed the door open. She was holding Lucass hand, with her bridesmaids trailing behind her like a protective shield.

Everyone is here, so we can settle this right now, Lauren said. Apologize to Lucas. Promise you will never touch him again, and we can still go downstairs and save this wedding.

Her friends chimed in.

Wyatt, just swallow your pride. That slap was uncalled for. Lucas didn't do anything to deserve that.

Yeah, its a big day. Theres no need to ruin it over a misunderstanding. Just say sorry so everyone can move on. The guests have been waiting for hours.

Before I could speak, Lucas stepped forward, his eyes shining with false sincerity. Wyatt, I know you didn't mean to lose your temper. Its Laurens fault for making you wait. Ill make sure she treats you better from now on.

Lauren stood beside him, pinching his cheek lightly. She didn't dispute his words.

Look at you, playing the mature one, she said to him, her tone affectionate.

Lucas tilted his head, giving her a playful pout. Im trying to help you out here.

Lauren turned her gaze to me, her warmth vanishing. See? Even Lucas is trying to keep the peace. Stop acting like a child, apologize, and lets go finish this.

It was baffling. I had done nothing but wait, yet somehow, I was the villain of the story.

Her bias was so absolute, it was almost comical.

Why dont the two of you just get married? I said, looking between them. Youre already dressed for it. The photos probably look great. It fits.

Laurens face darkened. Must you always be so bitter?

I took graduation photos with him, Wyatt. They arent wedding photos.

But dressed in a bridal gown and a tuxedo, what else would anyone see?

Lauren gave her friends a look, and they slowly filed out of the room, leaving only Lucas lingering at the doorway.

Go wait in the lounge, Lauren told him softly. I need a moment alone with him.

Lucas left, casting one last lingering look of triumph my way.

Lauren closed the door and turned to face me. I know youve never liked Lucas. But we grew up together. I cannot and will not cut him out of my life. If you want a future with me, you have to accept him.

I dont ever want to see a repeat of today. And stop making those ridiculous jokes about us getting married. Everyone out there knows youre the groom. We cant just swap people.

Youre too old to be throwing tantrums like this. Youre just making things harder for me.

I looked at her, really looked at her, and asked, Do you have any idea how many times youve kept me waiting? Do you know how many times Ive stood around waiting for you to show up?

Lauren blinked, momentarily speechless.

Almost every time we met, she was late. The instances had blurred into a meaningless fog for her.

Three hundred and sixty-four times, I said. With today, its three hundred and sixty-five.

She frowned, looking genuinely annoyed. You actually kept count of something so petty?

Every time I was late, I had a valid reason. You cant expect someone to be perfectly on time every single day of their life. Thats unrealistic.

But you manage to do it for him, I said.

For Lucas, she would drop everything. Once, Lucas had asked Lauren to drive him to a scenic park for a personal photo shoot. Lauren detested taking photos, but she had agreed instantly.

I had been in the car with her when she got the call.

She had looked over at me and said, Lucas needs me to take some photos of him. Im going to drop you off here. You can call an Uber.

I had refused to get out, quietly telling her, Ill go with you. Drop him off first, then we can go home.

She checked the clock and agreed.

We waited outside Lucass apartment building for over an hour before he finally strolled out, looking perfectly styled.

When he opened the door and saw me in the passenger seat, he paused. Oh, I didnt know Wyatt was coming. Sorry, I spent a little too much time on my hair.

I expected Lauren to at least express some frustration, but she only smiled. Its fine. You have to look good for photos.

Lucas stood by the passenger door, looking at me expectantly.

Lauren patted my shoulder. Wyatt, can you hop in the back? Lucas gets car sick if he doesnt sit up front.

She had forgotten that I got car sick too.

But my comfort was never on her radar.

I spent that entire afternoon sitting in the back like a hired driver, watching them exchange inside jokes as Lucas showed her locations on his phone.

At one point, Lucas turned around to look at me. Wyatt, has Lauren taken photos of you? She used to be terrible at it, but I trained her well.

Make sure she takes lots of photos of you, or shell lose her touch.

Lauren had glanced at my pale face in the rearview mirror and cleared her throat. Stop exaggerating. Youre the only one who bugs me for photos. Wyatt isnt demanding like you.

On our last vacation, I had asked her to take a simple photo of me in front of a monument.

She had sighed, waved down a passing tourist, and handed over her phone. Could you take a picture of my boyfriend? Im terrible with cameras.

The stranger had smiled at me later, whispered, Your girlfriend is sweet. She probably didn't want to ruin your photo.

She wasn't being sweet. She just couldn't be bothered.

Lauren took a seat beside me on the small sofa, reaching out to hug me, but I stepped back, avoiding her touch.

Today is our wedding day, she said, her voice softening. Lets not bring up old arguments. Its exhausting to keep rehashing the past.

And stop being so hard on Lucas. Were about to be husband and wife. His presence in my life doesn't change what we have.

She didn't get it.

Lucas was a constant, low-grade fever in our relationship, a reminder of how little effort she put into me.

I picked up my travel bag from the corner of the room. Youre right. Rehashing the past is exhausting. So Im not going to do it anymore.

Laurens face brightened with a relieved smile. Good. We need to look forward.

I nodded. Exactly. Which is why Im leaving. My future doesn't include you.

I walked past her and opened the door. Lauren chased me down the corridor. The wedding is already set up! Youre telling me youre calling it off now?

Do you think marriage is a game?

I pulled my arm out of her grasp. Your groom is waiting for you upstairs. Im done.

When I reached the lobby, I saw Lucas standing at the top of the stairs, watching us. The guests below were starting to mutter, their faces filled with confusion.

Why is the groom leaving? someone called out.

I didn't look back. I stepped out of the hotel, hailed a cab, and went straight to our apartment to grab my pre-packed bags.

We were supposed to leave for our honeymoon tonight. The plane tickets were already booked.

I decided to take the trip alone.