Blue Blazer - Elizabeth Enriquez

He stood before the mirror, scrutinizing the reflection that stared back at him with an identical squint. Up until a few minutes ago, he felt confident in how he looked. But now, with only 30 minutes left before the big moment, the anxiety was finally creeping in. 

How did his hair look? Was his shirt wrinkled? Were the creases down the front of his pants even?

He checked his ankles for the nth time. Just as they had been the last time he checked, the pant legs were not caught in his socks, and his laces were tied into perfect twin bows. Still, he couldn't help but worry they'd somehow been messed up. 

He scanned his reflection once again. He looked clean—face shaved, hair trimmed to perfection, new suit. Just a few minutes ago, his friends were with him, getting ready alongside him, each wearing an identical outfit. It wasn't until they left that he was alone with his thoughts, and the anxiety kicked in.

Draped over a chair behind him was a blue blazer with the same vibrance and shimmer of polished lapis lazuli. The fabric was softer than he thought it would be. He pulled it over his shoulders, poked his arms through the sleeves, and adjusted the cuffs. Of course, it was tradition to wear black, but he'd always known he would want to wear all blue. It was different, but not too different that his family would be angry with him for straying from the norm. 

Blue was always his favorite color—it was the color of clear days and laughter and spending time with friends. And, to sweeten the deal, it was her favorite color, too. He couldn't wait to see the way her face would light up when she saw him. She always had the brightest smile and the most contagious laughter—he couldn't help but smile reminiscing. He couldn't imagine living in a world without her.

He heard the front door creak open. "Hey, we have to get going!" his best friend called from the door, giddy with excitement. "You don't want to be late on your big day!"

He patted the creases on his jacket and adjusted his bowtie. He closed his eyes, letting out a final breath. No matter what happened, it would be fine, he assured himself. Because no matter what, after today, he would be happier than he had ever been before.

The promise of forever—the promise of together forever—it was the unity of two wandering souls who had finally found their match. This was the day he had been dreaming of since the moment he had met her.

After all, it wasn't every day he got to marry the love of his life.