Fate Poem by Rebecca Hall

Mascara runs down her face as she learns her fate. Her fate being sealed as she kissed him. Her prince. Her love. Her would be. Her…everything. Her fate was set the day she met him. The day she first set eyes upon him. The day of their first date. Everything had been arranged. Everything set.
They were meant to be. True lovers. Soul mates. The wedding was far from harmonious. But they were in love. Or so they thought. They shared their vows. Sealing their fate with a kiss. They stood smiling. Holding hands. Everyone saw their love for the other. Days, weeks, months, even years would go by. Leaving him feeling emptier than ever. She felt lonely. The man she married…gone. Staying out later and later. She asked. Thinking it was her right. Where he had gone. He yells. Telling her at work. She leaves it at that. Days go by. He comes home. Later and later. She sits at home crying. Fearing the worst. He tells her work. She never bothers to ask more.
Weeks go by. She hears the phone ring. She answers. Hears another voice on the line. Saying I love you and Darling. And she knows. She knows the worst. She sits on the couch. Waiting. Watching the clock. Counting down the minutes.
He walks through the door. Suitcase in hand. She gets tears in her eyes. He asks her why she is crying. He touches her face. She screams at him. Asking him why another woman was calling him. And saying I love you. He is quiet. And she fears the worst. Its nothing. He tries to tell her.
You’re the only one I love. He says to her. She asks him. How long? He stops. How long? She persists.2 years. She tries to breathe. How many? How many what? Women! 5. She pauses. Walks to the door. Opening. What-…Go! He looks at her. She looks at him. And for a moment. Just a moment.
They see each other. For who they are. They stare. She looks at the floor. Head bowed. He picks up his suitcase. Walks to the door. Looks at her. I love you. And leaves. She slams the door. Falling to the ground.
Mascara running down her face. And she lays in bed.
Years go by. The divorce finalized 3 years ago. She forgets about him. Not completely. He forgets her. But not completely. She walks to her mailbox. Reaching in to get her mail. Sees an invitation.
Opens it. Smiling. Reading then frowns. He is getting married. She breaks down. Crying over him all over again. The wedding being in 2 weeks. Not disappointing them. She RSVP’s.
2 weeks pass. She grows more and more anxious. She walks through the church corridor. She stifles a cry. As they say their vows. He looks at the crowd. Seeing her face. He winces. Saying I do.
The wedding night was supposed to be joyous. Yet. He couldn’t make love to her. His wife. He could only think of her. His love. Soul mate. His everything.

She sat on the couch. Looking at the pills. Spilled upon the counter. She takes one after the other. Getting glossy eyed. She reaches for the picture. Of them. On the day of their wedding.
News traveled fast. Of her death. He saw her picture. On the television. He cried for the first time. Since the divorce. He took a pistol. Putting it to his mouth. And pulling the trigger. In the distance. Together. Holding hands. Her everything. His everything. Soul mates. Destined to be together. Forever. Fate. Fate…such a funny thing.