Note: I wrote this story a few years ago but recently stumbled upon it again. The meaning still runs true.------
The moment had finally come. Jestina paused one last time before the mirror. She dabbed at her nose with the last drop of foundation and gently twirled her rogue brush across her cheeks bones. Her freshly curled hair hung long and loose in crisp fine curls about her shoulders. She glanced down; it had been a hard choice between the two equally beautiful new nighties. The Satiny Pearl with its adorable pleats, had fit to perfection around her every curve; and the Ginger Rose which was of such a rich color, had such a lovely way in the gentle, lazy straps that fell loosely over her shoulders; so finally now after much consideration, she had settled on the Ginger Rose.
She now stood ready. Her heart beat wildly as she slowly cracked open the door and stepped softly in the bedroom.
Her eyes flickered up to meet the eyes of her new husband. Sean flashed her understanding smile.
He was so right for her, the perfect match. He was a man of integrity, honor and gentleness. They had bond close in a beautiful way. Never before had Jestina ever felt so accepted and loved by a man. Sean was her dream come true, her gift from God.
She smiled nervously back, her stomach fluttered with butterflies.
Sean sat, propped up against the headboard on their bed; the bed where they would soon unite in a totally new and graceful way.
Jestina's mind flashed back to the past. This bed; the place where she had yet to be physically, but was the place she knew she had mentally visited many times, each time with a different man. Her body had been touched and caressed by many other hands. Twas harmless flirting they said. She had been kissed many times. It was what "everybody" was doing, the dating thing. Her eyes came to rest upon her husband, yes her husband, the one man in the entire world that had deserved it all. But she had thought she enjoyed it; the playful touches, kisses and all the emotions swirled at the time. She couldn't count the number of times since Jr. High that she had lay awake fantasizing about every guy she had set her eyes on. Oh, she had loved it, it had been so satisfying she thought.
But now, all the bits and pieces from her short time pleasures came back to testify against all she had given away.
A single tear rolled down her cheek.
Sean's eyes took in every detail. "Jess" he implored, “What is it?"
Jestina raised her eyes to meet his, "I'm sorry" she whispered, "I only saved you this much."
