After the Christmas party, a lot of them have offered to help 
free of charge. Although we did celebrate Christmas, my mother insisted 
that I marry in a church, although papa wanted the traditional way.
      "Japanese people must follow Japanese tradition," he said, pretty
stern. They did compromise to be wed in both ways, which meant wearing
kimonoes at the church. Seiya had absolutely no say whatsoever, but I
had. So I told papa that I wanted to wear Setsuna-san's dress for my
wedding.
      Papa grumbled the whole day through. He kept on mumbling about 
the world declining because of Western pop culture. OK, I had to clear 
this dumb grudge anyhow. So I told them we could have the dinner 
Japanese style. That was good for both of them.
      Seiya was HARDLY satisfied. He went on and on about how Western 
culture suited the world better.
      "Usagi-chan, I'm telling the truth.  The world is moving fast 
because of the West and-"
      "You think you'll look silly wearing a kimono during the dinner, 
aren't you, Seiya?"
      "You know me soooo well, Usagi,"
******************************************************************

      Thanks to mama, she practically let the whole neighbourhood know 
about my marriage. I've yet to ask her who she does it.
      When I was plain walking down the street, I heard the neighbours 
say:
      "That's Ikuko-san's daughter,"
      "I heard she's getting married with Kou Seiya. You know, that 
pop idol,"
      "You know the children of today. Marrying without thinking ahead,"
      "But I married when I was 16,"
      "But our marriages were arranged at that time,"
      "A pop idol! Marrying one of those was absurd at that time,"
      "Couldn't she have married a professional? A pop idol sounds too 
risky as a career,"
      "My niece married someone like that and she divorced him within 
half a month,"
      "But Kenji-san seems happy about it,"
      "Seiya is better than her old boyfriend, Mamoru Chiba,"
      "Thank goodness they broke up. He could have taken advantage of 
her,"
      I couldn't care. So what if they said big fat lies. Mamoru 
obviously didn't want me anymore.
      Due to politeness, many sent gifts. 80% were from relatives. The 
other 20% were from neighbours. Mama guessed the gifts just by shaking 
the boxes. How did she do that?
      "Practice Usagi, practice. This is vital when your child gets 
married," She continued shaking boxes. A lot came to attend the 
wedding. Among them was cousin Kimiko, my rival ever since I was small.
      "You're so lucky, Usagi-chan. You're getting married first!" 
Kimiko exclaimed.
      Everybody chipped in something. Mako-chan wanted to bake the 
cake and the rest just wanted to come. I invited Okinu-san and she 
said,"How come so many famous people are attending your wedding? If 
they were only but common people, I wouldn't feel so left out,"
      "Okinu-san. these are my best friends. They may be famous but 
they are not snobby or anything like that," I said.
      "Yes, but people like Rei, Makoto, Mina Aino, Haruka Tenou, 
Setsuna Meiou. These are all people who have made a mark in our lives. 
How will I fit in?" SHe was doubtful about going.
      "Be yourself," I said and went back to work. I felt pitiful for 
Okinu. 23 was pretty old and  she had no one special in her life. She 
had no living family and was all alone. I just wanted her to come. 
Maybe she could meet someone.
      I entered the lab. Strange, Mamoru wasn't there. I was going to 
do some work until Mamoru was behind me.
      "So excited until you don't notice me at all. You're as happy as 
you were when you were 14," Mamoru said. He was happy if you ask me.
      We joked the whole day, even during lunch break. I lauhged till I
nearly choked myself on my lunch.
      "Why don't you take another chance to take me back?" I asked, 
plain curious.
      "You're going to get married. Besides, it's bad luck to get too
friendly with the bride-to-be," Mamoru joked. I gave him a slight push
and we laughed. SUddenly I felt as if it was old times again. Back to
when we still loved each other. But that was all over. Now we were just
friends. Nothing more nothing less.
      Before leaving, I asked Mamoru,"Are you going to come?"
      "Maybe, maybe not," he said, taking his glasses off.
      "Why not?" I asked.
      "If I go, I might disrupt your marriage. Bye, Usagi," as he went 
down the hall and disappeared.
      That night, mama told me to rest. Tomorrow was another busy day. 
The wedding would be next week.
      "The bride must have her rest. Go now," and chased me to the 
bedroom.
      I slept soundly. I opened my eyes and found myself at my own 
wedding! I was getting ready to get married when Mamoru came in.
      "Usagi, Okinu-san wanted me to give you this book. She said it's 
very useful for future life," Mamoru said. I accepted the book and 
thanked him. Before he went off, he said,"Usagi, have I given you 
anything for your wedding?" I shook my head. He suddenly came and 
kissed me. I had such a shock! Then I wok up and saw myself covered in 
sweat.
      I panted, gasping for breath.
      What had my dream meant?