A Very Merry Unbachelor Party

spifiliator@hotmail.com

"Well, Cecil," laughed Edward, "I am glad to know that you enjoyed the cake, even without the traditional entertainment. It just seemed inappropriate for a scantily clad lady to jump out of a cake for a married man!"

The men chuckled. Around the table sat Yang, Cecil, Edward, Edge, and Cid. Although only five of them, they were quite a rowdy bunch. Thinking about it later, Edward supposed he had provided a little too much wine, but on second thought, he realized that they had a heck of a lot of fun!

"A toast to our married friend," shouted Yang. All the men held up their glasses in celebration. "So, how does it feel?"

"To be married?" Cecil laughed. "Well, I can't leave my dirty socks on the floor anymore, my bed is mysteriously made every morning, oh, and Rosa is already begging for a child."

"So, is she pregnant yet?" asked Cid.

"Not yet, but, uh, well, how can I put this politely? Um, we are still trying, and having a lot of fun doing so!"

The slightly drunken men roared with laughter. Well, all of them except Edge. He had set his wineglass down and was staring into space. This conversation was too much for him.

"What troubles you my friend?" Yang looked worriedly at Edge.

"Take it from an older man. A look like that means only one thing. He has a troubled heart." He turned to Edge, "So, who is the lucky woman?" As if he didn't know!!

Edge didn't answer. Instead he put his head down on the table. It was obvious to his friends that he was fighting the urge to challenge his macho man image and cry. It must be serious. Cecil broke the silence and said, "It's Rydia isn't it."

When he didn't receive a response, he continued, "Rosa noticed your standoffish behavior at our wedding in general, and especially towards Rydia. In fact, that is all she could discuss that night. Our wedding night for crying out loud! And instead of wanting me, she wanted to discuss her friend's love life!"

That brought a faint smile to Edge's lips.

Edward spoke. "Edge, it has been obvious to us how you feel about Rydia for quite some time. Sure, we noticed your flirtation, and we also got a kick out of Rydia's behavior in return."

"You mean you guys talked about us?" Edge seemed almost horrified.

"Well of course we did. Duh, we're only human!" responded Cid.

"Hush Cid," scolded Edward. He turned back to Edge and said, "I just want to tell you something. I have been in love, and I have lost too. But at least I had a chance. Edge, take my advice. Don't let her go without a fight. You will spend your life wondering and hurting. And perhaps she will too."