...When I Decided It Would Be Best Just to Leave

I've always said that marriage is a sacred bond between 2 people that should never be tampered with. As the phrase goes, "What God has joined together, let no man tear asunder." For the sake of this story not causing any drama I'm going to censor a person's name so this story doesn't get back to her. When you read you'll figure out why.

When I was in high school, before I dated Courtney I had the biggest crush on one of my best friends. ******* and I got along famously in high school. We never progressed beyond being just friends but there was certainly a chemistry there. We'd hang out and joke and we even willingly spent a night handcuffed to one another (that's an entirely innocent story in case you were wondering). In the end the crush faded as our lives went in different directions but we still remained friends through email (this was before social networks). So in 2003 when I got an invitation to attend her wedding reception (it was a temple marriage so I couldn't attend the actual ceremony), of course I wanted to see and congratulate my old friend.

Upon arrival, I was greeted by old friends from high school who were also in attendance. It was good to see the people I used to spend everyday with and what the last 2 years had brought them. As I made my way through the crowds I went toward the reception line where the wedding party waited to greet all their guests. When I made my way to *******, she was glad to see me. We hugged and made brief pleasantries before I continued down the line to meet my old friend's new husband. I smiled and put out my hand to shake and introduced my self, 

"Hi, I'm Henry."

"Lizano?" he responded in what sounded like a defensive tone

"Yeah!" I said still smiling and glad to meet him

"Yes....I've heard of you...." he replied, sounding slightly annoyed

"Oh...okay..well, congratulations." I said.

He thanked me and then I quickly finished down the wedding party line. I began wondering what had just happened. What did he mean by "Yes, I've heard of you"? He seemed troubled by my presence. Exactly how many "Henry" stories has this guy heard? Did he know I was invited? Did that just happen or did I imagine it?

I was slightly confused by the cold reception I had received by the groom and so I knew there was but one option. I left. I could have stayed, there were more than enough friends around and I was certainly a good friend of the bride, but in the end, it wasn't my day.....it was theirs. I have great respect for marriage as should everyone. Unfortunately, we live in a world where not everyone does and so in a world of bad examples sometimes its best to buck the trend and do the right thing. I never mentioned what happened to ******* that night. Because even though her husband had no reason to be jealous or feel threatened, I wouldn't dare come between a husband and wife, even if it was inadvertent. Seeing that there's a possibility that I could cause issues, as silly as the truth was, it was best just to leave it be. 

******* and I kept in contact for the next several years through facebook until one day I noticed she had randomly unfriended me. To this day I wonder if her husband had anything to do with that. Regardless, I heard that the two of them are still married and even recently welcomed their first child into the world. So as far as I know...they're happy...... and that's all I ask for my old friend.

And that's the story of when I decided it would be best just to leave.