Writer's Notebook

As David stood next to Simon in the aisle, only one thought passed through his mind. Why on earth did they have to pick, this day of all days. David hated Valentine's day, ever since the trick that had been played on him. And what made things worse was that Melanie had no idea about what had actually happened. Melanie, if the truth be told, had suspected that he was in love with her, but had soon given up any hope in that direction when she found out about the Valentine's card to Veronica. But how could she know it was all an elaborate hoax.

David had been a longstanding and very proud member of the 2nd Tredegar Boy Scouts Troop, so once he's reached the age to move up to the Venture Scouts he was immediately given the job of secretary, part of which included having to sign the minutes of all their leaders' meetings. He attended these regularly so was surprised when Simon asked him to sign the minutes of a meeting he'd known nothing about. But he thought nothing of it, and didn't even notice the carbon paper hidden between the sheets above a Valentine's card. This was Simon's way of getting rid of a rival. He'd send the card to Veronica, and if all went well, he'd soon have Melanie all to himself. And it all worked out perfectly well. Veronica was so surprised to receive her first ever Valentine's card, David didn't have a chance to escape. And some six months later, Melanie said yes to Simon's proposal. So that was why David stood here today in the aisle of the church playing best man instead of husband. And in just one week's time, the roles would be reversed, as Simon would take on the role at David and Veronica's wedding.