“We’re getting married!” my sister Virginia said to everyone around the dinner table. And just like that, one of my siblings had taken the spotlight once again.

Mom was elated with joy, mostly because Virginia had been dating Tom for over four years now and we were starting to wonder if it would go anywhere. With how family oriented everyone in the Stratford circle was, casual dating only went so far.

 I was happy for my sister, just like I had been equally joyous when my brother, Billie, announced his engagement, and the eldest, Sax, before him. I knew they were getting married for the right reasons and this was truly beautiful…for them. I just wish Virginia had picked any other night to make this announcement. But it wasn’t her fault since she didn’t know. No one in the family knew. But still... “Have you set a date yet?” Mom asked enthusiastically.

“We’re thinking mid-May/early-June,” Tom answered, kissing my sister shortly after. I’ll admit; their happiness was contagious. Seeing them so enthralled by their upcoming union made the big sap inside me want to burst into melody. But instead, I just sat and smiled. And then, frowned as the words “mid-May/early-June” resonated in my mind. I’m sure no one took notice of my frown just like I’m sure no one else realized my high school graduation would most likely collide with Virginia and Tom’s wedding plans. I was also sure I knew which took priority in my family’s mindset. So instead of telling everyone what I had decided regarding my college pursuits, I did what I did best in these types of situations: smiled.

The next couple of weeks were filled with calls, bridal shower preparations, dress fitting appointments, church scouting, anything wedding related imaginable: my family was on it.

“Charlie. What do you think of this dress?” Virginia asked as she showed me a picture on her phone while we sat on my bed. “It’s cute. But not quite you.”