A common thread – flash fiction

Draft a post with three parts, each unrelated to the another, but create a common thread between them by including the same item — an object, a symbol, a place — in each part.

Not sure about this one.  I had to think and rethink.  It was quite challenging, as I kept linking the three stories together in some way.  Hopefully I got it right this time around!

Image borrowed from http://www.freewebs.com

Part 1

Guests gathered at the tables and took a minute to take in the opulence of the venue.  Thick velvet drapes framed the pictures on the back wall, behind the bride’s table.  The sides of the canopy lifted to reveal flowing vineyards to the left and valleys of the Spanish countryside to the right.  It was a proud day for both families.  Their children have been life-long friends and today they are married.  The love is felt by all.  Wine will flow tonight; there is a celebration to be had.

Part 2

Clive sat down on the bed and looked around.  He couldn’t believe he had to go through with this.  Getting married at the age of 20 was not what he had in mind.  How did he let this happen?  Today he is getting married and in two months he will be a father.  Their families consider it the “honorable thing to do”.  Suzie was overjoyed by the all, but no-one seemed to care about his thoughts on the situation.  He cracks open a beer, trying to numb his mind before taking to the altar.

Part 3

They walked out the door, looked at each other and started to laugh.  For the foreseeable future they would be sharing a dorm room at the college.  No-one could separate them now.  Their parents were dead set against their relationship; wait till they heard that the magistrate just signed their Marriage certificate!