In Holy Matrimony
Chapter 8
I couldn't help but cover my mouth with my hand when Lita appeared at the top of the steel ramp, clad in a depressing black gown, a snarl on her face. I felt my nerves abuzz beneath me, but tried not to show it. My eyes snapped to the ring, where Kane was taking his anger out on the ropes. Suddenly I was glad that I hadn't accepted the offer to stand in the ring with the priest. I fidgeted with the earpiece I was wearing, letting a tensed breath flow through my lips. To a chorus of cheers, Lita stomped her way into the ring. I couldn't help but note that she was a great actor. Inconspicuously, I patted my messenger bag. Feeling the shape of the object beneath my fingers helped my confidence, but did nothing for the anticipation flooding through me.
As soon as Lita entered the ring, the priest started the ceremony in a dry voice. Sure enough, my eyelids began to droop. "We are gathered here today in the sight of God and these witnesses in order to unite Kane and Lita in holy matrimony. As believers—"
"Can we just cut to the vows, please?" Kane asked gruffly, sending a worried glance toward the ramp.
The priest looked shocked, but nodded, and did so. "Kane and Lita, the vows you are about to take are not to be taken without careful thought and prayer. For in them, you are committing yourselves exclusively the one to the other for as long as you both shall live."
"Li-ta, my bride-to-be..." Kane began. I narrowed my eyes as he said his so-called 'vow'—which mostly consisted of calling Lita his property. If I wasn't half his size and weight, and a little less of a coward, I would've walked into the ring and slapped him just for that. A minute later Lita, her upper lip curled, pulled a card from the top of the dress, and proceeded to read off of it. When she got to the end—"And I hope you, Kane, rot in hell"—I found myself discreetly cheering along with the fans.
"Uh," the priest hesitated, looking distinctly afraid. "Right. If anyone feels that these two should not wed, speak now or forever hold your peace." A silence hovered in the arena, tension supporting it, as the fans awaited the arrival of Matt Hardy. I crossed my fingers behind my back.
My thoughts were far from answered, however, when Trish Stratus made her way down to the ring, clad in—wait... Never mind, you have to be wearing clothes to be clad in something. She opened her mouth to say something at the same time my earpiece came alive with the voice of my favorite employee; another planner I had dragged along just in case.
"Kathy?" he said, sounding slightly worried. "Matt Hardy hasn't arrived yet."
Shit. I pushed the earpiece into my ear further to dim the roars of the fans, and plugged my ear with my other hand. "He said he would be here early," I protested, hoping that this was just some screw-up on Jack's part. "Are you sure he's not there?" I asked into the mouthpiece pleadingly.
"Yes, I'm sure," he responded, sounding slightly irritated. "But I've got the other guys here waiting and—holy shit!" I saw it at the same time I heard his words. Lita had leapt down the stairs that led into the ring, and was attempting to throttle Trish. At the same time I was hoping Trish might break her nose, I felt my chest clench up. What if Trish hit Lita's stomach? What if Lita fell wrong? The littlest thing could cause a miscarriage. I sucked in my breath until Kane appeared, dragging Lita back to the wedding arch.
"Finish it!" he commanded the priest, who was bug-eyed and by now looked like he was about to have a heart attack.
"Kane, do you take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife, through sickness and—"
"Yes!"
"Lita, do you tak this man to be your lawfully wedded husband?" the priest squeaked fearfully.
Lita set her mouth in a line, her eyes glaring up at Kane's. I felt my heart doing double-time. Oh my god, oh my god, oh my god... The three words were a mantra in my head. Matt was supposed to be out here, pummeling Kane and saving Lita from this unholy marriage. If Matt didn't come... I sucked in my breath as Lita shot me a desperate look over Kane's shoulder. I was shaking, the nerves going straight to my head. I realized numbly that I was praying. Praying for Matt to come out, praying for time to stop, praying for Lita to run, praying to Kane to drop dead... But none of it mattered. My plan needed Matt out here, now. If he didn't come, then... I couldn't finish the thought, much less relay it to the rest of the world.
In the end, it didn't matter...they found out anyway.
Matt didn't show up.
Author's Note: I hope you liked! Sorry that I couldn't quote everything everyone said; my memory isn't that great, lol. Thanks to all who reviewed, and please keep them coming! : ) Sorry about the cliffy!