"Forces are Gathering"
Disclaimer: I do not own Rent, or any of its characters (although I wish I owned Roger…) and this is purely for fun. In fact it's my first fic, so please don't throw flaming arrows at me or anything. Donuts would be nice. Comments, critiques, criticism, all is welcome. This chapter is a little short, sorry.
Chapter Three: Alison Grey of the Westport Greys.
"Alright, let's get this party started!" April cheered, doing a little dance as they entered the reception room. Roger laughed and slung his arm lazily over her shoulders as they walked in.
"Okay, let's find our seats." The second he entered the exquisite ballroom, Mark had his camera slowly panning the room, documenting its grand, majestic beauty. "The place cards say we're table 15. Let's see that is…. Right there." The group's eyes followed Mark's pointed camera to where he directing it. It was no surprise to them that their table was positioned in the furthest, most isolated corner of the room. Making their way to the table, the four of them sat down in their seats.
"Pookie, will you get me a martini?" Maureen pouted up at Mark once they were all settled in, batting her long eyelashes at him.
"Of course Honey."
"Whisky Sour." April said with an 'oh-so-charming' smile as she poked Roger's arm. Able to take the obvious hint, Roger rose from his feet and followed Mark to the bar.
"Are you going to behave tonight?"
"I'll do my best, Mommy" Roger rolled his eyes at Mark, then turned to the bartender to order their drinks.
"Roger. I know you're pissed at Benny, I am too! I'm just saying we shouldn't cause him any trouble on his wedding day. Agreed?"
"Fine. Agreed. Whatever." The two boys received their drinks and headed back to the table, handing the glasses to their ladies.
Moments later, the band requested the guests take their seats. The soft, classical music filled the room as the bridal party slowly came into the room; paired up in a line. With the women on one side, and the men on the other, the bridal party raised their arms high, creating a tunnel of arms and bouquets for the groom and bride to walk through. The room filled with applause as the first dance was initiated. It was a rather funny site to witness. Benny looked as if he was dancing wit his grandmother, while Alison seemed to be paying more attention to the cameras with her perfect smile than her new husband. After their dance, the bride and groom began making their rounds to each of the tables; greeting their guests with a smile. A display of black and white paraded around the room as the waiters began to serve first course.
"Hey guys! I'd like you to meet my date for the evening, this is Martin. Martin these are my best friends and roommates; Mark, Roger, and Maureen. And that's April, Roger's girlfriend." Collins pointed to each of his friends as he introduced the nervous, yet cheerful looking young man to them. The petite and well-groomed young, Hispanic man held out his hand, greeting each of the friends with a genuine smile and a firm handshake. "It's so great to meet you all, I've heard so much about you!"
"It's nice to meet you too. Hey you guys, pull up a chair, sit down!" Mark pointed to the two empty chairs across from him and Collins and Martin obliged.
About half-way through first course, the 'happy' newlyweds approached their table. "Hey guys! Glad you could all make it." Benny said with a relaxed smile for the first time that night. However the people he was addressing didn't seem so pleased. "Alison, these are my friends who I used to live with; Mark Cohen, Roger Davis, Maureen Johnson, and of course I already introduced you to Collins. This is April Ericsson, Roger's girlfriend. And this is Collins' d-……friend. I didn't quite catch your name…"
"Martin Reynolds."
"Hello." Allison replied with an obvious uninterested tone and a half-assed wave. Her eyes were scanning the room and it was apparent her attention was on… well, anywhere but in front of her.
"Uh… you look great. Both of you. Really. Congratulations." Mark said, hoping to break the awkward silence that had come over the group. It was painfully obvious that Roger and Maureen were ignoring Benny and his new investment. Everyone else was at a loss as to what to say.
"Thanks." Benny replied with a hopeful grin, relieved to know not all his friends despised him. But his grin was interrupted by Alison excitedly tapping his arm.
"Oh honey! There are the Wellingtons! Let's go say 'hi'!"
"Sweetie." He responded in a tone that lacked any affection. "There will be time for that later… We have to greet everybody first."
"I give them three month max." Roger stated after Benny lost the battle and was dragged off by bridezilla.
"If he can stand her that long." Mark added in as he finally put his camera down.
"I doubt he can. I could barely stand being in the same room with her for more than ten minutes earlier." Collins snacked on a piece of celery, crunching loudly with his first bite. Everyone laughed and went back to their meals.