Reaver's Servants
I Do
Panic.
That was the word of the morning. While the house itself looked serene and ready for the day's events on the outside, panic was ensuing on the inside. The front of Lakeview Manor was draped top to bottom with lace streamers, flowers specifically bought and planted for the big day, and the sun was shining bright. As hot as it was, none of the guests could believe it was fall. The guests were starting to arrive in droves as the wedding party was getting ready inside.
One guest looked up at the sprawling manor and smiled. It was indeed a beautiful day for a wedding and the weather couldn't have been more agreeable. This guest seemed a bit out of place, but blended in with the help of his immaculate suit. He was no guest, however. He had merely heard about the wedding from gossip in the pub the night before. This was obviously a man of means, but even the rich never pass up a chance at free food and hob-knobbing for good connections amongst the equally wealthy. He bumped into another guest and apologized for his clumsiness. As the other guest turned back to his conversation, this guest produced the filched invitation in the golden envelope that he knew neither the bride nor groom chose in between his index and middle finger. He presented it to an usher, waited for the okay to enter the gates, and began to mingle with a certain ease.
The inside was much less relaxed. Elite caterers hired by Reaver got the final touches of the wedding supper prepared in the kitchen, the ushers left the house to get the guests to their seats outside, and waiters served drinks to said guests waiting in the front of the manor. Upstairs, chaos was building.
Inside Reaver's room, the men had no trouble getting themselves ready, aside from the tuxedo shop mixing up their order with another wedding occurring in Bowerstone later that same day. "As a general rule of thumb when it comes to suits, my good gents…" Reaver began buttoning the best on his best man's outfit. "…always have a spare suit ready in case it needs to be chopped up for parts." He laughed. Gordon was missing a cuff link and Elliot's vest was missing a button. "Where's the groom?"
"Still vomiting into your fancy gold painted bathtub, I believe." Geoffrey grunted, realizing his shirt was too small. He looked over at Elliot, whose shirt was too big. They nodded to each other and switched shirts as Reaver watched with bemusement. "He's been in there throwing up for the last few hours." Geoffrey buttoned up his correct shirt and went to the full-length mirror that Reaver was just using and started to get ready as well. Geoffrey felt it was all a little too extravagant for his sister and soon-to-be brother-in-law to have such a big wedding. He figured his sister was panicking at the moment as well.
Reaver scoffed and folded his arms. "He's getting married soon and he's already a wreck. I figured that wouldn't happen until an hour and a half before the ceremonies." Reaver mumbled angrily and reached into his pocket to take out a piece of paper. "Alright, who had him down for three hours in the pool?" Reaver asked, finding a pen. Elliot raised his hand and caught a small bag of gold being tossed at him. "An extra bonus is in there because you also bet he'd be vomiting." Reaver crumbled up the paper and tossed it in a nearby waste bin. "Next pool starts in a half hour."
The bathroom door finally opened revealing Barry with a handkerchief over his mouth. "Hello, all…" he murmured, walking over to the bed. Luckily, he wasn't in his suit yet.
"Hatch, I know you're nervous, but try not to die today. It's terribly improper to die at one's own wedding. Miss Sarah and Mother Hatch would have a fit!" Reaver shouted as he put on a glove. Barry only stared at Reaver while looking for his suit. "I'm going to go check on the girls. You gents help Hatch get ready." Reaver left immediately after that.
"Some best man." Elliot murmured, helping Barry into his suit. Barry's groom outfit was obviously made from fine materials. It was completely white and very fancy; reminding him of something Reaver would wear on a night out. He felt the coat tails were a bit too long, but just ignored it. Barry wondered if anyone else was as nervous as he was at this moment. "How did he win over me?" Elliot asked, straightening Barry's sleeve.
"He used underhanded tactics." Barry moaned as Geoffrey snapped the cufflinks on.
"He used the balverine thing against you, didn't he?" Elliot asked in a low whisper, glancing at Gordon to make sure he couldn't hear them. Barry often forgot that he had told Elliot about his "affliction" but knew he could trust him.
Barry nodded. "But Sarah already knows about that." Geoffrey added. Geoffrey already knew about Barry's affliction just from the signs. "I suppose it was too late in the planning to change anything."
Sighing, Barry reached for his pants and put them on, fastening each button slowly. Elliot went to fetch his gloves from the dresser and helped Barry into them. "I'm marrying Sarah today…" Barry whispered as he fixed himself up in the mirror. "When she and the others first started, I could barely get myself to say good morning to her. Now, I'm about to read my vows in front of all those people." Barry chuckled nervously and fixed his sleeve. "In a matter of hours, Sarah will be my wife."
Gordon, having stayed quiet during the entire procedure, finally found his cuff link and snapped it on. "I heard, thanks to Mr. Reaver, that almost every noble family in Albion will be here." He mumbled without looking at the others. "I heard a rumor that even Queen Robin herself was going to be in attendance! But that might only be because Elliot is in the party or her brother is here as Reaver's guest."
Gordon didn't turn around when he heard Barry's feet stomping back to the bathroom. He did turn his head to see Elliot give him the stink-eye. Geoffrey chased after Barry to keep him from being sick all over his brand new suit.
In what had been dubbed "The War Room", the ladies frantically got ready. Corsets were being tightened, dresses were being slipped on over dress slips, and shoes were being hunted down. Miss Sarah, her hands firmly on the bed post, gasped as Willa tightened the corset strings on the elaborate lacy corset Miss Sarah was to wear under her dress. Willa had one foot on the floor and one on the bed frame for leverage. With each grunt, a millimeter of Miss Sarah's waist disappeared.
"Is that corset tightened? Beryl, be a dear and help Willa with that blasted corset!" Mrs. Hatch shouted, some of her hair in curlers and her face still covered in the green beauty mask goo. "It needs to be tight. Her hips and bust need to be pronounced and someone put some ice to her lips! They need to be a soft pink before we apply the lipstick!" Mrs. Hatch went to the mirror and grunted. "I look a mess." She murmured, picking up a small mirror.
With Beryl pulling Willa, the corset strings took life again. In the corner, Rosie dusted off the dress Miss Sarah was to wear carefully, not wanting a repeat of her last encounter with a wedding dress. Already in her dress, Rosie only sighed and eyed the wedding gown intensely. She began to think back to the night before and wondered if she was indeed making the right decision. Now was not the time to have second thoughts. Rosie had a job to do and she needed to be focused. She ignored the chaos going on behind her.
"Tighter!" Mrs. Hatch shouted at the girls.
Miss Sarah gasped loudly as Willa and Beryl grunted. "Mrs. Hatch, any tighter and her head will pop off!" Beryl shouted, rubbing her exhausted arms.
Mrs. Hatch helped Miss Sarah up and straightened her out. She smiled at her daughter-in-law-to-be and fixed her hair. "Sarah dear, you look radiant." She whispered, making hurrying motions to the others. The girls swiftly brought over the dress mannequin that held the bride's dress. It had been cleaned, taken in, taken out, and things were added and taken away, but it was finally ready. Miss Sarah stepped in front of the full length mirror and held her arms up. All the maids helped lift the dress up and place it on Miss Sarah.
As the dress slowly fell over her, Miss Sarah felt a sense of peace fall as well. All the planning and heartache would pay off in just a few hours. When she and the others arrived just a year ago, she never thought she'd be a bride. Of course, she had feelings for Barry the moment she met him, but Miss Sarah tried not to think about love back then. The wedding made her happy and sad at the same time. As Mrs. Hatch and the others started doing her hair, Miss Sarah's thoughts went back to her first fiancé.
Years before her time at the circus, Miss Sarah met and fell in love with a soldier. He was the son of a noble family that lived near her old home and they seemed to get along well. She felt he was noble for casting off the shackles of class and going to build his own future. This future he wanted to share with his beloved Sarah. She was ecstatic when he told her he had been accepted into Elite training and she waited for his return. When he came back, he was like a statue: sometimes cold and stony. Miss Sarah felt the warmth that still resided in him and brought it out when they were around. He asked for her hand in marriage before he was set to go on an expedition with then-King Logan. She accepted and waited…
A lone tear fell from Miss Sarah's right eye. "Miss Sarah, what's wrong?" asked Willa, picking a handkerchief off the dresser. Willa dabbed Miss Sarah's cheek, trying not to smear the make-up. "Today is a happy day but those aren't tears of happiness."
Miss Sarah smiled sadly and looked into the vanity mirror she was sitting in front of. She didn't remember sitting at the vanity mirror and she didn't remember having a towel around her neck. Willa and Beryl were doing her make-up while Mrs. Hatch and Rosie were doing her hair. "Do you think he'd be happy that I'm marrying Barry?" Miss Sarah asked. Everyone looked at her in confusion. "I love Barry very much and I know my old fiancé would want me to be happy."
Mrs. Hatch smiled and took the handkerchief from Willa. "He'd want you to continue living, to continue loving. It's perfectly acceptable to think about past loves on a wedding day. When I married Bertram, I thought about every boyfriend I had ever had. I even thought about…well let's not speak of that today. But no matter how many loves I had, I knew Bertram was the one for me. That's why I never remarried. I knew he'd be happy if I remarried and went on with my life, but Bertram was my life. He and Barry were the only men I needed and now seeing my Barry-bear marrying a good woman like you, I know a new chapter in my life is about to begin."
Willa gave Mrs. Hatch the powder and let her finish with the make-up. "Thank you, Mother Hatch. You've been more of a mother to me than my own."
With tears in her eyes, Mrs. Hatch gave Miss Sarah a big hug. The others joined in just as a knock came at the door. The door opened slowly to Reaver peeking his head in just an inch. "Ladies, I came to check up on you and to see if you needed any help getting into any frilly undergarments." he chuckled, trying to sneak a peek. Before he could get his entire head into the door, loud screaming and shoes being thrown made him shut the door fast. The sound of shoes hitting the closed door made him sigh in relief.
The groomsmen save for the groom and the best man had already made their way outside to make sure the guests were comfortable. Drinks were already being served. Elliot grabbed two glasses of champagne and handed one to Gordon. "Busy day, huh?" Elliot said, trying to make conversation with Gordon. "You look more nervous than Barry, and he's the one getting married!"
Gordon looked like he was resisting the urge to scratch an itch. "Weddings give me a rash." Gordon whispered, wincing uncomfortably while trying not to spill his drink. "I think it's the material most suits are made out of. My skin is too sensitive for cheap materials, which is why I'm glad Mr. Reaver designed my uniform." Gordon sipped his drink while Elliot only nodded. Gordon looked around, as if looking for someone.
Elliot sipped his champagne softly and looked at Gordon. "Expecting someone?" he asked.
"I'm trying to see if the girls are out here yet." Gordon murmured.
"They come out with the bride when the wedding starts. Reaver only sent us out here as crowd control while he goes and peeps on the girls. I imagine he's being pelted with shoes right about now." Elliot looked up at the manor to a specific window. "How nervous do you think Barry is?"
"I imagine he's just having dry heaves now." Gordon answered. "I mean, he hasn't eaten anything in a while, so he can't have much left to throw up."
With a soft chuckle, Elliot looked around the crowd. "I wonder where all these people came from. Surely they can't all be Barry and Sarah's guests. These don't look like the type of people Barry or Sarah would willingly mingle with. I can recognize a few nobles from the courts, but all these people…"
Gordon folded his arms and looked around. "Not Mr. Hatch's type of people, that's for sure."
Elliot nodded and looked at the crowd. Some of the best known families in Albion were in attendance for this wedding, though he imagined it was only because they were invited by Reaver. Barry and Elliot had been friends for a while and knew Barry and Miss Sarah would want a small wedding with just family and friends. Leave it to Reaver to make even a servant's wedding the social event of the season. Being the husband of the Queen (thus making him the King Consort), Elliot knew most of these families.
One face, however, neither Elliot nor Gordon had ever seen before. "Hey Gordon," Elliot asked, lowering his drink to get a better look. "…do you know who that is?" Elliot pointed to a tall dark haired man with a suit that would rival Reaver's. The strange man laughed and joked with the guests and seemed in his element amongst the posh Albion Elite. "One of your old circus friends, maybe?" Elliot asked, remembering hearing of the servant's time as circus performers.
Gordon shook his head. "Never seen him before in my life." Gordon whispered. "Maybe he's one of Mr. Reaver's friends. He sure looks like someone he'd befriend."
As if on cue, the man moseyed his way toward Gordon and Elliot. "Hello, gents. Lovely day for a wedding." The man took champagne from a passing waiter and sipped it calmly. The man calmly walked away and began to mingle again. Gordon scratched his head and shrugged, not really paying attention to anything else. Gordon and Elliot followed the guest, suddenly curious. The man had a feeling the two were following him and turned around. "Yes?" he asked.
Gordon cleared his throat. "Are you a guest of the bride or the groom?" he asked. "...or Mr. Reaver?"
The man chuckled and finished his drink. "I'm a guest and that's all you need to concern yourself with. I have an invitation if you doubt that." The guest pulled out the gold envelope and the fancy invitation. Gordon and Elliot scrutinized it but never touched it. It was indeed one of the invitations that Reaver had sent out. The guest dismissed himself again, leaving Gordon and Elliot to wonder.
Inside, Barry continued to get ready. He stood close enough to the door that he heard giggling from down the hallway. The girls were ready for the wedding to begin. He imagined them priming Miss Sarah up, doing her hair, fluffing her dress so that it fell properly over her dress slip, and then looked at himself again in the full length mirror. He reached for a comb and tried to straighten his hair, but found his hands uncooperative along with the rest of his body.
Barry dropped the comb and rubbed his eyes, trying to get himself focused for the task of the day. He wasn't sure why he was feeling this way. It wasn't a day before a full moon (he had personally made sure of that) and he had only a small bowl of oatmeal for breakfast that morning. Nothing should have been making him sick. But there he was: Barry Hatch, groom-to-be, feeling like he just woke up after a bad night of heavy drinking.
"Get yourself together, Hatch." He murmured, bending down to pick up the comb. Steadying his hand, Barry started to straighten his hair. "You're getting married today. You're marrying Sarah, the woman of your dreams! She's so wonderful, there's no reason you should be thinking otherwise…"
Barry combed his hair into place and then sighed. "Sarah is so wonderful. How did she ever fall in love with a hump like me?" Sitting on Reaver's bed, Barry thought about everything that's happened so far. In a few short hours, he'd be standing in front of the woman he loved vowing his life to her. He gripped his hair as he leaned forward. It was then the door opened.
"Still feeling sick, Hatch?" Reaver asked, closing the door. Barry looked up and watches Reaver shake his head, making a few tsk noises. "Hatch, you're getting married in less than two hours. Why does your hair look like you just woke up?" Reaver picked Barry up and pushed him toward the mirror. "You know, after today I won't be around to keep you straightened up. That'll be Miss Sarah's job." Reaver picked a comb off the vanity dresser and started combing Barry's hair. "Miss Sarah sure has her work cut out for her."
Barry swallowed hard as Reaver tugged at his hair. "Master Reaver…" Barry started, not sure if Reaver was actually paying attention. "…do you think this is a good idea?"
Reaver didn't glance at Barry. "Well, I don't have time to cut your hair, Hatch-"
"No, I mean the wedding." Barry interrupted.
"Marriage itself is a terrible idea, Hatch." Reaver continued. "But you and Miss Sarah seem to know what you're doing so I won't dispute it."
"But what if her parents are right?" Barry asked as Reaver continued to tug at his hair. "What if I can't provide for her? She deserves to be treated like a queen and I still treat her like a cook. I know she said she's alright with living with Mother until we get our own place, but the last thing Sarah needs is to be hounded by that old bat constantly about grandchildren."
Reaver chuckled softly. "Hatch, you're a class act." Reaver laughed. "Not as classy as I am, but I like to think some of my classy aura has rubbed off on you over the years. If not only a little bit, anyway." Reaver stopped coming Barry's hair and went over to his mirror. He straightened himself up a bit and smiled at his reflection. "It's too bad the stars of today's festivities are you and Miss Sarah, because I think it's a crime to take second fiddle with how good I'm looking." With that, Reaver left Barry to think. "Hurry along, Hatch!"
Reaver closed the door to his bedroom just in time to see Rosie leave the "War Room". She didn't notice him, or at least pretended not to. Reaver noticed Rosie had Reavie following her. Reavie had an enormous soft pink bow wrapped around her neck but for once, didn't seem to like having one on. Reavie's fur seemed to be professionally groomed for today's events. She had no part in the wedding, but would be on Mrs. Hatch's lap for most of the ceremony.
Rosie stopped where she was and looked around, still not noticing Reaver. Something told Reaver that it wasn't him Rosie was sensing. Rosie grabbed her head and shook it. Maybe she had a headache and needed some air or escape from the claustrophobic atmosphere of the "War Room". Reavie wouldn't stop following Rosie, and Rosie looked like she was starting to get annoyed. Gently shooing Reavie away with her foot, Rosie leaned against a wall and rubbed her head.
"Now, don't blame the cat because this wedding is overwhelming you!" Reaver teased, walking up to Rosie. Rosie didn't look at Reaver, but he couldn't be sure if it was his presence that was causing her discomfort and pain. "You should be more cheerful. You have a big part to play in this charade. As do I…"
Rosie blinked and kept her face turned. "I do have a big part today…" she mumbled, almost mechanically. With that, she left Reaver standing there and went back into the room. Reaver looked confused, and not just the usual confusion he experienced whenever he talked to Rosie. Whatever was on her mind was making her more despondent than usual. Reaver humored himself, thinking she was still considering his proposal. He liked to think that, even on the day of someone else's wedding, he was still the center of attention. Reaver picked up Reavie and headed outside.
Reaver left the hallway just as Mrs. Hatch was finishing in the other room. "Don't worry, Sarah dear; I'll go check on him!" Mrs. Hatch shouted cheerfully as she left the room. Mrs. Hatch closed the door softly and straightened out her dress. All the groomsmen, including her son the groom, were supposed to be outside at this time. The ceremony was set to begin in no time. Mrs. Hatch raced down the stairs and outside. All the guests had arrived and most were still sober.
"Good, we need to start soon." She mumbled to herself, walking toward the groomsmen. "Gordon, Elliot, where is Barry?" she asked, loud enough to be heard over the laughter of some nearby drunken guests.
Gordon and Elliot shrugged. "He's still inside, as far as we known." Gordon answered. "Hey, Mrs. Hatch, do you know who that guy is?" Gordon pointed to the Guest, who was joking with another noble.
Mrs. Hatch squinted, regretting that she didn't bring her glasses, and folded her arms. This man was very tall, taller than Reaver, and dressed impeccably. He was obviously a man of means, given the fabric his suit was made from, but something about him still made Mrs. Hatch believe he didn't belong. She left Gordon and Elliot without saying a word and walked toward the Guest. The clacking of her heels caught the Guest's attention long before Mrs. Hatch even stepped up to him. He turned around and greeted Mrs. Hatch with a big smile.
For her part, Mrs. Hatch decided to be civil. She knew he wasn't from anywhere in her family, but he was very posh-looking. She figured he had to be from Miss Sarah's side. Mrs. Hatch stopped just a foot or so from the Guest and gave him her best I-know-you-don't-belong-here look. Mrs. Hatch, in her dress, heels, and her hair styled, only smiled. "Bride's side or grooms?" she asked, pursing her lips so that her lipstick wouldn't smudge.
The Guest just grinned back. "Groom's side…" he answered, folding his arms. He didn't look intimidated by Mrs. Hatch.
"You don't look like anyone on my side of the family. How do you know my son?" she asked.
"I'm an acquaintance. Funny guy, I must say. He never said his mother was this beautiful." The Guest smiled wide, though Mrs. Hatch could have sworn it was a smirk.
"Flattery will only get you so far." Mrs. Hatch grinned, taking his arm and leading him toward the table with the drinks. "Let's see how far it can get you through this wedding without being thrown out." Mrs. Hatch had a lecherous grin that would make Reaver blush. "So, how about you sit next to me when the wedding starts…"
Gordon and Elliot looked at each other and watched Mrs. Hatch work her magic. They both laughed at the almost surprised look on the Guest's face, as if he was begging for help. "Mrs. Hatch has her target. He'll be lucky to leave here alive." Gordon laughed, walking with Elliot over to the other guests.
In the "War Room", Miss Sarah stood in front of the full length mirror with her bridesmaids around her. The dress looked perfect and so did Miss Sarah. Her hair was done up in an elaborate bun, her make-up made her look like a fine porcelain doll, and the corset had been loosened once Mrs. Hatch had left the room. She was happy to breathe again. Rosie picked the tiara with the veil attached to it off the bed and walked over to Miss Sarah.
Rosie placed the tiara veil on Miss Sarah's head, gently letting the veil fall over Miss Sarah's face. Miss Sarah put her perfectly manicured hand over her mouth and started to whimper. "Girls…" she said, trying to hold back her tears. The others were getting teary-eyed as well. "Girls, I'm about to get married!" she shouted, now crying happy tears. As the girls fell into a group hug and cried happy tears loudly. It was at that time that the door opened slowly.
"Don't pelt me with shoes, I come in peace!" Reaver shouted while keeping his eyes covered with his left hand. He was holding Reavie in his right arm. "I just came from outside and all the guests are here and sitting down. The champagne is running low, people are talking about cracking open the bottles we were saving for the wedding dinner, and Mother Hatch is flirting with a guest. I'd say it's about time to get this show on the road, my dears!"
The girls shouted excitedly and started for the dining room. Reaver stopped Miss Sarah for a moment and smiled at her. "Is something wrong, Mr. Reaver?" she asked.
Reaver shook his head. "Over a year ago, I hired you and the other circus rejects and now…I'm losing the best cook I've ever had!" Reaver liked to make a scene and cried overly dramatic tears. He blew his nose and smiled at Miss Sarah again. "You and Hatch belong together. He needs someone sturdy like you to keep him from starving to death and you need him to keep you from locking yourself in the pantry."
Miss Sarah smiled and accepted Reaver's hug, though she cut it short when she felt his gloved hands reach for her behind. Reaver left before the girls could run outside. The groomsmen stood in the foyer, waiting for the bridesmaids. Geoffrey, who was walking Miss Sarah down the aisle, was waiting outside. Everyone looked on in awe as Miss Sarah descended down the stairs.
The lights from the foyer were mostly dimmed and all the light they had was from the sun coming through the windows. Miss Sarah looked like she was descending from the heavens, her gown flowing behind her as she walked slowly as not to trip. Gordon and Elliot beamed ear to ear. Gordon had known Miss Sarah for years and knew today was the day her dream would come true.
"I'll go tell the band to start playing. I have to make sure Hatch is ready." Reaver left the house momentarily, placing Reavie down in front of Gordon.
Willa ran into the kitchen and came back out with a small basket. "Mr. Reaver says that Reavie is going to be our 'flower kitty'." Willa took a small bag out of the basket and tied it to Reavie's back. Reavie looked very uncomfortable. "We're going to poke a hole in the back and have Reavie run down the aisle ahead of us. Mrs. Hatch will catch her at the end." Willa reached into the basket again and pulled out a small pink pillow and a green box. Miss Sarah recognized this box as the one containing the wedding bands. Willa tied the small pink pillow to Reavie's head and placed the two bands on the pillow, attaching it with a string so they wouldn't fall off.
Everyone looked at Reavie with wide eyes. While they thought she looked adorable, Reavie felt miserable. "Everyone is going to love you, Reavie!" shouted Beryl, happily.
"She looks a little weighed down." said Gordon, rubbing his chin. Reavie tried to walk but kept teetering. Willa remedied this by placing the bag of flower petals on Reavie's lower back, close to her tail. It acted as a nice counterweight and Reavie was able to walk properly (for a cat). She happily picked up Reavie and cuddled her.
At that moment the doors opened slowly. "Is Hatch still inside?!" Reaver yelled.
"We've been in the dressing room all day, we haven't seen him." Rosie mumbled. "Miss Sarah and Mr. Hatch can't see each other before the wedding, so she didn't see him, either."
"I saw him leave your bedroom earlier, Mr. Reaver." said Gordon, fidgeting with his tie. "But I figured he was coming outside so the ceremony could start."
Reaver thought for a moment and ran upstairs. The girls looked at each other quizzically and ushered Miss Sarah to the study. "I'm sure there's nothing to worry about, Miss Sarah." Beryl comforted. "He might just be upstairs, and if he is, you'll be in here so he doesn't see you." Before the boys could join them, the girls closed the study doors. The study doors were never closed and Gordon didn't know the study even had doors in the first place.
At that moment, Reaver ran downstairs. "He's not upstairs…"
How he managed to get passed all the guests without alerting anyone, especially his mother, was a mystery but Barry sat on the hill overlooking Bower Lake, far from the wedding. The watched the crowd in the front of Lakeview Manor as it pulsated with eagerness. He knew, as hot as it was that everyone was starting to get uncomfortable in their stuffy outfits on this oddly hot autumn day. He had been sitting on a rock and tried not to think about the wedding and the crowds and his mother probably fuming over him not being there.
Barry sighed and tried to think. He needed quiet and the chaos surrounding Lakeview wasn't helping his train of thought. "How did it come to this?" he asked himself as a bird flew overhead. "I'm supposed to be marrying the woman of my dreams but I'm sitting by the lake." Barry had asked himself that many times. "Her parents were right; I'm not good enough for her."
Barry looked over when he heard soft footsteps walk toward him. One of the resident stray cats meandered up to Barry and looked up at him. "Oh, hello." Barry murmured, looking down at the orange tabby cat. The cat was probably about the same age as Reavie, though Barry wasn't sure how old Reavie was. "I don't suppose you're here to give me a pep talk. I could use one." Barry picked up the cat and stroked its fur with a sigh. "I sometimes wish I were a cat. Never have to worry about stuff like getting married, just worry about who's going to feed me next. Hmm, that actually sounds like marriage when I say it out loud."
The cat mewed softly and looked at Barry deeply. The stomping sound of boots on the crunchy grass made the cat jump from Barry's grasp and hop toward the tree. Barry looked up and saw Reaver, marching toward him with a look of disapproval.
"There you are, Hatch! Why in Avo's name are you sitting up here when you're supposed to be down there, getting married?" Reaver asked, approaching Barry from the hill. Barry was wondering when someone would realize he was missing and of all people, it would be Reaver. "The wedding is starting in a few minutes, your mother is sending your groomsmen and the bridesmaids all over the region to find you, and the guests are starting to gossip." Reaver noticed Barry was sitting on a rock and was only slightly relieved that his suit wasn't getting dirty.
Barry sighed and looked down at the glistening water. "I'm not good enough for Sarah…" he mumbled, twiddling his thumbs.
"Well, of course you're not!" Reaver shouted, sitting on a nearby log. Barry, who was looking for words of encouragement, only glared at Reaver. "Why, Miss Sarah has got to be completely mad to marry a man like you, you blithering idiot. I mean, a perfectly good woman like her marrying a man who's sitting up here on his tuffet while the entire wedding panics. She's sitting in that room, just gussied up while the maids run around to find her missing shoes, looking forward to walking down that aisle and leaving today as 'Mrs. Barry Hatch', and Mr. Barry Hatch is sitting up on this hill contemplating life."
Groaning loudly, Barry gripped the sides of his head. "This whole thing is a mistake!" he shouted.
"Why do you think that?" Reaver asked, brushing off his suit. He felt the presence of someone coming up the hill but said nothing.
"Because Sarah needs someone who can take care of her the way she deserves to be. She deserves to be with someone who isn't having a panic attack at the notion of marrying her!" Barry moaned.
Reaver thought for a moment and smiled deviously. "Well, Hatch, when did you start feeling this way? And might I remind you, 'always' isn't a viable answer."
Barry sighed. "A few days ago, right before my bachelor party, I tried on the suit and when I looked at myself in the mirror I wondered 'Oh, why is she marrying a miserable lump like me?' and the doubts started right up after that."
Reaver looked at Barry and put his hand on his shoulder. "Hatch, listen to me and listen to me well, for what I am about to say will not be repeated ever again. You have been my assistant for years and you've kept my life orderly and perfectly scheduled since day one. As much as I would like for you to call this whole charade off and have things go back to the way they were, I know that's not going to happen. I would love more than anything to have you in my home tomorrow, keeping my schedule, but you won't be. I'd love to have Miss Sarah in the kitchen making my breakfast in the morning, but she won't be. You're marrying her and you'll be on your honeymoon and when you get back, you'll both be hiring your replacements. It's change, and though I don't like it, I've become accustomed to it. We both have to accept the inevitable here, Hatch. You're going on with your life and you're taking Miss Sarah with you. I knew eventually you'd leave, but I never actually expected you to take the best cook I ever had with you. But I can say, with all honesty, that you and Miss Sarah deserve each other. You've been nothing but a gentleman to her, which is more than I can say for myself. I've seen a lot of change in my life and I'm pretty sure I'm in for a lot more, but for once I can actually say I'm happy about it. I'm happy for you and Miss Sarah and you have my blessing to go on with your life. Change can be a good thing and a bad thing, but only you can decide which it will be. Now, get off your fanny and dust yourself off before your mother tears apart Millfields looking for you."
Barry looked up at his boss and smiled. Reaver and Barry stood up at the same time, with Reaver outstretching his hand. "Barry Hatch, there is someone waiting for you down there. Let's not disappoint her." With that, Reaver and Barry shook hands. Barry ran down the hill as fast as he could.
Reaver followed behind, but stopped at the tree. He looked over and saw Rosie standing behind it. He wanted to say something, but he didn't. He only smiled at her. Rosie smiled back and followed right behind him, but not getting too close.
"Barry!" shouted Mrs. Hatch, who was standing at the gate. "Where have you been? The wedding is about to start!"
Before Barry could answer, Reaver caught up to him. "He wasn't feeling good, Mother Hatch. Miss Sarah didn't cook last night and he ate something in town with me. It didn't sit well with him. Honestly, I'm starting to regret it myself. Nothing beats Miss Sarah's cooking. We were fools to betray her, Hatch!" Reaver loved being overly dramatic and he loved how Mrs. Hatch was just eating it up.
"Oh, why didn't you tell me you weren't feeling well?" Mrs. Hatch cooed, squishing Barry's cheeks together. "I have some antacids in my purse; you'll take a few of those and be right as rain." Mrs. Hatch pushed Barry toward the mansion and smiled at the confused guests.
Reaver rushed Barry up to his bedroom and slammed the door. The servants (save for Miss Sarah, who was still in the study) looked at each other in confusion. Reaver sat Barry on the bed and took out a comb. Hair combed, suit cleaned off, and boutonniere straightened, Barry Hatch was ready to get married. Reaver nodded and left the bedroom. Mrs. Hatch was waiting in the foyer. "He's ready!" Reaver shouted as Barry walked up behind him.
Mrs. Hatch gleamed happily and ran to her son as he descended the stairs. "My Barry-bear is getting married." She cried happily. Mrs. Hatch stood in front of her son and smiled a teary smile. To her, he was always going to be the five-year-old who used to throw worms at the neighbor girl or hide frogs in his teacher's desk. Barry wanted to push away, but instead he took his mother in his arms and hugged her tightly. Mrs. Hatch watched proudly as Barry opened the mansion doors, letting the band know it was time.
Mrs. Hatch took her seat at the front, next to the Guest. The Guest looked over the crowd, as if looking for someone in particular. Barry walked down the aisle first, trying not to take big strides. He took his place by the altar and sighed, straightening himself up. Reavie, with the pillow on her head and the cut bag of petals on her behind, resisted at first, but felt Reaver's boot press her out the mansion doorway. Reavie ran down the aisle, trailing petals behind her. Mrs. Hatch grabbed her before she could go passed the altar. The Guest reached over to pet Reavie, but she hissed at him and stayed on Mrs. Hatch's lap.
Reaver and Rosie came down the aisle next, Best Man and Maid of Honor. Arm in arm, they looked like they were getting married and Reaver liked that thought. Rosie looked at all the guests and noticed a few familiar faces. One face she didn't actually want to see. Ben Finn, who had been invited by Reaver as a joke, waved from his spot in the back row. Rosie grumbled and stayed the course. It wasn't until they reached the front of the seats that she noticed someone she really didn't want to see, now or ever. The Guest, while Mrs. Hatch was distracted, waved to Rosie.
Gordon and Beryl came next, also arm in arm. Beryl, wearing her nice glasses, smiled up at Gordon. Gordon had his eyes on Rosie in front of him. There was something he needed to say to Rosie, but he knew today wouldn't be appropriate. Beryl looked around at the guests and tugged on Gordon's sleeve, motioning toward Miss Sarah's side of the guest seating. Gordon couldn't believe it. Some of their old circus friends were in attendance. How that was possible, they didn't know.
Elliot and Willa came out next. Willa was shorter than Elliot, so the duo looked like an older brother helping his little sister around. Willa didn't like the big bow Mrs. Hatch was making her wear in the back of her hair, but tolerated it for Miss Sarah's sake. She felt like a child wearing it. Elliot looked over and saw his wife sitting in a nice chair on Barry's side of the guest seating. He waved to her as he felt Willa jump up and down with a big smile. Off on Miss Sarah's side of the seating was a very familiar man.
Geoffrey stood at the edge of the last row, waiting for his sister. He didn't see their parents and wasn't surprised that they weren't there. His wife sat in a chair close to the front on Miss Sarah's side of the guest seating. The mansion doors opened again and out appeared Miss Sarah. At that moment, the wind blew some of the flower petals up and they swirled around Miss Sarah as she approached the aisle. All the guests stood up. Barry's mouth dropped. He had never seen anything so beautiful. Reaver used his index finger and closed Barry's mouth.
Miss Sarah slowly walked down the aisle beside her brother. She looked like porcelain doll, her skin powdered almost milky white and her lips as red as roses. The veil let Barry see her, and he was thankful. The petals danced around Miss Sarah, slowly coming closer to him. Her veil blew slowly with the petals on the wind. As she slowly approached him, Barry had forgotten why he was scared. Her bouquet was made from some of Gordon's red roses from the garden and some white ones that Reaver insisted upon. She looked like a queen. It felt like there was no one else in the world except Barry and Miss Sarah.
Geoffrey proudly kept Miss Sarah on his arm as she fought the urge to wave at all her guests. She looked over and saw people she didn't think she'd ever see again. Almost everyone she knew from her circus days were in attendance of her wedding. Geoffrey told her he had a special gift prepared for her and that it wasn't an easy thing to accomplish. Geoffrey looked down at his sister as they approached the altar. She whispered her thanks and kissed Geoffrey on the cheek.
Approaching the altar, Geoffrey took his sister's hand, kissed it, and handed it to Barry. "Take care of her." He whispered, patting Barry on the shoulder. Geoffrey took his seat as Miss Sarah slowly stood next to her husband-to-be. Miss Sarah handed her bouquet to Rosie and stood in front of the altar with Barry.
At this time, Logan took the altar. There were a few murmurs from the audience, but both Miss Sarah and Barry ignored it. Logan was ordained and could legally perform this wedding. Logan no longer wore a scarf over his face. He was ready to rejoin Albion society. His eyes lit up as he read from the vow book in front of him. Her hands cupped in Barry's, Miss Sarah wasn't paying attention to anything happening beyond her and Barry. Logan began the ceremony.
Besides Logan reading, everything was quiet. Barry stared into Miss Sarah's eyes, examining everything. This was real. This was happening. Barry was marrying Miss Sarah, the cook that he longed for. Things were indeed changing. He wouldn't need an excuse to visit her in the kitchen from now on, or use buying groceries as an excuse to walk into town with her. He'd visit her in the kitchen to say good morning and he'd join her in the market to help her buy food for them.
"…and now, Barry and Sarah will exchange vows…" Logan said softly.
Barry took Miss Sarah's hands tightly and smiled down at her. "Sarah, for as long as I've known you, there has been no other woman on my mind. The moment you and the others walked into Lakeview Manor, I just knew we'd share something special. From our morning chats while you made breakfast to our nightly clean-up rituals, I've enjoyed every moment with you. I don't know what I did to deserve a wonderful woman like you, but I hope to keep trying to make myself better, just for you. You keep me on my toes and I know I'll never starve to death. You brighten my mornings and you warm up my nights. I love you, Sarah."
Miss Sarah, with tears forming in her eyes, smiled back at Barry. "Barry, I never thought I'd ever find love again until I met you. The moment you welcomed us into Lakeview Manor, I knew we'd share something only two people in love could share. From our morning chats to our afternoon rituals, I always looked forward to seeing you. Now, as we start our life together, I only hope I can be a good wife to you. In the mornings when you leave for work and in the evenings when you come home, I'll be there waiting with open arms and a warm cup of tea. I love you, Barry."
Logan nodded approvingly. "May I have the rings, please?" With an outstretched hand, Logan accepted the wedding bands from Mrs. Hatch. The one for Barry was a big plain gold band and the one for Miss Sarah was dainty with a little diamond stud on the top.
Logan handed the smaller ring to Barry. Barry smiled and slid the dainty ring on Miss Sarah's ring finger. "With this ring, I thee wed…"
Logan handed the bigger ring to Miss Sarah. She anxiously slid it on Barry's ring finger. "With this ring, I thee wed…"
The wedding bands glistened in the sun reflected off the lake. The entire wedding was silent, some on the edge of their seats. Logan heard a few birds tweeting nearby and he looked off the side to see Reavie relaxing under a bush with one of the resident strays. He thought he saw this cat wearing a scarf, but ignored it while vowing not to drink wine before weddings anymore. Logan cleared his throat and put his attention back on Barry and Miss Sarah.
"By the power vested in me by the kingdom of Albion and its Royal Family, I now pronounce you husband and wife." Logan stepped back from the altar as Barry lifted Miss Sarah's veil, revealing her tear stained cheeks. Everyone was waiting now. Logan decided to end the suspense. "Everyone, I present to you Mr. and Mrs. Barry Hatch." Logan smiled and winked at Barry. "You may now kiss the bride."
Barry and Miss Sarah kissed as the crowd stood and cheered loudly. Mrs. Hatch burst into happy tears as Barry and Miss Sarah ran down the aisle to flower petals and seeds being thrown at them. The procession followed, shielding themselves from the barrage of seeds and petals being thrown. Logan stayed at the altar, pleased with his job. He had found his peace and was happy at last. He had an important job now and though he considered this wedding practice, he knew his calling.
Reaver shooed everyone into the garden for the wedding feast and dancing. He stopped Rosie first. "Rosie, you said you'd have your answer for me…" he whispered.
"My answer is in your office." She shouted over all the excitement. Rosie ran after the guests before the Guest had a chance to approach them. Reaver looked at the man curiously as he slowly made his way toward the garden.
In the garden, a happy reunion of sorts was taking place. Gordon, Beryl, Rosie, and Willa shook hands with their former circus friends. Willa, with big tears in her eyes, ran to one guest in particular. "Daddy!" she shouted through happy tears, jumping into the arms of a very big muscular man. "I thought I'd never see you again!"
Willa's father, Olaf, held his daughter tight. "Idiot Ringleader sold me off to slavers. I escaped and spent years looking for you, Wilhelmina. Man named Geoffrey was in town I was staying at said he was on his way to his sister's wedding and searching for her old circus friends. He looked familiar and I asked him who sister was. He said her name was Sarah and I knew it was Miss Sarah from the picture he showed me. I show him old flyer to prove I knew her and he invited me along. I'm glad to see promise was kept." Olaf looked over at Rosie, who only nodded to the strongman as he put his daughter down. "Now, let us sit and eat. After food, you tell Papa what you've been up to."
Everyone sat in the garden, gossiping and catching up when Barry and Miss Sarah walked in. "Everyone, the happy couple is here!" Reaver shouted, tapping his fork on a champagne glass. Everyone stood up and cheered the two made their way to the big table containing the cake. As the food was served, Reaver handed Barry a knife. "Cut the damn cake, we're starving!" he shouted, sitting in his chair.
Someone had brought a photo-box and was taking pictures. Pictures of the ceremony and the reception were popping out of the new-fangled machine. Barry, his hand on Miss Sarah's, guided the knife through the bottom layer of the big cake. Barry took half the slice and fed it to Miss Sarah, and she did the same. The crowd cheered as the two sat down at the big table near the rose bushes. Champagne was served and as everyone ate, Reaver stood up. He tapped the champagne glass with his fork and got everyone's attention. "Speech time, lovely guests!"
Barry hid his face in his hand as Reaver stood up. "Hatch came into my employ many years ago. How long ago, I forget. In that time, he's shown to be more than capable to handle whatever craziness I throw his way. If not for him, I'm sure Lakeview would have burned down by now. He's kept my budget, my schedule, and my home in working order for years. But now, I'm sad to say, it's time for him to begin his new life with the lovely Miss Sarah. If there is anyone more deserving of this lovely lady's affection, I dare him to stand up and face my Dragonstomper!" Reaver pulled out his gun and aimed it at the sky with one leg on the table. As the crowd panicked, he looked down at Barry, who hadn't taken his eyes off his new wife. Reaver smiled and put his gun away. "Hatch, you're a stronger man than I. You're the best damn assistant a man can ask for and quite frankly, the closest thing I've had to a friend in many years." Reaver raised his glass. "Hatch, to you and Miss Sarah: Many happy years to both of you."
Everyone raised their glasses in a toast. "Does the crazy man in hat always take out gun during special occasion?" Olaf asked, looking at his daughter.
"You should see him at funerals." mumbled Beryl, taking a sip of her champagne.
Soon, it was time for the big dance. As the music started, Barry took Miss Sarah's hand and directed her to the center of the garden. Reaver did the same with Rosie, as traditionally the best man and maid of honor have a dance as well. While all eyes were on Barry and Miss Sarah, Reaver's eyes were on Rosie. Rosie looked unsure and a little panicked. She didn't look Reaver in the eyes and kept glancing over at a certain guest that made himself right at home at the end of one of the tables.
The Guest smiled at Rosie, raising his glass to her with a crinkled smile. Rosie looked away. "Rosie, do try to keep in step. You've almost stepped on my feet three times." Reaver whispered, stepping in time with the rhythm of the band. Reaver smiled down at Rosie, but she made no gesture. "So, how soon will you and I be doing this dance again?" he asked. Rosie didn't answer. Her eyes were on the Guest, who hadn't taken his eyes off her, either.
After the dance, when everyone decided to mingle, Rosie found herself alone. She watched as Miss Sarah introduced Barry to all of their old circus friends and smiled happily. The reunion was bittersweet for Rosie, though. While she was happy to see that everyone was okay and escaped the "accident" that occurred two years prior, there was one reunion she wasn't looking forward to. Rosie got up from her chair and started for the garden gate. Ben Finn, who knew virtually no one there save for Reaver's lot, Elliot, and the Queen, got up and started for the gate as well.
Olaf grabbed Ben Finn before he could chase after Rosie, to which she was thankful. Ben kept trying to ease himself away from the strongman but found it hard during his loud, raucous, one-sided conversation. Willa huffed at her father. "Daddy, let him go!" she shouted.
"Tell me, Soldier Boy, what do you do as profession?" Olaf asked, Ben being held with one hand and a beer mug in the other.
"I…I recently retired from balverine hunting, and I'm thinking of doing some traveling mercenary work again." said Ben, trying to escape from Olaf's tough grasp.
"Good man, good money in it. Tell me, have you thought about marrying? My Wilhelmina needs good husband to look after her in case something happens to me again!" Olaf laughed.
"Daddy!" Willa shouted, visibly embarrassed. Ben had lost sight of Rosie, but saw the unknown Guest leaving the garden through the gate. He didn't put two and two together, as his only thought at the moment was escaping the strongman's grasp and getting a big gulp of fresh air.
Rosie rushed to the front of the manor, where the wedding ceremony had been held. The sun was setting and darkness was coming. It was setting too fast for Rosie's liking. She felt chilly, despite the warm weather and tried to warm her arms. She could still hear the party going on in the garden, but everything went almost totally silent when the Guest appeared behind her.
"I'm glad I finally got you alone, my dear." said the Guest, with a smirk.
"So, you finally found me." Rosie didn't face the Guest. She didn't want to. She knew who he was, which made her angry. "Took you long enough. I guess being stopped by everyone here for one reason or another is to blame. It's pretty obvious you don't belong at this wedding. You stick out like a sore thumb."
The guest only smiled. He reached into his suit jacket and pulled out a pocket watch. Each of his mannerisms reminded Rosie too much of Reaver. It was the main reason Rosie didn't like being too close to her boss at any given time. Rosie turned around and faced the guest, who put away his pocket watch and pulled out a fancy cigarette case.
"Smoking is bad for you." said Rosie.
The Guest smiled and put one in his mouth anyway. "If the bowels of the Underworld can't kill me, a harmless cigarette won't even put a dint in me." He chuckled, lighting the cigarette with a small flame that came from nowhere. He puffed blue smoke up into the air, watching it drift toward the star filled sky and looked down at Rosie as if she were a child. Rosie may have been tall, but the Guest easily towered over her. She didn't seem moved by the Guest and stayed where she was. "Of course, you were probably the only one out of all the 'underlings' that actually cared about my health."
Rosie chuckled. "I see you're still calling them that." Rosie mumbled. "I know time is meaningless to you, so I guess there's no rush, is there?" Rosie crossed her arms. "Let's hear it."
"Hear what?" The Guest asked, puffing more smoke into the air.
"Your reason for being here, of all places." Rosie didn't move. "You know as well as I do that there is nothing for you on this plain of existence. You can come and go freely yet you still come here. You crash a wedding, nearly run off with the groom's mother, and you've caused confusion all day. Not your usual troublemaking, but I guess even you wouldn't outgrow being a child."
The Guest flicked his cigarette and only grinned at Rosie. "Disrespectful, just as always. I don't know why I thought any different of you. You have too much of your mother in you. Your pitiful mortal body is only a mask to the greatness buried deep within. This world is not worthy of you and yet you decided to stay. At least now you're being paid to be used. Might as well put my gift to you to good use, am I right? The only thing that ties me to you and you exploit it for profit for years at that dingy circus. Tell me: when did the Gypsies realize they couldn't use you anymore?"
Rosie just stood there. The Guest didn't seem to be finished. He flicked his half smoked cigarette into the nearby dirt. "When did they realize they had more than just a wayward seer on their hands? When did they realize you were more of a threat than a gift? When you left, did they even bother to chase after you to get you back? When did they realize you weren't like the Hooded One in the Spire?"
Rosie growled and faced this guest. "My destiny is my own!" she shouted, her eyes glowing. "I wasn't about to be used by those Gypsies or by that circus and certainly not by you!"
The Guest snarled. "You watch your tongue, missy! You forget who you're addressing!"
Rosie calmed down, though she wasn't sure if it was for herself or the Guest. Like a child being punished for talking back, Rosie just stood there, glowering at the Guest. The Guest folded his arms and the same grin returned to his face.
"Now, is that anyway to address your father?" The Guest cooed mockingly. "I just had to check up on my little girl to see how she was doing. Can you blame me for that? For loving my daughter enough to come to this wretched plain to make sure she was alright?"
Letting a disbelieving chuckle escape her lips, Rosie looked up at the Guest. "You didn't come here to check on me. You came here to convince me to come back. You know you can't force me to go back, it'd be against the rules. You and the other 'Underlings' as you call my half-siblings aren't any more worried about me than you would be about a fly. It's been made clear to me time and time again that I'm not wanted there, so I came here. I made my own way as my mother did before she had the misfortune of meeting and falling in love with an omnipotent demon with control issues."
The Guest looked offended, but this wasn't the first time Rosie had mouthed off to him. Her gaze, a piercing gaze that would forever remind him of her mother, let him know it certainly wouldn't be the last. He knew arguing with her was fruitless, but he still enjoyed it nonetheless. "So, what is it you're calling yourself now, my dear? Rosie? How adorable. I guess you didn't appreciate the name I gave you."
"I do appreciate it." Rosie contested. "I just don't like it. I prefer the name my mother gave me. Easier for 'foolish mortals' as you call them to pronounce. I don't need that name to remind me of you. I have your 'gift' to remind me of you and where I never intend to go back to."
The Guest huffed. "You're just lucky that me taking away that 'gift' would kill you or I'd take it away right now." The Guest walked up to Rosie, who turned away from him. He put his hand on her shoulder, lovingly stroking her upper arm and attempting a fatherly smile. "Let's not fight, today is a happy day. Your best friend just got married and…" The Guest suddenly stopped when he heard a disturbance behind them. He could feel something almost as unholy as he was eavesdropping. "I can feel the presence of the Shadow Court…but not on you…" he mumbled to Rosie.
"I'm not foolish enough to attempt a bargain with them." Rosie mumbled as the Guest turned around.
Reaver made his presence known, though he stood a few feet away. "So, this is where you ran off to." Reaver growled, staring the Guest down. "You certainly did a nice job crashing Hatch and Miss Sarah's wedding and for not getting caught, I commend you. Now, who the hell are you and why are you still here?"
The Guest smiled evilly and fixed his sleeves. "Ahh, is this the man that offered you a life of pampering and luxury if you just signed on the dotted line?" he asked.
Rosie turned to glare at the Guest. "How did-"
"You're the daughter of an omnipotent demon. I'd fail as an all-powerful being and a father if I didn't know what was going on in your life. It wasn't easy finding out, either. There is a barrier of some kind draping this world and it's no easy feat getting here." The Guest chuckled and walked towards Reaver. "So, you're the one that wants to marry my Rosie?" The Guest looked Reaver over, but didn't look impressed. He stood up straight as if smelling something foul. "You are marked with years of bargaining with the Shadow Court. It's all over you. I can see the blood of many innocents staining you and the smell is foul. You are a tainted man and you have no intention of stopping. I must say, I'm impressed. But not impressed enough to approve of any type of union between you and Rosie."
Reaver raised his eyebrows. "Your approval?" Reaver laughed. "It has been many, many, years since I've needed anyone's approval to do anything, my good man. I certainly don't need the approval of a wedding crasher who, by the way, has yet to actually leave!" Reaver, ignoring the guest entirely, walked over to Rosie and started to reach for her hand. "Now, my dear, let's get back to the party. Hatch and Miss Sarah are about to leave for their honeymoon and-"
Before Reaver could finish his sentence, the Guest knocked him out of the way into a nearby stone wall with such strength and power that Reaver literally didn't know what hit him. Rosie gasped and started to run to him but was blocked by the Guest. "Listen to Daddy, my dear…" he murmured angrily, while taking Rosie and holding her close with one arm. "…come back with me. There is no place for you here, now."
Rosie shook her head and left the Guest's grip. Before anything else could happen, a shot from Reaver's gun rang out. The bullet barely grazed the Guest's nose, but it got his attention. The Guest looked over and watched Reaver stagger to get up while pointing his gun dead at him. "Get…away from her!" Reaver snarled.
The Guest smiled and stepped back, but his gaze let Reaver know he wasn't conceding to the likes of him. He watched as Rosie ran to Reaver to help him stand up completely.
The Guest snarled at this. "I can take a hint. I'll leave. But know this and know it well, you tainted fop: Your immortality is only based on age. You may not give way to time, but you can still get hurt and die like any other pitiful mortal. You'll never be good enough for her, no matter what twisted deals you make with the Shadow Court. You're a disgusting mortal and I'll never accept you as my son-in-law. It takes a certain power to be a part of this family and that's something that will forever elude you. I forbid this union and I will not allow you to join our family. You have no honor and will bring only shame and destruction. That's all you've ever done."
The Guest stood still and waited for the clouds to part. "I'll be back to check on you again, Rosie. And remember…" What could only be described as a rip in the very fabric of time and space opened under the Guest and he started to descend into the ground. "…Daddy loves you…"
With that, the Guest was gone. Reaver stood up straight and noticed his right arm was pounding painfully. He ignored the pain for now and focused on Rosie, who stood in her spot motionless. Reaver staggered over to her and looked down at her. His gaze wasn't that of a boss looking at his employee, though. He couldn't believe the sounds he heard from Rosie. He couldn't believe the tears running down Rosie's cheeks, either. Rosie was crying!
Reaver took Rosie with his good arm and held her close to him. It was comforting, to say the least. "Well, this solves a little of the mystery surrounding you, Rosie. Yet it raises many, many, more questions. Care to tell me what in Avo's name is going on?"
He didn't receive an answer. Rosie, her hand over her eyes, ran back toward the garden. Reaver sighed and remembered what Rosie had told him earlier about her answer. He didn't bother to go back to the party, which he knew he could see from his office window.
Rosie returned to the party as Barry and Miss Sarah were waving good-bye to everyone. The carriage to take them to the train station and off to their honeymoon was waiting. Rosie must have missed when they went back inside to change into regular clothes because now they were dressed like they were ready to travel. Miss Sarah still had her bouquet in hand. Rosie stood next to the others; the crowd was strangely mute to her as she watched the events.
She knew all of this. She knew, but she said nothing. "…did you hear me, Rosie?" Beryl asked, shaking Rosie out of her trance. Rosie looked down at Beryl. "I said earlier today I got a letter in the mail from my grandparents. I didn't want to say anything because today is Miss Sarah's day. My grandparents are retiring and they are leaving the vineyard and the farm to me!" Beryl shouted over the cheers of the crowd. Rosie smiled, nodding to Beryl. "They want me to take over as soon as I'm able to and Gordon said he'd come help me since he knows so much about plants. Miss Sarah isn't the only one leaving now!"
Rosie felt the crowd go mute again. Everything was happening just as she saw it would. She had no need to worry about her friends anymore. She thought she heard Beryl say something about asking Olaf and some of their old circus friends to work at the vineyard while she got used to the place and wondering what she'd do with her two troublesome sisters, who still lived on the farm. Rosie was barely listening to any of this as people threw seeds at Barry and Miss Sarah as they waved on their way to the carriage awaiting them.
"Ready?" Miss Sarah shouted, holding her bouquet up. All the women shrieked loudly, reaching for the bouquet that had yet to be thrown. Many hands reached for the bouquet as Miss Sarah tossed it up in the air, aiming for no one in particular. Everything went slow, the seeds still being thrown as the bouquet fell. The bouquet was like a volley ball, being bounced back and forth from grabbing hands. A badly aimed hand bounced the bouquet out of everyone's grasp and toward its unsuspecting victim.
The bouquet landed in Rosie's hands. She just stared at it as the gaggle of women laughed and some of the men made sure their breath were fresh. Rosie just stared at the bouquet as Barry and Miss Sarah boarded the carriage. They waved to everyone with big smiles.
"Don't forget to come back with my grandchildren!" Mrs. Hatch shouted, causing both Barry and Miss Sarah to blush.
Barry looked at his bride and took her hand. "Ready, Mrs. Hatch?" he asked, directed the "Mrs. Hatch" at his wife.
"With you, I'm always ready, Mr. Hatch." Miss Sarah cooed as Barry kissed her cheek. They waved as they got into the carriage with "JUST MARRIED" taped to the back. The driver started down the path. The crowd waved as the carriage disappeared toward Bowerstone with Barry, Miss Sarah, and their luggage.
Mrs. Hatch wiped a few tears from her eyes and turned around to see the crowd dissipate. Soon, the guests were gone, the servants had started the clean-up, and Mrs. Hatch stood by the gate. She smiled and started walking back to Lakeview Manor. Mrs. Hatch was surprised to see Willa leaving the manor, accompanying her father. Mrs. Hatch blushed as they came close to her. "Oh, Mrs. Hatch! I had thought you'd gone back inside. Have you met my father?"
Olaf extended his hand to Mrs. Hatch and took hers gently. "Olaf, pleasure to meet mother of groom." He said, his accent very pronounced.
"Mrs. Bernadette Hatch…" Mrs. Hatch mumbled, blushing like a teenager.
"Mrs.? I see no ring," Olaf teased, holding Mrs. Hatch's hand up.
"I'm a widow. My Bertram died when Barry was five." She giggled, slowly taking her hand back.
Olaf smiled at Mrs. Hatch. He was taller than her, yet she didn't shrink at his presence. He already liked her. "I'm a widower. Wilhelmina's mother was tiny woman, very sickly. I miss her every day." Olaf sighed and smiled as he waved to Willa. "I'll be at inn in town, Wilhelmina. Come visit your Papa while I'm in town! We have much catching up to do!" Olaf winked at Mrs. Hatch as he left.
Mrs. Hatch could feel how hot her cheeks were getting. "Mrs. Hatch, are you alright?" Willa asked. Mrs. Hatch put her hands to her cheeks and walked toward the garden. Willa giggled and ran back toward the house to finish the clean-up.
One thing Mrs. Hatch didn't expect to see so late at night was Rosie in the garden. She was standing there, holding the bouquet as if she hadn't moved since Barry and Miss Sarah left. Mrs. Hatch ran to Rosie and helped her to a nearby stone bench. "Rosie, are you alright?" she asked, her blushing cheeks softening.
Rosie looked up at Mrs. Hatch, her eyes were puffy and pink from what looked like crying. "Mrs. Hatch…" she whispered, grasping the bouquet tightly. Rosie didn't say anything else. Mrs. Hatch wrapped her arms around Rosie, who started to sob furiously. The bouquet fell to the ground with a soft pat.
Inside Lakeview Manor, in Reaver's Office
Reaver stood by his window. What was this feeling in his chest? Why was it happening now? What was going on? He had never felt tightness like this in chest. It wasn't like anything he had ever felt before. He looked out on Millfields and pondered what to do next.
Barry was gone, so he couldn't call him in for advice. For once, Reaver would have welcomed Barry's sappy rambling about love, life, and how he wouldn't know what he'd do without Miss Sarah. Miss Sarah wasn't down in the kitchen, so he couldn't call her to make him a midnight snack to think things over with. He didn't glance at his desk. While he expected this, he was truly ready for what he found. His heart pounded with a mixture of unsureness and humiliation.
The lights of the region gave him little comfort. Couples sitting down in their beds, discussing their day and making plans for the next was what he imagined. It was something he loathed and desired at the same time but it was also very foreign. What was this he was feeling? Why did this affect him so much? No, this wasn't the end, not by a long shot. Reaver still had some fight left in him and now his opponent was more powerful than he ever could have imagined.
But how could he fight with this tightness in his chest. Of all the things that could affect him, why was it that this was the most crippling? Why did it feel like his heart had been ripped out and thrown against the wall to die a bleeding death? Why did he care so much?
Beside Reaver's desk, in a steel mesh trash bin, sat Rosie's answer.
Hi, hi, my doves! It's finally finished!
This chapter, I mean. The story itself still has two more chapters to go, but this chapter is finally done! I'm finally done with this chapter. A lot has happened over the course of this chapter. My own heart has been ripped out which made the ending a little harder for me to write. I had…a secret admirer over the course of writing this. He said he was from my past and he thought about me every day. I was so flattered and happy I couldn't stand it. Someone thought about me every day. Someone was thinking about me…
It was wonderful. Until I found out whom it was. He was from my past alright, but he was a jerk and…well, check out my tumblr and my deviantArt journal for more information.
So, how did I do? TELL ME TELL ME TELL ME TELL ME! Leave a review and tell me if it was worth the wait. I have a ton of other stories planned but I wanted to finish this one first. I have another BioShock fic planned and a Welcome to Night Vale one shot in the works.
I CAN'T TAKE THE EXCITEMENT! REVIEW MY CHAPTER! Are you as happy for Barry and Miss Sarah as I am? And what's this? The mystery of Rosie unravels…
Be sure to visit me on tumblr! I go by LunaPeachieLovesYou and I do love you!
Read, review, and be merry!
Reaver and Barry Hatch belong to Lionhead.
The Guest belongs to my good friend robowarrior01908. He's known as Oraix hehe.