White wedding

[Pastor Noah Z Wilkes]

"I said that her soul is "safe..."?  I mean to say, it's safely headed on the right path towards heaven, my dear wife.  I would say nothing in the slightest to lead my flock astray."  Noah chuckled.  "No, in earnest, she had honorable maidenly things to do.  At least that was the explanation offered.  I didn't drone on about my model trains or anything, if that's what you're thinking."

Noah was getting a little tipsy, but he wasn't stumbling or slurring his words, it would take a lot more alcohol to do that.  He could out-drink anyone in the room if he wanted.  This auburn colored whiskey was very strong, though delicious.  As time went by, the pastor would appear more jovial the more he drank.  But in the back of his mind, something was off, and it bothered him greatly.  It may have been the way his distant cousin addressed him, as "Father", even after he gently corrected him.  It was like he knew something about one of his many, many aliases, (as he had been a Catholic priest a few times).  Noah was always careful to change his appearance every time he had to relocate, but he made not one mention of having a clue about that.  Perhaps he was being paranoid, but it seemed purposeful. Although, he thought, money was money, and if you couldn't trust family....

He decided to remain focused on other things.

~~~

The man was harmlessly tipsy in due time. The pastor would listen to the speeches and raise his glass to toast the bride and groom.  He toasted to the best man and maid of honor. He even toasted the ring bearer and flower girl.  He considered toasting the silverware.  He did attend his congregation, as he led a small group in brief prayer for everyone's health, and he of course, shook hands with everyone he warmly greeted.

Noah was not a dancer, but he surely tried not to be the biggest dork on the dance floor.  He knew a move or two in his advanced age, but even the most reserved folks couldn't help but smirk at his oddly suave maneuvers.  He would motion for Ana to join him as the lively conventional dance music played.  A new song was about to start.

Now when Ana wanted to dance, it would be a sight to see.  It had been some time, and perhaps they could show off some skill, despite the animosity.

[Erick Darcy]

His own chest ached. How long had he been dreaming of her soft lips pressed against his? His ache to hold her in his arms again. He too swallowed hard his eyes growing suspciously wet as he looked at her. She wasn't the only one overwhelmed with crushing emotions in that moment. After all he almost hadn't...revealed himself to her. A part of him was glad he did, the other was worried that he might've endangered her as there were dark games a foot in his world. 

He smiled at her request of a dance. His face softening, he'd nod as he replied to her. 'I'd never say no to you...' He said softly. He'd take her hand and lift it up to his mouth so he could kiss the back of her hand. 'God I've missed you.' he said. He was so reluctant to let her go and it was apparent the way he stalled about letting his touch lingered before reluctantly coming away to take the room key card. He'd glance at the room number and arch a brow, ironically he also had a room on the same floor as her. That had simply been fate, and not deliberate.

He'd step back from her moving over to his gloves and mask, putting the gloves back on and the mask. He'd offer her his hand to lead her from the room after he unlocked it. He'd lead her back to the reception his hand in hers. As they entered the DJ was making an announcement.

'Alright everybody the bride and groom have requested we slow it down for some love songs, so all you lovely couples and lovers or those who simply like to slow dance please join the bride and groom on the dance floor.'

Erick would lead Mel by the hand to the dance floor, in their abscense chadwick had also disappeared to he bathroom where he was currently ill from drinking to much and eating to little. But with the mask on Erick and Chad could easily be mistaken for one another. And it could be easily assumed that MEl was simply being polite in dancing with him. He was the bestman after all.

'May I have this dance, my lady?' He'd ask her softly. She'd be able to hear the smile in his muffled voice as he lead her to the dance floor his hands gently resting upon her waist, while her arms encircled his neck just as 'Take my breath away began' to play.

Jory and James were in the middle of the dance floor dancing cheek to cheek whispering to each other as they danced. But Eric only had eyes for Mel, instinctively he'd pull her closer to him, not careing who noticed or didn't his head tilting a little to rest against Mels. He'd close his eyes embracing the feeling of her in his arms. He'd whisper into her ear. 'You'll always take my breath away.'

[Atraya Crowe]

Atraya would take a sip of her champagne as they walked nodding silently as Ana told her about the mishap.

‘That is truly unfortunate, but lucky at the same time. Its a good thing it all worked out beautifully.’


Atraya’s eyes would move in the direction at which Ana directed towards Mel, a soft chuckle passing her lips.

‘Friend, is a bit premature Mrs. Wilkes. I’ve only met her once unfortunately so I have not thad the pleasure of getting to know her on a more personal level.'

Atraya would watch Mel, excuse herself from the pastor and move through the crowd away from the bar with a determined stride. She’d arch a brow and shrug still moving with Ana.


Atraya would make a huh face and return the shrug and chuckle ‘well then…’ she would start to say, but found herself cut off as Ana called out her husband. She stifled a giggle in her champagne flute as Ana teasingly accused her husband of chasing of the other young woman.

She’d offer a slight chuckle at Noah’s response to his wife in regards to mel. She finished her champagne putting down the empty glass upon the bar. She’d glance at the whiskey that Noah was drinking.


‘Tell me Pastor wilkes, what fine brand of whiskey are you enjoying this evening? I think I myself may have to indulge myself.’ She’d offer the older man a wink. She wasn’t sure if he knew whom she was, but she knew he was.


She’d introduce herself, making mention of how Ana was one of her gallery patrons.

‘Speaking of…’ she’d say to Ana after pleasantries were exchanged and the pastor moved on to greet, toast and show some rather ‘unique’ dance moves on the floor. ‘We’re adding an antiquites wing to the gallery in the next couple of weeks and will have an auction next month. If you’re interested I’d be happy to have my assistant send you a private invitation to the auction. As usual it will be a private event. I do hope you’ll come. Perhaps between now and then I might find time to take you up on your offer.’ She gave the older woman a dazzling smile.

[Mel Benett]

She felt relief when he agreed to a dance. It was maybe a dangerous move in the sense that it would potentially open the floodgates of all the feelings. All the things she had pushed down and buried deep because it hurt too much to think about. They were already slowly opening in just these few stolen moments. A pink stain colored her cheeks when he said he'd never say no to her.

"I missed you too."

Her voice cracked slightly. It wasn’t a lie and she wasn't saying it just to be nice. That was a truth even in the midst of conflicting emotions that were making her system go haywire. Until now, she hadn’t realized how many emotions one person could feel in such a short amount of time.

She stayed put as he put the mask and gloves back on. Taking his hand she let him lead her back to the reception. Her nerves were getting the best of her but the only indication would be the way her hand tightened in his.

She barely registered the words the DJ said as they moved to the dance floor. The corners of her lip pulled up into a smile.

"How could I say no?"

She gave a smile as her arms wrapped around his neck. She glanced in James and Jory's direction. They looked very happy and very much in love as they danced. Her attention would be drawn back to Erick when he pulled her closer. Her eyes slowly closed at his whisper. She rested her head against his shoulder. For about 3 ½ minutes they were the only two people in existence. She fought back tears afraid that if she did cry it would give away the fact that it was not Chad behind the mask.

When the song was over she would lift her head from his shoulder. But she maybe held onto him a little longer than she should have without really thinking about it.

"Thank you."

She placed a gentle kiss on his cheek and did the hardest thing in that moment. She walked away back to the bar to get a drink. She knew he couldn't stay much longer so she reluctantly walked away. She would dance with him all night if he could stay. But he took her offered key card so she had to assume that meant he would come find her later. Fresh drink in hand she would return to the bridal party table. She leaned back in her chair, her eyes following Erick until he was out of sight. Her eyes would move back to the dance floor so she could people watch some more.

[Danü Rèalta]

-=Ana Wilkes=-

Ana politely declined Noah's invitation to dance. A light musical chuckle slipping passed her lips supposedly at his antics. She was not one to get out there and shake it to "Good as Hell" by Lizzo. She'd also use it as an excuse to continue speaking to Atraya.

"Another auction. I would be delighted to attend my dear. While you're at it, have your assistant call me to set up a private meeting for us to discuss business. I fear if I do not find myself on your schedule in an official capacity then I would not have an opportunity otherwise."

She'd chuckle, taking a sip of her champagne. There was a calmness and a peace about the woman always that seemed to bleed out to others around her. A general good feeling that made one believe no matter their troubles, things would end up alright. Even in this joyous occasion, that same calmness would continue to pervade her presence.

The atmosphere changed as the DJ slowed down the beat. Couples began to congregate to the dance floor and at this she would have a hard time finding an excuse to turn Noah down. She'd smile softly and set down her drink.

"Excuse me Atraya. My husband is in need of attention. I do hope we have the opportunity to speak again before the night is out."

She'd walk gracefully to the dancefloor and take her husband's outstretched hand. She would not press herself against him as these young and in love couples would, but maintain a proper distance.

"Leave room for Jesus." She'd whisper softly. A little joke she had heard one of the Mothers say to their Daughter who was flirting with a boy in Church one day. But perhaps also a reminder they were in public and figureheads of the community. They needed to act as such, even if he had been drinking slightly.

[Pastor Noah Z Wilkes]

At the open bar...

Noah Wilkes graciously nodded to Atraya as she approached.  "Ah, good taste! Bushmills Original.  1608."  His memory flashed of the times when he frequented the original distillery in northern Ireland.  He had been part of a 17th century tradition. His eyes flashed pale blue as he seemed younger for a few seconds.

"My lovely wife  has always appreciated the beauty of the arts,... however,  I am more of a hobbyist myself, Lord knows, we all have our idle pleasures.  Mine favorite trivia is about locomotives, for example.  Did you know that in 1874, when the Central Pacific was around, there were five sister trains, the Leviathan, the Whirlwind, the Jupiter, the Gazelle, and the Storm?  I once heard of a legend that a bunch of gnarly wer-"

Ana simply placed a finger to his lips.  He took the hint as they excused themselves with laughter.  The pastor shrugged.

He continued drinking the expensive whiskey and warmly greeted everyone who would shake his hand.


On the dance floor...

The pastor smirked, and pulled Ana only a little closer once she decided to join him.  Finally away from eavesdroppers, he whispered casually.  "There's always plenty of room, between us, if you could ever admit it."

Noah changed his tone quickly, remembering where he was.  He decidedly elected to keep things civil.  It could have been the alcohol talking, but Ana knew deep down he meant every word.   His movements were stiff and sharp, but he at least looked charming even when he was internally furious.  He frowned only slightly once he saw her reaction, speaking with a softer, hushed tone.

"Oh, don't worry. Your precious charade will remain intact . Ana, I've got Gout now.  You know our little ritual is a little over six months away.  The arthritis and the bone spurs plague me, and I've got the same old cancer...but you won't hear me complain about it, even though I think you should know.  The pain combined is more than what an ordinary man can take."

He gently dipped her in time with the music.  He was quiet enough to not be overheard, as he spoke with a gentle tone.

"So, I drank some whiskey to take the edge off.  Tsk tsk.  It doesn't look good, I know... .... ...."  he paused and squeezed her hand softly.  "And so I shall suffer in silence by the grace of God.  You needed worry, I will play my part.  I know what is at stake for these people."

He smiled warmly as he weakly held on to her, giving her a small peck on her cheek.  He whispered through clenched teeth.  "I get closer to dying every year, and frankly, I've had enough. Throw me a fucking bone here."
 

[Danü Rèalta]

-=Ana Wilkes=-

Ana smiled graciously, taking up Noah's hand. Even if he danced a little stiffly and a little inebriated, Ana glided like a professional ballroom dancer. As such, making him look a little less awkward.

He'd pull her close and speak in hushed tones. Still her mask of politeness and levity would remain upon her perfect face. Her gaze would slide to Noah and she'd nod.

"I am well aware of your pain. I see it behind your eyes every day, and yet your ability to press on is commendable."

Noah dipped her and she'd bend gracefully, standing back up with a light chuckle. She'd place a hand upon his cheek tenderly and simply shake her head. She heard him, as she always does. Every small curse under his breath and every groan in his sleep, or lack there of.

"Perhaps we should get you home. It has been a long day and our jobs here are over. These children have the rest of their lives ahead of them."

[Atraya Crowe]

Atraya would remain at the bar as Ana was finally dragged away by her husband for a slow song. It had been amusing watching the pastor dance on his own to the upbeat song. She'd send Ivy a quick text to put Ana Wilkes on the books before the auction. Ana was on their donor list so her contact information would be easy enough to get to come monday morning. Seeing how both Atraya and Ana were attending the same wedding. Such would be obvious as Atraya was texting Ivy out of the blue instead of the normal work day.

She'd watch the couples dancing to the slow song, Mel looking up at the Groomsman she was dancing with like she was in cloud nine. Wasn't she dating Zaid's friend and co-worker? Maybe she wasn't. Zaid and her rarely discussed his friends, let alone his friends relationships. She'd take a sip of the drink she had ordered, once more looking around the room. Watching how cute Ana and her husband were as they were dancing. Not being fully human herself, she did have sharp hearing, and would catch words here and there but at the whispered tone, it was hard to make anything clear. But watching them now realizing that the pastor wasn't in top health she felt saddened for them, while wondering at the same token if that would be a future her and Zaid would eventually enjoy together. 

Thinking of Zaid, made her miss her boyfriend. She'd send him a text knowing he was working at the morgue at the moment, that didn't stop her from texting him randomnly when she thought of him. Just the thought alone would make her heart skip a beat. Having said the 4 little words recently, she was more enarmored with him than she had been before.

[Miss you. What time are you off work tonight? I'm thinking about leaving the wedding early. Do you have time to grab food? love you. XOXO]

She'd replace her phone in her bag and would finish her drink as the song was ending. She'd offer Ana and the pastor a wave, before she started to weave her way through people as they milled around. Mel was preoccupided so she didn't bother with trying to say goodbye. Instead she'd irish goodbye, like she'd never been there to begin with.