A Remaining Podeshire 1

Chapter 7 (Part 2)

     Oliver gazed at the night sky covered by sparkling elements. He then gently closed his eyes. And when he opened them again, he saw humongous arched windows.

     The joyous night flew by, and Oliver found himself inside an enormous hall. He peered at the gigantic stained-glass windows with holy figures and divine saints. Oliver then looked down and saw himself standing on an altar. Oliver could still remember what he experienced the night before, recalling every laughter with his friends as they watched the bright golden lights hover in the sky.

     Another morning arrives as the golden sunlight shines across the pastel atmosphere. The sun's light-yellow rays gleam through the enormous arched windows, giving the stained glass a vibrant glow. Then, it illuminates every corner of the spacious interior of the grand church.

     Oliver's head wandered as his feet remained frozen on the altar. He gazed at the massive ceilings painted with angels in the clouds and spotted massive chandeliers made of shiny pearls and crystals. Then, he glanced at the aisle and saw an ocean of mahogany benches and a glimmering marbled floor.

     As he looks at the aisle, Oliver sees his fiancée walking on a long red carpet towards him at the altar. Mesmerized by Sophia's beauty, Oliver locks his gaze on her as his mouth gapes open. Slowly, Oliver's gaze moves to the benches and spots the Fuers and Amelia on their seats, watching him quietly.

     Sophia and her father, Evan, stride between the seats towards Oliver at the altar. Sophia lowers her glance as she walks across the aisle. Sophia then looks forward and meets Oliver's gaze, making her smile.

     Oliver's breath becomes unsteady as his fiancée steps closer to him. Oliver gulps and watches Sophia stand before him on the altar. Then, the two exchange wavering glances as they hold each other's hands.

     Nervous, Sophia smiles at Oliver, and Oliver grins at her with a quivering smile. Their gazes drop to the ground, and their hands tremble as their heavy breaths hasten. Oliver then blows a deep sigh through his mouth as he shuts his eyes.

     A priest in a black cassock stands up from the corner and approaches Oliver and Sophia with a bible in his arms. His loose, black robe drapes above his matching shoes, and his white stole brings a contrasting shade to his outfit. He also wears circular-framed eyeglasses that complement his navy-blue eyes.

"Ha... perfect," the priest approached Oliver and Sophia, then stood between them with a grin. "So... first, your bride will have a procession on the aisle, correct?" he told Oliver.

Oliver nodded, avoiding eye contact with the priest as he lowered his glance. "Mhm."

"Then, I will commence the opening rite," the priest stated with a kind smile. "Afterwards, the groom and the bride will exchange vows, alright?"

Oliver and Sophia nodded.

"Mhm..." Oliver mumbled.

"Understood," Sophia said.

"Then, there will be an exchanging of rings, nuptial blessing, and, to conclude, the pronouncement of your marriage," the priest continued.

Oliver and Sophia both flinched after hearing the priest's statements.