A Remaining Podeshire 1

Chapter 7 (Part 5)

     For a full minute, the bells rang out, drowning out every other sound with their blaring tones. As the crowds sat quietly in their seats, staring at one another in anticipation, the gigantic entrance remained gaping open, allowing the beaming sunlight to shine into the aisle and illuminate the space. Each peal of the bells resonated through the room with a substantial meaning that appeared to hang long after the ringing had ended.

     Oliver's palms squeezed one another. While looking through the doorway, Oliver takes deep and swift breaths through his nose. Oliver closes his eyes, and when he opens his eyelids, he spots an elegant gold carriage stopping in front of the church.

     The carriage's door swings open. Then, a beautiful blonde maiden hops off the vehicle. It is none other than Sophia.

     Sophia wears her hair in a magnificent high-coiled braided bun elegantly accented with a delicate band that flows into a long flowing veil. Satin ruffles fill up her dress' neckline, and her high-waisted skirt is adorned with charming yellow floral motifs. Sophia completes her ensemble with an elegant pearl choker necklace and glistening earrings paired with white gloves.

     The procession begins as relatives march across the aisle. Then, the bridesmaids enter. Following that, the ring bearer and the flower girl trail over the others and skip down the red carpet with blissful grins.

     Sophia slowly walks down the aisle, holding a bouquet of white roses while Evan escorts her. Avoiding eye contact with anyone, Sophia closes her eyes tightly. She cannot see the crowd. But she can feel the weight of millions of piercing gazes upon her.

     The atmosphere becomes eerily quiet, and Oliver can hear his pounding heartbeat. Oliver watches Sophia step closer, and his nervousness increases, making his palms sweaty. Taking a deep breath, Oliver closes his eyes.

     As Sophia reaches the altar and climbs the wooden stage with her fiancé, Evan walks away and unites with Amelia on the side. Sophia continues marching, strutting her way towards Oliver. Oliver and Sophia then look at each other, and Sophia can see Oliver's fright in his eyes.

"In nomine Patris... et Filii... et Spiritus Sancti. Amen. Grace to you and peace from God, the Father, and our Lord," the priest spoke. "You have come together into the house of God so that in the presence of the church's minister and the community, your intention to enter into marriage may be strengthened by the Lord with a sacred seal. God abundantly blesses the love that binds you. And so, in the presence of the church, I ask you to state your intentions."

"They better not mess this up..." Layla whispered to Amelia.

"Oliver Podeshire, do you take this young maiden to be your wedded wife; do you promise to love, honour and comfort her until your dying days?" the priest asked.

"...I... I," Oliver stuttered, causing Layla to grind her teeth in the background. He then ventured, "I do..."

"Sophia Casalee, do you take this man to be your wedded husband; do you promise to love, honour and comfort him until your dying days?"

"I do..." Sophia answered with a flat, monotonous voice.

"Since you intend to enter the covenant of Holy Matrimony, join your right hands, and declare your consent before God and His Church."

"It's almost done..." Layla grinned malevolently.

Oliver and Sophia held each other's hands.

"Ooh!" Amelia smiled as she squealed.

"May the Lord in his kindness strengthen the consent you have declared before the Church and graciously bring to fulfilment his blessings within you. What God has joined, let no one put asunder," the priest stated before sprinkling holy water on the rings held by the ring bearer.

"Amen," everyone responded.

Oliver grabbed a ring and slid it onto Sophia's finger gently.

"Receive this ring as a sign of love and fidelity. In nomine Patris... et Filii... et Spiritus Sancti," the priest said.

Sophia grabbed a ring and slid it onto Oliver's finger.

     Oliver's jaw quivers as he glances at the crowds in their seats, seeing their varied expressions. The Fuers grind their teeth, the Casalee family grins from ear to ear, and Gregory raises his brows. Oliver's gaze then shifts towards Sophia.

"...You can do this," Sophia mouthed.

Oliver looked at the priest. "...Father?" Oliver raised his hand.

"Yes?" the priest responded.

"May I give a short speech?"

"Oh. Uh, sure," the priest answered.

Oliver stepped forward to the guests. Then, he cleared his throat and let out his desired speech. "Shouldn't we marry the one we truly love...? Manipulating someone to marry a person should be unacceptable to our society, especially if you want the future to have a nice course. Love is something not to be forced! It is supposed to be genuine and sincere, not arranged... it is finally the time to give our world a healthy change. Today is our opportunity to change if you want a better life to see! Please... never control anyone about love because they will build a better family with someone they truly desire."

     Oliver glances at his adoptive parents; the Fuers' eyes widen in shock and anger. He then looks at Gregory, smiling with his palms on his heart. Slowly, Oliver peers over at Sophia, who has the broadest grin inside the church.