That Problematic Ring 💍

2| Freya

"No." Mom's voice breaks down, "Don't say this."

"Mrs. Howard, I need to go back to Church for a daily prayer session. Besides, we have to accept that this beautiful bride has to return home." Priest argues.

I slide down the veil from my head and ruffle my hair. The crowd continues to shrink. People now would have gotten the hint that there is no wedding here anymore.

"My daughter's life will be destroyed." Mom begins sobbing, turning to Dad, "Mason, why are you not doing anything. People will gossip about our daughter. That's not how I wanted her first public appearance."

"I'm out of ideas, Amanda." Dad says out of frustration.

Sighing, I lower my head on the floor. They still have hope, but I don't.

I don't know how I should be behaving right now. I want to cry too like Mom, but I'm too astounded to do that.

"Amanda, you need to calm down." It's Rafe's mother.

"Calm down? Are you Eastmonds out of your minds?" Mom raises her voice, "You should have told us if Rafe had problems with this marriage instead of toying with my daughter's image."

This family drama increases my exasperation. I want to shout at them to just shut up and dismiss. The show is over now. I know how much our families care about us. Mom's crying is only about the disgrace of our family name. Once we'll be alone she will put all the blame on me.

"I'm seeing him." Rafe's father says.
"You ladies need to shush for a minute."

After a while, I hear Mia saying aloud, "Rafe is here. Freya, Rafe is here."

Confusion crosses my face. I look up straight. A man in a crispy, charcoal grey suit is taking quick, long steps towards the stage, towards us. My eyes widen in full circles when I recognize him.

He stops in front of his parents, "I'm here, Mom." Says in a calm tone then stands with his both hands on his torso. "I apologize for being late, Father." He apologetically bends his head a little, "My flight...de-layed."

He is lying. I know he's lying.

Astonishingly I rise on my feet, examine his appearance. He is perfectly dressed from head to toe, only his hairs are being a mess. They are going in every direction as if he forgot to comb them or he messed them up out of anger. His face is however devoid of any emotion.

"You could've informed us. Do you have any idea how long we all waiti--"

"Let it go." His mother interrupts, "Aren't you happy he's here? You don't have to be angry at him every single time. Come here, my darling." She steps forward and hugs him, "I was so worried sick for you. You were about to kill your mother."

"It’s okay, Mom." He hugs her back, "I'm alright and I'm sorry for making you wait."

My gaze remains on him, unmoved, but he doesn't give a single glance in my direction. Guilt is swirling around me.

He puts his chin on his mother's shoulder and keeps on gazing at something ahead. His jaws tighten. I realize I haven't seen him after that mishap took place at Fete. I can't even count how many days have passed because of my own traumas.

Countless questions are prowling in my head that I want to ask from him, but I'm too scared about what type of reaction I'll get.

"I don't think we should further delay the ceremony. Our guests are waiting. Let's begin." Rafe's father announces.

My heart skips a beat out of fear. His mother releases him from the hug and looks at him. He gives a silent, slow nod. Another wave of surprise trickles through me.