The Curiosities Concerning Fate

∷ Chapter 16 ∷

ADINE SURVEYED THE guest list in her hand, shaking her head at the few names listed under the bride's name, and even fewer still under the groom's. The outcome was pathetic and almost laughable to the point of disbelief.

"I can't believe we're having a wedding with this few people," she said. "I didn't even think it would be possible."

"Couples have gotten married without any guests. This is nothing," Sebastian said, face scrunched in concentration as he attempted to fix his tie.

"You only invited two guests. Do you really only know two people in your life?"

He shrugged, "I don't socialise much."

Adine lowered the guest list to look at him with a frown.

"What are you doing here, anyway?" she asked.

"Fixing my tie."

"Okay, but what are you doing fixing your tie here, in my dressing room? Haven't you heard it's bad luck to see the bride before the ceremony?"

Sebastian couldn't help but laugh at that.

"I think it's already bad luck that I'm getting married to you. Never mind about seeing you before the ceremony."

The smile on his face was once more replaced by a frown as his fingers continued fumbling clumsily with the material of his tie. Adine watched him for a few seconds before sighing and putting the guest list aside. She walked over to him, smacking his hands out of the way as she deftly fixed his tie to perfection in no time flat.

She locked eyes with him when she was done, her silence spoke volumes about the embarrassment of Sebastian's inability to fix his own tie.

"I could've gotten it done if you hadn't interrupted me," he mumbled.

"It's not about whether you could've done it, but rather when you'd get it done. Before the ceremony? Or perhaps, after? Gee, I wonder," Adine mocked.

"Listen, I didn't ask you—" Sebastian started but was cut off by a brief knock on the door.

An attendant entered the room shortly after, evidently surprised at seeing Sebastian there, but said nothing of the fact. Instead, he said, "Miss Griffith, Mr Alrik, the service will begin shortly in about five minutes. I must urge that you make your way to your respective positions soon."

Adine thanked him and waited until he'd left before pushing Sebastian out of the way to add the finishing touches to her look. They left the dressing room together and where she'd assumed he'd go the opposite direction to enter by the side door, he insisted on walking her to her position first.

"I can get there on my own, you know?" she said.

"Don't be stupid."

"We'll be late if you have to backtrack twice."

"I'm capable of running."

"Fine," she agreed, learning that it was easier to let him do as he pleased rather than prolong the argument with someone as stubborn as him.

Benny was already waiting for her by the time they reached the double doors that opened into the nave. He was wringing his hands and pacing the floor nervously, stopping only when he realised they were finally there.

"Thank goodness," he mumbled, grabbing Adine for a quick hug before turning to look at Sebastian. "Aren't you supposed to be inside by now?"

"I'm going," he said, glancing at Adine one last time before disappearing into the side door as quiet as he could to avoid detection.