Luminous Fire

31. Masquerade

The decorations in the ballroom are simplistic, but elegant. In the backyard, the chairs are in rows, some with guests, the aisle is lined with white flower petals, and the arch which has been threaded with natural white and red roses.

I get the twins into position before I head over to the front row to take a seat.. The ceremony begins. Celestine and Angel go first, she scatters the rose petals down the aisle. Alex goes next, who is escorted by his parents followed by Oriel, who is escorted by his parents as well. The twins take their seat next to me.

The officiant begins...I turn to look at Alex and Oriel, who are smiling at each other, whatever nervousness Oriel felt isn't so present anymore. I turn to look at Angel and Celestine, they're attentive, how much they understand I don't know. It must be their excitement about having to participate in the wedding. I'm glad they're excited and happy. Angel stands up when the officiant asks for the rings, he presents them over to them.

Alex and Oriel say their vows. I smile. I wish them all the happiness. Tears are in Oriel's eyes. I didn't think he would be the one crying. The officiant pronounces them husband and husband and tells them they may kiss. They smile at each other before moving closer to each other for the kiss.

"They're married!" Celestine exclaims.

"They are." I reply.

We watch them walk down the aisle and follow them to the reception inside. After congratulating them, we go find our table. We are seated with Ky, Mike, Evelin, and Maylee. There's an empty chair. It's where he should be seating. Ryan and Katelyn are in the table next to us.

A lot of people are dancing, including my friends. Mike was able to convince Kyle to dance. Even my children dragged me up to dance, I came back to get get a drink. They are adorable. I smile. Angel forgot to be shy. I'm glad they're having fun today. Something catches my eye to my right, I turn to see Mike kissing Kyle. They're kissing. My smile drops. I didn't think they were dating. Kyle didn't say anything. I guess Oriel was right. Why do I feel envious? It must be all the happiness, the couples, while I'm here going through what I'm going through they're happy. I think it's all I can handle today. I should say goodnight to Oriel and Alex, so that we can go home.

***

"How did the meeting with Xavier's assigned attorney go?" Ryan asks.

"It was tiring." I say poking at the food. I don't think I can eat.

"I'm surprised he didn't hire one."

I nod.

"What did she say?"

"She said that he keeps saying he didn't rape me. He couldn't have. He couldn't have hurt me like that. She showed him the evidence, but he still denied it."

"That's bullshit. How can he?"

"There might be a "valid reason."" (those are supposed to be air quotes)

"What could possibly excuse his behavior?"

"He had a bad seizure, he had to be taken to the hospital. When the doctor learned Xavier had never had a seizure and Xavier gave him no reason why it happened, he ran some tests.They found out that he has a brain tumor."

"A brain tumor?"

I nod. "Because of it's location, it could explain his drastic change in behavior."

"But that's still no excuse."

"It still favors him. They might not forward with trial, but give him a deal."