Lane's POV (1st Person):
The bride and groom exchanged vows, their words heartfelt and emotional. I found myself tearing up, moved by the sincerity and love between them. As they kissed, sealing their commitment, the congregation erupted into applause.
Matt and his bride walked down the aisle, radiant with happiness. Matt winked at Rebecca as he passed, and she smiled, wiping her cheeks. I watched Oliver intertwine his fingers with hers, comforting her as we watched the couple head out. My heart clenched with a mixture of jealousy and longing.
As we filed out of the church, my parents fussed over me, pulling me outside. I noticed Rebecca and Oliver lagging behind, trying not to be in the way. My parents were the same as always—Dad's curly hair a clear indication of our relation, and Mom's fussing relentless.
Oliver and Rebecca found their seats at the outdoor venue, the twinkling lights creating a romantic ambiance. The sun was setting, casting a warm glow over everything. I glanced around, hoping to catch Rebecca's eye, but she was seated far away, next to Oliver, who muttered something under his breath that made her giggle.
The bride and groom had their first dance, and others began to join in. Mom leaned into me, whispering, "Lane, go dance with someone. It's a wedding."
I rolled my eyes subtly but stood up, knowing I couldn't argue with her. Just as I was about to make my way to Rebecca, Samantha grabbed my hand, pulling me close. She whispered something threatening in my ear, her nails digging into my arm.
"I know about you and Rebecca. If you don't dance with me, I'll tell everyone," she hissed.
I sighed, trying to act like I was enjoying it for Samantha's sake, but she couldn't stop touching me, and I was on the verge of slapping her. My eyes flickered to Rebecca's depressed figure, being led away from the venue by Oliver, his arm wrapped around her frame. The jealousy boiled within me, uncontrollable.
Seeing Oliver hug Rebecca and then them dancing together made it even worse. What the actual fuck? I felt a surge of relief when the song ended and Rebecca and Oliver walked back to their seats. But Samantha grabbed onto my arm and kissed me on the cheek. I forced a smile, but I saw Rebecca avert her eyes from the scene, and guilt washed over me. All I wanted to do was dance with her.
My dad came over, giving me a pat on the back, and Mom joined, fussing as usual. Matt approached, congratulating me on surviving the Samantha ordeal.
"Hang in there, bro," he chuckled, but his eyes flicked to Rebecca as well. He knew.
The next song began, "Carry You Home" by Alex Warren. It was one of Rebecca's favourites. I stayed glued to my seat, unable to bring myself to face Samantha again. I pulled out my phone, texting Rebecca from underneath the table.
Lane: You look so beautiful today. Can't wait to have you in my arms ❤️.
I watched as she laughed at something Oliver said, her smile faltering when the music started. I knew she loved this song. My heart ached as I saw her eyes searching for mine across the distance.
Rebecca's phone buzzed, and she glanced at it. She blushed and typed back a response.
Rebecca: I miss you too. Wish you were here with me.
I sighed, my fingers itching to hold her. Samantha's presence was suffocating, her constant touch making my skin crawl. I stole glances at Rebecca, her laughter, and the way she moved with Oliver, and it tore me apart.
As the song played on, I texted her again.
Lane: This song makes me think of you. Remember the time we danced to it in Matt's living room?
YOU ARE READING
Between The Lines
RomanceI took my usual seat in the back corner, far away from the line of fire that always seemed to follow Mr. Montgomery's gaze. I tried to disappear into the safety of my textbook, but his piercing blue eyes seemed to find me anyway, as if daring me to...
