Apocrypha

Chapter 30

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility, value others above yourselves."
Philippians 2:3

FINE CLASSICAL music played through the ballroom. It provided just a bit of ambience for the room to have a light atmosphere but quiet enough to make conversations audible. 

"Gabriel!" Joseph Barrington shouted for his son. Gabriel, only 21, turned around and saw his father walking towards him with two others in tow. 

"Father." Gabriel set his drink down on a table and stood straight up. 

"How's work going? I hear the Sierra Nevada were not as challenging for you." Joseph remarked. 

"Yeah, quite easy. I finished before the others." Gabriel replied.

"That's my boy." Joseph turned to the man next to him. "See. Gabriel would be perfect. Just look at him. He's the most handsome man in this room."

The man looked at Gabriel, checking every part of the young man. He scanned Gabriel's neatly combed blonde hair, his fitted suit, and the many medals on his coat. 

"I suppose." The man said. 

"What's going on?" Gabriel asked.

"Son. You're 21 now. And you've yet to find a wife. I did some talking and found you a nice gal who I think you'll love." His father replied.

"But, father. I am not looking to settle right now. I want to finish my–" 

Joseph leaned into his son's ear. "Do this, you damn moron!" He whispered into Gabriel's ears. "I've been hearing people start to think that you're a queer because you haven't found anyone!" 

Joseph then leaned back up. Gabriel understood and did not protest. 

"I'll meet her." Gabriel said in defeat. 

"Excellent." Joseph let out a smile. The two men stepped aside, and a young woman appeared. Gabriel wasn't exactly drawn to her. She had light brown hair and dark blue eyes. He was concerned because he knew that the blonde hair-green eyes mix was a staple for Barringtons. 

"Gabriel, meet Martha." Joseph said.

"Hello." Gabriel extended a hand. Martha offered her hand and watched Gabriel kiss it. 

"Let's leave these two to it." Joseph said to the other man. They walked away, leaving the two alone in that corner of the ballroom.

"Some event, right?" Martha said. "I got to try some of the apple fritters they were serving."

Gabriel picked up his drink and took a large gulp. 

Martha knew she had to make a good impression. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The chance to marry the prince of the US is a dream every girl has had. 

But she knew she would be disowned if she failed. Her father's business had been in decline for many years. Getting close with Joseph Barrington would surely help them out. 

"Would you like to get out of here?" Martha asked. She had sensed earlier that he did not want to be here.

"Sure." Gabriel replied. The two snuck out of the ballroom and made their way through the halls before reaching outside. 

The cool night air enveloped Gabriel. He took in a deep sigh before exhaling. His lungs now felt regenerated. 

"Is that better?" she asked, seeing Gabriel's face return to pale rather than red.