Two Sides Of A Coin

Epilogue~Erik

A/N: Above is a bridesmaid dress, Moira's dress, and the wedding cake.

I gaze into the mirror, running a hand down my now clean shaven face. How odd it is that a year after all that chaos, wrath, and rage I could live to see a day like this one. Calm, lovely, innocent, words that have never crossed my mind until this day.

I lift the black tie from the dresser and work to loop it around my neck and secure it. My grey eyes study my appearance, seeking to make each detail perfect. The white buttons of my formal shirt are each slid into their places. I suppose this is what a best man is to look like. Not that I would know...I've never attended a wedding before....

I was surprised when Charles asked me to be his best man. Especially after our...disagreements on my elimination of Stryker. It was essential....He knew too much... I bend down to place the black leather dress shoes on my sock clad feet. Charles is so....happy... I only hope his happiness will last. And that he will find someway to forgive me after today... I sever my thoughts of betrayal from my mind and ponder better things, purer things. He is a telepath and it would be a shame for him to stumble upon my unguarded thoughts...especially on such a day as this...

I slip into my black waistcoat and pull my suit coat on overtop. I'm finally ready so now it is time to go out and greet the bride and groom. I push my door open and step out onto the plush carpet that lines the caramel colored wooden floor. I pass by Moira's room and hear the laughter of women originating from behind the closed door. Moira's friends must've arrived this morning... I briskly leave them behind and enter the lobby so I can cross to the other side wing of the house where Charles' office and coincidentally where I am sure to find him. I cross over the wretched carpet that is still the eyesore of the mansion in my mind.

The entire mansion is aglow with candles that will keep the rooms lit even though night is quickly approaching. There is his office.... The door is closed, but I can see the light seeping from the crack under the door. I rap my knuckles across the thick wood and enter as soon as he pulls the door open. He is already dressed in his suit, but his tie remains undone. He rolls away from the door and back behind his desk.

The golden bands are delicately laid across and ornate pillow, polished and glistening.

"Your bride will be ready within the hour," I say to spark some form of conversation.

He coughs a response and starts to busy himself with his tie. His hands don't quiver at all as he carefully arranges it.

"I suppose I should get going. Let's take a last-minute walkthrough and inspect everything again," he says with a burst of energy. I hold the door open for him so that he can exit with ease.

We quickly move though the halls and enter the dining room. I lift my hand and straighten a spoon that had tilted so that it was not in line. The champagne and wines are placed in the ice to chill and the goblets are cleaned and ready. Everything is set...

I try to persuade Charles to stop looking for something to correct. We had worked tirelessly today and even the evening before to make the mansion spotless.

"Just one last peek at the garden, and then I'll be satisfied," He insists while heading for the door to the outdoors.

I grab a match and light the lanterns so that when evening arrives the lawn will be covered in light. Charles finally rolls to a stop and smiles in happiness.