Alternatively

Three Times a Guest

                            i.

His suit was two sizes too big and he couldn't stop sliding in his shoes, but he was amazed. The faux silk tie was the softest thing he'd ever felt and honestly, he didn't know he could look so nice. If only his hair would flatten itself, then he could finally be what adults referred to as...ah, what's the opposite of troublesome?

He marched proudly by his mom, occasionally blinking at the obviously expensive decor but otherwise content to be there as her plus one. A colleague was getting married, someone she had briefly written articles for before he moved out west. Percy really couldn't remember much else, just that he was going and it was going to be super cool. And truthfully, it was super cool; airplanes of all kinds hung from the glass ceiling and he was pretty sure there was a hot air balloon tethered outside. He'd never been to the museum before. When his class had taken a field trip there, he had been given detention for being a class disruption.

"You must be hungry after sitting for so long in the ceremony," his mom smiled down at him, swinging their hands between them.

"I didn't even shake my leg once," he proudly proclaimed.

She merely shook her head, leading them to the reception area. He had concentrated really hard to sit still, a feat all in it's own. He hardly even noticed the bridal party and completely zoned out during the vows, finding the huge airplane suspended above them way more interesting than two people he had never met. There were hardly any kids there, either; just two babies crying in the back and one girl in the bridal party he didn't pay attention to.

"Why don't you go find something at that table over there?" she nudged his shoulder.

Usually, he wasn't allowed to eat sweets before real food, so he jumped at the chance to explore the dessert table. All the adults were talking in small clusters with flutes of champagne in their hands, talking and talking and laughing as if the conversations were funny when really, they sounded extremely boring. He made sure not to bump into any of them or run too fast; he sure wouldn't want to interrupt anyone from having fake conversations.

Fruit and cupcakes and cookies, tarts and donuts and chocolate mousse inside those little glasses. Every platter was stacked sky high with food so perfect it didn't look real. There was a chocolate fountain, for crying out loud. He drummed his fingers on the little plate he snatched, trying to decide what to demolish first.

"Your tie is crooked."

Percy looked down at his tie then at the girl. "No it's not."

"The knot is all tilted," she sniffed, brushing a blonde curl behind her ear. "It's not right."

He didn't say anything, focusing back on the dessert.

"I don't know you."

"My mom brought me," he mumbled, squirming under her scrutiny.

"Oh."

Her eyes were kind of scary, so serious. She could look down on him, just a little bit taller than him.

He tried to stand straighter with his chin raised.

The adults continued to talk and laugh, side stepping the both of them when looking over the table. It was as if they weren't even there, not to be bothered with.  He was fairly used to the treatment, but the girl wore her annoyance more presently. She crossed her arms with a huff, little curls bouncing and her lips pouting.

Percy reached for a cupcake, trying not to get his sleeve in the other desserts, and held it out as an offering. She squinted, grip tightening on her flower girl basket. Her white dress was spotless and looked much nicer than his baggy suit.