OUR SPOT // SkepHalo

Chapter 4

Warning: Strong language, alcohol

" Zak, come let your uncle in, he's here," a middle-aged woman called from the kitchen.

The boy in question fixed his hair in the mirror before running to the door. He flung it open and returned to his room to continue getting ready. He heard his family talking in the living room, mostly congratulating his sister on her upcoming nuptials.

The raven-haired male adjusted his tie and stepped back to admire his work. Zak was dressed rather nicely for someone on a budget. The majority of the month's fund had gone towards the wedding, leaving little for everyone's outfits. But it was fine, they'd always been a thrifty family, they found a way. Now, the wedding day was upon them.

His sister was already in her dress, and now she was waiting for the carriage to take her to the venue. Zak's parents would accompany her, leaving him and the extended family to walk there, as per wedding traditions. People Zak had never even met before stood in their living room, conversing as if they had known each other all their lives. The boy's mother pulled him aside and told him the carriage had arrived.

" Just wait a few minutes to see if anyone else is coming, and then start moving people in our direction," she instructed. He nodded and she left.

A few uncles that he'd never met before made conversation with him, and soon it was time for them to go. Zak climbed up on a table and instructed people to start walking. With a cheer, the crowd obliged and the wedding festivities began.

It was a lovely spring morning, perfect for a cheerful stroll through town. The trees were green and the flowers were blooming, showing no signs of the winter that had ended not too long ago. Children laughed and ran along side their parents, while the adults chatted about simpler times.

It had been approximately two months since Zak had last seen Darryl. His birthday had come and gone, leaving him one year older, and one year closer to 18. Nothing really felt different, except for the amount of responsibilities growing ever-heavier upon his shoulders.

The people on the street stopped and stared, but they knew this was a wedding crowd. This time of year, it was common to see a family walking to a nearby wedding venue. It was a tradition practiced only in Trimid, so tourists considered themselves especially lucky if they were able to see one. Zak looked around, smiling as he caught some foreigners looking on with interest.

Suddenly, his eyes caught on a familiar face staring right at him. He blinked in disbelief. Darryl ran up to him, smiling wildly. " Hey!"

" Don't 'Hey!' me!" Zak pushed at his chest lightly. " I haven't seen you in two months, and all you can say is hey?!"

The older man laughed. " Well, I didn't want to hug you, wouldn't want to mess up your hair!"

" Oh, shut up, I know I look stupid," Zak huffed, fidgeting with his tie. " My sister's getting married in a little bit."

The raven-haired man noticed he was falling behind the rest of the wedding crowd and gestured for Darryl to follow him as they talked. " Your sister's getting married?! Congrats, dude!"

" Yeah, it's been quite the trip getting prepared for today," Zak sighed. He ran a hand through his hair. " You know, I had to get a night job just to pay for her dress?!"

" What?! No way!" The brunette gaped at his friend, shoving his hands into his pockets. " Don't you already have two other jobs?!"

Zak nodded and the chef whistled in amazement, " I could never do all that!"