Circumstantial

Chapter 17

By three-thirty, everything is set up and the party is well under way. Patrick and I helped set up the sound system, and there's classical music playing softly in the background. I had taken a quick shower and dressed in a white shirt and black pants. Patrick and I were given the duty of welcoming the guests and making small talk whilst the ladies were busy doing last minute preparations in the kitchen. I hadn't seen Sarah yet. Earlier at lunch, she looked well rested and in better spirits. Turns out, Mrs Bennett is known for her love of entertaining large crowds as well as her magic fingers in the kitchen. Aunt Carol, Stephanie and Sarah spent two hours helping Mrs Bennett with the baking. The last time I had seen Sarah, she had been rushing to shower.

"Ah, the groom's family has arrived. That's his dad, two aunt's, his best man and his dad's bride to be," Patrick points out each person as they enter.

He's been doing the introductions and helping me get acquainted with everyone. I noticed that this town mostly consists of older folks. I guess the new generation has either moved away to study or work abroad. It's awkward having to welcome people who you don't know and who don't have a clue as to who you are, but with Patrick beside me, it isn't as bad. Sarah's family is small, and majority of the guests are friends and neighbours. Since Patrick grew up here, he knows everyone.

"Chloe's gonna have a stepmother in-law," I note, smirking as we head to greet the newcomers.

"Yeah. And she's almost half the old man's age," Patrick chuckles softly.

"Good afternoon, all. Glad you could make it. Come have a seat," Patrick greets, shaking the old man's hand, then the groom. "Any wedding jitters yet, Dave?" Patrick jokes.

Nobody even cracks a smile and Dave stares at Patrick, unamused. Wow, and I thought that Sarah had a superiority complex. These people are uptight.

They look out of place compared to the rest of the guests, and it's so obvious that they're from out of town. Dave, the groom, looks like a shallow, daddy's boy with his slicked back hair and shiny white leather shoes. But hey, I could be wrong. It's either the suit and badass expression, or his posture and deep commanding voice, but somehow, his father reminds me of the godfather. The three women are dressed over the top, their make-up plastered thickly on their faces.

They sit stiffly at a table the furthest from everyone else with rigid expression's. It's like they've come to a funeral.

"Where are the ladies?" The godfather asks in his deep voice.

"They'll be with us shortly. This is Michael, Sarah's boyfriend," Patrick gestures to me.

"Good to finally meet you," I extend my hand to Dave, the groom. He nods and gives me a firm handshake.

"Are you from around here, dear?" One of his aunts ask.

"No, no," I smile politely. "I'm from Durban. We flew in yesterday," I reply.

"Ah, a city boy. What do you do?" The godfather asks, sizing me up.

"I'm an engineer."

"Engineer, huh? Where do you work?" He pries further.

"Toyota Manufacturing," I say, cringing. I need to get out of here.

"My son, Dave here, also studied engineering. But I decided to retire early, so he had to take over the company," he states.