Palindrome

Sixty-One

Almost at the end guys. Rather dreading the moment but c'est la vie. On that note, here's a final chapter from the perspective of our favorite Jew.

Chapter 61

Paxton 

Weddings. 

They serve as a reminder of everything I don't have. A non-broken family, a healthy body, a chance at a bright future.

That being said, there's no other place I'd rather be today. When Abraham asked if I could come as a favor for him, my answer was an immediate yes. Having said that, it's been three days of long-drawn-out ceremonies from the Hindu wedding to the Christian one and now today's reception. 

It took a lot of convincing to get here, considering the surgery's in two days. If it weren't for Alice being in town, Mum would have never let me come.

Besides, after the amount of work Bronwyn put into this, I had to see the end result with my very own eyes. If her ten-year plan of becoming a Wall-Street investor falls through, she's got a future in event planning. 

Lights string one end of the ceiling to another, complementary to the chandelier that cascades brightness across the space from the dewdrops that make it up. Rows of tables are covered in satin white tablecloths, matched with delicate pink centerpieces. A sweet scent wafts the space arising from the petit candles that are placed on every table. Making the entire arena's backdrop is a glass wall that provides a clear view of the sparkling city. 

Yeah, so the place is great- other things not so much. 

Aarohi's laugh resounds in my ears, and I look up. Richard's carrying her around on his back for whatever race they have going on. There was no way I could carry her given my physical state, so I nudged her towards Richard. 

No ulterior motive whatsoever. 

"You're not trying to set Rohi up with Ricky, are you?" Abraham inquires, sitting down next to me. 

"Maybe I am," I admit wryly. Nicolas would have been a better option but he's already out for that Yale program of his.

"Now I love him, but my cousin is a huge step down from you," Abraham reasons stoutly, folding his arms and leaning back in the satin-covered chair that he rests in. 

"She needs," I start, then stutter to a halt from the dryness in my throat. Abraham slides a glass of water my way. I take it with slightly trembling hands before trying again. 

"She needs someone." 

"And that someone is you," Abraham finishes. 

Sighing miserably, I run a hand through my hair, the same hair that they're going to shave off tomorrow. Thinking about it makes me sick to my stomach. Even the ER lights didn't scare me as much. In an effort to cast those thoughts away, my eyes dart around the space, eventually landing on Aarohi, who's now slipping on her heels as Richard says something that gets her to laugh. She winks his way before standing up and patting his shoulder with one hand. 

Okay, someone's not following the timeline. 

"Backup, I just need some backup to make sure she's okay," I say quickly, anything to get Abraham off my back right now. Judging from the way he's looking at me, that attempt failed miserably. Seconds pass as my girlfriend's now queer ex studies me. 

"I'll take care of her," he promises. 

"Uh Ab, I appreciate it but like..."  My voice trails off as I'm not entirely sure if there's a politically correct way to communicate what I'm thinking.