Chương 82: Chapter 82 - Earn Your Place

"Ahhhh I see. Why don't you-" Before his mother could finish, the MC for the night interrupted and loudly introduced the newly wedded couple.

"Ladies and Gentlemen please stand and give a round of applause for the newly wedded couple Mr. and Mrs. Fulton!"

As per the aesthetic of their decor and venue the live musicians played a beautiful ballroom score as they entered. Rebecca had changed into a flowy large ballroom gown. The layers of the tool and fabric gave the effect of clouds wafting around her feet.

The top portion of her dress was off the shoulders which elongated her neck and framed her figure nicely. She took of her veil and instead had pearls weaved into her hair. As for Alan he changed into a looser silk white button up and black slacks. His tears were dried and his eyes were less puffy than before.

They waved to the tables as they moved to the center dance floor for their first dance as husband and wife.

Both prepared themselves and the music transition to their first dance song. Alan looked nervous while Rebecca looked confident. They waltzed together and as the music progressed the nervousness from Alas face melted away. You could tell they were in their own universe.

As the couple slowed to a stop they faced each other for a bit before bowing. "We weclome the mothers of the bride and groom." Their mothers who were waiting on the side came in and Alans mother danced with Rebecca while Rebeccas mom danced with Alan.

The same rule followed when they switched for their fathers. I thought to myself how it would be if I danced with my future husbands parents. 'Would it be awkward?' I was not the best dancer. My father often joked I was born with two left feet.

My parents had enrolled me in cotillion which was a thing where a teacher would come and teach proper etiquette and manners to kids. It also meant learning different ballroom dances. I excelled in proper eating habits and speaking mannerisms but dancing was beyond me.

I would step on the other kids toes so much that my mom switched us to private lessons so I would not feel too shy nor hurt others. My dancing partner was my poor dad whose feet I would fumble with. Because he was bigger I never fell like I did before.

"Whats with the face." I jumped a bit since I was not expecting his voice. "I am making a face?" I hurriedly looked around praying no one was looking at me. I did not want to start any nasty rumors.

"Well I could tell something was on your mind but I doubt the general public can tell your expression was different than usual." Dean spoke close to my ear. Not exactly whispering due to the noise in the hall but also not yelling either. His voice was low and rumbly. Very pleasing to listen to.

"Ahh I was thinking how awful of a dancer I am. I can't hold rhythm for long, I often stepped on peoples feet." I paused our conversation to clap as they ended their dance and moved to the head table to eat their first meal together as a joined family.

"Really, I never knew that. You always seem so graceful. I would have never pegged you as a bad dancer." Dean mused quietly as he sat back in his chair more comfortably. The waiters at this point brought out peoples drinks and food orders.

"The mahi mahi for the lady while for you the steak." I ended up on the fish because I had not had seafood in a while and felt it would be a good choice. Dean chose the steak since it had more of his favorite side dishes.

Dinner was mostly uneventful. People ate as talked as light music played in the background. The bride and groom took a few minutes to walk around to each table and greet people. The maid of honor and best man left to prepare the other festivities which I assumed to be the garter and bouquet toss.

After eating I glanced over in the direction of the bathrooms since I wanted to wash my hands but I noticed the table right next to it. Felix and his family were seated over there, isolated from the others. I felt bad for his father. Felix dad was nice to me during the time we dated and even after. But he seemed upset at how things had turned out.

Sol who normally was a walking ray of sunshine seemed like a storm cloud today. Her face down cast while she listened to the incessant speech of her future mother in law.

I excused myself to the bathroom hoping their family would not stop me or speak to me. I thought I managed to get in without being noticed but soon Sol stepped in with me. We both just turned to the sinks to wash our hands but Sol seemed more upset than before.

"I was told that you will not retaliate for what I did." Her bleak voice broke the silence which was growing between us. "Not that I am not grateful but why? I stole your man and tried to tarnish your reputation. Am I that insignificant to you!?"

I stopped the running water and simply started at her. "What more do you want from me?" My own lack of anger surprising me. I was more emotional with Felix than with her. I just felt pity.

By her own persistence she dealt herself a bad hand. In a way I felt a tad twinge of relief that she freed me from Felix before things got legal. But I was also irritated she decided to try and bring me down to simply bring herself up.

I felt like I was in a giving mood. I also did not want to foster the idea of being mad at the mistress for your man cheating stereotype. So my last words to her would be advice she needed to hear. "Listen you have many things going for you. Learn to be satisfied of what you have. You need to learn humility."

Her anger fizzled leaving only confusion with a mix of hurt. Like my words pained her. "You may think what you gain is what you deserve but that is not true. What you give is what you receive. So what you gain is also what you should give. It is not too late but you need to be active in your change. Earn your place."