Strings of Fate

40- Greeting and glaring

“Uh, Ryann… did I… did I wake up earlier this afternoon? I remember… but I’m not really

sure…”

..” He trails off and stares at the floor. Great, now I feel awkward too. I was hoping he wouldn’t remember that. He could have done us both a favour and pretended he did remember at the very least. He didn’t have to bring it up, now we have to talk about it. Darn.

“Oh, um… yeah. You were up for a couple minutes, although I wouldn’t have really described you as awake. I think you were practically sleep walking.” Come on Bellamy. I’ve just given you the perfect out for this discussion. Don’t keep going.

“I… yeah, you’re probably right. I had a lot of trouble trying to get to sleep in the first place.” THANKYOU! I am so ready for this conversation to be over. I can hear Megan’s heels as she comes down the stairs. She joins us in the kitchen. Darrien is following behind her with a slightly dumbstruck look on his face. He can’t seem to take his eyes off her. It’s adorable.

The drive down to the hotel is pretty relaxed., we might be going to Megan’s engagement party but I don’t think it has quite sunk in for the guys yet. Darrien drives and Bellamy takes the front seat so Megan and I can sit more comfortably in the back. Bellamy turns on the radio and Megan takes the chance to wow us with her singing skills. I hate to criticise her but they are somewhat lacking. Still, I join in when we reach the chorus since that’s the only part of the song I know. I’m an okay singer, at least I think I am. I used to join in my school choir when I was a kid, although I didn’t keep it up for long. By the time we reach the hotel, even Bellamy has joined in singing. I wouldn’t say he’s a star or anything, but his voice isn’t bad. He manages to stay in key at least, unlike Megan. Darrien is still quiet of course, but he turned the music up for us so it’s fine I guess. If it was anyone else I’d say they were trying to drown out Megan, but I suspect Darrien would listen to her sing all day without complaint.

When we arrive, Darrien parks and he and Bellamy rush from their seats. Almost simultaneously my and Megan’s car doors swing open as the guys get them for us. Darrien of course got Megan’s door as she was seated behind him in the car, so Bellamy got mine. He offers me a hand out the car which I accept because as pretty as this dress is, it makes it hard. to move as easily as I do in my comfy leggings. Megan makes it out faster and far more gracefully than I do. She links her arm with mine and leads me towards the entrance. I notice Bellamy drop his arm which he automatically went to offer me as I got out the car. I see Bellamy’s black thread floating in front of him and repress a sigh. I let Megan lead me into. the hotel lobby where she drags me to a stop.

1/5

40–Greeting and glaring

“Tristan. You’re early!” She drops my arm and half runs up to where Tristan is waiting. He is in a suit and his blond hair is styled nicely. He should look handsome, but I’m distracted by the black thread between him and Bellamy. Maybe it’s just because I know there’s something up here, but everything about the man seems false. Like he’s trying too hard to look and act perfect. Megan introduces us.

“Tristan honey, this is Ryann my newest and best friend.” I have to fight a grin at that introduction.

“Ry, this is my fiancee Tristan.” She beams at me. I give him a polite smile.

to meet you.” I offer. He smiles

mine. I’m sure we will get along just fine.” I nod along politely and try not to cringe. There’s nothing WRONG with what he’s saying, in fact it’s basically exactly what a husband to be SHOULD say.

respectfully before taking Megan’s hand and leading her away. I frown. He totally ignored Darrien. Not to mention, who refers to their future brother in law by their title. It’s just so awkward. I examine the guys. Darrien seems to be attempting to perfect his impression of a blank sheet of paper. His expression is so forcefully plain and his eyes just look empty. Poor guy. Bellamy looks grumpy and

guys okay?” I ask

grinds out. Darrien just shrugs. I push

“Are you

about to hurt someone.” I

to hurt yourself.” I gesture at Darrien. Both men stare at me like I’m crazy. Darrien still looks not

2/5

40- Greeting and glaring

sec?” a suspicious expression flashes. across Bellamy’s face. I glare at him and I can see him making an effort to smooth

seems more like

talked about back at my place? You’ll get your chance. I’m sorry you have to put up with all this, but you’re my brother, remember. No one else.” Darrien looks. confused for a minute, then he figures out what I mean. He knows I’m going to end up with Bellamy, so my brother will be the one with Megan. He seems

would you, you look like you belong in the before picture of

be back soon and I like my arms attached to my shoulders.” I roll my

very much.” I can practically see the dread in Darrien’s face as I dart forward and hug him. He pats me on the back once awkwardly

jump, I didn’t hear him coming because I was laughing too much. Darrien stands up a little

I need a drink.” He half runs from the room and I watch him leave. What’s his problem? I pull myself together and take a deep breath before facing Bellamy. If it’s possible, he looks even more grumpy than

takes a deep breath to calm himself. It doesn’t seem to work. Is he always going to get this grumpy when I hug Darrien? Because it’s

this time?” He remarks. Scents are stupid. Really, it’s entirely inconvenient being around

him.

3/5

40–Greeting and glaring

actually being friends with anyone, but Darrien needs a friend

He concedes. Did he just give in? Wow, did not expect that. I’m proud of him. He still looks grumpy