CHAPTER 18

HOLY NIGHT SEBASTIAN

I'm rushing down the corridor towards the theater. I really don't want to watch that Rhyme perform as Romeo because I know it'll just bum me out. But Moryn invited me and I don't want her to think I'm still affected after she talked to me about my failure to get the role of Romeo. If I'm gonna be honest with myself, I kept my audition for the role of Romeo a secret because I was certain that Rhyme would land the part I desired. I'm affraid that would happen since he's strong and excellent in everything. I keep questioning myself about how could I surpass him? He is indeed one of my greatest insecurities.

I need to hurry. It hasn't even started yet, but I might not find a seat. I also forgot to text Moryn to check if he's already inside the theater. Running fast is a struggle with the crowd around, especially since it's the school festival today. "Oops! Sorry! Coming through!" Sometimes, I accidentally bump into their arms or step on their feet. I didn't even pay attention to their reactions; the important thing is to reach the theater as soon as possible. I'm just hoping that Moryn will reserve a seat for me.

"Ouch!" In my rush, I collided forcefully with the back of a tall woman, causing her rolling suitcase to topple over. I pushed her quite hard, almost making her nose dive as she was wearing high heels. She faced me with an expression filled with extreme anger. "What the heck did you do!" I raised my hand slightly and forced a smile. "Oh, I'm sorry!" I apologized.

She raised one hand and pointed to her suitcase. "My suitcase almost got damaged!" I looked at it, and it seemed fine. This woman is just overreacting. Even though she still had a frown, I could still say that she is beautiful. "I'm really sorry." I picked up her fallen suitcase and handed it to her. It was when I gazed at her face that I recognized her.

Well, I don't know her name, but I recognize her face. She is one of Rhyme's companions in the production and will play the role of Juliet. I know this because Moryn once took me to watch Rhyme's rehearsal, even though I didn't want to. This Juliet will be beautiful. Her hair is naturally curly with an ash blonde color. And her height, she's just as tall as Rhyme. Maybe because she's wearing high heels. She has a well-shaped body that exudes a beauty queen aura. Perhaps if she doesn't wear high heels, she and Moryn would be of the same height.

"Sorry, Juliet." I muttered absentmindedly. I couldn't help but be mesmerized by her beauty. "What did you say?" she asked, bringing me back to reality. "I-I mean, I'm really sorry. I was in a hurry, that's why I bumped into you," I explained, scratching my head. "Fine. Since you're a cute little girl, I'll accept your apology," she said. I breathed a sigh of relief at that. But wait, what? A cute little girl? "And because you did me wrong. You will be the one to carry my luggage to the theater," she ordered. I just agreed. It's a good thing that I was heading to the theater anyway.

We arrived at the theater as I dragged her suitcase. What does this contain? It feels heavy. If this didn't have wheels, I might have developed muscles by the time we reach the theater. I thought I could leave, but Ms. Juliet stopped me in the dressing room. She wanted me to assist in the entire production, so I had no choice but to comply. I couldn't even watch Rhyme's performance, but we would still meet backstage.

"Sorry, Juliet." I muttered absentmindedly. I couldn't help but be mesmerized by her beauty. "What did you say?" she asked, bringing me back to reality. "I-I mean, I'm really sorry. I was in a hurry, that's why I bumped into you," I explained, scratching my head. "Fine. Since you're a cute little girl, I'll accept your apology," she said. I breathed a sigh of relief at that. But wait, what? A cute little girl? "And because you did me wrong. You will be the one to carry my luggage to the theater," she ordered. I just agreed. It's a good thing that I was heading to the theater anyway.

We arrived at the theater as I dragged her suitcase. What does this contain? It feels heavy. If this didn't have wheels, I might have developed muscles by the time we reach the theater. I thought I could leave, but Ms. Juliet stopped me in the dressing room. She wanted me to assist in the entire production, so I had no choice but to comply. At first, I was pleased with the idea that I had a reason not to watch Rhyme perform, but unfortunately I would still meet him at the backstage.

Rhyme entered the backstage after a scene, and that's where we met. "See, Night? I really suit this role better," he boasted. I didn't say anything even though I was so frustrated and wanted to uppercut him. I calmed myself down. I asked Aunt Penny what to do when I'm annoyed with someone and don't want any trouble. Her answer was to ignore. So that's what I'm doing to Rhyme now, even though I'm mentally beating him up. His smiles only added to my annoyance.

I quietly helped him get ready. It seemed like I noticed he also fell silent and became serious. Aunt Penny was right. Her advice seems to be effective for me. After all, we went to the horror booth as we discussed about the challenge. Unfortunately, I lost. It's really frustrating! I have to wear women's uniform next week.

We strolled around the entire campus, visited different booths, and tried various foods. As the evening approached and we headed to the school quadrangle, Some people suddenly put a handcuffed on me. I became even more nervous when they covered my eyes. "Where are you taking me!" I shouted, but no one answered. They led me into a dressing room and tried to make me wear a wedding dress. I vehemently refused.

I tried to run to escape, but as I opened the door to leave, I saw Leah, Charbelle, and Moryn. I furrowed my brow. Why are they here? They also insisted that I wear that dress. Why are they making me wear that as if I'm getting married? Eventually, I had no choice. "Oh look at you Night, you are so adorable!" Charbelle commented, getting excited. The only reason why I agreed to wear the gown because she mentioned that if I were to follow them tonight, it might change her mind about not making me wear the female uniform.

Until now, they still haven't told me who I'm marrying with. Leah and Charbelle held onto my arms tightly as they escorted me to the room where the wedding ceremony would take place. All the attendees turned to look at me upon my arrival. I was stunned into silence as I marveled at the entire interior design. A celestial theme graces the surroundings, with decorations that mimic the night sky filled with stars and constellations, casting a soft, romantic glow. Glittering blue flowers add a touch of ethereal beauty to the room.

At the front, I saw Rhyme standing in the aisle with his hands clasped in front, wearing a poker face. I was extremely surprised by what I saw and felt a sense of confusion upon realizing that I was apparently marrying Rhyme. He was accompanied by our stand-in priest, who looked even younger than us, perhaps like an 8th grader or something. This wedding booth was too much, they didn't even ask me before getting married. I glanced at Rhyme's attire, at least he looks kind in that suit as if he can't bully someone, especially me. I couldn't help but roll my eyes at the thought of it.

"Ladies and gentlemen," the priest began. Both Rhyme and I bowed our heads while facing him. "We are gathered here tonight to witness the union of these two troublemakers. If anyone thinks this is a bad idea, speak now or forever hold your props." I noticed everyone trying to stifle their laughter. "Good grief!" Rhyme muttered under his breath, furrowing his brow and still bowing. "I mean, speak now or forever hold your peace," the priest repeated. Why out of all people, did they choose to marry me to this annoying guy? Are they doing this on purpose? Don't they have anything better to do?

"Mr. Rhyme, do you swear to love, cherish, and occasionally tolerate Ms. Night, even when she leaves the toilet seat up, hogs the blankets, and steals the last slice of pizza, until one of you dies?" I winced. What kind of question is that? The attendees behind us chuckled. "Yeah sure," Rhyme replied unenthusiastically. "And you, Ms. Night, do you promise to put up with Mr. Rhyme through thick and thin, through good Wi-Fi and bad, through laundry days and Netflix binges, in health and in hangovers, until retirement separates you?" the priest asked me. "Fine. Not a problem," I replied with a my face was frowning.

The attendees laughed, some even shouted and clapped, as if they were watching a live show. Who among Leah, Charbelle, and Moryn could be behind this? Why out of all the ideas they could come up with, did they choose for Rhyme and me to get married? What could have gotten into their heads? Honestly, I was already considering going home because I was extremely stressed by Rhyme's presence, who seemed to only act as the antagonist of my life. For now, the priest instructed us to face each other for the exchange of vows. Rhyme and I glanced at each other briefly, but we both quickly looked away at the same time.