wouldn’t ruin this for him.” Dina pleaded.
“That’s not fair! Don’t you get it? He was just with her to forget about me. I am the one he is meant to be with, the Oracle said so. Now he is only staying with her because he’s trying to do the right thing. He can’t possibly be happy with her.” Sophie pushed on.
Gabe went hot with anger. He wanted to rush up to Sophie and shake her wildly, how dare she try to destroy what he had with Rachel. Gabe took a step forward, prepared to set Sophie straight once and for all. Before he could take another step, a figure moved into view near Sophie.
Gabe froze, staring in awe and disbelief at what he at first thought must be a daydream. Standing directly in front of Sophie was Rachel, her hair wavy, though beautiful in its natural state, was adorned with a small littering of white flowers. The dress, in its simplicity, made her beauty shine. Layers of white satin hugged her body, revealing the curves of her ample breasts and divine hips. Her exposed shoulders, skin glowing with an alabaster quality, made Gabe wish he were standing next to her so his lips could touch them. The dress flowed out in billowing layers just under her hips, causing the illusion that she was floating on a layer of clouds.
As he watched her approach she didn’t look angry or hurt, simply determined.
“Sophie.” Rachel said warmly.
“Look, I don’t know you and I don’t want to hurt you, but this has to be done. Gabe could never be in love with you, not while he knows there is a chance to be with me again. We’re destined to be together, the Oracle told me.” Sophie argued.
“I understand,” Rachel continued, her voice still soft, laced with sympathy. “Gabe is amazing. I wouldn’t want to let him go either. As far as the Oracle, from what I understand, everyone still has choices in life that can alter your path.”
“Well, he chose me already. Beside’s, who are you to tell me anything? You have no idea how much I love him.” Sophie yelled, angry at the calmness Rachel displayed.
“You’re right, I don’t know you and you don’t know me. I had a life that I thought I was happy in, family and friends, a real life. When I met Gabe, he made me so angry I wanted to scream, I wanted to go running back to my real life.” Rachel smiled, remembering the early moments of their relationship.
“But while I was with Gabe, he opened up, he showed me how much there was to him, how amazing he is. That’s when I realized I hadn’t been happy. It’s like I had been in a desert my whole life praying for rain, then Gabe came. He was the storm I needed. Since him I haven’t been thirsty, so I understand. I know how hard this must be for you.”
Sophie said nothing; she merely stared at Rachel, her mouth slightly agape. Rachel was describing the exact way she felt. If she felt the same way about Gabe, how could she possibly argue with her, tell her she didn’t understand when it was clear she did.
“You’re welcome to go talk to Gabe, I won’t stand in your way. He told me about your discussion the other night,” when Gabe heard Rachel say the words he held his breath, afraid Sophie might erupt in anger. “I think he hesitated to tell me at first, and I’m sure part of that is because he still feels something for you. I know he cares a lot for you, but he’s marrying me today. No matter what he might still feel for you, he loves me now. So, please, if you want to go ask him feel free to, but can you hurry it along? I have a groom waiting for me.”
Sophie huffed, realizing the amount of onlookers that had surrounded them. Gabe stayed out of sight, listening with great pride at the way Rachel stood up for their relationship.
“Just forget it,” Sophie snapped, pushing past Dina and rushing off towards one of the nearby buildings.
Gabe didn’t linger, wanting to make sure Rachel did not know he had just witnessed what had unfolded. Rushing around, back up to where the priest stood, patting Uri on the back as he did, Gabe took his place.
“Everything ok?” Uri whispered leaning in.
“Couldn’t be better. Do you have the rings?” Gabe asked, checking his tie to ensure