Across the Multiverse

Chapter 2 | Edinburgh, MA

Emma laughs a good seven decibels too high at some joke that Sebastian supposedly told that no one else heard. She's dressed in a baby pink evening gown. Its bodice is composed entirely of soft little feathers. They tickle at her chin and intertwine with her blonde curls, giving her an undeserved air of innocence.

I cringe as Emma bops Sebastian on the nose with her spoon, leaving behind a cloud of whipped cream from her dessert parfait.

Emma spies me watching her from the back of the room, and quickly redirects my attention; "Alice, would you please bring us another round of espressos?"

I eye Emma sharply before turning towards the kitchen. I arrange her a mug of hot chocolate, plop a few marshmallows in it for good measure, and place it down loudly on the linen-covered tabletop. "Your espresso, M'Lady."

"Thank you kindly, Alice."

"Alice, I'm sorry to have you running back and forth, but I need just one more thing, Dear." This directive comes from Emma's mother, Lady Rosalind. It is accompanied by a knowing little smile.

"It is no trouble, Ma'am."

"I would like you to grab a glass of champagne for everyone at the table. Oh, and make sure to use the nice crystal glasses."

I'm not sure what separates the crystal glasses from the nice crystal glasses, but I'll be sure to bring Emma some sparkling apple juice.

I watch Sebastian rise from his chair the moment I have placed down the final glass of bubbly. I try not to think about how this beverage probably costs more than my yearly salary.

Sebastian looks like an overgrown child who has been sausaged into a suit he long ago outgrew. There's simply no kinder way to put it. And he has this tremor, which has worsened into a nervous shake given the gravity of this moment.

My eyes focus in on the beads of sweat that have formed along his receding hairline. Ugh, this whole scene is just so cliche. I certainly won't be moved to tears of joy.

"My darling Emma, not a moment goes by when I am not thinking of that beautiful face of yours. Since our paths have crossed, I have loved you."

It sounds to me like our guy just hopped on a computer and memorized proposal speeches.

I roll my eyes freely, as I am the last person that anyone is looking at right now.

Sebastian whispers Emma's name once more as he lowers himself down onto one pudgy knee, "Will you do me the honor of being my wife? You would make me the happiest man in all of Edinburgh."

Edinburgh really isn't that big.

Emma squeals her yes, and Sebastian slowly lifts her up into a hug with the expected degree of difficulty.

Jack would be swinging her around the room right now, just saying.

The rest of the evening unfolds exactly as you'd expect it to. Emma overcompensates, and dotes continuously on Sebastian.

Sebastian's round face remains frozen in a blissful smile.

I would almost feel bad for the guy if he wasn't so rich and clueless. He hasn't a clue what's in Emma's belly. He probably just thinks it's grown delightfully chubby. "More of her to love."