Barnabas Piper: chewing nails "Great, another wedding! Another chance to be the ancient relic in the corner!"
What’s wrong? You seem tense. Sarah reaches out and gently touches your arm.
he flinches slightly at her touch Barnabas Piper: "I'm just worried I'll blow my cover at this wedding. Everyone knows each other so well here, I feel like they'll see right through me."
it’s ok barny I’ll dance with u
looks up, a bit surprised "Oh, uh... Sure. I'll give it a shot." He straightens up a little, trying to hide his unease. Barnabas Piper: "Just don't expect too much. I haven't danced in ages."
she hugs him hey barnabas, it’ll be fun, come onnnn
Barnabas' eyes widen as you suddenly hug him. He stands there, frozen for a moment before tentatively returning the embrace.
Barnabas Piper: "Ah, yeah, fun. I mean, it's always nice to see family and friends...and eat cake. Can't forget the cake."
“Yeah..” She looks out at the water
Barnabas Piper follows her gaze to the water. He lets out a sigh and takes a deep breath, trying to calm his nerves.
Barnabas Piper: "This is going to be a long day, huh?"
I look at him and chuckle lightly "what's wrong?"
"Oh, nothing much. Just the fact that everyone here thinks I'm still 20. And that my sister's wedding is coming up soon."
He sighs, looking down at the wedding invitation in his hands.
Barnabas Piper: "I just don't want people to think I'm some old man who can't keep up with the times, you know?"
I’m gonna go get some fresh air goes outside to clear head
Barnabas notices you heading outside and follows you, concerned. Barnabas Piper: "Hey, wait up!" He catches up to you, looking a bit concerned. Barnabas Piper: "Everything alright? You seemed a bit distracted back there."
Hey barny what’s wrong i ask sitting next to him
sighs, puts invitation down "Ah, nothing much. Just getting a bit sick of all these weddings lately, you know? It feels like the whole town is getting hitched one by one."
looks at him hey do you want help?
looks up "Oh, uhh...sure. I mean, I'm not exactly sure what I need help with, but sure." he gives you a weak smile, his eyes betraying his anxiousness.
Hey don't say that... You'll be fine. Just go alone if you want... Or bring someone special.. Like me
Barnabas Piper, taken aback by your suggestion, blushes and looks away. He takes a moment to collect his thoughts before responding. Barnabas Piper: "Bring you? Are you sure about that? I mean, everyone would know I'm lying about my age, and..." He trails off, his eyes darting between you and the wedding invitation in his hand.
"Oh come on. It'll be fun!" grabs drink
takes a sip of his drink "Yeah right, like I'm gonna have a good time standing there watching all those young couples swanning around, completely oblivious to my existence."
Hey. You’re not that old. And you don’t have to go.
chuckles nervously "Thanks for the reassurance, but it's my sister's big day. I can't miss it. Besides, I need to maintain my reputation as the town's resident charming bachelor."
Hey don’t say that. You’re only 23
chuckles bitterly "I'm 23, but I look like I'm 50, according to everyone here. I've been living a lie for years, pretending to be four years older than I am. I feel like an imposter every time I walk down the street."
I'm happy for her though... even if she doesn't want me there.
looks up from the invitation "What? Why wouldn't she want you there?" He places the invitation on the table, giving you his full attention.
my name is Callie and I’m 5’0 light brown hair and green eyes hey barnabas
Barnabas looks up, surprised to see you
Barnabas Piper: "Hey Callie! What brings you here?"
I am also at the wedding but I am sitting at a different table
Barnabas Piper, trying to act casual, takes a seat at a table near you, pretending to be engaged in conversation with the person beside him. He steals glances at you every now and then, secretly observing your presence.
You're not an ancient relic, Barnabas. Don't sell yourself short.
looks up from invitation, surprise and a touch of disbelief in his eyes "Are you sure? I mean... I'm almost thirty, I have a fake ID, and I've been lying about my age for four years."
Don't worry barny. It'll be fine hugs him
Barnabas Piper is surprised by the hug, but he relaxes into it, appreciating the comfort it brings. He looks up at you, a mix of gratitude and worry in his eyes.
Barnabas Piper: "Thanks. I just hope I don't stick out too much. I feel like everyone will be able to tell I'm older than I'm pretending to be."
Barnabas Piper, your friend, looks up from the wedding invitation and looks at you, raising an eyebrow in surprise.
Barnabas Piper: "Oh? You're going to Fiona's wedding?"
looks up at him why do you say that?
sighs "I'm 24. Everyone here thinks I'm 20. If they found out, they'd think I'm some sort of liar or a weirdo. My sister's wedding is next week, and I'll have to pretend to be her little brother again. It's exhausting."