MORENA-Chapter18

After Brannon’s call, Cedric was widely grinning.  Brannon is really insane, what was he thinking? Sure. He moved on. It’s been 6 years and he is so busy right now. Cedric went back to his work again.  

After some time I've finally made up my mind
She is the girl and I really want to make her mine
I'm searching everywhere to find her again
To tell her I love her

Why I am thinking of that song?

And I'm sorry 'bout the things I've done
I find her standing in front of the church
The only place in town where I didn't search
She looks so happy in her wedding dress
But she's crying while she's saying this

He looked around. He listened intently. He is still sane of course!  

Boy I missed your kisses all the time but this is
Twenty five minutes too late
Though you travelled so far boy I'm sorry you are
Twenty five minutes too late

The sound was coming from the speakers of his restaurant.

Against the wind I'm going home again
Wishing me back to the time when we were more than
friends

He hurriedly went out of the kitchen with his apron on.

But still I see her in front of the church
The only place in town where I didn't search
She looks so happy in her wedding dress
But she cried while she was saying this

“Who played that?” He yelled.

The music suddenly stopped.

His team gathered at his front where exchanging strange looks but Mie, his restaurant manager was looking so scared.

“Who the hell played that damn song?” He repeated. His voice was firm and strong.

Mie reluctantly raised her hand. “Your friend Brannon said it is your favorite song.”

“Do I look like I enjoyed just a bit of it?” His expression sharpens with irritation. 

 “Go back to work, before I fire you all!” He dismissed harshly.

----------------

Cedric does not know what to do. He’s actually outside Frances house right now. Dylan is inside. Brannon told him.

When he got the call from Brannon, he tried not to be affected. No matter how he tried, he found himself on the phone, booking a ticket to the Philippines. It’s been 6 long years but it’s still Dylan. Even with his denying, the thought of her getting married to someone is terrible. Determined to convince Dylan to call the wedding off, Cedric was looking like an idiot rehearsing what to say. He stepped out of the car and then went back. It was funny because he did that three times.

He gave a long sighed.  He quickly got off his car to ring the bell many times. There is no turning back! Dad did not raise a coward!

Brannon opened the gate. Excitement glowed in his eyes. Brannon was not shocked. He is expected.  

“Where’s Dylan?” Cedric asked bluntly.

 Brannon lead him to where the girls are. Flowers, wedding magazines, a wedding gown, and some other wedding stuff are scattered in the room.  Cedric unsteady gaze stopped at the creature he was longing to see. Dylan was happily showing and talking about the magazine to Frances. She’ was still as pretty as ever. Her smile could still beguile him effortlessly.  

Their eyes met. Yearning was in their eyes and then died down.

“Dylan I don’t want you to go to that wedding. I came here to stop it.” Cedric did not forget his purpose.

“What?” The two girls exclaimed. They were so surprised to see him.

Dylan was so shocked to not say something but that. However, Frances was not.

“Brannon!” Frances firmly shouted. “Get your friend out of here!”

“Why? They need to talk” Brannon said while sitting so relax.

“Of course! She should go!” Frances angrily turned to Cedric

“You heard me. I came to stoooop the wedding!” His face was so red. His teeth were clench; his fiery eyes on Frances.

Frances didn’t know how to react, Dylan especially.

“You should see your face guys, you are so funny.” Brannon was laughing so hard holding his aching stomach.

“What so funny Brannon?” He picked up the bunch of magazine on the nearest table and throw it all to guy. 

Brannon didn’t stop.  

“What’s so funny?” Frances asked this time, in irritated tone.

Brannon was force to stop. “I told him…that… Dylan is getting married. After a week, Cedric came to stop the wedding” He was looking like he will burst in laughter any moment. 

The very confused Dylan started to talk. “I’m… not… getting married. Frances is.” She said almost in whisper but he heard it.

Cedric threw a questioning look to his friend.

“It was… a joke! But… look. You came!” Brannon gave a shaky smile.

Cedric fired his piercing look again.  I’ll break your neck after this Brannon, I promise!

“Can you please go away so we can talk?” The people in living room were disperse by his commanding voice. The owner of house and her fiancé also obeyed. This is his last change. He does not want to be humiliated in front of these people especially his unforgiving friend Brannon.

“I came to do everything to stop you to that wedding.” He paused, waiting her reaction but her blank expression remained. 

“I rehearsed and memorized lengthy sentences to make you call the wedding off. But, since it is obvious that I was dupe by Brannon. They will not be useful anymore. The only thing I want to say now is; I want you back. Dylan, I sincerely want you back. We can never be sure of the future but I am certain that my love for you is stronger than ever. Marry me please!” He said breathless, he needed to say everything before his coolness drains.

Dylan could not say a word.

“And if you say no. I’ll hang my self, I swear!” Cedric added shortly.  

“Damn! That’s the worst wedding proposal I’ve ever heard.”  Brannon said. He was hiding behind a nearby plant with Frances while watching the whole scene.

 Dylan heard it. “I’m sorry! Do you want me to narrate how you proposed to Frances???”  She turned to Brannon with a mounted brow.

Brannon was tongue-tied. 

Without regard to their audience, Cedric waited for her answer. In his mind, there are flickering visions of the best spot to where he will hang himself.  Stupid!, He silently scolded himself.  

“And you Cedric, can you please enlighten me. Why are you asking me back? After 6 years?” Her coldness is the last thing he wants at this moment. 

“You can ask everybody. I came back, really! I wanted to talk to you but you were tightly guarded. I did not stop though; I even followed your date with Ian.  But I am willing to forget those.”

Still, Dylan was looking at him as if she doesn’t like what he was talking about.

However, He continued. “After all these years, it’s still you. I still love you, Dylan” His voice was warm and gently. His eyes reflected his intense longing.  “Can you please love me again? I want us back…forever.”

Her consistent remote expression is killing him, exhausting all the confidence a notorious playboy could ever have.   

“I… please… I … don’t know what to say” Cedric stuttered, could not think of anything to say.  In frustration, Cedric brushed his hair by his hands. He was a fool thinking that when he promised forever, Dylan would accept him open arms!      

He looked at Frances and Brannon. I need help! But, the two were unfeeling. They stood there with glaring eyes as if the were watching their favorite show. His shoulders fell. Brannon was right. He delivered the worst proposal ever.

He looked at Dylan again.

Dylan is smiling! Was she really smiling?

” You changed a lot. You became very talkative.” Her voice seemed so pleased.

“But you are still the same Cedric I always dream to marry.”

…You are still the same Cedric I always dream to marry!

Her words echoed in his head. Dylan still loves me! She’s still my Dylan! 

He pulled her towards him; he lovingly touched her face and kissed her with all the longing he suppressed all this years. “I miss you!” Dylan whispered between their kissing.  With the passion they have, they kissed. Their audiences were very thoughtful. No one ever talked, afraid to break the heart warning moment.  Both were catching their breath when the kiss ended but Cedric’s tight hold stayed. 

“So you’re Dylan? Cedric always call your name in his sleeps. Believe me, were roommates for a year.” Ryan welcomes himself to the room.  Ryan was just kidding. Cedric never allowed him to sleep in his pad. He doesn’t want his pillows or even a couch to be stained by his saliva.

“Why are you here Ryan?” Cedric asked, his annoyed   

“Brannon called. He told me you are getting married.  I thought you were really serious when you said that you will never invite me to your wedding, so I think I need to befriend the bride.”  Ryan turned to Dylan. “Hello Dylan, I’m Ryan. I’m kind. I’m funny and I’m handsome as you can see” Extending his hand for a handshake. 

“Nice meeting you Ryan.” Dylan just nodded her head because her hands could not escape from Cedric’s unyielding hold.  She was smiling widely. Crazy friends surrounded her fiancé.

“I still don’t want your face in my wedding! Including you Brannon!” Cedric firmly said not letting go of his future wife.

“What if, I’ll dishes? I’m the best dishwasher in town, you know!” Ryan suggested.

They all laughed at Ryan. Indeed, no one is immune to his charm, unless you think lost your life.  In Cedric’s case, that’s when he lost Dylan.