MORENA-Chapter20

“Where’s Ninong Ryan’s hug?” Ryan asked Celine who was sitting on the couch in unpleasant expression.

“I’m sorry Ninong. I am just sad” Far from her usual cheerful character, the 5-year-old child lazily pulled herself from the seat to kiss and hug her Ninong Ryan.

Ryan smiled. He loves to be called Ninong. It is special; he is given the right to be the second father of this cute little princess.

He sat the little girl on his lap. “Why?” He maybe funny most of the time but he was seriously touched by this little child’s sadness.

 “I am upset Ninong.” She pouted her lips. “I hate this skin.” 

“Why?”

“People in school call me names I don’t like.”

“Because of your dark skin?” He asked and Celine nodded. “Call you what?” He pushed.

“I hate to mention any of it. I will not go to school anymore”

Cedric and Dylan are in their restaurant when he arrived. The couple settled in the Philippines. They just opened their restaurant few months ago. Ryan was told about Celine. The couple was planning to transfer their child to another school if the bullies won’t stop. 

He’s not good in words but he’ll try.

 

“I think I should tell you the story of D…evon.”  The name just popped up.

“What about her?”

“You will love her. Are you ready to listen?”

Celine nodded. He sat the child on the couch and started his story.

Once upon a time there lived a poor couple who had four daughters. All of their children were dark skinned. The first was called Divina, the second named Daena, third was Devorah and the forth was Devon. They all possessed attractive faces but in the city where everyone were white, they were called ugly. People mocked them because they are different. But because good parents raised them, all grew up kind-hearted and fun loving individuals.

Years passed by, and a dreadful fiery dragon who came from far away land reached their city.  All the city dwellers were scared. Afraid to lose their lives, they talked to the dragon. They told the dragon that he could have their golds and a girl each time he visits.

The dragon agreed.  All the people in the city thought of one thing. The dark skinned girls first before their daughters. The poor couple disagreed but they could do nothing against the people. Divina offered first, and then Daena, and the latest was Deborah.

In three days, Devon would be next. The couple did their best to run away from the city but they did not succeed.

Devon was standing under a tree and waiting for the dragon when she heard someone coming.  A prince who came from a faraway castle saw her bathed in tears and trembling from head to toe.

“Go away before the monster sees you” She told him.

“Never will I forsake a lady as lovely you” The prince replied.

 Devon was stunned. It was the first time she heard that. Never did she imagine a handsome prince could utter gently words for a dark skinned girl like her.

When they heard the flap of the dragon’s wings, the prince hid himself in a big nearby rock.

The dragon was about to eat the frightened Devon when the prince lance down the dragon’s back , and the monster was rolling dead on the grass.

There where shouts of joy through the city when the prince came riding with Devon sitting beside him, dragging the monster by a rope.

Mothers and their daughters were envious when the prince took Devon and her family to their palace. They could not believe that a dark skinned girl they mocked would soon be married to a handsome young prince.

“Don’t be upset ‘cause you’ll soon be like Devon. You’ll find your prince.” Ryan told the child after.

“I’m not upset anymore. I love your story Ninong.” Celine was smiling.  

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 “If I were you, I am going to back out as early as now.” Brannon repeated for the seventh time.      

“I know Leslie so well; you will just end up her slave.” Ryan was looking so serious, seemed so concern with Ian. “Believe me! I experienced that. I carried her heavy bags; I gave her expensive gifts… It’s was horrible! She’s my ex, you know…”  

“Ryan stop dreaming please!” Cedric yelled at his friend. “But…Yeah! Girls are like that. Since I married I learned to wash clothes, I also cook everyday…” He seconded.

Ian was listening as he was grinning so big.  “It’s final guys, Leslie and I are getting married.” Now he knows how it feels to love someone who has dedicated guards.

Ian was so surprised to see the three this morning. He was still dozing when he answered the gate.

“Are you sure? Do you know that Leslie is a terrible cook?”  Brannon inquired again while busily inspecting his deck of DVD’s. No porns!  

“That’s not a problem, she promised me she’ll enroll in a cooking class” Ian was confident. He was standing beside Cedric who was checking his bookshelf. No porn mags!     

“Whoa! And you believed that?” Cedric turned to him with his wide eyes.

“Of… course!” Ian answered.  Since he opened his door, these guys didn’t stop questioning.    

“Have you seen her face without make-up?” Ryan shouted while peeking from the bathroom’s door. He was holding Ian’s medicine kit. No prohibited drugs!

“Yes! And she’s still pretty” Ian doesn’t know how to react.  Three people are invading his place but he could do nothing.   

“She’s a brat. Believe me.” Cedric stated as he entered Ian’s room.    

Ian followed Cedric. “Yeah! I know that. I can deal with it” God! Can I punch my future brother in law just once?!  

 

“Really?” Cedric asked. He scanned his room. “Nice room. Clean…very clean!” Cedric commented smirking. 

And what’s the problem if my room is clean?! Ian wanted to shout in frustration but he smiled instead. “Yeah!”         

Ian and Leslie accidentally met in Germany.  Ian was there for a vacation and Leslie was for work. Ian who was broken hearted then, was set to travel Europe before settling in Seattle.  

When Cedric heard that Ian is in the country, he and his stooges planned to talk to Ian. They wanted to make sure that Ian really loves Leslie, Cedric especially. It is best to talk to him without Leslie around.    

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“Leslie and Ian are great couple. Surely, they will make beautiful babies“Dylan was still so engrossed about the wedding plans of the two.  Leslie just called. His sister would be in the country in 2 days. “Anyways!  You went to Ian right? What did you talked about?”

“A lot.” Cedric was grinning.

“Like what?” She asked while combing her hair.

Cedric opened their cabinet to change his clothes. “Boys thing!” The closet door hid his naughty smile.    

  

“Okay!” Dylan simply answered and then turned on the TV.  “Babe, Frances told me that Alex has a commercial, a baby milk. I want to see it” She sat on their bed, rested her back at the headboard.

Suddenly, a whitening pill flashed on the TV screen.

“I want to try that.” Dylan stated unconsciously. It was not so loud but it seemed like her husband’s eardrum bust.   

Cedric was wearing an unpleasant expression. “Don’t you dare!”     

“Konting fair lang…” Dylan said in soft and weak voice, gauging her husband’s mood.  

“Do not get even fair. Leave it.” He said firmly.

“I just wanted to see how I will look if I have that snow white’s skin.

“Dark skin is the best!” He said curtly.

“I am sure. I’ll look better if my skin gets whiter,”

“Dark skin is the best!” He repeated in finality.

“Are you mad at me? Are we fighting?” Dylan asked her husband and then she turned off the TV.

Cedric went to her and embraced Dylan. “Just trying to say that you don’t need it” His voice was apologetic.  ‘Cause girl you’re amazing just the way you are…! He sang the line and kissed her forehead.

Celine entered into the open door of her parent’s bedroom all of a sudden. “Mom, Dad, I want to sleep here tonight”

Cedric removed his tight hold on her. “Why? I thought you want a baby brother?  Mom and I can’t give you that if you sleep here” Cedric walked towards his daughter.

Dylan gave a warning look to her husband.

“Baby, what I mean is, you should sleep in your own room. That is something a child your age needed to learn.” He lovingly pinched his daughter’s cheeks. 

“Dad, I’m sad. Ninong Ryan said he can’t come on my birthday.” Celine’s 6^th birthday will be in 2 weeks. Ryan took his flight back to Australia this afternoon after invading Ian’s house.

Dylan went to Celine. “Don’t worry baby. Ninong Brannon and Ninang Frances will be there.” She said kissing Celine on the head.

“Of course I also want Ninong Ryan”

“Don’t worry baby we’ll go to Australia soon. You’ll see Ninong Ryan again and Grandpa.” Cedric assured the child.

“Really? Okay!” Celine kisses her parents and excitedly fly from the room.   

“Babe, can we go to sleep now?” Cedric asked his wife as he closed the door.

Dylan now faces her table. “I have so many things to do. You could turn off the lights, I’ll just use the desk lamp” Dylan is a part time architect.

“Babe, Celine wants a baby brother…” Cedric told his wife smiling naughtily.

Dylan pays no heed. She’s busy.

“Celine needs a baby brother. Alex might grow up like his dad.  You know so well that I’ve suffered enough with Brannon…” Cedric was sticking to his argument and justifying his reason.

What he said was insubstantial to his wife. “Dear husband, Don’t use the innocent 6-year-old boy for your sake.”

Cedric did not talk. He pulled their blanket roughly.

“Cedric, I need to work.” Dylan voluntarily explained

Her husband didn’t answer.

“Frances volunteered to help me with Celine’s party. If you have suggestions, just tell me ok?” Dylan continued talking as she drew. 

Cedric remained quiet.     

Dylan looked at her husband. He was lying in their bed, his back facing her. She faced her desk again and she heard him murmuring something.  However, she continued her sketch.

Few minutes passed. She glanced once more at her husband. This time Cedric was sitting on their bed, his foot were tapping the floor. He was frowning.

She wanted to throw the T-square at him but she just sighed and surrendered. “Okay!  I’ll just finish this tomorrow morning”

Cedric abruptly turned to his wife. Gladness glittered in his eyes. He was right. Dylan would not disappointment him. He just needs a little drama.

He gladly but slowly walked to the switch.  

When we turn out the lights
The two of us, alone together
Somethin' just not right
But, girl, you know that I would never ever let
Another's touch, come between the two of us
'Cause no one else will ever take your place

In the darkness, He was singing.  Cedric walked at a snail's pace towards his wife.

No one else comes close to you
No one makes me feel the way you do
You're so special girl to me
And you'll always be, eternally
Everytime I hold, you near
Always say the words, I love to hear

“I think we cannot give Celine a baby brother just by your singing.” Dylan said imitating his Australian accent.  

His wife is right. They should start working.  He gave her a passionate kiss as he led her to their huge bed. 

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MORENA-Chapter19

Few months after at Aunt Mardz’s residence…

Cedric and Dylan’s family were having a cheerful dinner. All were merrily exchanging stories. Everybody has suggestions for the wedding. His Dad Marcus and her Dad Samuel, including her mom Sophia were attentively listening to Aunt Mardy’s version of the enthralling Cedric and Dylan love story.  As their siblings gave their comments, the couple just laughed happily.  

All of a sudden, Leslie stood up. “I just want to give a speech.” She said as if asking everybody’s permission.

Everyone agreed by giving their smiles and nods, except her brother Cedric.

She cleared her throat. “I am just a normal sister …who cares for her brother so much…”

Everybody was so pleased listening. But, Cedric was shooting her sister his annoying look. 

“I want only the best for Cedric… and then there was Addi… I like her…”

Leslie rolled her eyes.  “Brother, do you know how uncool it is to be the subject of your laser eyes*?  Don’t worry. I’m not going to ruin this dinner.” She said all smiles.

All were laughing but Cedric. He knows his sister so well.

“We were very similar. She continued. “We love bags, we love shoes, we love clothes… I thought… she’s perfect for Cedric… but Dylan came…” She smiled at Dylan. “Unlike Addi, she was very plain and simple. She loves to laugh, she loves to hit my brother, someone told me.”  Leslie smiled again. “But Dylan… is the only girl who has sole the power to make my stubborn brother do a lot of things; it is as if she has a spell on him.”

Cedric started to relax.  

“Suddenly, Cedric loves going to school. He started attending mass.” Leslie was looking at her brother.  “The lazy Cedric turned into a responsible man…” Then she looked at Dylan again.   “…mainly because of you Dylan…”

“But he also became his worst when he lost you. I saw those… and…he cried… a lot.”

“So when I heard about the news..., I am more than happy. I heard from Ryan actually. Every detail, when you answered the worst wedding proposal ever” Leslie laugh quietly.    

“So… in behalf of our family, we thank you. Thank you for loving my brother. Welcome to our family Dylan” Leslie walked towards her and gave Dylan a warm hug.     

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Beyond everyone’s persuasion to have a grand wedding, a simple wedding followed in 2 months. The wedding took place in a small church in Cebu as the sunset. It was very intimate wedding. Only very close friends and relatives were invited. Dylan would have wanted Ian to be here but of course, his absence was understandable.

Leslie did the simple yet elegant wedding gown, making the bride even lovelier.             

At the bridal reception, beautiful white roses were attractively arranged. The function was by the beach. And as the darkness scattered, beautiful yellow lights filled the place. The place looked like an enchanted glittering ball from a far, where pixies merrily gathered.           

Cedric’s mom was there. The groom was so delighted. After so many years, his family is complete even just for few hours. Together they celebrated this joyful moment.         

“We are truly thankful for your presence here tonight. Thanks for the gifts. I know everyone spent a lot for those.” Cedric was talking before the small crowd, holding his wife’s hand.

 

 “But can you do me a favor please…?  Can you please… leave as early as possible, so I can have my wife alone?” The groom said in jest.  

Their friends and families were laughing.

“Of course, I was just kidding. Thanks a lot for coming, we are very happy to see all of you. Enjoy the night.”

Then the newly weds returned to their seats.  

“We love seeing you suffer Cedric. Brannon and I will be very pleased to build our tent here tonight.” Ryan said coming from their back.   

“Don’t mind him Dylan. My friend is just very jealous because he can never have a beautiful wife.” Cedric seemed whispering but what he said was very audible.

Ryan cleared his throat. “That’s what you thought” The comic guy in black suit stood straight. He was looking so confident, his hands was in his pocket. “I guessed Leslie never told you about our dates.” He glanced at smiling Leslie and winked.

Cedric eyes widen in disbelief. “No way!”

You can never be too sure. Ryan is funny. Everyone could fall for a guy like him. Remember that Leslie and Ryan are close!  

“Oh yes! We’ll soon be my brother in laws, Cedric.” Ryan said widely grinning.

“Dream on Ryan!” He gave a mocking laugh.    

   

“Hey! You should be proud. This guy will soon be in Guinness, the world’s fastest dishwasher.” Brannon came to rescue Ryan, tapping his guy’s shoulders.     

 “Of course my sister has standards.” He rudely grabbed Ryan’s collar, showering him with a sarcastic look from head to toe. Leslie and Ryan? That’s Impossible!  

Leslie, Dylan and Frances were exchanging glances . “Sadly, they’ll never be immune to each other.” Leslie told the two girls.

Ryan gave his loud laughed, making his Korean eyes even more tinier. “I caught you there brother!” Ryan said while removing the steel hands of Cedric. “Even if you say you don’t, this proves that you believe everything I say. Thanks Cedric! “Ryan hugged Cedric “The dating was just a joke... The truth is Dylan asked me to be the godfather of your first child. So brace your self because we’ll be closer than ever.”

“Of course I will be one too. Dylan promised me to talk to you about it. I could teach your child how to sing” That was a good point from Brannon. Cedric could not believe his ears. What happened to Ryan’s sidekick?  

Brannon and Ryan? Godfathers of his first ever child? Brannon is acceptable, but Ryan? What will he teach his child? His mosquito dance? His cockroach dance? And some other insect dances?

Cedric held his wife’s hand and walked somewhere far from Ryan and Brannon. “We better dance!” He hates the day when these two met. They are the best irritants. “I was right; we should have not invited them.” He whispered to his wife when they reached the dance floor.

She didn’t talk. Her hands on his neck started to massage him, as she gave her adoring gaze. 

His hands on his waist tighten, pulling her closer. “This is the best day of my life.” He whispered softly to her. This is his wife Dylan; she changes his mood in a flash.

“I love you!” She mumbled as she kissed his ear.

He pulled back. “Don’t play with me my wife. I was serious when I asked them to leave us alone as soon as possible.” Intense passion gleamed in his eyes.

Dylan just laughed and then she hugged her groom.     

Perfect couple! Leslie thought. She could not help to envy her brother. Cedric found his match and she hopes to meet hers soon.

She walked out of the place. Leslie already said her goodbye to the newly weds an hour ago. She needed to catch her flight. As much as she wanted to stay, her work doesn’t permit her to do so. The winter collection by Real will be in 3 days. Last minute details needs to iron out.

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18 hours later at Munich, Germany

She just arrived at the airport. She was busy talking to Mye, her friend, another fashion designer. “Where are you?... Ohh! Never mine. I’ll just call a cab.” She laid her hermes bag on top of her luggage. She’s so tired.   

Her weary eyes widen when the expensive bag fell on the floor. “No,no,nooo!” She exclaimed. The next scene was more horrifying for her. A cart loaded with seemed to be heavy things squashed her bag. 

”My Hermeeeeees!” She shouted, her exhausted eyes lighted in irritation

“I’m sorry miss. I didn’t see it.” The offender was a tall guy.

“Look!” She disgustedly showed him the bag.

Still a bag! he thought. It has some dirt on it but it was not very visible. “I’ll pay for it” He showed interest in settling the mess

“This is priceless!” She hissed

He didn’t tried to talked. This woman is very annoying. She is overreacting for that damn bag. He hates woman like this one.

“This is the limited edition Hermes bag I got from France. You can’t do anything about that!” She recited in fury. 

He sighed. He went here for a vacation. And, the last thing he wanted was to suffer because of a damn bag. He gave a smile, his most pleasant smile. “Please let’s dine in any restaurant of your choice. I think that is the least thing I could do. I‘m really sorry.”  

She wanted to knock her head. How could she possibly fail to notice this beautiful being? She was acting like a child over a bag.

Was he pissed? Did I irritate him?

Surprisingly, the girl with long obsessions to bags suddenly forgets she is. The man before her is irresistibly attractive.  

      

“I’m Leslie.” She was smiling.

 The girl so lovely was smiling at him. Who says she’s annoying? God! She’s a goddess! 

 

 “I’m Ian.” He answered. His rapid pulse rate was of course unnoticeable but his eyes were gleaming with something.