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.