"If you don't stop being so sweet I might cry" I muttered trying to sniff back tears.
My sister laughed out loud. I realized how much I have missed hearing her laughter echo through the house. A laughter filled with life and so much energy.
I scrutinized my environment, my parents house on the island looked exactly like it was three years back, the only difference was the piano that sat majestically on the porch.
"I cannot wait to see you in your bridesmaid dress" she grinned from ear to ear.
I looked up from my cup of coffee not sure what she was talking about.
"Who is getting married?" I laughed.
"You didn't get the flowers I sent ? I attached a note to it" she opened her eyes in surprise.
"I got the flowers yeah" I nodded "but a note… I…." I covered my mouth with my palm. The note was a wedding invite ? My sister's wedding invite.
I never opened the note , I put it in my drawer waiting for 'the right time'.
I am such a coward. Will I ever be a good sister ?
"I am so sorry"
"You didn't read the note?" she sounded disappointed.
"I didn't do it intentionally, it totally skipped my mind" I sighed . "I had no idea you…."
"Yes he proposed and the wedding is in two months and I want you to be my bridesmaid" She blushed.
I got up and pulled her in a warm embrace "I am so sorry for being a bad sister"
She laughed so loud that i almost started to cry "stop being silly Ariana, you are the best sister in the whole world and I love you so much".
"I'm so lucky to have you as my elder sister" I said as a matter of fact.
We stared at each other for a while not knowing what to do or say.
"I resigned" I broke the silence. "I'm starting up my brand"
"Oh my….." she gasped "finally! I am so proud of you baby"
"Thank you" I muttered under my breathe.
Looking back I figured the only person I talked to was my step sister and she never got tired of listening. She never got tired of encouraging me. I stared into space and she took my hands in hers.
"We miss having you around Ariana, now that you resigned, you can stay for as long as you want… let's say a couple of weeks"
I looked at her not sure how to react "I miss you guys too . I miss mom and dad but…." I paused my heart pounding.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Days rolled by into weeks and then months. Laylah's wedding day came like a flash and thankfully I was well prepared enough to be her bridesmaid.
I wore a silky pink long dress that hugged my hips gracefully with silver heels to match . My hair was tied in a ponytail as usual and I had silver adornments in it.
I felt like the most beautiful girl in the wedding hall until I saw my step sister walk down the isle.
Her wedding dress was the most beautiful I've ever seen. Well not like I had been to a lot of weddings , but I've sure seen them on the internet.
Her makeup was soft and flawless , she looked so breathtaking and her smile lit up the whole room. I resisted the urge to run to her and give her a hug.
She locked hands with my dad as they both walked down the isle. I stole a quick glance at him and I bet that I could see joy written all over his face. A proud father.
I gave her shoulder a gentle squeeze when she took her position in front of me.
"You look too beautiful" I whispered.
I figured she was trying to fight back tears as she just nodded.
I handed her a handkerchief "don't ruin your makeup my beautiful bride."
She took the handkerchief and giggled.
All these while , her soon to be husband stared at her with so much admiration. You would think he was seeing her for the first time in his life.
They said their wedding vows and sealed it with a kiss. It was such a beautiful sight to behold.
I looked into the guests and found Solange and her fiancé sitting side by side holding hands. I rolled my eyes at her and she smiled.
I continued to scan through the guests but there was no sign of Ray . I heaved a sigh of relief .
He probably will not make it to the wedding. My heart shattered when i figured my mom had sent him an invite. It was probably time to spill the bean or maybe not.
The after party started few minutes after the couple exchanged their wedding rings.
Everyone moved out of the hall to the beach . It was beautifully decorated with flowers and balloons . Also chairs and tables had been set.
I went to change into a more comfortable outfit since my job as bridesmaid was done.
I strolled to the table where Solange and her fiancé sat.
"The food is so good" She said nodding her head.
She introduced me to her fiancé as her best friend and honestly that made me feel really good.
"It's nice to finally meet you Ariana… I have heard a lot about you" he smiled shyly extending his hand.
I took his hand and shook it gently.
" Its such a pleasure to finally meeting you as well. Trust me my ears are full also." I winked at her and she blushed.
He took her hand and kissed it gently making her blush even harder.
"I hope you guys are having fun?" I asked.
"Of course" they chorused and we all laughed.
"I'll see you in a bit , have fun" I said excusing myself.
I looked around with so much joy in my heart , everyone was looking so happy and contented especially my parents .
It was such a beautiful day because the birds kept flocking over the water in unison.
I felt a tap on my left arm as I made my way towards my sister's table where a seat has obviously been reserved for me.
"Hello sweetheart" a familiar voice said making my heart skip.
I turned to see Ray smiling , his hair perfectly cut making him look handsome .
He has always been good looking . His familiar cologne filled my nostrils as he stepped closer to kiss my cheek.
I moved backwards surprised by the gesture.
I almost cursed but I held my breathe instead. I prayed he was not going to show up but it seemed like the universe was not on my side about this.
"Hi" I muttered .
"You are not happy to see me?" He frowned.
"You are here as a guest, I appreciate that….." I was beginning to walk away but he pulled me back gently.
"I came so I could see you" he almost smirked.
I shot him daggers not bothering to hide the irritation on my face.
"Ray it's been years , I think it's time to leave me alone" I shook my head . I have made this particular statement times without numbers over the past years and it felt like he was not ready to listen.
He was staring at me , I could not read his expression. At that moment I felt softness towards him , more like pity.
"But I love you" he whispered.
"Love?" I scoffed .
He made a move to take my hands in his but I rolled my hands into a fist. I was not ready to cause a scene and ruin my sister's wedding party but i would not hesitate to punch his face if he annoys me further.
"Ray! I do not want to have this conversation with you again , let this be the last time...... please" I said and walked away.
"Bitch!" I heard him say amidst gritted teeth.
I kept walking and did not look back.
I forced a smile when I got to the table, I helped myself to a seat and heaved a sigh of relief.
My step sister gave me a knowing look , a look that says she witnessed what just happened.
"Is he causing trouble?" She whispered.
I shrugged "not something I cannot handle"
"Let me know if he's being an ass" she said , her brows arched with worry.
I waved her off " I will handle Ray myself."
I sounded more like I was assuring myself than telling her.
The last thing I wanted was for her to worry about me. Not on her wedding day.
I gave the groom a playful tap on his hand , he has been so engrossed in a conversation with the best man who was also his cousin.
"You are so lucky to have my sister as your wife" I said in an attempt to distract her.
He grinned from ear to ear "I always remind myself how lucky I am…. She's the best thing to happen to me".
My phone beeped for the first time in hours . I checked the message and a small smiled played at the corner of my lips.
I looked at Laylah and she gave me a questioning look . She had been watching me closely.
"Spill sis" she said curiously.
"Well I have been shortlisted to attend the VIP entrepreneur class I signed up for" I rolled my eyes dramatically.
"Congratulations" everyone at the table chorused.
"Thank you" I said shyly.
The entrepreneur class was all I needed to give a finishing touch to building my beauty brand.
I looked at Laylah and smiled even harder "means I'll be out of town for a while."
The thought made my stomach churn with excitement. A much needed break.