Chapter 27: Most Awaited Day
Ezra’s Point Of View.
I WOKE up early to prepare and settle everything because today is a special day, especially for Kiana and Xavier; the bride and the groom.
Kiana’s parents also arrived early in the morning to help us accommodate the reception as well as the guests. Everything is falling into place and going smoothly according to the outcomes we wanted. We’re really waiting for the two to get married.
I glanced at Kiana on the bed. She’s like a sleeping beauty. I haven’t woken her up yet because I don’t want to hang her from sleep and she might still be drowsy at church while walking to the altar.
Aunt Xyra got up earlier than everyone else in the house because she was excited to witness her son turn out to be a fine man and Xavier’s once in a lifetime event. That’s how much she cooked breakfast for us. Hyde’s family will also come later.
I had fun playing with Hime when Hyde and I visited their house and introduced me to his family. I am the only child of Mom and Dad so I have always wanted to have a sibling and for sure, I’m going to love it even more if it would be a girl like Hime.
Speaking of, I tried to call and reach Mommy and Daddy the other day and even today but they didn’t answer nor pick up their phones. They are probably busy with the company again.
Well, I didn’t have to wonder anymore. What do I expect from having workaholic parents? But at least they aren’t forcing me into an arranged marriage for the sake of their beloved company now. It’s better to let them be.
The last time I talked to them was almost a week ago now. They reminded me to send their greetings and regards to Kiana and Xavier in case they will be unable to attend the wedding.
I approached Clarence who had just taken a bath. I laughed secretly. He was probably even more excited than the groom. I adjusted both sleeves of his suit and made him look at himself in the mirror.
“Can’t wait to see you as the next bride, Ezra,” he said, causing my cheeks to warm and blush.
“I-It will be long before I get married, Clarence. Maybe you’ll even get ahead of me,” I joked and pretended to fake a laugh. Then, I looked away and cleared my throat. He grinned and shrugged his shoulders.
“We’ll see.”
I almost choked on my own saliva because of it.
Since when did he become a matured man?
When I finished fixing Clarence’s suit, I immediately chatted with Iñigo and Jeremy. As we laughed, I couldn’t help but glance at Joaquin as well as Axle who was in the corner. It seems like something is going on. They are both motionless. I might still understand Joaquin because he is really quiet, but Axle? I’m innovating.
“Who are you looking at?”
I turned to Hyde who showed up in front of me and scowled at me. I rolled my eyes at him and winced. I fixed his neck tie as he rolled up his sleeves. I cupped his face in my hands and kissed him.
Then, I said goodbye to him to go to Xavier who’s getting ready to leave and head to church first. I approached him and he turned to me.
“Congratulations, Xavier!” I greeted him.
He smiled and hugged me. “Thank you, Ezra.”
“One second is enough.”
We were both puzzled when Hyde parted us in a hug. The two of us looked at him and I frowned.
What is he doing?
“Ezra, someone’s jealous here,” Xavier whispered at me and chuckled.
“Hyde!” I turned to him and shot a flaming glare. “Xavier is about to get married later yet you’re still jealous of him?”
“What’s mine is mine. I’m very very…” he paused then smirked. “Territorial, you know.”
***
After we watched Xavier drive off, I said goodbye to Hyde for a while to go and see Kiana upstairs. Then, that’s what I did.
I went straight to Kiana’s room and I was shocked to find out she was awake and had taken a shower.
“Yes, you seemed really nervous. It’s not obvious you’re excited.” I nodded and teased her. She rolled her eyes and laughed before sitting down in front of the mirror in the vanity.
I put on the table what I will use for Kiana’s makeup.
“Chin up, Kiana.” I touched her chin and lifted it up.
“Woah, best! You made a career out of being my makeup artist, huh?” She giggled. I also laughed at it.
I’m full of energy because I’m happy and excited, that’s why I’m in a good mood today.
I started with putting blue eyeshadow on her. I also put a light pink blush-on on her cheeks. I extended her eyelashes to make it look longer and prettier. I didn’t draw her eyebrows because it’s untouchable. I can’t afford to mess up the look of her precious eyebrows. Next, I added a red lipstick on her lips and braided her hair that fits perfectly on her light makeup and her gown.
“Done,” I said with a smile before I presented her in the mirror again. She smiled broadly and stared intently at her appearance.
“Oh my gosh! Is this me?!” She exclaimed.
“No, that’s me. You can see, clear and close up, it’s your own face, so why are you even asking?” I replied sarcastically. She hit me and then we both beamed.
“I didn’t know that you’re good at makeup, best.”
She’s right. It’s because I don’t wear makeup often. I only put powder sometimes because I have natural red lips.
“You’re stunning! I’m sure your future husband will love you even more,” I added, complimenting her to boost her confidence.
I suddenly thought of a joke to annoy her, hoping for it to work. I took her hand and erased the smile from my lips. I tried to look down and like I’ve done something wrong.
“Best, don’t be mad at me, okay? I’m sorry, but I have something to confess to you.” I refrained from laughing out loud because she was really serious. “Your marriage with Xavier will not continue because he realized that I am the one he loves.”
I bowed down and little by little, I was about to explode in the urge not to laugh.
“It’s okay, best. Don’t worry about it because I also have something to tell you. Please, forgive me. Hyde proposed to me last night.”
I immediately looked up at her and my eyes widened. She reversed me instead.
How come none of my pranks ever worked on her?
“H-Hey!”
She laughed, so did I. I’m going to miss our bonding together. My best friend has always been a strong supporter of me.
“Let’s be serious now, best. You’re going to get married and I can’t afford to let the day pass without talking to you seriously,” I began and held her hand again. “I often tell you that you are my lifeline. No, no, you are my heart beat, Kiana. We may be separated sometimes but we are always together. I love you more than you know. I don’t need to talk to you every single day because you are always in my mind, in my heart. Your laughters, your jokes, your way of speaking makes my everyday special. You are the one who is always there in my crazy and boring moments. Though I have a small circle of friends, amongst all, you are the special one. I am grateful to you for accepting all my imperfections.”
She has teary eyes. “I was more of an introvert and shy back in my school days. I probably never liked to make friends or maybe I wanted to but couldn’t find someone in whom I can trust or felt a kind of attachment or bonding. I always searched for a person who is similar to me but couldn’t find one. I never have had a person in my life whom I can refer to as my best friend,” she uttered, hurling back about the past. “It’s not that I never made any friends, I have made many friends but it all ended with time and only you stood beside me as my friend until now and you became my best friend.”
Even though I was emotional, I managed to release a touching smile at her. “I always thought I was strong and could walk alone without any friends or support. But I have never felt any much weaker than I felt in front of you, Kiana. Ever since I have met you, I have explored what true friendship is and what it is that makes a true friend.”
“You deserve the happiness you feel and the love you receive, Ezra. You deserve the whole world. It’s better to also take sometimes than always give.” We hugged each other. “Wherever you are, I’ll always be there to support you. I’ll always be your best buddy. I’ll forever be your best friend.”
***
Just a few minutes and the wedding will begin. The six were already in the church as well as Aunt Xy, Kiana’s parents, Hyde’s parents and his sister, and of course, the groom, Xavier.
I was the only one left with Kiana outside the church. Even I was cold handed in tension. Kiana is contagious, seriously!
“Best, I’m nervous. It’s legit, promise,” she whispered in a shaking voice. I tapped her shoulder and smiled sparingly.
“Chill, Kiana,” I said, encouraging her. “Just relax. After a few minutes, you will be comfortable.”
I can feel her nervousness and excitement at the same time. I can’t believe that my best friend is now getting married.
“I’ll go inside now. Don’t be nervous, okay? Inhale and exhale. You will just walk, you will not dance in front of them,” I joked, lifting the mood up.
“All right. I’ll keep that in mind. Thank you, best!” she said and hugged me fast. “Go inside.”
I nodded at her with a smile and entered the church. It wasn’t long before she was the next to walk in the aisle.
The most awaited day of her life…
***
Kiana’s Point Of View.
Ezra and I shouldered our way to the church. To this day, the nervousness still dominates my chest.
The feeling is new to me. The jitters I feel are fun and exciting.
I heaved a breath when we got to church. Its large door is closed and I will be the last one walking in there. Ezra turned to me with a smile.
“I’ll go inside now. Don’t be nervous, okay? Inhale and exhale. You will just walk, you will not dance in front of them.”
I chuckled. We are opposite today. We exchanged roles because between the two of us, I was the one who always cracks jokes and makes her laugh, but today she’s doing the initiative. But I know she’s doing this to cheer me up and encourage me.
My best friend is really the best!
“All right. I’ll keep that in mind. Thank you, best!” I said and hugged her. “Go inside.”
She nodded with a smile and headed inside. I rested deeply again when the door of the church opened. I lifted my gown a little so I wouldn’t step on it. I started to go straight inside.
I glanced at the people smiling as they stared at me in awe. Mommy and daddy were also smiling but crying as they looked at me. I couldn’t help but be emotional.
This is how good it feels at this moment. Irreplaceable, the long time and the tough moments that took place between us all before we achieved peace cannot be compensated. But suddenly, a strange thought prevailed in my mind.
Are we really at peace now?
At the same time, the lights of the church suddenly went out.
***
Ezra’s Point Of View.
I couldn’t restrain my tears from falling while watching Kiana walking on the altar. I’m aware that I’ve said this so many times but I won’t be tired of repeating that I’m super duper happy for my best friend. I’m happy for Kiana.
Our pleasure and joy is priceless. I hope no one’s going to hinder our happiness again. I pray for our inner peace.
I turned my attention to the purse I was holding when something buzzed in there. I forgot to turn off my cell phone earlier.
As I was rummaging through my phone in the bag, the light in the church suddenly went out, causing the people there to make noises.
When I got my phone, I immediately lit the surroundings with its flashlight but my eyes caught the text of the person who messaged me and read it. It’s from an unregistered number. I wonder where they got my digits. I didn’t give it to anyone other than the people who are close to me.
From: Unregistered Number
I hold your parents captive, Ezra.
Then, the person who contacted me sent a photo with a video of my parents being tied. I covered my mouth in fidget and let go of the cell phone that fell to the floor with tears dripping from my eyes.