T H R E E.

THE WEDDING PARTY.

Giordana.

The wedding ceremony was concluded and we all went back to the hotel to change outfits for the wedding party.

Ella suggested a wedding party instead of reception, for young adults that is. She also requested me to perform a song for them at the party.

I am a pretty good singer at least but not confident enough to sing at a public gathering. On a normal day, I would never agree to sing before so many people.

However, she desperately wanted me to sing at her wedding as my 'wedding gift to her', so I had to agree.

Finding a secluded spot outside the dressing room, I rehearsed the song I intended to perform, hoping not to fumble when I get there. 

★★★★★★★

Clad in a floor-length silver halter neck figure-hugging satin gown with black studded earrings and black strapped stilettos, makeup was done to taste I felt and looked beautiful.

Driving myself in my ash-colored Chevrolet impala sedan purchased by me from my college savings to the party venue which was at St. Ives Hotel, I arrived in ten minutes and approached the magnificent building insight.

The building stood proudly in a distance, covered with black and white tinted glasses looking relatively grandiose with many stories. The front side curved out, making it have a blunt-edged boat look. It really was a sight to behold. 

Entering the party hall, I met people dancing to  Ed Sheeran's 'Thinking out loud'. I slithered through the crowd and managed to get a vacant seat which I occupied immediately as my feet were already sore. I mean, it's not easy to wear six inches heels for almost a whole day.

Bored of staying in one place, I decided to find Ella before the party started fully. However, neither she nor Drew was in sight.

'I think I know where they are.' 

I shook my head, smiling at my naughty thought. A wet chill on my chest and stomach region wiped the smile off my face and dragged me out of my straying thoughts.

Mortified, I sent a prayer hoping it was not what I thought. Bringing my gaze to focus on my dress, a large, red wet patch was on my dress dripping from my torso to the floor. 

Snapping my head up to see the culprit, I was met with the man who bumped into me earlier.

He had a wicked grin on his face. Seeing the look on my face, his grin turned to a smirk.

"Oops! Looks like Miss Firebrand has taken a mini shower with red wine," he mocked.

Giving him a cold, blank stare, I decided to act like a mature person and walk away so as not to create a scene. 

"Oh my goodness what happened to your gown!?" I turned to see Ella asking.

"It's a long story girl, for now, I really need to get out of this dress."

Nodding in agreement, she called one of the stylists to help me change. Trotting behind the stylist, I was led up to one of the hotel rooms and given another silver dress. This time it was an off-shouldered dress, flared from the waist down with a slit in front once again.

Although I love dresses with slits, I couldn't wear anything shorter than about three inches above my knees. Not for anything, just that it felt uncomfortable if higher. 

Retouching my hair and makeup, we rushed back to the hall.

On getting back, the party was already in full swing. The master of the ceremony called Mr. Philip Forbes to give a speech.

Apparently, Drew and Philip are cousins and close friends but Philip wasn't the best man because he wasn't sure he was even going to attend the wedding.

'who doesn't attend his best friend's wedding?' I wondered.

Anyways Mr. Philip Forbes was called to the stage and everyone clapped as he approached the stage. I gasped when I strained a bit to see who it was and I realized that it was the man who had taken it to heart to make my day miserable.

"Hello, Ladies and Gentlemen as you all know I'm Philip Forbes."

'Conceited much, like who told him we all knew him?' 

Unconsciously, I checked him out and as much as I hate to admit it, the man is a spec. Tall and broad-chested, It was obvious that under his expensive-looking suit he was endowed with ripped muscles. His thick arched brows, black hair, slim long nose, and plump pink lips fit his well-sculptured face and chiseled jaw perfectly.

Boy was he a sight for sore eyes.

Clad in a black tuxedo with wine-colored inner and glossy black shoes, his black hair was gelled and styled to the back. He was the epitome of perfection. Too bad he had a terrible character.

'Damn, he's undeniably handsome and hot.'

Stupid, perverted thoughts.

"Drew here is my cousin and has been my best friend from when we were in diapers and until now he's still my best friend. He's always been there for me through thick and thin and childhood mischief, now he's a grown-ass man and he's getting married before me," he paused, a hint of humor in his voice, and people laughed.

"I wish him a happy married life to this beautiful and wonderful lady- Daniella Walters, be sure to make me an uncle by the end of the year though," he continued,  winking at Ella who turned beet red as she blushed. 

"Thank you," he finished and walked off the stage, a smug smile on his face.

He received a round of applause for his wonderful speech. I felt like giving him a resounding slap and wiping that look off his arrogant face. 

'Still, you can't deny the fact that he is literally picture perfect, not to talk of that hard chest that I felt when he pulled that stunt.'

A shade of red coated my cheeks as I recollected what transpired between us.

"Next on the list is Giordana Quinton for her performance. A round of applause as she comes on the stage," He announced and the audience applauded.

Meanwhile, my heart was thumping against my ribcage because of the number of people there.

"Breath in... Breath out... You're not the first person to perform in a large gathering," I whispered to myself.

Rising to my feet, I sashayed with as much confidence as I could muster to the stage. All eyes were focused on me and I started to feel a bit self-conscious but I ignored the feeling.

"Thank you, everyone," I verbalized in appreciation as I climbed the stage, trying to look and sound as if this was just something normal for me.

"Okay. I am Giordana Quinton, who happens to be Ella's best friend. In fact, Ella is more than just a best friend to me. She's the sister I never had, one big blessing I'm forever thankful for. Ella, I love you so much and I'm so happy that God gave you a man like Drew.

Andrew, keep it in mind every day that she's a great asset to you, one that you can never afford to lose. I pray that your marriage would never lack joy and that you love and cherish each other for the rest of your lives. Congratulations on your marriage once again!"

"I'm going to cover the song 'marry me" By Jason Derulo. Another round of applause erupted from the crowd.

'This is it,' I took a deep breath.

 '105 is the number that comes to my head

When I think of all the years I wanna be with you

Wake up every morning with you in my bed

That's precisely what I plan to do'

Blending into the song, I let my passion take over my fears as I sang from my heart.

'And you know one of these days when I get my money right

Buy you everything and show you all the finer things in life

Will forever be enough, so there ain't no need to rush

But one day, I won't be able to ask you loud enough'

I smiled, recalling the day Drew proposed to her using this song. Since then she had been gushing that I sing it at her wedding.

'I'll say will you marry me

I swear that I will mean it

I'll say will you marry me'

To be sincere, the song made me pity my single and anti-social self. When would I be asked this question? when would I listen to someone else sing for me like this? Not anytime soon. That I was quite sure of, except if any miracle will happen.

I went on to sing the second solo and ended the song.

The hall thundered with applause.

I was overwhelmed with the reaction because I didn't expect it.

"Thank you," I curtsied.

"Wow! That was amazing!" The elated MC said.

"Thank you," I replied with a smile.

"Are you an upcoming artist?" He asked.

"No, it's just a hobby," I replied.

"For someone who is not a professional, I must say that was a very lovely performance, it got me emotional. Why don't you give us another song, I think the audience will appreciate it," He added.

Roars of "Yes!" filled the hall. I groaned inwardly.

"Alright.. I'll go with 'can't help falling in love with you by Elvis Presley."

'Wise men say
Only fools rush in
But I can't help falling in love with you
Shall I stay?
Would it be a sin
If I can't help falling in love with you?'

After my performance, I thanked the audience and walked off the stage.

'That was one hell of a performance there,' I thought with a relieved sigh.

'At least I didn't screw it up.'

The party went on and I kept on thinking about how the whole thing went, especially about that man, Philip Forbes. I just couldn't seem to get him out of my head.

Refreshments were served, people danced around and took pictures, many with their partners.

I met with the bride and groom and they were really happy with my performance., Ella kept gushing about how angelic and magical my voice sounded while I kept rolling my eyes at how exaggerative she was being.

An hour later, I was back to what was once our apartment.

The place felt so lonely and depressing. Shaking off my choleric thoughts, I showered and changed into my nightdress.

All in all the day was exciting and memory-filled.

Offering some words of prayers, I settled on my bed waiting for sleep to consume me, with one face and name in mind. Philip Forbes.