The rehearsal went well, almost too well. Father Michael was amazingly efficient, that Gabe and I just had to watch the audience from time to time and field an occasional question from a member of the family. Terry looked glum and stiff as usual. Dean looked happy and relaxed as always, and I caught him looking at me a few times. However, all I could focus on was Yvonne.A strained smile sat permanently on her face as she walked down the aisle with her father, Bill, and she showed her big teeth all the way through Terry's vows. I could see the strain on her face, the sadness in her pretty and wide eyes.Watching the blessing and giving of rings was painful, and even Gabe winced a few times at how distant Yvonne looked during the whole thing. As Father blessed the rings and declared "The circle of the ring declares the unity and the oneness of your two lives, which shall contain your devotion beyond every journey that you may always return again to your togetherness." Yvonne could onl

Resting my head on the deck chair, I put my large sunhat over my face as I relish the tropical sun tanning my body in my black triangle bikini. In the distance there's traffic, but far away enough not to bother me. My cell phone is back at the resort, just two hundred feet away. The events of the last week almost sent me into a near panic attack, but now that feels like a million years ago. I could sit here all day. Note to self, book a holiday to come back here as soon as possible."This was such a good idea," I turn my head to the right to speak to Gabe, in the deck chair next to mine. "I told you," he replies, his eyes shielded by trendy sunglasses. The large rainbow coloured beach umbrella is tent like, giving us the perfect coverage to bask in this tropical heat without roasting ourselves silly. After the wedding finished, Gabe insisted staying a few days to explore, and this time he wanted me to join him. I couldn't resist the offer to enjoy some down time in Thailand. We

Ivy and ferns grow through the crevices of the old winding stone path, which lead directly to the vast residence straight ahead. Behind the white picket fence, the red-brown bricked home stands brightly under the sun, flanked by neatly trimmed shrubs and potted plants. The house has two stories and a one story extension at the rear for the kitchen. A small flower garden is planted in the front. Though most of the time it is carefully planned and loved, now it is riddled with weeds.This is the house I grew up in, and I always feel a sense of genuine happiness whenever I walk towards the blue front door. I turn the golden knob and walk in to the smell of noodles being pan-fried. My mom, Elaine, is the cook in the family, and she is definitely making lunch. I walk into the open kitchen, confirming my suspicions. Mom is busy tossing the sliced beef, bean sprouts and noodles on the wok, and Dad is pouring some hot tea. It's usually jasmine or green tea, at mom's insistence. "Doodlebug

"I look forward to meeting you and Mr. Langlais tomorrow, Ms. Herveaux. If you need anything in the meantime, do not hesitate to contact myself, Mr. Sasse, or Mr. Keys. Au revoir!" I hang up on my voicemail. I've tried to reach her and Alain separately, but since they're not picking up I think a voicemail will be more than enough. It's 6PM, it's probably their dinner time and they don't want to deal with this right now. Putting the phone down on the desk, I walk over to the bed and plunk my head on it, relishing at the gorgeous surroundings I am in. With a fitness centre and spa, Le Boutique Hotel Jardin is a luxurious boutique hotel located in the heart of Paris. It also boasts an elegant lobby with archways and high ceilings. Just a five-minute walk from the Luxembourg Gardens and Notre-Dame-des-Champs Metro Station, I can literally walk to the centre of the city. The hotel's decor is a tribute to French and international literature and my rooms even have an iPod docking station an

Heart pummelling tremendously here. What is Tristan doing here? In a loose-shirt, cargo shorts and sandals, he certainly isn't dressed for a business meeting. I wave, and I expect him to come over and say hi to us but he stands there, grimacing at me and Claudio standing together. I turn to Claudio, affixed with a firm smile on my face. "Anyway, I have to go but I'll let you know what Marie thinks. And I'll email you if I have any questions," I dictate. "Tr¨¨s bien! Au revoir," he winks at me and walks off. I walk towards Tristan and his already annoyed expression has turned even sourer after Claudio's gesture. "Hey, what are you doing here?" He shoots a dirty look in Claudio's direction, but his lips are firmly shut. Instead he turns to look at me, his usual deadpan expression on tow."I was going to come and see how you and the chef were getting along, but I can see you two are getting on swimmingly." I can hear the hostility in his tone."Well that is my job, to work well with