CASCADING

NEW HORIZON ~FINAL CHAPTER 20

D-Day 6 months later

The sound of knocking stirred Steffen from his sleep. He rolled to his back and stretched as he yawned and it came again. 'Knock knock!' He thought maybe he dreamt it but he did hear knocking at his bedroom door. He stepped back startled when he opened the door only to find his grandmother and cousin Joseph standing in the way. Miriam held a tray arrayed with coconut bakes, bacon with scrambled eggs, orange juice and coffee.

Joseph grinned from ear to ear seeing how surprise Steffen was. Joseph or Joey as everyone called him was Steffen's younger cousin by three years but they rolled together like brothers all the same.

"Joey!" The two greeted each other. "When did you get in? I thought you couldn't make it."

"What, and miss out being your best man? Nah. Hurry up and come down the whole family is downstairs."

"What, really?" Steffen took the tray from his grandmother.

"Happy birthday sweetie. This is to be eaten, ok, all of it. I know wedding jitters can curb your appetite but you should try to relax and enjoy a meal."

"Wow, grandma this looks good." Instead of eating in his room he followed the others downstairs to meet the rest of his family. "

It seemed like everyone came in from Aunts to uncles, distant relatives and cousins even Harry and Tilia their neighbours were there. They all were talking and laughing, but went silent when the noticed Steffen on the stairs. "Happy birthday!!" Everyone shouted. Steffen was surprised and delighted to see all his family there to support him.

Miriam handed him the house phone. He wondered who it was. "Hello"

"Hi, happy birthday." he blushed and smiled uncontrollably. He knew exactly who it was and from his response so did everyone else. After he hung up he endured the group teasing him until Miriam finally scooted everyone to their rooms to get ready.

"Y'all not going to make my grandbaby jittery for his own wedding, uh uh."

"Thanks grandma." He felt relieved that he finally got some space to breathe and think clearly.

"It's ok baby go and get ready the car will be here by 2 o'clock and it's now 10. Oh, I almost forgot, Cindy and I confirmed with the caters, so everything is in place."

"Ok that's good to hear." Steffen finished eating and joined Harry and the men and boys on the back porch. He was setting up his barber chair. "Make me look good Harry today's my wedding day."

* * *

In the meantime. June met with Cindy, her cousin Salena, Laura and her sister- in- law Kathy at the salon to get their hair and nails done then it was over to their make up appointment. June felt a bit nauseous and turned up the A.C in the car.

"What is it hon?" Cindy asked.

"Oh I don't know, I feel so nervous and can't seem to settle my nerves." June took deep breaths to calm down but it didn't work.

"Did you eat anything this morning?" Laura asked while flickering through her phone for the nearest cafe.

"No, I couldn't my stomach felt sick from this morning. I thought maybe I shouldn't eat anything in case I vomited."

Cindy started laughing, everyone looked at her. "You're having wedding jitters my dear."

"Wedding jitters? Oh ...that's bad luck!" Cried Salena.

"What?" June snapped in a panic and held her stomach.

"No, no, no." Cindy interrupted their panic attack. "It's very normal to have wedding jitters. I did too when I was about to marry your father and you know what calmed me?"