Ray of Moonlight

Chapter One - Leo

"You may now kiss the bride." With that, the inside of the hall was filled with cheers and whistles, as we all watched the couple kiss each other. Everyone clapped, except for me who's wondering why I'm even here and the priest who looks bored probably for having witnessed a lot of those scenes.

Uncle Ray nudged me to the side then whispered to my ear. "At least pretend to look happy for your cousin." I then forced a smile, quite obvious. I'm an obedient kid you know.

"There you go." He teased me as he noticed the forced smile, then added. "Minus the obvious bored look on your eyes."

"Hey." I protested. "This is how I normally look, UNCLE." Putting emphasis on the word 'uncle' quickly earned me a not-really glare from him.

"Really Leo? Uncle?" he asked with disbelief in his voice, raising one of his brows.

I shrugged. "Why not? You're my mother's brother." I explained as if he didn't know that already.

"But I'm only 5 years older than you."

"You're still my mother's brother, you know." I stated the obvious, for the second time. "That makes you my uncle regardless of the age gap."

"Whatever." He muttered knowing that he'll never win against me.

He may be my uncle by blood but I don't usually call him uncle, just occasionally like when I want to tease him or when other relatives are around. Don't want to come off as rude though. Since we were kids, I've been calling him Ray, short for Raymund because calling him uncle doesn't roll off well from my tongue maybe because of the fact that we're just 5 years apart and he don't really look so much older than me. I just call him uncle, awkwardly might I add, whenever the elders are around because you know how elders are about being respectful and all.

"Come. Let's go take a picture with your cousin." He then started walking towards the couple not waiting for my reply. I reluctantly followed him. "Congratulations to you both!"

"Best Wishes!" I handed my gift to my cousin which was actually bought by mom because in her defense, I can't just go empty-handed. She didn't even ask me if I wanted to come in the first place.

"Thank you, Leo." My cousin's wife thanked me. How she knew my name when it's our first-time meeting surprised me a little bit. "We should take a picture." She added.

We stood behind the couple and I flashed a forced smile as the photographer counted 1-3.

Ray and I walked back to our seats as they started serving food to every tables. "Good, I'm starving." Ray said at the sight of the food.

"If I didn't know any better, I'd say you're only here because of the food." Which is actually very likely of him. Any excuse for a free food and he'll use it. Man, he's employed yet he acts like a beggar most of the times.

"Bingo." He replied while chewing a mouthful of food. Thankfully, none of it sent flying as he opened his mouth.

I looked around the hall and was surprised by the number of people who attended. Are these people also my relatives? If so, then I'd be the most terrible person for not knowing their names and not recognizing their faces. I wouldn't even know the name of the one getting married if not for the white screen that had their name on it.

When the party is over, mom and dad walked to where our table is. "We're dropping by the office. Come and we'll send you home first." Mom told me.

I started getting up when Ray spoke. "Don't bother. I'll drop him off on my way home."

"Okay then." Mom agreed. "Bye sweetie." She then hugged me and kissed my cheek.

"I can't breathe." I fake coughed and mom instantly released me.

She straightened my suit and gently ruffled my already messy hair. "Sorry." She smiled.

I smirked. "I was just kidding." It has been always my go-to excuse whenever mom hugs me in front of so many people. I'm not embarrassed though but it felt weird when people are watching.

She feigned surprised. "That's rude."

Ray and I both laughed. "Nothing new." Dad butted in.

"Bye then. And oh, don't turn the house into ash."

"Mom, I'm 20." I complained.

"Who can't cook to save his life." Mom added.

Both Ray and dad laughed. "Touché."

All four of us walked together outside the hall and went on our separate ways on the parking lot.

"Buckle up dude. You'll be having the ride of your life." Ray said once we're good to go with his Audi R8.

"Should I call 911 to be on-standby?" I teased as he revved up the engine.

He fakes laughed. "Very funny."

He then started driving with music blasting through our ears. We'd occasionally sing along whenever a familiar song comes up. The road is clear so it just took us 20 minutes to get home.

"Thanks for the ride of my life, uncle." Once again, I put emphasis on the word 'uncle'.

"You're the only one who can thank someone while at the same time being sarcastic about it."

I took a bow as if being honored about it. "One and only." We both chuckled at that.

"Till the next party. Adios!" With that he drove off.

I then walked to the place that I get to call home while fishing out my phone from my pocket. I actually did a record today of how I didn't use my phone in a crowd. I've got Ray to thank for keeping me occupied.

I opened the house and instantly felt the warmth inside it. The warmth that makes you want to remove all your clothes just to feel it directly. And I actually did remove all my clothes upon entering my own room.

I instantly relaxed at the feel of my own bed. The comfort it gives is incomparable. Just then, my phone rang.

"Yes mom?" I answered after looking through the ID.

I heard papers shuffling and keyboards clicking at the other end. "Are you home yet?" she asked.

"Yep! Just moments ago. Why'd you call?"

"Can you send me the draft that I let you check?"

"Of course." I answered as I opened my laptop. Last week, mom gave me one of her staff's draft saying I should take a look at it. I gladly accepted it knowing that it would be a good practice. "Found it." I said as I found the checked-version. "Sent it." I added as I clicked on send button.

"Thanks honey. Bye." She hanged up not waiting for my reply. Guess she's really busy.