Sydney Mdlalose's Ever After

Chapter Ten.

Sydney's P.O.V.
Louis and Mikaela have now left after doing a stunning job with my hair and make-up. I am definitely going to see Louis again. He's absolutely good with hair.

Thank God I already have my dress on seeing as I'm alone now. There's only two hours left before I have to walk down the aisle and I feel like I'm about to start sweating. That's the worst thing that could happen whilst I'm in this white wedding gown.

I sigh. I need my mother to walk me down the aisle and I totally hurt her this morning. I spoke without remorse and I was inconsiderate of her feelings. The door opens. I turn my neck towards it. "May I come in?" My mother asks.

I nod. "Yes."

My mother walks in. "You look beautiful." She compliments me. I thank her, returning the compliment. I sigh. "Mama. Ngyaxolisa ngalendlela engikhulume nawe ngayo(I'm sorry about the manner I spoke to you in). As uMama wami, akuyona indlela yokukhuluma nawe ngayo. Ngicela ungxolele(as my mother, it is not the correct way to speak to you. Please forgive me)."

My mother sits down next to me, taking my hand. "Ngyakxolela(I forgive you), Sydney. Uyingane yami and akekho umzali ongaxoli(you're my child and there's no parent that doesn't forgive their child). Yebo, bengisephutheni ngendaba yaKeith(yes, I was at fault about Keith's matter). I had no right to hide him from you and if it really wasn't for you coming here, I probably would have never told you about him." She laughs, her eyes tearing up.

My eyes begin to water as well. She holds my chin. "Ungakhali(don't cry). You'll spoil all the hard work." She says. I smile and try to hold back my tears.

I'm glad we've forgiven each other. Because today is the start of a brand new page and a brand new story. I nod my head. My mother pulls me in for a hug. "I love you so much." She says. "I love you too Mama."

"C'mon. Let's not keep the driver waiting any longer." She helps me up and out the door, lifting the back of my dress. As we walk out, there are people walking into the house with all sorts of white decorations. You name it. They're going to start preparing for the evening party whilst we're at the estate.

My mother and I get into the white limo and find Karen seated inside with Jason. It's been a while since I've seen Jason around. He looks really handsome too.

He always looks good when his hair is formally pushed back. "Ladies!" He says, offering us glasses of champagne. "I hope you're ready because today is going to be a life-changing day."

Andre's P.O.V.
Sydney isn't here yet but I'm already feeling sweaty and my heart is beating out of my chest. Elizabeth along with Evelyn and a few others have already arrived.

Elizabeth takes a seat upfront next to the aisle. She's wearing a purple and gold dress that covers her knees, and tall heels. The dress has a purple feather covering the right shoulder. She smiles at me. I smile back at her.

"Relax." Keith places a hand on my shoulder. "I can hear you hyperventilating from here." I take a deep breath and let it out. Yeah, that's it. He removes his hand.

A minute later, Lloyiso, a South African R&B/Soul artist-joins the band in the corner. Murmurs rise amongst the guests. Keith leans closer to me. "Who's this guy?" "A rising artist. His name is Lloyiso." I reply. "I sure hope he can sing." I chuckle. "You just wait and see."

Jordyn walks up to the priest to inform him that Sydney has arrived. Keith leaves my side and disappears.

She turns to the guests. "Good morning everyone. I'd like to thank each and every one of you for joining us on this beautiful day to celebrate two heartened souls becoming one. The bride has finally arrived so may the ceremony commence."

The guests quiet down. Jordyn nods at Lloyiso and the band. The band slowly starts to play their instruments before they find their tune to Dream About You.

As the song starts, Keith and Nthabi walk down the aisle first, followed by the other bridesmaids and groomsmen. They all keep their smiles. My eyes finally find Sydney as the guests stand to their feet.

She looks beautiful. Just like the day I first laid eyes on her. Her mother is by her side. They walk the aisle, Sydney's eyes stuck on mine. I smile at her. She looks down and smiles.
My eyes tear up. The heartbeat in my chest seems to be skipping a beat at every step she takes.

<><>

Sydney's P.O.V.
As I walk arm in arm with my mother down the aisle, I can't help but feel like I'll collapse. The nervousness and the excitement is all overwhelming. I couldn't believe my eyes and ears when I saw and heard Lloyiso, live at my wedding. This was definitely Nthabi's idea.

Andre smiles at me, I look away and smile. If this isn't the most beautiful moment of my life then I don't know what is.

My mother hands me over to Andre, placing a hand against his cheek. Andre smiles at her.

Everyone takes their seats as the priest begins. He shares bible quotes and verses with all of us. Andre and I can't stop smiling at each other. My eyes look to the side and are met by Keith's. I shyly smile at him and look back at Andre.

I kissed him.

I lightly clear my throat and put on a smile. That is not where my mind needs to be.

The priest allows Andre and I to share our vows. I decide to start.