The fourth step (VO)

Part 2/2

The calm returns little by little and a calmer music begins, "I can't help failing in love with you", I freeze for a moment before looking at Mika without him seeing me, it is his favorite song.

The bride and groom start to dance slowly followed by other couples who join them in turn.

Andy observes the scene, a little moved, his eyes shine slightly, he blinks rather quickly hoping that nobody has noticed.
Mika arrives and leans close to his ear.

Mika: I didn't know you were so emotional.

Andy: I guess I am... Don't tell anyone that, okay? I've got files of you, too.

Mika slowly moves closer to me and takes my hand, I try to pull it away but he holds me back.

Mika: Just for tonight...

He takes my hand again, squeezing it a little tighter and I let myself be beaten. Then he whispers to me.

Mika: Andy, I don't know what's wrong with you but I... I don't like to see you like this, you should be happy?

Andy: It's okay Mika, I promise.

He then looks me straight in the eye.

Mika: Not to me Andy, I know you too well, over 10 years of relationship, you can't make me believe that.

I move away from him a little, whispering.

Andy: Yes, over 10 years.

Mika: Andy?

He gently pushes me to go dance, so we end up in the middle of other people dancing to "love me like there's no tomorrow."

I hesitate a little before moving my head closer to Mika's neck.
Mika puts his hand on my neck and whispers in my ear.
"Let yourself go a little, people here are open minded no one will judge us honey."

I release a sigh that I had not imagined holding back.

I let go, a little more soothed by Mika's words, who once again knew how to find the words to soothe my anguish.

One could believe that I have the strongest character, but it is often the opposite in fact, it is Mika who removes me each doubt more often.

At the same time Mika puts his hand on my lower back and I wrap my arms around him.

Andy: Their wedding is perfect.

Mika: It took months of preparation you know. he says lightly laughing. I think they can thank us for the venue, right?

Andy: That's true, but we could have done that, right?

Mika: That's right, did you see Beauregard with the rice? That kid is crazy.

Andy: Yes, I saw him. I say with a smile. The grooms are perfect too.

Mika: What?

Andy: I didn't mean it that way, you know what I meant. They are made for each other, it's obvious.

Mika: We're perfect too.

Andy: But not married... I say this while shifting my head and looking away.

We both move to the side to make room for the others. I shift my head away from Mika and go for a walk in the gardens.

The lights are still on, the only difference is that it is night, the setting is beautiful.

Mika does not understand Andy's reaction and feels lost. He talks about it with Zuleika whom he met, she explains him that she saw Andy going towards the gardens.