Beyond Boundaries

Chapter Eight

  Before I begin, I want to immensely apologize for taking such a long break. I love this book so much and it hurt me to not be able to work on it. Something happened with my mum so I had to take over her business for a while.

  She's all good now, I still supervise but I'll try to update more because I really can't wait for these two to get back together.

  This chapter is dedicated to every single one of you who reached out to me. Both because of the book and to check on my welfare. Thank you.

LEILANI

  The next morning is full on buzzing with noise, music and people "Why is there so much noise?" I ask Marsai when she whips past me, talking hurriedly with someone on her phone.

  She says her goodbyes to the person on the line "They're celebrating the traditional wedding announcement" she replies like it's the most obvious thing.

  "What do you mean a traditional wedding announcement?" I ask, coming in front of her and halting her steps.

  She sighs "My elder sister, your cousin, met a man, made the mistake of falling for him and now they're in love and want to be together" she draws out her words like she's speaking to a five-year-old and I frown "So guess who's in charge of planning that?"

  Sai might be blessed intellectually and physically but she was mildly lacking in the emotional aspect. Her over the top rational thinking and enviable control over her emotions made her the worst person to relay big news like this.

  I silently hope she's not in charge of the wedding invites.

  The wedding however comes somewhat as a surprise to me because last I heard of my cousin and her fiancé was about how the families were making inquiries into each other to discover how suitable their families actually were and the idea that they're actually going through with it makes me realize just how little I've connected with my family.

  I mean wasn't she just eighteen?

  "Isn't she in Switzerland or something?" Even if I didn't keep up with family much, I knew for a fact she was doing her masters somewhere in the world.

  "It's Australia and the wedding takes place late January" She informs side stepping me and bending to pick up a pair of shoes one of the kids must've discarded "She's gonna be back by then"

  So Christmas, New Year and a traditional wedding, the aunties are gonna have their hands full.

  "Which one are you going for then? Decor or refreshments?" She asks, sizing me up a little.

  I get to be in charge of something?

  She looks at me expectantly and I'm at a loss because I'm so not prepared for this "Can I supervise the feeding.. Refreshments and stuff?" It's the first thing that comes to my head.

  "I'd like to be responsible for that" Elvis appears out of nowhere interrupting our convo and falling in line with us both. I am not even sure where we were heading to.

  "Sorry I cut you off," he nudges me "Promised Isla I'd help so this is me offering to"

  Sai looks him over in disbelief as we walk past the lounge "You're the biggest food lover I know so forgive me if I don't really think it a good idea handing you that job"

  "It's why it's such a good idea" he argues, turning her to face him "It's the whole trusting a thief with treasure analogy."

  "And what if that thief can't help falling back into his nature?" She maintains her stare, ignoring the inches he has on her.