No Filter

Chapter LXXXV (85)

"If I may have your attention...a toast," Dinah begins, standing from her seat and holding her wine glass cup. She taps her spoon against the glass, grabbing everyone's attention. Louis stands up beside her as the best man. Dinah continues, "Today, we are gather here to join my best friend, Normani Kordei Hamilton, and Harry Styles' wedding. Today is a special occasion for the two of them. And I would like to give them some of my advice that I've learned since my marriage." Louis and her exchange a look, and that got me laughing. They were true spouses.

"Never take one another for granted and learn to communicate. There may be some obstacles in the future and hard times you guys may encounter with one another, but just remind yourself of the love you two have. Communication is the biggest key in any relationship. If you don't have it, then it's nothing. But I...I..." she wipes her tears and groans, "Sorry..." Louis wraps his hand around her arm and rubs it gently. Dinah sniffs and manages to finish, "I have no fear for the two of you. You've guys have always worked out, and I truly admire it. It has helped me in ways I can't thank the two of you for. I think everyone can agree with me when I say you've touched the lives of everyone here, always lending a hand to help us at our job or at home." She looks at Louis, pointing fingers at him.

"Well, I love you too, darling," Louis remarks, and the crowd chuckles. Dinah pats his lower back. Louis says, "Now, Harry has always been the best of a friend anyone could ask for. His uniqueness always made him special, and I love that I get to join him on his special day. He is the best, and he deserves the best. Fortunately, he found Normani, and I'm happy the two got together. I remember during high school, Harry had a small crush on Normani, but he was too scared to get rejected. But Normani came up to him at prom and ask him to dance. That was the beginning of their love affair, and I'm more than happy to have witness it all. I love you, bro, and I love you, Mani."

Normani grew teary, and she carefully wipes a tear from her waterline. Harry held her hand, and the crowd and I awe at them. They blushed and gazed into each other's eyes. I couldn't contain my joy for them. They are just the cutest.

"I'm not going to cry," Mani whimpers. "I don't want to ruin my makeup."

I chuckle. Oh, Mani.

Soon, after we ate, Lauren walks up to the stage and announce, "Hello, everyone, I am so thankful to be here at this beautiful ceremony. I couldn't be happier for Harry and Mani. They are just flying through this like a pro, and I'm here looking like a mess in front of all of you." She laughs nervously and waves at Niall, who sat in the crowd. "Anyways, please, everyone get up and dance. I am going to be singing a song dedicated to the newlywed, so I hope you don't mind."

Lauren rests her breath and slowly begins singing.

Some people live for the fortune,
Some people live just for the fame,
Some people live for the power,
Yeah,
Some people live just to play the game,
Some people think that the physical things define what's within

I get up from my seat and look around the room for Liam. He left his seat after he was done eating and didn't come back. During the dining, he was silent and wasn't really in the mood to talk. I was wondering if there was something wrong. I just wish I knew where he is. I sit back down and wait as I listen to Lauren's soothing voice.

Cause some people want it all but I don't want nothing at all,
If it ain't you baby,
If I ain't got you, baby

I swing my head back and forth to the rhythm. My eyes lock on the bride and the groom dancing to the song. My heart flutters, imagining the day that it will be Liam and my turn.

I sigh heavily and stop swinging my head, dropping my eyes to the floor. A void grows in my stomach, and I wish Liam was by my side. I wet my lips and let out a soft sigh this time.