ALWAYS AND FOREVER

Chapter 39

Fenna

The week moves quicker than I expected. I'm all smiles as I fit on the cream white wedding gown. Well, there's a reason why I settled for it and Nolan didn't object.

That Friday, Nolan drives me to my parents house because that's where I must sleep before the wedding.

I've already done my and the make up artist is in my room doing my manicure and pedicure.

She's busy steaming my face when someone knocks at my door. I hope against hopes that it's Nolan though I'm sure I won't be seeing him till tomorrow at the altar.

The lady, Joan goes to get the door because it's locked from inside and I'm surprised to see Tess entering.

I'm about to shout my lungs out at her when she goes down on her knees infront of me, an act which catches me unawares.

“I'm sorry cousin. I'm so sorry! ”
She cries out, her face touching my laps.
I don't know if she's just dramatising or not but I do the only humane thing I can think of.

I cup her face into my palm and lift her head up. Our eyes meet and I'm surprised to realise that hers are bloodshot. She has been crying long before she showed up here.

“It's okay cousin... Please stand up... Sit here... ”
I say, tapping the bed beside me.

Her gloomy face breaks into a broad smile and she blinks back some tears, sniffing in the most unladylike manner.
She sits next to me and entangles my already manicured fingers with hers.

“I'm do sorry, okay? I don't know what I was thinking. You're like my younger sister and I acted weirdly with you. Will you ever forgive me?”
She says, he eyes boring into mine.

“I've already forgiven you cousin. That's why I sent the wedding invitation to you. I hope Robin too received his. I haven't seen him for a long time... ”

I say, remembering that he had once invited me out but I never accepted.

“He called me the other day. He wanted us to meet though I was adamant... Guess what cousin? ”

Tess says excitedly.

“You know I'm not good at guessing! ”
I defend myself.

“Well.... We're kind of dating... ”
She says, all smiley.

“You Tess? Dating? Since when? ”
I know Tess ain't in for dating. She just fancies casual hookups and one night stands!

“Well, I've changed honey... I'm ready to give it a try.... He's even in the living room catching up with Vadim.... ”

“Waoh! This is news... Sweet news to my ears. Waoh! Congratulations darling cousin! ”

We hug passionately and she sits back on the bed as Joan continues with her job.

*******
It's already late in the evening when I finally step out of the house to the compound to catch some fresh air. I'm  surprised to find Lucien and Amir at the parking, leaning on my car. Well, it's the only car in the compound.

I greet them happily and ask them if everything is okay.

“Yes ma'am. Mr.nolan sent us to watch of you and your family through out the night. He doesn't trust anybody....”

Lucien replies.

“It's okay...I'm just catching some fresh air. I've been indoors for long...”

I get back to the house a few minutes later and mum is already serving dinner.

“You need to eat and sleep early. Tomorrow is your day and we don't want you to start dozing off while at the altar! ”
Mum makes fun of me.

The food is delicious and we all eat to our fill. I then excuse myself to go to my room. I need to chat with Nolan. I miss him already.

“Someone missed me? ”

It's his first greeting as he smiles from ear to ear in the video call.

“Don't be too sure my love...I just wanted to confirm that you haven't attended the silly bachelor's party!”

“Ahhhw! See who's jealous! Well, that's my wife....I can't defy your orders. You made it clear your highness!”
He bows down as if he's addressing the queen.

I laugh at the joke and we chat for long till he orders me to sleep.

“I don't want to exchange vows with a dozing off bride... ”

We say our goodbyes as I place the tablet on the table then yawn all the way to slumberland....

*****
I wake up with a start... Someone is tapping my back because I'm lying on my stomach.

I turn slowly, blinking rapidly due to the light in the room.
I gasp in shock when I realise that it's already morning. I must have slept like a log.

“Wake up sleepy head... ”

Mum says.

“It's almost seven. Your breakfast is ready.”

“Goodmorning to you too mummy dearest...”

She walks out smiling awkwardly.
She's simply happy for her daughter...her only daughter...her last born.

I lazily walk to the bathroom and run some cold shower to ease the tension. I'm obviously uneasy.

I tie the bathrob over my body and walk to the dining table.
I gasp at the sight infront of me.

“Mummy! Is this breakfast, lunch or dinner? ”
I ask, chuckling.

“Just eat baby.... You need the energy. ”

I serve a small portion of each dish and eat to my fill.

My bridesmaids arrive and they eat too then we go to my room to dress up. It's quite fortunate that Joan is among the maids so she does our make up.

*****
“Don't be nervous honey ..it's your day...relax and enjoy!”
Dad assures me as we step out of the silver limousine heading to the church.....