|PARALLELS| ✔

36|| Justice is Served

“Laws are spider-webs through which the big flies pass and the little ones get caught.”

― Honore de Balzac

~~~~~~~~

Bella

The official opening was finally upon us. Yamen made his way to the stage, his stage presence was amazing— as soon as he cleared his throat towards the microphone immediate silence ensued.

“Good evening, everyone. I'd like to thank you all for taking the time to come and celebrate the grand opening of Hanna's Heaven.  Please put your hands together, and help congratulate the man behind this success. Mr.Hernandez, come upstage, please.”

Loud, joyous clapping and overzealous hoots followed as Dad made his way towards the stage.

He had changed into a sophisticated grey three-piece suit, a white shirt, and black formal shoes from his earlier chef garment.

Rubbing his hands together, I could tell he was nervous. Dad wasn't a crowds' person, he'd rather have an intimate gathering with the people he knew, and loved. It was much easier that way, he'd stress.

With crowds, it was much difficult for him. One thing he disliked the most was dressing up; suits were his worst enemies. A little laugh escaped my cherry lips as I remembered our earlier encounter at home.

“Do I have to wear this!” Dad grumbled annoyed at the piece of fabric.

I swear he acts like a little kid every time he has to dress up. Who doesn't like dressing up? Dad, that's for sure.

“Yes you have to wear it, you don't want to go to your big opening dressed in jeans, and a polo shirt?” I questioned.

The glint in his eye disclosed the answer before he could say it out loud, “I wouldn't oppose the idea, besides I'd be comfortable,” staring down at his clothes a deep frown graced his face. “and I thought when I grew up I'd choose what I wanted to wear,” he complained again.

“Look at it this way: The faster you make your speech, the faster it would be to change back to your comfortable clothes. How about that?” I suggested cooly.

“Now that's an idea! I'll do just that, God! I won't have to wear this piece of sh— I mean this piece of uncomfortable clothing,” he laughed at his mishap, and the disapproving look I cast his way. Not being able to fake the sternness, I toppled over and joined in the ratchet laughs.

Looking at Dad across the room, I knew I was blessed to have a father like him; biological or not, he was all I had before I knew I had a brother in Andrew. Speaking of Andrew, where is that dingus?

Glancing at the people around me, I stared for any signs of my brother. He said he'd be here, and that was three hours ago! What the hell was he doing that was more important than Dads' big day? He better have a reasonable explanation for his tardiness or else he's going to get what's coming to him, it won't be pretty.

Loud tapping on the mike brought back my attention to Dad. “Good evening, Everyone. Thank you for coming out tonight, and being a part of this great day. Truth be told I'm nervous as hell,” polite laughs erupted at his honest confession. Lightly loosening up his tie he continued, “well, I've been working on this for a while now. Not to bore you with too many details, let's get this party on the road. Without further ado, Hannas' Heaven is officially open!”

Stepping off stage, he made his way towards my elegant group of friends. Along the way, people stopped him offering their congratulatory remarks, whilst others simply patted his back as their way of saying congratulations without getting caught up in insignificant chitchat.