The sun rose early that Sunday morning, shining in all of its glory. The bright rays that sneaked through a narrow opening between the curtains graced Celine's youthful face. She jerked up from her bed, drew open the curtains, and dashed into the bathroom like a job hunter who was late for an interview. It was her 18th birthday. Celine was feeling ecstatic. It felt like a new version of herself had just been born. The dawn of adulthood tickled her fancy. She can now stay out late, hang out freely with friends, and be treated like an adult– at least, that was what turning 18 meant to her. Her mother, Thérèse Dion, walked into the room to lay Celine's stunning birthday dress on herbed. "Celine honey, it's time to leave the shower. Get dressed and be downstairs Princess, " she cried out to Celine who was lost in the enchantment of her songs. Thérèse Dion was a Canadian television personality and also a philanthropist. A mother of 14beautiful children who worked tirelessly with support from her husband Adhémar-Charles Dion, to ensure that her children had all they needed. Thérèse was just like every mother. She had mastered the skills of meddling in her children's affairs. Her kids' business was hers too. She was that paranoid mom that was never comfortable leaving her children with babysitters. She was a perfectionist. Celine finally walked out of the bathroom after what seemed like an endless shower. Still singing, she dried up her body with a crimson red towel her mom got her from one of their visits to the mall. She liberally applied her body lotion, examining her body carefully as though she was looking for some changes believed to happen when one turns 18.She wore her dress, pulled her hair up in a ponytail, applied soft makeup, and went down stairs. "Surprise!", her 13 siblings chorused. They took turns hugging their sister as they gave her birthday presents, singing her birthday songs." You look ravishing, my Princess", Her mum said as she pulled her closer for warm hugs. "Here! This is for you. Happy Birthday, Honey", Thérèse said, pulling out an Emerald green necklace that twinkled as rays of light landed on it.
" Oh my! It's so beautiful, " Celine said as she held the necklace in so much admiration. She couldn't wait to put it on. Her mom noticed and helped out with that. In no time, the whole house was filled with guests. The party had begun. Soft music and exchanges of pleasantries filled the air. Everyone was either busy with a glass of sparkling red wine or any other item on the menu. The door of the sitting room was gently opened and a middle-aged man stood at the door holding a parcel for the celebrant. He wore an Italian suit, tailored by experts that fit tight and relaxed on his well-built body with a tapered waist, high armholes, and very little shoulder padding and a tight V-shape found at the front of the suit jacket at the waist. His shoes were neatly polished and shone brightly. I bet you could see your face properly if you looked at them. He looked like Cinderella's Prince Charming ready to take any woman's breath away. René Angélil was a reputable talent manager, musical producer, and singer with accolades to his name. Celine's lover or should I say, secret lover. Their love affair had been going on for awhile now unknown to practically everyone. No one knew them as lovers but just partners who worked together. Celine met René when she was only 12 years old. René was 38 at that time. One of Celine's siblings sent a tape of her singing to René and he was blown away. He invited her over to audition in Quebec, Canada and that was where it all began. She worked with him as a producer for years but as she grew older, she started to develop feelings for René. Each passing day strengthened her love for him and soon, she was head over heels in love with him. René Angélil, was 26 years older than Celine. He already failed twice at marriage. His first spouse was Denyse Duquette whom he got married to in 1966 and they got divorced in 1972after having a son together in 1958. Two years after that, in 1974 René found love again and tied the knot with Anne Rene, a Canadian pop singer who rose to fame in Quebec in the1970s. Unfortunately, the marriage took a bitter turn in 1985 and the couple went their separate ways after two kids together. Celine noticed René at the door and rushed happily towards him. They hugged and he handed her the parcel. The held hands and found their way in between the sitting room filled with guests to a quiet corridor. "You look so beautiful, " René said as he gently caressed Celine's cheeks. He stared into her eyes. Celine looked away, stylishly taking his hands off her now bashful cheeks. "Thank you for the present", she managed to say, smiling and trying so hard to not look at him.
" Anytime, my lady, " He replied as he planted a gentle kiss on her forehead. Thérèse stood watching and fighting the thoughts in her head. She was not sure what to believe. Was her daughter in love with René? "No way! Impossible!" She muttered. She watched how they held hands, how René could not stop staring at Celine in admiration, the hugs and kisses he gave her on her cheeks and forehead at intervals. It reminded her of her youthful days, when falling in love for the first time felt like heaven on earth. She was however, not comfortable with how close her daughter was getting to René. The party ended and the sitting room gradually became less rowdy as guests left for their various homes. Celine walked René to the door and "goodbye" became almost impossible to say.
