It all comes down to love
Simo and his groomsmen, Mlu and JB come in and stand in front waiting for the bride. They are all dressed in black tuxedos, They look all handsome but Simo looks a little nervous as his eyes locate his aunt, Zandile who smiles at him. That seems ease him a little bit.In a moment, another little cheer happens as bridesmaids come in from the back. It is the maid of honour Melissa in the front walking in with a little flower girl who is Jessica's daughter pouring little flower leafs in the isle. They walk right to the front where they sit in their allocated seats. Following is Derby looking really beautiful.
As she walks the isle she locates her parents Morgan and Debra who look so happy and proud of their daughter. She smiles back at them as well. She then looks forward and locates JB and their eyes meet. They both smile at each other and JB’s heart skips a little at seeing her beautiful girlfriend. Lastly, Julie comes through looking beautiful as well. As she walks down the aisle as well, she locates her parents Ben and Stacey who smile at their daughter with pride.
She then picks up Mlu upfront with her eyes. He looks speechless and his eyes are filled with love as he smiles at her and she smiles back at him as she goes to stand next to Derby.
After a moment of anticipation, everyone in the tent stands up as Lee-Ann, with her beautiful white wedding gown, accompanied by her father Morgan comes through. She looks so beautiful as people start to take pictures of the bride. As she holds on to her daddy’s arm she walks slowly to the sound of the organ that plays the favourite wedding theme. Simo, as he watches on, has his heart racing even faster. He starts to sweat a little with nerves.
Lee-Ann as she walks down the aisle she begins to look around the tables and sees everyone cheering for her. She smiles back at them. Then she looks at the far right front table and sees her uncle, aunt and cousin David who are all emotional with joy. Then she locates her mother Debra who is also very emotional with joy and happiness. She is actually crying but this time it’s tears of joy to see her first born walking down the aisle. She is also filled with emotions as she smiles back at her.
Then she looks forward to the altar where her handsome husband is standing. As she gets closer and closer her heart is also pounding faster with longing for him. Their eyes are locked on each other as they both smile nervously. Her dad walks her right through to the front where the priest is standing. Simo comes forward to receive his bride from Morgan, who doesn’t say anything but just smiles at him. Simo smiles back at Morgan who goes back to his seat next to Debra.
“Who gives this beautiful bride away this afternoon?” the priest asks, to which Morgan stands up and says “I do” much to people’s cheer in the tent. Simo and Lee-Ann just look at each and smile. “Before we proceed, if there’s anyone in this place who strongly feels that this union shouldn’t take place, let them speak now or forever hold their peace” the priest asks nervously. Suddenly everyone in the tent start to look at each other anxiously. No one really likes this question. It seems very controversial. Simo and Lee-Ann look discomforted by it as they look around the tent to see if there are any trouble makers in the room.
But after a few moments the priest says jokingly “Well you guys it seems you are in the clear” he jokes and everyone in the tent starts laughing. Simo and Lee-Ann themselves join in the laughter as they turn to look at each other. This seems to have calmed the nerves in Simo a bit, not that he was worried about anything surprising.
The priest then goes on to read a few scriptures to the attention of everyone sitting down and listening before he says, “Well to that end, the lovely couple here had informed that they had written their own vows so I will allow them to say their vows to each other. Simo, you will go first” as he gives a nervous groom the microphone. He first looks at the people in the tent, his groomsmen and then his beautiful bride.
“Uhmm I really don’t know where to begin with this” he says as nervously look at Lee-Ann. “We’ve been through it haven we? We’ve gone through the test of time and we came out victorious. We’ve gone through anger, fear and doubts but we came out strong and reaffirmed. It hasn’t been an easy journey this, it certainly has had its ups and downs. And to actually think we are now at the beginning of yet another journey is scary but there’s no one I’d rather go through this journey with but you my love. Baby I love you with all my heart. I promise that I will be by your side every second of everyday we spend in this life. I will be your pillar and strong tower, your best friend and your love in this life and next.”
To that, everyone in the tent stands up and claps their hands joyously as Simo gives back the mic to the priest. His friends Mlu and JB are very excited over this. “well, well, well Mr Mthethwa” the priest says. “Those were really beautiful and encouraging words right there. Judging from what you said, Ms Stain here is lucky to be marrying you. So the question is, are you lucky to be marrying him? Let’s find out” he says jokingly as he gives the mic to Lee-Ann.
“Uhmm, I really don’t know where to begin you know” Lee-Ann says nervously as she turns to look at the people in the tables. She then turns back her attention to Simo, “You know when they say love is the most beautiful thing in the world, I fully agree with that” she says with a trembling voice and a nervous smile as she looks to her husband in the eyes. “That is because I have witnessed that in my life with you and I am currently witnessing it. When they say love is unshakable and is unbreakable, I have witnessed that with us. Baby we have been through so much, our love has been tested severely to see if it’s the real deal or what and it turns out, it is the real deal” as a tear falls down her face.
“We have been through it the past couple of months, to a point where we were almost forced to choose between love and those we love” as she looks at her parents and Zandile and she smiles at them nervously, a little embarrassed.
“But our love for each other stood the test of time and I know that this is only the beginning of our journey but we shall build on this foundation and it shall serve as a reminder that love conquers all even in all that we will face along the way. Baby I love you more than words can ever explain. And I promise that I will always be by your side and I love through all the good times and the bad. I will let nothing to get in between us. I’m yours only, in this life and the next” she wipes the tears as she smiles in conclusion.
“Well, well, well” the priest says. “It turns out you are very lucky indeed” he jokes as he takes the microphone from Lee-Ann, much to everyone’s laughter from the tables. “Well, I don’t think there’s much to say after this, is there? So Simo, Lee-Ann, do you have the rings?” he asks to which Simo takes one from his best man Mlu and Lee-Ann takes one from her maid of honour, Melissa. “Well we shall start with you Simo” the priest says as Simo and Lee-Ann come close to each.
“Do you Simo Mthethwa take Lee-Ann Stain to be your lawfully wedded wife? Do you promise to love her, care for her and protect her as long as you both shall live?” he looks at Simo who has her eyes firmly on his bride. He takes a moment and smiles, “I do” he says. At that, everyone in the tent cheer with clapping.
The priest turns to the bride, “Do you Lee-Ann Stain take Simo Mthethwa to be your lawfully wedded husband? Do you promise to love him, care for him and be loyal to him as long as you both shall live?” Lee-Ann takes a moment herself, with a smile on her face, “Yes I do” she says and the tent cheers for her as well.
“Well, by the powers vest in me I shall now pronounce you husband and wife. So Simo you may kiss the bride” the priest says as he gets out of the way. Simo comes closer and lifts the veil of her wife and she is the most beautiful thing he’s ever seen. He smiles nervously with his eyes becoming teary and so are Lee-Ann’s. Without a moment’s notice they were kissing, much to the cheers of everyone in the tent as they stand up and clap. Even Debra herself gives a half smile and claps as she holds on to her husband,
Morgan who is just as overwhelmed with emotions. In that very moment Mlu and JB go to their friend to hug him in congratulations while Melissa, Derby and Julie do the same with Lee-Ann.
***
After a little while, people are back in their tables for refreshments as the reception begins. Melissa and David are the hosts. Melissa has gone to change from the bridesmaid's dress into a beautiful gown, so did Julie and Derby. Simo and his groomsmen decided not to change since they were dressed in suits anyways. They have done photoshoot already while people were enjoying live music in the tent.
“Well, I must say Melissa, you look really stunning in your gown” David says as he looks at Melissa who is chuffed by the compliment. “Well, thank you very much David. You look handsome yourself” she says with a smile as everyone in the tent claps. “Without wasting anytime David, as we are low on time and we have to get out this place, we’d really like to keep this program very short, which will allow also people to get home early before it’s dark” she says looking at everyone seated down. “Oh yes Mel, you are absolutely correct. With that said, I would like to say on behalf of you and me that congratulations to the newlyweds. We wish you nothing but the best in your new journey. May this beautiful journey be filled with love, peace and blessings” David says much to the cheer in the room.
“So first up I’d like to call up the mother of my beautiful niece and nephew, Julie to come up and say a few words to this wonderful couple please” he says much to the cheer of everyone. Julie duly stands up and goes up to the erected stage. She looks really beautiful in a navy blue dress. She gets up there and hugs David and Melissa before she takes the mic.
“Thank you very much David and Melissa for hosting us and thank you for affording me this opportunity to come up and say a few words to this wonderful couple,” Julie says as she turns around to look at Simo and Lee-Ann who are seated behind her. “Well I won’t be long but I just wanted to say just how much this couple right here has changed my life, in ways you can never begin to imagine. From being such a mean, vindictive, scheming and vengeful person to being someone who…” she thinks for a second. “someone who is trying hard to be opposite of that” she laughs nervously as she locates her parents who smile back at her. “these wonderful people here showed me what love is” she turns to the couple again.
“I must also mention that the challenges they were talking about earlier, some are wondering what they are talking about. Well let me say I was part of that” her voice changes to being sad a little. “Yeah I was a thorn in the flesh, literally” she laughs nervously and embarrassed and people also gets the light joke.
“But I must say that their resilience really transformed me. Their love for each other healed me from a long seated hate and anger that I had carried for a long time. Now I look at myself in the mirror with some pride knowing that I’m a much better person and hoping to be a better mother to my beautiful babies. And that’s all thanks to you guys. I wish you all the best in your new journey. I love you very much” to that everyone claps and cheers at the speech.
“But, lastly, David and Melissa” she says. “I would like to end by this. As you know that I will be leaving soon and won’t be staying too long after this, we are going back to Mahlabathini where we left our little bundles of joy” as she nervously looks at her parents to read their reaction but Ben is just smiling at her daughter while Stacey has a disappointed look on her face.
“Well, I would like to call up the father of my children to come up here please” she says with a smile, looking at Mlu who is caught off guard by that but everyone is now looking at him. So he slowly goes up to the stage and stands next to Julie who in turn looks at him with eyes full of love. Stacey looks at this anxiously, wondering what is Julie going to say now. Then she looks at Ben who looks just as lost.
“Mlu, uhmm our journey is well documented” Julie says with a nervous look. “It has ups and extreme downs and I own up to that. It is really on my end” she reluctantly smiles but Mlu is still a little confused as to what is going on here. “But then out of it all something extraordinary happened, two little adorable beings happened. Babies who are everything to me. They have changed my life completely. But another thing is that I’m really happy that you are their father and I couldn’t be luckier. The three of you are the most important thing in my life. And I love you very much. And by that what I’m trying to say is that I’m yours and yours alone…”
But she doesn’t finish as Mlu jumps on her with a passionate kiss that she gladly receives. “I love you too Julie” he says. “I think I have always known that, always. And I’m yours also, yours alone…oh and those two little ones as well” he jokes nervously to which Julie joins him. “We may not get everything right always with those babies but one thing is for sure is that they will have the love of both their parents. I love you so much my Julie” with that they kiss again as they get of stage much to the cheering and clapping from everyone in the tent. Even Ben claps as he smiles at them as they go to sit together this time but Stacey still just doesn’t look like she’s impressed by all that.
“Wow that was quiet some speech there hey” Melissa says. “Thank you very much Julie and good luck with you and Mlu in your new journey as well of parenthood. So we also have Derby, Lee-Ann’s younger sister, who would like to come here and say a few words to the newlyweds. Please come up here Derby” she says to the cheers as Deny goes up on stage. She looks stunning in a white dress.
“Well, thank you very much Melissa and David for hosting us, you have done a really great job up in here, haven’t they guys?” Derby says as she claps to which everyone else in the tent follows. David and Melissa appreciate that by nodding with smiles. “Well I’d like to say a few words about this
wonderful couple right here” as she turns to look at Lee-Ann and Simo who smile back at her. “Even though I have so much to say about them both but we are low on time so I will keep it short” Then she takes a deep breath as if she was nervous about it.
“I was fortunate enough to witness this couple’s love grow over the last few years and I can tell you that it is not some fairy tale love from some drama on TV but it pure and honest. Not without its challenges but it is so solid that all of here in this room can learn something from them. I definitely know that I have learnt so much from these two.
Simo is such a wonderful, loving and caring guy and I know that my sister is safe with him. I must say that it is actually not easy to love a Stain” she jokes as she locates her parents who get it and then looks at JB on the other table, who looks down, smiles and shakes his head. Simo and Lee-Ann look at each and also laugh at the joke.
“Well Simo was able to win a Stain over and I really think that him part of my sister’s has done wonders not just Lee but for the Stains as a whole and the Smarts too” as she looks at her parents and then the Smart family. “My sister is the kindest of all souls walking the face of the earth” as she turns to look at Lee-Ann who is warmed by that as she smiles back at her sister. “She is selfless and very kind. She and Simo suite each other perfectly. And I just want to say to you Simo that you are in the safest of hands in my sister. I wish you guys nothing but the best of life ahead of you. May your journey be filled with love, peace and blessings” she concludes to loud cheers in the tent.
“But before I sit down I’d like to pull a Julie on you guys” she says with a smirk on her face which confuses a few people in the room even Julie doesn’t seem to know what her cousin is talking about. But Derby looks around in the tent for a second and then looks at her parents who are wondering what she is on about now.
“JB can you please come up here please” she says, much to people’s surprise in the tent, JB himself almost falls of the chair as this catches him by surprise. He reluctantly stands up and goes forward. As he goes to the stage he passes by Morgan and Debra and he quickly pulls away from eye contact with them as he can see that Debra is not happy at all. He gets to the stage and stands next to Derby who is smiling, looking at everyone in the tables. “Thank you for coming up here babe” she says with a smile that still confuses JB.
“One of the things I have learnt from the couple behind me is that you must always fight for something you believe in, someone you love. They had been against the odds and opposition to their love but they’ve always fought for each other. So I have learnt to fight for what I believe in and this man here” as she looks at JB. “I love him, very much actually”
This seems to catch Debra off guard as she looks stone faced at her daughter. JB didn’t expect it either as he takes a look at Derby’s parents and sees that they are both looking at him. He feels embarrassed a little bit so he pulls away from eye contact once again. He appreciates the gesture from his girlfriend though.
“Our story is actually quiet unique though” Derby continues. “From what you could call a hostile understanding of one another to something that ended up being beautiful is our story. You see, no one put us together, not really. We grew from being mutual to Simo and Lee-Ann to being friends. And from there to being best friends and then to falling in love. Nothing was hyped or sensationalized, we grew to love each other. And today I can tell you that he makes me so happy and feel very special because he so honest with me. So trusting him comes natural” to that everyone in the tent looks taken by such words as they begin to clap. “I love you JB, I really do and I just want you to know that you can count on me to fight for you and to fight for us anyway”
Those words melts JBs heart as he kisses his girlfriend in full view of everyone, including the less than impressed Debra. As they move of the stage, Lee-Ann stops them, “I’m proud of you little sis” she says as she hugs Derby while Simo hugs his friend, JB. They go of the stage holding hands as they go to sit together in the table where JB was sitting with Julie and Mlu. The four hug each other again there in full view of everyone.
“Wow, hasn’t this been a very eventual day?” David says as he nervously looks at Morgan and Debra who are just as stunned at what has happened. “Well, well, to that, we shall move on to our last speaker” David continues. “She is the groom’s aunt. She practically raised this man to be the man that he is today. Surely it would be nice to get to hear from her as well. So please come up here Zandile” he says much to the applause in the tent. Zandile then stands up and walks quickly to the stage and takes the mic from David and hugs him. “Well I can assure you David that there’s no announcement on my side,” she jokes much to the laughs from everyone. She then turns and looks at Lee-Ann and Simo and smiles at them and they smile back at her.
“Well I think, if I may…what we can learn from this eventful day is that it will always come down to love” she says. “Love shall always be the winner in every situation. People grow apart and have disagreement but if they love each other, they will always find their way back to each other. And we have learnt that lesson from this lovely couple here. Me and my daughter in law, Lee-Ann” as she turns to look at her with a smile. “We have had our disagreements and in particular her parents over this relationship” now as she looks at Morgan and Debra. “I was concerned about my baby boy. I didn’t want to get hurt, especially after that accident that almost too his life. They were also concerned about their daughter and wanted to protect her from harm. So we both disagreed on certain things that really created tension between these two families. But what we were not paying attention to is that these two were solid more than ever.
They loved each other even more and were fighting for each other. I think we missed that” she looks at everyone again. “Love is love. We can’t fight it neither can we fight on its behalf. It can do that by itself and it showed that with these two” to that, everyone on the tent claps.
“Lastly, David, I wanted to say to Lee-Ann” as she turns around again to look at Simo’s wife, “I get it now, I really do” she says with a smile. “I know that you won’t hurt my son and I know that you will do your part as his wife. I trust you. And I want you to know that if this one is giving you any trouble, please come to me and I promise you that I will sort him out okay?” she concludes jokingly much to the cheers of everyone as she goes to sit down.
“Well, that was really lovely Zandile. We really appreciate you for raising such a good man and let me just say that it takes a very strong woman to single raise a boy till he becomes a man. So we thank you very much” Melissa says as she leads people into clapping one more time and they duly oblige.
“Well we have come to the last parts of our ceremony” she continues. “We shall have the bride and the groom to come and cut the cake and they will have their dance as well. And we’d like everyone to join us in the dance as well. Well I think this time I will have a partner to dance with, who is my co-host David” she says to the applause and laughs of everyone in the tent.
***
The bride and groom have had their speeches, cut the cake and had their dance. The ceremony is officially over now but people are just dancing and having fun. Others are sitting in their tables drinking wines that were provided in each table. Others are outside chatting in groups and still others have left already.
“Oh hey, ready to go?” Thandeka says as she kisses Jason. “Oh yeah, in a moment babe, I just need to speak to my sister for a second” he says as he kisses her back. “This was quiet some event wasn’t it?” he says looking around the now almost empty tent. “Oh yeah it was” Thandeka says. “So you are dropping me of at home, right? Because I have been at your home the past few days and I think I have overstayed my welcome hey. I don’t want your sister to start wondering” she says looking away but Jason jumps in, “Oh come on, don’t say that” she says.
“Melissa actually likes you, you know that. Plus, it’s already late so maybe then you can go home tomorrow. Besides your car is at home and what’s the point cause we both know you will be missing me in no time when you and your brother start fighting, hahaha” he jokes but Thandeka just smiles that away.
Speaking of the devil, JB and Derby come join them, much to Jason’s discomfort. He really can’t get used to the way JB looks at him sometimes. “Hey girl how are you?' Derby says as she hugs Thandeka. “Hey my friend. I’m okay, how are you?” Thandeka responds with a hug back. “Jason” JB says but not really shaking his hand. He gives him that look, again.
“Hi JB” Jason says with a half-smile while he hugs Derby and says “Hey Derby, how are you?” Derby receives the hug, “Hey Jason. I’m good thanks how are you? Did you guys enjoy yourselves?” she asks. “Oh yeah we did thank you very much” Jason says. “Yeah the wedding was really awesome my friend. And don’t worry about losing a sister to Simo, I’m here as your sister now okay hahaha” Thandeka says as she laughs loud. “I know my friend; I know” Derby says as she smiles. “So you guys, where are you off to?” she asks but Thandeka and Jason look at each other and then they look at JB embarrassed.
“Oh uhmm… I will drop her off at home and then I will go home. It’s been a long day hey” Jason smiles nervously as he looks at JB who is showing no emotion. Derby looks at JB as if to say ‘Now what?’
“You know what, you can keep her” JB says, much to everyone's surprise and confusion. “You look after my sister okay?” he says looking at Jason who is clearly caught off guard. Then he looks at his sister who is just as shocked. “Oh come on don’t pretend as if you didn’t want to sleep over at his home” he says with a raised eyebrow.
“Hahaha…” Thandeka bursts out laughing. “Hey don’t make this about me okay? This is about you wanting to pin my friend down hahaha” she laughs looking at Derby who is embarrassed. “Tell you what my friend please go there and make me an aunt by tomorrow okay?” she winked at Derby. “Let’s go babe. See you guys” she says as she takes Jason by the hand leaving JB and Derby stunned not knowing what to say with that.
***
Right in the front table Mlu and Julie had joined their friends Simo and Lee-Ann to congratulate them on this beautiful evening. They are just sitting down having a nice chat about how everything went today.
“Well, guys we can’t thank you enough for being here. We know how tough it must have been for you guys to leave the little ones so far and be here with us. We really appreciate you guys” Leeway says as she holds Julie’s hands and smiling at both of them. “Yeah you guys we really appreciate you a lot” Simo jumps in.
“So you are leaving now?” he asks curiously? “Yeah man, we figured that we should hit the road now while it’s still not too dark, Mahlabathini is far” Mlu says with a smile looking at Julie. “Oh yeah we would have loved to stick around a little longer but we have to get going but don’t you worry auntie Lee and uncle Simo, we will come back with your niece and nephew” Julie says smiling back at her friends.
“I’m glad to hear that” Lee-Ann says. “And I’m really glad that you too found your way back to each other. I’ve always known that you guys will have something special going” but she doesn’t finish as Simo jumps in, “Yeah man I’m really happy that you guys are together now and this is actually good for the babies as well” he says to which Julie and Mlu look at each other with eyes of love for a moment before they kiss over it.
That moment is interrupted by the Stains, Morgan, Debra and the Smarts, Ben and Stacey coming to the table to greet. For a moment there that seems to dampen the spirit a little bit as Lee-Ann and Julie look at each as if to say What are these ones doing here now? There’s awkward silence for a moment before Ben breaks it, “We would like to congratulate you Mr Mthethwa and my niece on your union” he says as Simo stands up to shake his hand.
“Thank you, sir, we really appreciate it” Simo says nervously as he shakes Ben’s hand hard. But then Morgan extend his hand as well as he says “Congratulations young man” to which Simo accepts the invitation, “Thank you, sir” as he shakes Morgan’s hand, looking at him in the eyes trying to assess the situation. All the while, Stacey and Debra are hugging Lee-Ann. This time, Mlu and Julie haven’t moved from their seats. Mlu looks nervous more than anything else.
“Uhmm, well we were hoping to have a word with the newlyweds for a moment” Morgan says, looking at Mlu and Julie who look at each other and then look at Simo and Lee-Ann who in turn look at each other as well. Simo looks at them and nods with his head to say ‘It’s okay you guys.’
“Can we sit right over there please if it’s okay with you” Morgan says to Simo as he points to a far empty table. “We don’t want to disturb Mlu and Julie here okay?” he smiles to which Simo and Lee-Ann oblige as they stand up to walk to that table. Seeing that their friends left with Morgan and Debra, Mlu and Julie attempt to up and leave but Stacey stops them, “Please don’t go” she says with a low voice.
“We would like to talk to you before you left for Mahlabathini, please darling” her voice is trembling a little bit. Mlu looks at Julie and indicates that it’s okay, so Stacey and Ben sit down in the table with them. Julie and Mlu look at each other in confusion wondering what this could be about but Julie can’t even look at her parents as she can hazard a guess for this meeting. “Yeah Mr and Mrs Smart, what can we do for you?” Mlu asks nervously as he looks at Julie next to him but Ben takes a moment to think as if he is not sure what he wants to say.
At that moment Stacey jumps in, “I know that you guys are in a hurry to go back to…” for a second there it seems like she’s forgotten the word. “you have to go back to my grandchildren. But we’d like to discuss this further to see if we can an agreement about how we’d raise these babies together. Uhmm Mlu, we tried to talk to your sister but…”
Stacey doesn’t finish her thought as Julie cuts her off sharply, “Mom we spoke about this okay?” she says. “Why are you making this so difficult? There’s nothing to discuss here and can I just be clear about…” seeing how this can get out of hand, Ben cuts in “Okay, okay, okay can we all just calm down for a second here?” he says calmly but Julie is having none of it, “No, no, no dad I’m tired of this” she shouts as she stands up. “Mlu and I are raising the children together okay? And that’s the end of the story, I won’t change my mind on this. When we come back I’m moving in with Mlu. Now can we please leave?” she says to Mlu who doesn’t have words.
He looks at Julie’s parents and see that they are stunned. “Mlu please…can we go? It’s getting dark outside” she says as she grabs her hand bag and leaves the table, heading for the tent exit.
Mlu looks and see that Stacey is teary but he quickly stands up and follows Julie leaving the two old folks sitting shocked. On their way out they pass by Lee-Ann and Simo and Julie indicates to Lee-Ann with a sign to say I will call you. And Lee-Ann nods to indicate that she acknowledges. Mlu does the same with Simo as he indicates to him that they will talk later.
***
Now, only Simo, Lee-Ann and the Stains are left in the tent, everyone else is either left or outside the tent taking pictures. JB left earlier with Derby and Thandeka left with Jason. David also left with some guy he met here at the wedding, he’s been working hard to hook up. Melissa was once again unlucky on scoring a hunk for herself. She has never been lucky actually.
“So before you guys go we just wanted to give this” Morgan says as he gives a confused Simo a A4 envelope. He takes it and then looks at his wife who looks at him back, wondering what it could be. “Uhmm, Mr Stain...?” Simo says curiously but Morgan cuts him of, “Look, I know that you guys will be going to Spain and then Amsterdam but we just wanted to add to that adventure as well” he says with a smile looking at Debra, who gives a half smile. Simo opens the envelope and pulls out few papers in it, and he is shocked to read what it is and Lee-Ann can see that so she takes the papers.
She is just as shocked as she reads. “Italy, daddy?” she says as she looks at her dad with a pleasant smile on her face and that comes as a relief to Morgan.
“Look, Simo, I know that you’d preferred to do everything by yourself and please forgive us if we overstepped, but we just wanted to do something nice for you guys. For all that we put you through and how things have been between us the last few months, this is the least we could do. So please accept this from us” Morgan says humbly but Simo is still surprised.
“Uhmm, if you insist sir, thank you very much Mr Stain. We are appreciating it very much” Simo says as he extends a hand to which Morgan accepts. “Yeah it’s cash and reservation for a week in one of Italy’s top hotels. Of course it can be your last trip after your pre-arranged ones. I didn’t want the bookings to clash so I put the reservation date further for you, so no hurry in Spain and Amsterdam he says as he smiles.
“Oh daddy the dates are perfect, thank you so much” Lee-Ann says as she goes to hug her old man and Morgan is happy. All the while Debra is sitting down, she looks reluctant. Simo and look at each and smile. This is the last thing they expect from the Stains.
“Oh, one more thing” Morgan says. “Darling, do you think you can come back to work, when you are ready though?” nervously looking at his daughter. “I mean, no pressure but we really need your expertise there. Things haven’t been…” he doesn’t finish as Lee-Ann cuts him of, “Yes, daddy I think I’m ready to come back to work now” she says. “though we have to iron up a few things first, alright?” she smiles.
To that she stands up and hugs her father once again as Simo looks on with a smile. But that moment is interrupted by Debra, “So does this mean you will also reconsider the idea of moving to your own place? Does it mean you’ll now come and live with us when you come back?” she asks and that completely ruins the moment, not just for Lee-Ann and Simo but for Morgan too who turns around and looks at his wife with displeasure as if to say, ‘you had to go on and ruin the moment, didn’t you?’
“Darling” Morgan says as he tries to cut her off. “What?” Debra asks. “I’m only asking if they’ll now come back to live with us, that’s all” as she shrugs her shoulders.
“Oh mom, you had to ruin that moment, didn’t you? You are so unbelievable you know that?” Lee- Ann shouts. “No we are not coming to live with you okay? You can forget that. Why do you always have to be that way? Let’s go baby” she says to Simo as she pulls him by the hand and he duly obliges as he stands up to walk with his wife.
They leave the two standing there. But they are stopped by Morgan’s shout, “Oh no, darling are you okay?” as glass falls from the table to the floor and breaks. Lee-Ann turns around in time to see her mother collapsing to the ground. She drops He hand bag as she screams, “Oh mom, no… somebody please call an ambulance
The End
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