CHAPTER 40

The big hall was filled with chatters and giggles of everyone who came to celebrate the excited couple as they exchanged their vows. With the wedding done, the guest moved to the reception hall. And now, Evangeline and her husband danced to a slow dance that held everyone spellbound as they gazed lovingly into each other’s eyes. The floor was theirs as the MC had announced for twenty minutes. And while they waltz slowly around the room, the guest looked on. Some stood in circles, chatting about life, the couple, and petty talks.

Somewhere away from the crowd, the twins blabbered about their aunt and her new baby. The baby in question was sleeping peacefully beside Grandma Swiss, upstairs. As the two argued, but playfully, their grandma sent them down so they wouldn’t wake the baby, whose parents were having a good time on the dance floor. Grandma Swiss voluntarily chose to sit this one out. After all, she had witnessed the wedding alongside her husband and little Robert. And that was the main event. Her younger daughter had finally done the right thing. For the first time in many years, her heart was filled with pride. And she gazed at her grandchild as he slept “Keep it down” she cautioned the twins.

“Grandma, can I hold him?” asked Elizabeth coming around to sit down beside the cot.

“No, you can’t.” said Ethan, dragging his sister away from their grandmother. “He’s asleep.”

“Grandma?” pleaded Elizabeth as she pulled away from her brother.

“This time, your brother is right.” Grandma agreed, smiling at Elizabeth. “Go play with your brother till he’s awake”

Reluctantly, Elizabeth stood and went with Ethan downstairs. Their grandma smiled as they ran about, playing. It was good watching them be their playful self again. They had fought for so long it was finally good seeing them this playful again.

“How did they do it again?” Robert whispered in his wife’s ears as he took the empty seat.

“Who?”

He nodded at the kids playing around the place. “The twins”

“Funny thing, Adriana said they soon realized they had just each other since the baby doesn’t live in their house and stuff. And there was the therapy thing they’ve been having since the incident.” she smiled, “That and the fact that they turned down Ethan’s plea to move in with Evangeline”

“He meant that?” Robert laughed out, unable to stop himself.

“Apparently, he did”

The twins crashed on a pile of clothes and rolled away, laughing loudly. Ethan kicked the table, bringing it down with a loud bang. The baby turned and kicked at the noise. “Okay, that’s enough. Downstairs now” said Mrs. Swiss, sending the children down.

*****

Elizabeth and his twin ran downstairs to behold the beautiful scene. “Aww, look at them”

“We should do some dance; don’t you think?” he jerked his hips wickedly at his twin. She staggered until she found her bearing and ran after him screaming, “Hey.” Thankfully, the music drowned her shouts.

“Kids, behave.” Adriana cautioned the twins as they ran around the large hall, giggling excitedly. She turned to her husband watching him eye the drink on the table with disinterest. “Why do you have a murderous look over a drink?”

Noah sighed, “I can’t stop imagining the things I did because of this” he pushed the glass aside, and his wife quickly grabbed it before the glass fell “It’s just a drink” she chuckled at his wild look. She was thankful they were here now. The therapist had helped them work through some tough shit in their lives, and it finally looked like they’re getting things together. He had checked into rehab and was working through his drinking issues. The last session had been interesting, and the therapist had finally deemed them fit and free. The session had involved the kids too. And though she’s working with the twins, she had asked them to end their couple session afterwards. Smiling as Noah glared at the drinks, she smiled as she recall that particular episode.

“Good morning.” greeted the therapist, watching the family as they scooted in the chair opposite her. She noted that, unlike the previous session, the twins were seated together, and they seemed friendly. So she had started the session with them. “Ethan, how are you?” she inquired, her eyes stayed on the boy but she looked out for Elizabeth’s body language. The previous meeting, the twins had been quite hostile, and non-talking. She had never seen anything like that before. She had worked through sibling rivalry, quite a number, but nothing this tough. For one, the twins were too young to be having such issues. But given the circumstances, and events they’ve witnessed, it was expected they were psychologically not in the right place. Elizabeth didn’t appear distressed, she noted.

“I’m fine.” Ethan smiled shyly, then turned to hug his mother, while holding his twin with the other hand.

“And you?” she asked Elizabeth with a glowing smile to the little girl who fiddled with her gown with her free hand, the other hand clinging to her twin.

“I’m all right”

“Good.” she adjusted in her seat. “Can you both get some cookies?” she nodded towards the cookies their mother had placed on the centre table with some juice. While the kids reached for one, the therapist greeted the parents. “And how is my favourite couple doing?”

Noah nodded that he was okay, and Adriana smiled, holding his hands. “I’m okay. He’s okay.” she giggled, “We’re okay”

“Good” the kids had settled back in their chair now. They had swapped places. Elizabeth now sat beside her mother while Ethan sat beside her. There wasn’t any issue with the sitting arrangement. They are okay now.

“So, does anyone want to tell me anything exciting today?” she probed the kids. They gave her a blank stare. “At school, maybe?” she added suggestively and noticed the twins exchange some looks. Okay!

“Well, someone tried to fight Beth.” Ethan said, rubbing his sweaty palm against his shorts. Besides the kids, the therapist noted that the parents sat straighter. Apparently, they didn’t know about this incident. With a nod, she urged the twin to continue talking. “He…”

“Oh, he?” Adriana couldn’t hold it together. She was worried none of the kids had said anything to her. They usually tell her about everything. Why was some fight not mentioned? “When was this?”

“Thursday?” Ethan said unsure as he looked at Elizabeth.

“Yes, Thursday” confirmed the other twin. “He came at me for jumping line, which I didn’t do intentionally” she held her hands up, defensively. “But, he became, I don’t know, rough”

“What…wh?” Adriana started to rise. Her husband held her down, just as the therapist cautioned her with her fierce stare to stay calm. She nodded. They needed to hear the full gist if they were going to hear whatever had gone down in school. If they didn’t say anything about it to her, and the school didn’t call, then it must be something trivial.

“It wasn’t serious.” put in Ethan, casting his twin a look “The school would have called if we fought.” he moved away a bit from his sister, “And you said to always have each other’s back.”

Shaking her head at being played with her words, their mother said, “I did, but”

“He did just that, mom.” Elizabeth said immediately their mother butt in.

The therapist noted how the twins jumped in to help each other. “Okay, what happened?” she pried before they veered in another direction.

“I walked into her classroom and I saw him, holding her clothes. I just went there and shoved him away. He was some tiny boy. I’m sure Beth could beat him up if she wanted to.” he murmured the last part, “But she didn’t” he shrugged.

Turning to the other twin, the therapist asked, “Why didn’t you fight him off”

Elizabeth laughed, remembering the episode. The minute her brother walked in, and saw them, he had run like some bull in a bullfight and charged at the boy. “Ethan was there. He was all over the boy before I could do anything”

“Wow, that was brave of you Ethan.” she applauded his bravery, before throwing in the caution. The boy grinned from ear to ear, proud of his accomplishment. “Where you angry?” she asked, “When you saw the boy holding your sister. Where you angry?”

“I wanted to beat him up for messing with her”

Elizabeth chuckled, “He wasn’t messing.” she suddenly shut her mouth. She had locked gazes with their therapist and she shook her head slowly. It was a warning. So, she turned to her brother and said, “Well, thank you Ethan for jumping in to help me”

“Impressive” the therapist applauded. The kids were listening to their talks after all. She hadn’t known they were paying attention even though it was evident there were some changes around here. Their parents watched their children proudly.

“Little man.” called Noah out of curiosity, “What did you do afterwards?”

“With the boy?”

“Yes”

“I did nothing, dad.” he replied calmly. “I just took my sister away from the place”

Noah started laughing and so did his wife. The kids joined in while the therapist watched amused. She smiled, trying her best not to join in the family thing going on. She reached for some cookies herself and sipped her drinks. After things had quietened, she crossed her legs and talked some more with the kids. “You shouldn’t be angry, Ethan” she began.

“But I was.” Ethan said, not waiting for the older woman to go on, “I don’t want anyone mistreating my sister”

“That’s exactly what I mean.” said the woman. He wasn’t angry at the boy for treating his sister wrongly. He had been upset because of the way he had been treating his sister. And seeing someone do the actual act had made him angry. “You were angry he didn’t treat your sister the right way.” she paused, “Like you haven’t?”

The little boy bowed his head embarrassed. His twin seeing him so sad, also bowed her head, then she leaned towards him, and hugged him. “I’m sorry, Ethan. I shouldn’t have said you weren’t my friend”

“I thought you didn’t want to play with me anymore. So, I was happy when mom said aunt Linne was having a boy”

The adults watched the drama as the truth began to unfold. They had all assumed Ethan had been the faulty twin, pushing his sister away because of the little baby on the way. No one had suspected Elizabeth might have started it. They watched as the kids apologized and hug it out. The parents had hugged them both, and given them some chocolates, and promised some gifts the following day. Satisfied with where they were, the therapist had released the kids and turned to the couple. The kids were sent to their room, with their favourite cartoon on.

“How have you been?” asked the therapist. “Was it scary hearing the twins speak about this fight because I couldn’t help but notice they didn’t speak to you about it?” she said this to their mother who had looked flustered as the kids narrated the day’s event.

“It was.” Adriana admitted, “They always tell me everything. I was surprised they didn’t tell me this”

“They are growing now.” the therapist said, hinting that more would follow. “They are going to want to keep things between themselves that you wouldn’t know about unless they fight, and start spilling it out. You have to get comfortable with that, and be cool about it” she advised, “Or you’ll lose their confidence totally”

“Okay.” Adriana nodded “Still, I insist you try to stay involved in their lives. It doesn’t mean they have to keep secrets from you”

“No, right”

“Let them be, babe” Noah laughed at his wife.

She let the couple argue briefly about the kids, watching them. Their body language was in sync. “Don’t pry.” she warned as Adriana suggested it playfully to her husband.

“I know, right” she laughed.

“Noah, how’s rehab going? It’s been a month now right?”

“Yes, it’s been” Noah admitted, “And I believe I’m in the clear”

“That’s good progress”

“I’m proud of you” Adriana kissed her husband fully, without inhibition.

The therapist noted the open display of love, taking note of how they were more relaxed now. she could see there was nothing here to fix. They were okay. Still, she chatted with them and then certified them free of her.

“A penny for those thoughts” Noah said, calling back his wife to him. “Where did you go?”

“To the last session with the therapist.” she laughed, “It was so interesting. The kids, you.” she paused, smiling at him before turning to the drink, “This drink almost ruined everything you know. It scared me the first time. And when I started noticing it the second time, I was afraid for all our sakes. I didn’t know if I could fix that, fix us again”

“It’s not just the drink.” he shook his head, “I’ve been thinking about a lot of things. How we met.” he paused, “Me drinking, therapy. We’ve been through a lot, babe” he stopped talking, angry with himself for almost ruining them “Yeah, we’ve been.” she smiled, “And I’ve played some terrible roles too”

“No, you’ve been perfect”

She laughed happily even as the crowd cheered at some move Jason and Evangeline had just done on the dance floor.

He held her hands, crowd, or not. “I don’t ever want to scare you like that again.” he told her with all sincerity. “I don’t wanna lose you”

“You know, you could have one little drink, it wouldn’t hurt”

“Why can’t he?” asked Samantha, leaning over the table.

“Hey, Sam” Adriana chuckled excitedly, leaving her seat to go hug her sister-in-law. Behind her was Gaby. “My God, Gaby?”

*****

Noah turned around excitedly, not believing his ears. Did she just say, Gaby? He stood, hugging Samantha first. Then he saw Gabriel. Their eyes locked. For a while, nobody said anything as both of them stared at each other. Then Gaby opened his arms for an embrace and Noah walked into it looking nonplussed, but excited. “Good to see you man” he greeted, pulling him back into another hug. “It’s so good seeing you” he repeated “Same here man, same here” they made room for them on the table, and the two sat down. “What’s with you and the drink?” Gaby asked pulling his chair closer to his cousin. “You into that shit now?”

“Nah, thankfully, I’m past that phase”

“Good for you.” he said, reaching for the glass. He downed its content in a gulp. “It was a tough time man.” he said, referring to Nate’s death. “Been through a lot of shit myself”

The way he said it was alarming. “What do you mean?” Noah asked, “And how did you and Sam meet?”

“Well, long story. I went to Mexico”

Noah laughed as Gaby looked flustered. He had always wanted to go to Mexico, and become a feared drug lord in a cartel. As kids, it was all he rambled about. And when their family was massacred, the first thing he wanted to do was run off to Mexico and become a feared lord or something. But they had moved off that path since he wouldn’t be going there alone. “You did run off to be a drug lord” he bellowed again as Gaby glared at him.

“It wasn’t funny, man. I was almost killed”

“Killed, what?” Adriana asked catching the last phrase. She was busy admiring Samantha’s new look and clothes that she hadn’t paid the men any attention to. Her sister-in-law was literally glowing.

Gaby and Noah laughed awkwardly, trying to wade off the worried look of his wife. “No, we’re just talking…about you know, Nate” he swallowed, “And how Gaby’s always dreamed of being a drug…”

“Shut it, man.” Gaby punched him to silence him. “How are my little family?” he asked Adriana “They should be here any minute.” Adriana said looking around the hall for the twins. The men have engaged in their talks again, so she turned back to Sam “How are you?” she said to Samantha who was plump and glowing. “You look good. Paris sure did well for your skin tone”

Samantha laughed excitedly at the flattery, “I’m good. Paris was good. Got you some of their Haute” she winked at him.

“Aww, thank you” she hugged the woman she had come to admire so much. Beside them, Noah and Gaby were in a deep conversation of their own. She tried to listen to their manly gist but was distracted as Samantha leaned towards her, she asked, “How’s my favourite cousin?’ she eyed Noah as he leaned away from his wife, towards Gaby. He was happy, she could tell, “You guys didn’t break up?” she teased.

“You’d have my head, won’t you?”

“And every freaking bone”

“Thankfully, no. We’re very much together. We had help too” she smiled at her with a knowing smile, “You told me to give him a chance, I did”

“Smart decision”

“Thank you, Sam”

“No, thank you.” Samantha cooed, “Thank you for loving this thick-headed cousin of mine. I knew I said you should give him a chance, but I know how hard that decision is.” she said, looking away. “I once blew my chance with a man I loved”

“I’m so sorry to hear that”

“No, it’s okay.” Sam waved her off, “I’m a strong woman, and sexy as hell. I’ll find another” she laughed, sadly.

“What about that man?”

She said nothing for a while, shaking her head. “He was part of the reason I went to Paris.” she gave Adriana a stiff smile, “But he’s married, and I couldn’t ruin his family for a feeling I wasn’t sure about”

“Oh, that’s so sad. I’m sorry” she hugged her again “As I said, the man who’s going to love me right will come along”

“I’m sure he will” Adriana pulled back, smiling sadly at her sister-in-law.

“And I may have found him.” said Samantha with a mischievous smile ‘You have? Who?”

“Wait for it.” was her simple reply, “So, tell me, how’s he about you know, Nate’s death?”

“It was a tough call. I almost lost him”

“Yeah, that one’s always been a heavy brooder” she murmured, looking at Noah as he looked at them briefly then turned back to Gaby. Whatever they were discussing kept them so busy they didn’t pay any attention to the women at the table. “What helped? He seems better now”

“Therapy, and love” she chuckled loudly.

“I heard that.” said Noah leaning towards his wife, “She loves me”

“Yeah, she does” Samantha laughed as her cousin stood and walked towards her. “I miss you.” she said, hugging him.

“Uncle Gaby” screamed Ethan excitedly. From some distance, his twin shouted, “Aunt Samantha.” The kids flew towards the new arrivals, hugging them warmly, and bombarding them with questions. Gaby held the hyperactive boy warmly, carrying him easily as he answered all his weird questions.

The music stopped briefly and chatty conversations stopped immediately with everyone paying attention, wondering what would be happening next. “Hello gents and ladies.” the MC called over the microphone. “And now, everyone can dance with the couple”

*****

Across the room from the Monterey were the event planners. The two watched everyone get on the dance floor and smiled feeling quite fulfilled. The main idea was to make the event the talk of the town even if the bride wanted no such thing. But they had succeeded in getting the best of Miami and LA residents gracing the occasion. All the celebrities were gathered in the room, the paparazzi were present and the event was the talk of the town on every social media gossip page. It had been the talk of the town since the invite came out.

“I think we did good.” said Zoe as she clinched glasses with Audrey. The bride had picked both of them as her wedding planner. And they had worked tirelessly to get here. As everyone danced at the reception, the two planners finally had the chance to rest. Sitting back now, they watched as everything was finally rounding off.

“Yes, we did.” said an exhausted Audrey. “I’m glad we pulled this off in just three weeks”

“We did it, yeah” screamed Zoe. “And here he comes to steal her off” she mouthed as she sighted Logan walking towards them.

“Ladies.” he curtsied, “May I steal this gorgeous woman?”

“Sure, you may” Zoe replied, standing. She smiled at the two love birds and walked away.

“Tired?” asked Logan, rubbing her hands down. He leaned over her, and kissed her neck, down to her bare shoulders.

“Beyond words”

“Then it’s good you’re done here.” he grinned, his lips lightly brushing her ear. She rubbed at him, slowly “Time to bade everyone goodbye”

“No” she protested, “This is wrong. We cannot leave”

“Says who?” he scooped her up easily and carried her all the way out. The car had pulled up front already, and he stepped into the open car with her. “We head home now.” he told her blandly.

*****

As the couple danced, Evangeline stared at her husband happily. As the MC called everyone upstage to dance with them, the coupled giggled, and waltz around the room. People started to pair in two, and the dance began in earnest.

“I have some things to say to you.” Jason said, leaning towards her. She smiled brightly at him. “What?”

“Aside from the vows?” she asked, sweetly. The song was slower now, so she leaned towards him, holding his hands.

“What about my vows?” he grinned knowing she had been touched by what he said. The first time he had married her, he was impressed by the words she said to him. He remembered her saying he came into her life when she was in a very difficult time. Naked pictures of her ex and best friend were splattered everywhere for her, and she had felt betrayed, and heartbroken. “When Ellen suggested me being your surrogate, I found something to look to…” she had said, so sadly, he had wanted to kiss her, and make it go away. But he knew she was in a place she had to walk out from herself. A place he knew she wasn’t in anymore, and he was grateful he had been able to do that little thing for her; get her to leave the place. Then she had smiled and looked into his eyes, “But I didn’t just find something to hang on, I found love. I found you.” she breathed happily, kissing him as the priest looked on softly. “You bring light into my life, Jason Valdez. In you I found myself in a million shades of love and more. Thank you for letting me into your heart. I love you.”

He had been speechless. He didn’t prepare anything spectacular to say. So, he had told her he loved her endlessly and wanted to spend the rest of his days loving her. But somehow, he wasn’t pleased with his vows. Now, that he had the chance to fix that, he was going to let it slip. Which was why he had made his vows a big deal as he looked forward to the day.

“Your vows made me all teary.” she blinked rapidly, trying to keep the tears from running down her face and ruining her makeup.

“As yours made me speechlessly when we had our private wedding.” he said, pulling her closer to him.

“When you mentioned the part about me being the surrogate mother of our son…” tears fell down her face as she repeated the words to him, “I couldn’t stop crying. I love you more, Jason. I love you so much”

“You’re the best gift life’s ever given me”

The couple left the dance floor, and went to the corner, kissing passionately. They didn’t care about the flashing lights from the cameras. This was their night. Love lives here.

Mrs. Swiss avoided bumping into everyone on the dance floor as she went to the couple. They were tangled in some corner of the dance floor, gazing heatedly at each other. “He’s awake.” she said to the couple. “He needs to be fed”

“Duty calls” Jason laughed, holding out his hand so his wife would walk with him. As the dance goes on, she pulled her husband as they walked out of the floor. The surrogate mother, with her husband in tow excused themselves from their party to attend to their son.