The night of the wedding

I stood on the balcony. It was a warm night with few clouds in the sky. I could see some stars, twinkling silently, in their calm assurance.

It was a wonderful evening. I could hear the faint buzz of the reception — the bride and the groom were mingling with the guests inside, laughing, and talking.

Iza made a gorgeous bride — her dress was perfect, her make up spot on.

Did I feel sorry for her? Not really! I was glad she married James, relieved actually.

I briefly considered the thought of her marrying Gabriel. They were an item, or so I heard, before I entered this family.

Did Iza know of my strong obsession with Gabriel? Did Gabriel know?

I looked into the darkness.

At dawn, I would have to leave for university, yet again, for my finals.

Dear God, I hope it goes well. I was a straight A student till, till all this, actually.

Till I entered this house, and

till I set my eyes on Gabriel.

Nothing had deterred my focus,

Not my loneliness

Not my biological father’s death

Not the generosity of Gabriel’s boss, who adopted me as a daughter, and welcomed me into his family.

Truly, I should be indebted to my now dad, for enabling me to continue my education, for giving me a chance at family, and more so, for Gabriel.

I had nervously touched the rope of diamonds around my neck. “Uncut diamonds”, Gabriel has whispered hoarsely as he fastened them around my neck in the confines of my room, just before we had left for the wedding.

“They are beautiful”, I had breathed breathlessly, “they match this gown. But I don’t want to upstage the bride”.

He had simply smiled and left.

Later, standing near the altar as one of Iza’s seven bridesmaids, I had tried scanning the crowd during the service to spot him. I acted nonchalant and not too obvious in my earnest endeavor, but I had not found him.

I never knew when I would see him next.

I did not know too much about Gabriel. I knew he was my adoptive dad’s right hand man. He made occasional appearances at events, and that was it.

Something touched my yellow satin gown lightly, and I turned.

He was oh so close.

Lifting up my head, I saw his chiselled jaw with the slightly annoyed tick, as always.

Gosh, he was tall!

Rather, I was short!!! Despite my heels, he towered over me.

He stood close and didn’t say a word.

My brooding was instantly replaced with a smile which seemed to grow wider by the second.

“You leave tomorrow morning?” He asked in his sombre tone.

“Gabriel, will you dance with me?” I returned quickly.

“You, Princess, asking a man to dance?” He made a clicking, amused sound. “You know I don’t dance.”

We stood silently for a few seconds. My mind was working fervently.

“Gabriel, my finals start in a couple of days. I don’t really expect you to know or understand, but it is as much about having the mindset to write the exam….” I began haughtily. My voice lowered to almost pleading. “I don’t think I will be able to go through my finals in this state of mind. All I’m asking is one dance. We could even dance here, in the dark, no one will know…”

Gabriel considered me silently, his face expressionless.

He grabbed my wrist and started to lead me inside, almost violently.

Great! He’s going to tell my dad, his boss! This is not good.

People were gathered in groups, a few were dancing to a slow, drawling song.

I held my breath.

Was Gabriel going to drop me off here?

I saw my adoptive brother and his wife, in lighthearted conversation, with fellow guests.

Was Gabriel going to make a scene?

Gabriel dragged me to the middle of the dance floor.

“I want the world to see and know, Josephine,” he said deeply.

If I was not looking so intensely at him, I would have missed the slight nod he gave the band. They began to play…

… my favourite song!

Had he been planning this all along?

Was he just waiting for me to ask?

I could not stop smiling.

My favourite song! How I loved its beats. How many times I had danced by myself to this number, hoping someday I would dance with Gabriel to this very same song.

I looked up at Gabriel. His expression was still unreadable, but he met my gaze.

“Thank you,” I said, and rested my cheek on his broad chest as we slowly swayed to the music.

“Say my name,” he said roughly.

“Thank you, Gabriel,” I replied softly.

I closed my eyes, my cheek on his chest, engulfed by emotions.

This is how I would like it to be forever.

We swayed softly; Gabriel did not say a word.

Almost sorry the song ended; I dreamily opened my eyes.

I was three steps away from my dad. He stood with whom I presumed to be one of his business partners. Both stared at me — my dad icily, and the other gentleman almost amused.

Can we use the last few beats of the song to drift away and disappear? Will the dancefloor do me a favour and open and swallow me?

Gabriel purposefully led us to my dad.

I was uncertain of what was going to happen next.

Dad, in a pleasant and tactful voice said, “Ah! Josephine! Meet Michael.”

I managed a shaky smile. “How do you do.”

Gabriel was still holding my left arm. I raised my free arm to shake the gentleman’s arm.

He clasped it warmly and said, “A pleasure, and I’m enchanted. Your father did not do you enough justice. May I have the next dance?”

“Of course, of course,” my dad boomed happily, answering for me. “I will take her home after you dance with her. Go, go….” He ushered me forward. “I have something to say to Gabriel”.

My dad waved his hand to the band. A couple of seconds later, the began playing my song, again!

Michael took my arm gently and began to lead me to the dance floor. Gabriel did not let go of my other arm.

“Come now, Gabriel,” my dad said roughly, and broke the contact.

Michael was the perfect gentleman.

“I heard this is your favourite song,” he quipped.

This would be a real test now.

I giggled.

He noticed my reaction and smiled rather pleased. “I am glad it is too. I would have it no other way,” he remarked as we took our first steps.

The second dance was so different.

A stranger just a few seconds ago, Michael proved to be very engaging, with his light and thoughtful conversation. He was chatty without being overbearing. He asked me about university — something no one asked me about, ever. It almost seemed he was interested in parts of me everyone else took for granted.

All the while, I was aware that both Gabriel and my dad were looking at me acutely, even when they seemed to be in intense discussion.

“What do you plan to do once you graduate?” Michael asked.

I confessed I had not idea what I wanted to do after university, in life…..

“People rarely know what they want to do,” Michael replied smiling. “I included. But I’ve never been surer when I say I would like to take you out to lunch after your exams.”

He sounded serious and almost waiting for an answer.

“You mean like…..” and I stopped. I did not want to finish the sentence.

Seconds passed and knowing I will not finish, he replied, “I mean just like how you would want it, and I know it will be good.”

The song came to an end. My throat felt dry.

I glanced at my dad and Gabriel, who stared at me.

I managed a half smile as Michael led me gently towards my dad.

He pulled out a silver case from his jacket and drew a card. “This is my card with my personal number on it. Call me whenever, and I look forward”. He handed me the card and added, “It has been a pleasure.”

“Good, good!” my dad exclaimed as I took Michael’s card. “I am taking Josephine home now. Gabriel will keep you company, Michael, I will be back in less than fifteen minutes.”

My father started down the hall, indicating me to follow. I smiled at Michael who smiled back with a “good night” and then smiled at Gabriel, who regarded me expressionless.

I turned to leave.

I felt Gabriel’s rough fingers on my arm, as if a goodbye, and his fingers deftly slid the card off, as I walked away.