***Eight***

A knock came to the door followed by my friend's voice: "Hurry up Vivi, we're leaving in five." I pull my eyes away from the mirror. "I'll be right there," I replied. After packing away my girly things I exiled from the restroom. Willow and her man joined the other vehicle so we've been accompanied by Ethan and the love of his life, Layla. Our driver for this evening is Logan with Chloé in the passenger seat. The seat behind them had magically transformed into a love nest, while I'm sharing with the remaining two passengers. Seeing how my parents and the groom's are one in the same, the rehearsal dinner is in their hands. Within no time we reached our destination 'The Highberry Boutique Venue'. The venue's location is surrounded by the Hottentot Holland mountain range, which I'm sure, could be clearly seen from the large covered patios. I inhaled deeply and allowed the fresh air to fill my lungs as I took in the beautiful scenery. We followed the fairy lid footpath leading towards the entrance. The colour theme is rather plain and traditional, black and white with a little silver breaking through. I bet tomorrow wouldn't be quite as traditional as tonight. A set of arms wrapped me within a tight embrace as I entered the main venue. "Gabi baby," my mom cooed. She pushed me gently back so that she could take a better look at me, "Look at how beautiful you've become." I smiled broadly at my mother. "So aren't you going to introduce me to your friends or is this handsome young man more then just a buddy?" She asked while bucking her eyes at me. He pointed out a hand in a greeting manner and said as soon as she accepted: "Giovanni De Luca, it's a pleasure to meet you Mrs Roberts." "Cassandra Beavier, nice to meet you and this handsome man that you so casually pointed out belongs to me," she ended sweetly as she placed a kiss upon his cheek. I can literally see how my mother's heart sunk into the soles of her feet. Her next question gave it away: "Any of those other guys with my Gabi?" Cassie chuckled at my mom's unpredictable question. "Mom I'm still single, I've yet to cross paths with Mister Right," I informed her. "Yeah right, keep telling yourself that. You my dear just loves to play hard-to-get. Hi, Mrs Roberts, I'm Logan Marlow," he ends with a little wave while his other arm is clearly occupied. Seeing how it's draped around my shoulders. 

I drifted away from my group of friends, their clearly not having any trouble socializing with the others. I greeted some family members that I haven't seen in God only knows how long. Dad surprised me with a broad smile when his eyes met mine, to which a hug had been exchanged. Next in line were my two brothers: Harrison (no shock there is still in a relationship with his high school sweetheart, Marina) and Shaun. He introduced me to his beautiful wife-to-be, Lesley. She's absolutely studding. After half an hour of greeting and introductions, the rapping sound of steel against a wine glass caught everybody's attention. "Before we continue with the evening's program, I would like to ask forgiveness on behalf of my best man who couldn't be here tonight due to an unfortunate occurrence, but he promised not to miss the ceremony," Shaun stated bluntly. However, the crowd roared with laughter. "Typical! Most likely getting his knickers up in a bunch or conducting adultery by receiving the best blowjob of his miserable existence," Alex said so shamelessly. She had never been shy in that matter. She says a thing the way it's meant to be said, with little to no remorse. That's the thing that Ryan loves the most about her. The night rolled by without any failure. 

My phone annoyingly woke me from my dreamless slumber. I reached over; my eyes still close as I take the phone from the side table, pushed the answering button and placed the device against my ear. "Hello," I answered in short, not quiet awake yet. "Geni, we have an emergency. Shaun will pick you up in half an hour," mom said. This had me sitting up in bed, but before I could ask out about the issue at hand the call had been ended. I jumped up and put on some last minute clothing. Combed my hair, added some light makeup and completed my look with a pair of sneakers. Not at all what I would've worn to the wedding ceremony. Just as I tied the second shoe, a knock to the front door pulled my attention. I hurried out to find an anxious brother standing on the doorstep. I informed both Giovanni and Cassie about my early departure. The car-ride towards the venue passed in silence. The only thing that he told me is that mom would fill me in once we reach our destination. After arrival he pointed me into the direction of the room where mom and the others are currently gathering. "Genevieve, I'm so glad that you're here," my soon to be sister-in-law stated as she folded her arms desperately around me. Before I could question anything she babbled on, "My Maid-of-honor had a horrible accident last night, she can't make it to the wedding. I'm in desperate need, would you help me out?" I looked down at her with a shocking expression. My mouth is parched, as a desert-like sensation bites at the back of my throat. "You want me to what?" 

I managed to choke out. "Calm down, Geni dear, I know that it's very last minute," mom pleaded. I stared at them awkwardly. Lesley gave a step backwards, braiding her fingers aggregately through her hair. "I should have known, why would she help me; she doesn't even know me. We've literally just met last night. I… I have to cancel," I can clearly hear how panic rose within her tone. I inhaled deeply before assuring her that I'll stand in as her Maid-of-honor.

The teal bridesmaids dress fits me like a glove. Silver heels adorning my feet and enhancing my length by a few extra inches. Loose waves kiss my bare back. Light makeup and some pink lip gloss. Me being the stand-in Maid-of-honor, I have to open the aisle for the rest to follow. Scattered roses, that remind me of mocha, decorate the passageway. At first I didn't take in any notice in the surrounded crowd or my brother standing in front of the altar waiting patiently for his soon-to-be-wife to enter. I relaxed my limbs and lift my head up high to face the situation at hand. A kaleidoscope of butterflies erupted within the pit of my stomach as my eyes met those of the man that's standing beside my brother. Goosebumps covered my skin while my heart tries to escape from my chest. As I walked down the lane my eyes didn't once drift from his sight. Unstably I exhaled. Who could have ever thought that my high school crush would be my brother's best man? Yet here he stands within my line of sight, the English teacher that took my world by storm. Misha Anderson!