Ava- The Rehearsal

"Mary-Anne wakey wakey sister," coaxed Ava as she gently shook her older sister's shoulder.

"What time is it?"

"Five fifteen in the morning," replied Ava

"What the hell! You woke me up so early?"

"Yes, we have to be there at six. I'm going to shower first, then it's your turn," said Ava.

"I don't know what to wear," grumbled Mary-Anne, sitting up in bed and rubbing her eyes. She lifted the cover of her suitcase and pulled out her clothes slowly, trying to decide what to wear. She finally selected a black and white stripped t-shirt with matching black jeans.

Meanwhile, Ava thought it best she wash her hair. She turned on the shower and making sure the water was warm before standing under the shower head. She rubbed in her scented coconut and vanilla shampoo, lathered her body with Nile's Sandalwood and Honey body scrub. Once, she was toweled dry she chose a caramel-coloured t-shirt and dark blue jeans. After dressing herself, she applied light makeup and sprayed on vanilla-scented perfume.

"I'm going in," said Mary-Anne as she closed the door and took a shower. She came out, already dressed. The girls left their hotel room and took the lift to the main lobby where they greeted their parents who were waiting for them in the lounge area. As time passed, it was clear everyone involved in the rehearsal was already waiting for the bride and groom to show up, so they could leave together in a bus that had been booked.

"Cecelia, Mark, let's go," said Ryan one of their friends greeting them as they came through the entrance and into the lobby. Everyone got into the bus that was waiting for them at the hotel's main entrance. The little party arrived at St Thomas White Chapel, located twenty minutes away from Four Seasons Hotel. The party was greeted by Pastor Lawerence who oversees the little chapel and was in charge of the services that were held there.

"Welcome, to St Thomas White Chapel I'm just here to give you a gentle reminder to vacate the premises after eight am unless you intend to attend the service then I shall not stop you from doing so".

He said as they passed through the doors of the great chapel. They were instructed by Sarah, the wedding planner on where they should stand and line up for when the time came for the bride to walk the aisle.

"Okay, can the bridesmaids and the groomsmen please pair up and take your places in the center of the aisle? I'd like to see how this plays out with the music on," ordered Sarah indicating for Jeff to switch on the little radio player they had brought. Jedidiah and Mary-Anne were the first to pair up.

"Shall we?" asked Jaxon offering Ava his arm.

"Of course", she said intertwining her hand through his.

"Now remember, you're only doing this once in the lifetime of our bride and groom, everything has to go smoothly."

"Can I have Mary-Anne, the maid of honour and Jed stand in front of Cecelia?" "Lovely, now can Ava and Jax stand in front of Mary-Anne and Jed." "Now walk slowly towards Mark", who stood in front of all the pews of the chapel.

"Marvelous," commented Sarah noting that everyone moved at a steady pace in synch with the slow tune of 'Precious One by the Stand Five" the instrumental version. It was rehearsed twice, and to Sarah's satisfaction, she finally gave the order that practice was over. The party gathered once again at the entrance of the chapel that led to an archway. Climbed into the bus, and departed from St.Thomas White Chapel.

Once again at the hotel, everyone went into the banquet hall, where they knew breakfast would be on full display. The Hartwell family booked a large table, and Ava invited Jaxon to sit with them since his family was still very much sound asleep in their hotel room.

"I do believe I have not had the chance of meeting you," remarked Mr. Brandon Hartwell as he shook Jaxon's hand.

"Name is Jaxon, sir," replied Jaxon.

"Nice to meet you, so go grab some breakfast, and let's feast! I'm famished," commented Mr. Brandon Hartwell.

The breakfast spread consisted of breakfast sausage, hash brown, beef bacon, baked beans, grilled tomatoes, chicken ham, fried rice, fried noodles, sliced bread, Danish pastries, scrambled eggs, green peas, fruit salad, lettuce, and cut cheese served with dried plums and raisins. The Hartwells and Jaxon loaded their plates, and filled their glasses with pink guava juice.

"Can you actually finish all that dad?" asked Mary-Anne looking at her father's plate with incredulity.

"You know me better than, I know myself alright sweet pea, don't fill up too much maybe you can help dad here lay off some from his plate."

"I thought as much," huffed Mary-Anne with a small smile.

"Mom you have to try the Danish pastries it's so buttery and filled with almond cream, yum!" Exclaimed Mary-Anne from her side at the table after everyone was seated.

"I'll try some, once I'm done with what's on my plate," promised Mrs. Calistar Hartwell.

"So what's the current news I've not tuned in since we left home," commented Mr. Brandon Hartwell.

"Oh let it go, Brad," warned Mrs. Calistar giving her husband a knowing look, "just enjoy yourself while you're out here will you?" "That means no serious matters discussed, we are here to celebrate not ruminate on matters of state or country,"

"These matters are important my dear," he said looking at her with pleading eyes.

"No means no", she said firmly.

"Ava darling don't overeat, I'm worried you won't be able to fit into your bridesmaid dress."

"Gee thanks mom" replied Ava. As she willed herself not to go for a second serving of cream puffs and fruit salad.

"You're awfully quiet," remarked Ava peering at Jaxon who sat opposite to her beside Jedidiah.

"Just tired, had a long night."

"I see, why don't you go and get some rest then? Would want you to be fully awake and energized for the evening wedding ceremony," said Ava.

"I'll leave with all of you," he replied.