11.

*Andrè*

All this girlish whining is starting to get to me.

"What now Anna?" I ask the pouting woman beside me

"Let's go check out wedding gowns. I have to have about three dresses on that day..."

"Three dresses? Would you be changing clothes all day?"

Anna looks at me with wide eyes.

Those hazel coloured eyes that I always turn into mush for.

I know someone who never as much as googled eyes at me for the one year I knew her.

Akeelah.

Her green eyes were so full of life but she never seemed to have that life when it came to me. Maybe because I never paid her any worthwhile attention.

I wonder what she is up to these days. It's been more than a week since she left and I heard not a word from her after the 'hmph' on the phone the day after she left.

Even if she left me that gift, there are tons of places she could have gotten it from. She's just an ordinary nurse. What would she be doing for a living now?

I was so lost in my thoughts that I didn't realize that Anna had been calling my name.

"Hm?" I finally answer her

She looks at me for a few seconds thoughtfully

"Why are you so lost in thought?" She asks and then dramatically gasps

"You don't want to marry me?" She asks with a contorted face

I laugh and she smiles back.

"Let's go get my dresses...hm?" She pouts and googles at me at the same time

"Fine." I finally agree and she smiles from ear to ear.

We both leave the house and get into the car. On the drive to the Bride Boutique she chose, I couldn't help looking outside the window just in case I should set my eyes on Akeelah.

Anna seemed to have noticed and didn't say anything but just watched me. I guess she couldn't hold her curiosity anymore and asked.

"Seriously, is anything wrong?"

I turn to look at her, feigning ignorance

"You've been spacing out since we left home. He'll, even before we left." She notes and then turns my face to hers with her hands

"Marriage anxiety?" She offers

"Of course not. Do those still exist?" I laugh and reply her

She seems to be relieved after seeing me laugh so she leaves my face alone and faces back front.

She suddenly turns to look at me again, I am caught by surprise and widen my eyes at her. She leans in and drops me a kiss on my lips.

"You're all mine" she says

"I'm all yours." I say in response and drag her face back to mine

I lean in and give her a warm kiss on her lips. We stay that way for the next minute. She opens her mouth and accepts my kiss. I delve in and taste all the rigours of her mouth. She tastes sweet and sour at the same time. I don't want to stop yet but the car stops.

We disentangle and pats our faces. We look at each other and burst into laughter at the same time.

"You naughty man." She scolds friendly and opens the car door

"See who is talking." I throw back to her and we walk into the mall together.

At the Bride Boutique, there are tons of dresses. Mostly white.

I feel like I will go blind any minute from now from all the white light and white dresses. It's a joyful save when the attendant walks up to us, wearing black.

A big relief.

Anna joyfully answers her questions while I simply look around.

"Money is not a problem darling. Get whatever you want." I reassure her and peck her on the forehead.

"Come with me sir. Come and have a seat here."

I take the seat and another attendant brings me a flute of champagne and buttermilk cookies.

Champagne and Cookies?

Simple and Elegant.

Anna literally disappeared after that.

Suddenly, the rack in front of me opens and there she is.

Anna.

Looking heavenly in the flowing white dress she is wearing.