Several weeks later….
Preparations for our parent's wedding were still ongoing. Finally, my mom and Mr Walter will be tying the knot this Saturday. Invitation cards have been sent to friends, relatives, acquaintances and well wishers. Today is Friday, the eve of my parent's wedding and my mom has suggested that we go out together as a family. First, we're going to the beach to have some fun and share some exciting moments together and after that, my mom and Mr Walter have other plans on going for a massage at the spa. It's their moment and they're super anxious and excited about their wedding tomorrow. Derek and I have been doing our best to show our support for their wedding.
"Hurry up, Derek!" Mr Walter called as we waited in the car outside. We were all ready to go to the beach that early afternoon. My mom was in a silky white gown, denim jacket and straw hat. She had plans of changing into a bikini when we got to the beach. When I saw how confused she was on what to wear for the beach, I made the suggestion that she wore a bikini but she couldn't since she was so shy to wear it plus, she's never worn it for a beach outing before.
Thinking of a suitable idea for her, I made the suggestion that she wear a gown and keep her bikini in her bags so she could change into them when she gets to the beach. I know she hasn't worn a bikini in public before but I think trying things she hadn't done before can improve her self confidence plus, who knows, Mr Walter might love it. My mom has always been a fashion nerd and I've always been the one to help her with selecting her daily outfits. I can tell she's got the jitters for her wedding which will undoubtedly be held tomorrow. She's excited, anxious, worried, and I could tell her mind was a rollercoaster of emotions.
Poor mom!
I was in a flowy kimono with sunglasses and flip-flops. My hair was braided in twos and I had it kept in a beautiful wide brimmed hat. As usual, Derek's mark on my neck has been concealed with make-up and I'm relieved my mom has no idea about it till now.
Mr Walter dusted the steering wheel of his station wagon with a napkin before opening the glovebox to look for one or two things. He was in a tank top which revealed his hot curvy muscles and broad shoulders. My mom was seated beside him in the passenger seat and I can tell she was all nervous because she kept exchanging glances with me.
It's been fifteen minutes now and we've all been waiting for Derek. He was the last to have his bath and we have no idea what was taking him so long.
"Derek!" Mr Walter called again, getting impatient.
"We'll be leaving without you..Boy," Mr Walter added as he started the ignition and just then the door opened and Derek appeared looking hot in a loose fitting linen shirt and a light weight beach trouser. His long dark hair was neatly combed and made to sleep off gently.
A mild smile tugged my lips and I could feel my heart racing happily as I saw him walk towards us.
"What have you been doing? You've been taking too long in your dressing. Are you turning into a lady?" Mr Walter jested and my mom bursted out laughing. I pressed my lips together, trying hard to hold my laughter as well.
"Sorry dad… Ricky ate too slow," Derek explained before carrying his dog in the crook of his arm. He gave it a soft gentle stroke on the fur before joining us in the car. Ricky, his cute Bernese mountain dog, with black and white furs couldn't help but wag its tail happily and bark cutely at Mr Walter.
"Don't you yell at me! Why did you eat so slow?" Mr Walter turned to face the dog as his hands began exploring the driving wheel. Ricky barked again, sticking out its tongue and wagging its tail happily.
We all laughed and Mr Walter reversed his car before driving across the busy streets.
"Hey!" Derek called, and I felt his touch on my skin. I shifted my gaze from the window screen to him, flashing him a warm smile..
"Hey.." I replied in a cool way as well before exhaling faintly.
"What plans should we make for today?" Derek asked, his voice above a whisper and I looked up at our parents who were deep in a conversation.
"Dunno.. I guess we Just have fun while at the beach with our parents. Eat, dance, play some music and enjoy the breeze," I gave him a reply and just then, my phone beeped and I checked the screen to check the message.
"Oh…Bonnie.." I muttered as I opened the page which led to our chat.
[How's it going?]. Bonnie texted and added an emoji as well.
I smiled and replied. [Good.. We're off to the beach..]
[Make sure you have fun and do greet your mom for me..]
[Sure.. I will] I replied to her text and then I noticed she went offline.
"Who's that?" Derek asked curiously, his eyes on me the whole time.
"It's Bonnie…She's asking how everything is. She told us to enjoy ourselves and she told me to greet mom on her behalf.."
I replied to Derek, my teeth showing through a warm smile.
"You're beautiful, Isabel…" Derek muttered, his emerald eyes boring into mine..I could tell he has been looking at me the whole time. I could tell that he admires my outfit so badly. I had to wear this kimono because I also wanted to look good for him.
"Thanks.." I replied and as he was about to hold my cheek, my mom turned back to look at both of us.
"Want some steaks and french fries?" She asked, passing us a bag and a container which contained some fries and steaks.
"Yeah thanks.." Derek replied as he took them from her while I shook my head, not wanting to have some.
My mom stared at me and I gave her a thumbs up, causing her to flash me a warm smile in turn..
"I can tell she's anxious about tomorrow.." I whispered in Derek's ear and he smiled before tossing some fries in his mouth.
"Oh.."
"I'll do my best to calm her nerves. I'm not just her daughter…I'm her best friend.."
"You're so sweet, Isabel. You know how bad I feel like kissing you right now?" He asked, staring at my lips and eyes widened as I glanced at both of our parents, wondering if they didn't hear his statement.
I spanked him on the back and tucked my hair in my ear before shifting my gaze at the window screen..
My phone chimed and I checked to see the caller.
"Oh.. Theodore.." I sighed as I picked it.
"Hi, Isabel.. I heard your mom's getting married tomorrow.." Theodore said over the line and I could tell he was eating at the moment.
"Yeah… you're coming for the wedding ceremony, aren't you?"
I asked before pressing my lips together.
"Of course, why won't I ? Why would I fail to show up at such a special event?"
"Isabel…" He called.
"Yes.."
"Make sure you dress pretty. I have a gift for not just your mom but for you as well.. I'm gonna dress special just for you…"
"Oh really?!" I asked, teasing him, a smile tugging my lips.
"Yeah… Anticipate my arrival urh! By the way, about our plans of going to the concert, I think I have a change of mind for that.."
"Why?" I asked, getting curious.
"It was supposed to be today and I'm certain you'd be busy with the preparations for your mom's wedding. Instead of going to the concert with me.. why don't we go on a date next month?" He suggested and I coughed before looking into Derek's eyes. Derek sighed and slipped his fingers into his long dark hair. I'm sure he heard Theodore's comments.
I know Theodore has been crushing on me for a long time now but he's been too shy to admit or confess it. I'm still shocked at how he was able to suggest that we go on a date.
"Hello… Isabel.. are you still there?" He asked after some minutes of silence.
"Yeah.. yeah.. I'm.. I'm with you," I stuttered, holding my forehead.
"So.. what do you say? We should go on a date?!"
"Yeh.. yeah.. yes.. Yes we can.." I finally gave in, wanting to end the weird conversation as soon as possible.
"Thank you so much, Isabel. Can't wait to see you at the venue tomorrow.." He said lastly and I hung up before letting out a deep sigh.
The car came to a halt and I glanced through the window screen. We were already at the beach and I could see a lot of people there as well..
Mr Walter gave my mom a kiss before alighting from the car. He turned over and opened her door for her like a perfect gentleman and she alighted before claiming his lips in hers again..
I smiled as I watched them but when Derek touched me, my smile faded at once.
"Who is that? Is it the dude I saw you with that day at school?" Derek asked, knowing it was Theodore.
"Yes Derek. He's just a friend.."
"I see.. but he mentioned something about a date.."
"Yeah.. He has a crush on me and all.. I have no idea what he's up to, Derek. I just agreed to go out with him since I promised to make it up to him."
I explained and we both alighted from the car, glancing at the numerous people on the beach that afternoon.
The wind blew across and we could see people washing themselves and surfing on the tides.
My eyes widened when I spotted Mrs Briggs and her daughter, Mirabel. They waved at my parents and my heart dropped heavily into my stomach, knowing that they've seen us.
"Is that her daughter?" Derek asked with his eyes on Mirabel. She was In a bikini, looking hot and stunning and I could see her eyes trailing all over Derek.
"Yes… and she's weird. Do whatever you can to avoid her,"
I warned him and to our surprise, she came scurrying in our direction…