The main stage was erected in the patio by the pool and it extended all the way to the compound fence.
The design was an intricate and very complicated flower arrangement made of roses, turnips, sunflowers and others. One would think it was a wedding banquet. Despite Mum's cold eyes and no nonsense attitude, all you have to check are the colors she wears and the designs she makes. She loves colors and plays with them.
When we arrived, the orchestra was still setting up and testing their equipment, creating a noisy ambiance that had me grating my teeth throughout the photo session.
There was a mixed up of flower fragrance in the air and the moment I stepped out of the house's back door, I instantly started sneezing.
Riley was right behind me and he quickly offered a handkerchief but I went for the one in my small silver pouch. Everyone was already at the patio and were taking pictures when we arrived, so we had to wait for our turn. It was some sort of family picture. Dad and Mum, Dad alone, Mum alone, Dad, Mum and Uncle Ron etc. The mix-up was endless until everyone had paired with everyone in at least a picture. Then we took a final picture that had everyone in it. It was nothing but tedious for me and by the time we finished up, I was grumpy and very hungry. I hurried to the kitchen where I got someone to prepare something for me. While this was going on, I was informed that it was time to start greeting guests. Infuriated, I grabbed a croissant from a bread basket and munched on it like some greedy squirrel. Then I drank a glass of milk to push it down. That was a great mistake. When you are going to be standing for a long time and moving around non-stop, don't drink anything other than water.
Promising the lady helping me to cook that I would be back to eat it even though deep down, I knew I wouldn't, I rushed to the gate where the girl assigned to monitor my makeup was waiting. She quickly did a touch up and I went to stand beside Riley and his folks to welcome guests. That was when I saw Sophia's fiance for the first time. He was quite a catch. More handsome than Daniel, taller too by an inch or two and his eyes had a hint of green to them. I guess she was luckier than the rest of us. She gets to make a clean break and Mum has many ways to make her keep the family secrets without having to monitor her.
Since we were using the gate for receiving guests, a small tent-like, arc structure was erected and decorated with flowers. While the family was on one side, the attendants receiving gifts were on the other.
People kept coming in, in droves. Some of Riley's friends even showed up. Dakota was one of them. When he greeted us, he made eye contact with me and winked. I haven't spoken to him in years. It was evident that we hated each other. So what was that about? I shrugged it off but felt even more annoyed.
We were almost done with receiving guests before Sylvester arrived with his grumpy grandpa in tow. The moment they arrived was the only time I had a genuine smile on my face. Now there was something to look forward to for the evening.
It was promising to be one hell of a terrible day since I woke up. I have had no sex or masturbation. Took a piece of croissant with a cup of milk that ended up making me thirsty and irritable. I was very hungry, pissed off and twitchy. But with him being here, all I had to do was get something to eat and figure out how to have good sex while everyone else's wine and dine.
After we were done with the greetings, the orchestra changed the pace of its music to a very fast one, ushering in my Mum who took over the microphone and asked everyone to go find their seats.
It was a very short party.
Mum gave a welcome speech, Uncle Ron gave a "Thank you" speech after some comedian spent 20 minutes laughing at his own jokes. Then there was a dance and everyone in Uncle Ron's family had to open the floor. So we paired up. That was Riley and I, Sophia and her handsome fiancé and Uncle Ron and Mum. When she came out to join us, I had the impulse to laugh again but was able to keep it in. That was until Dad made a joke about Uncle Ron borrowing his wife all the time…
Well, I wasn't the only one that laughed. It was just that mine was a little too much. Riley, who was holding me by the waist pinched me but I stomped his feet and laughed harder. By the time I was done laughing, everyone in the hall was looking at us and I was tapped out. Feeling the cold gaze of Mum on me, I cleared my throat, gently wrapped my hands around Riley and signaled with my eyes to the MC that he could continue.
We danced for a couple of minutes and then it was time for the real party. The DJ took over and people started eating. Since it was a Buffet, it was a little rowdy at first and I used that opportunity to sneak out of the hall. I had located Sylvester seated beside his silly grandpa all this while but couldn't find him once the 'serve-yourself' rush started. I assumed that he must have gone to get something for the old man to eat. So I sneaked out, with the plan to come get him once I also replenished my stomach.
I have to eat before I leave.
I went to the kitchen but it was too crowded. So I grabbed some more croissants and a pack of juice before going to my room. Once I got there, I ate like I was possessed. I was famished to the point where my body was slowly falling apart. After chucking down three small loaves of bread and more than half the pack of juice, my vision cleared. It was as if I was given a new lease on life. I then took my time to finish the remaining croissants but this time, I paired them up with the chocolate Riley had brought for me.
It was traditional for him to bring in lots of dark and white chocolates, wafers and shortbread cookies anytime he came from NewYork.
Even though I didn't want the man, the goodies had nothing to do with it. So, of course, I accepted them and stored them away in their respective cabinets, hoping the amount he brought in would last me till before school resumes.
While I was eating, my phone rang but I ignored it since it was Riley. But just as I finished up and was going to repair my face, Mum's call came in. I wanted to ignore her too but then fearing that she would come looking for me, I picked the call.
"Where the hell are you? I warned you already, don't embarrass me today of all days."
"I am in the toilet." I snapped at her.
"Get down here as soon as possible. We have guests asking after you." She didn't wait for my response before disconnecting the call. I snorted but hurried up anyway. The sooner I get her off my back, the sooner I can locate Sylvester and the earlier the fun part of the evening can start.