TOO FAR TO REACH 23

 TOO FAR TO REACH

CHAPTER 23

It felt as if we literally flew to the civic centre where I was going to be making my vows, in no time we were there. Peace overwhelmed me and I knew for the first time since I had been with Jeff that I was making the right decision. I was emotional, I couldn’t believe this was finally happening, I had dreamt about my wedding day from the time I was a child but now even more than ever, I was so glad it was happening with the man who I had grown madly in love with. I sighed heavily because at last it felt like the heavens had given me a chance, away from the childhood of knowing you have no mother and have no idea who your father is. I was finally going to be with somebody who loved me in my own home. At that point, the drama to do with Jeff did not even bother me, I was happy and that is all that mattered.

“We are here…” aunty said excitedly as the car pulled over.

I did not have time to add any more thoughts as the doors were soon open for us to exit the car. There was an Asian gentleman standing there and I had no idea who he was but he opened the door and asked for my hand so I could walk out with him. With utmost trust, I gave him my right hand and steadily exited the car. I felt the babies literally move in my belly and I knew that was the other sign I needed. Aunty quickly followed after me and she ensured my dress was flowing well before we proceeded. I was not nervous at all which was quite strange; I was so calm and collected. In my mind I had only one focus, Cape Town. I just wanted everything to be over and for me to be in cape town.

The civic centre hallway was booked with many people walking in and out and I saw a number of brides pass me by, I knew this was finally it. I was going to be saying I do to the man who had taught me that love can go beyond race and social status. I was convinced God had been so intentional that he took his time to make this day special for me alone. I could not believe it. We were just in time as we got to the ceremony room, there was no music to usher me in or an entourage of the bridal party as I envisioned my day from childhood. It was very quiet and peaceful but soon enough begun to feel a little sad, not because I felt I was doing something wrong but because I was making the biggest decision of my life and it felt so quiet nd gloomy. I quickly surveyed the room as I walked in and realized Jeff had managed to bring a decent number of people. All of us together brought the number to 9 including the celebrant. The only women in that room however were aunty and I, as a matter of fact, apart from the celebrant and us, everybody else was Asian.

I finally took a look at Jeff; I looked at him as I approached where he was standing. He quickly followed me and held my hand; I was very happy and relieved to hold his hand. It was all the assurance I needed. Now, whatever happened from that moment to the last moment felt like a ticking time bomb. This was not only in my case but I could see the anxiety on Jiffs face as the celebrant took his time to explain every step and what this civic wedding meant. He read every document he had and we couldn’t be even more impatient, we however store glances at each other and smiled. We held hands even tighter and looking in each other’s eyes it was evident this was the right decision. Finally, it was time for our vows. I do not quite remember exactly what we said but I know we had to repeat after the celebrant and finally we were asked to sign. Jeff quickly appended his signature and watched impatiently as I appended mine, the celebrant handed us our certificates and introduced as husband and wife right away. Aunty ululated and danced and sang to God, I felt comforted that someone was there to celebrate us and she signed as witness from my side and Jeff’s uncle signed too. I had no idea this man was his uncle until we were living the celebration room.

“Honey, meet my uncle Dave… he is mums first cousin and he resides in Mauritius, he came just for our wedding” he said.

I bended my knee a little as I greeted him, he was happy and he opted to hug me instead.

“I wish you God’s blessing… you will have a happy married life” he said.

“Amen” I replied.

Uncle Dave talked to aunt as we walked out and they got to know each other a little. I thought there would be one or two delays outside maybe a picture or two but there was a jeep parked waiting for Jeff, aunty and myself. We were right away heading to the airport.