The party was now in full swing; the celebrations had truly begun.
Benjamin walked with the pride and grace of a self-confident man, yet inwardly he remained humble and deeply understanding.
Beside him was Megyn, her eyes following his every move.
There was a compelling strength in him, tempered by a gentleness that made her heart reach out.
Many guests, including James Maringo, turned their heads to look at this striking young man, who clearly knew Megyn.
Cindy, spotting Megyn and Benjamin, stood up and beckoned them to join her at the table she was sharing with Dr. Jerry - at the back corner of the tent.
Gratefully, they sat down, and Cindy could hardly contain her excitement.
"Wow! Megyn. Are you going to introduce us to this handsome man." Cindy Chimed.
"Relax Cindy." Megyn said.
With one hand on Benjamin's back and using the other to show Benjamin who they were.
"Cindy, Jerry—please meet Benjamin," Megyn said, as Benjamin offered his hand warmly. Cindy and Jerry shook it with welcoming smiles.
Looking at her friends Cindy, Megyn continued, "Cindy is my best friend. An aspiring doctor and a brilliant medical student at City University, currently on attachment at Randi County Hospital."
Introducing Jerry she said,
"Jerry is an intelligent doctor in Randi County Hospital - the only neurologist in the hospital...and is Cindy's boyfriend."
Benjamin nodded and said, "It's my pleasure meeting both of you." He continued and introduced himself. "I'm Benjamin Hawi. I'm a special friend of Megyn, and I believe we'll be seeing each other more often."
Benjamin smiled and then picked a bottle of water from the table and sipped.
Cindy, bubbling with excitement, leaned closer to Megyn and whispered with mock annoyance,
"A good friend you are, keeping your girl in the dark like this!"
She feigned a glare at Megyn, and the two girls burst into laughter.
Still giggling, Megyn said, "Honestly, even I'm surprised—I didn't expect to see him here."
Cindy's eyes widened. "What? You didn't know he was coming?"
"No, I had no idea. Otherwise, I'd have told you," Megyn replied, a wide smile lighting up her face. "At least you paid attention to me this past week, now that Jerry wasn't around to steal you away all the time."
Cindy laughed softly. Megyn was right. It's true Jerry had this magnetic effect on her and she always can't resist him.
"Shh! I'm right here," Jerry said in a low, playful voice, flashing a lopsided smile that made his already striking, symmetrical face even more captivating.
Cindy leaned in and whispered something into Jerry's ear, prompting him to grin and give her a squint-eyed, teasing look.
Megyn and Benjamin laughed heartily at the sight.
Megyn's mind wandered back to the first day she saw Jerry in the hospital cafeteria—so serious, so professional. She often wondered how Cindy had managed to melt this man's heart. Now here he was, dressed casually in blue jeans and a black polo shirt, looking utterly relaxed. He looked around thirty-one or thirty-two years old.
When they had been planning her mother's party, Megyn had teased Cindy, saying, "You've tamed the lion."
Cindy had smiled and replied, "He has the spirit of a lion but the heart of an angel. Every girl wants to be close to him—just like I do. But the best part is, he just wants me."
Megyn had thought it beautiful, though a little too soon to be sure. She often worried for Cindy, who trusted too easily and too deeply...and the part where every girl wants to be close to him - looked like a warning sign.
"Welcome, Jerry, and thanks for honouring out invitation. Cindy would have been lonely without you," Megyn said warmly amid laughter.
Her gaze shifted to Benjamin, sitting so close beside her.
"Benjie, I'm so excited you came all this way just to see me," she said, her voice thick with emotion. "I'm so happy - I could cry...and this is the best gift I've had today."
Benjamin scooted his seat even closer, slipping an arm around her and pulling her gently toward him. Megyn widened her eyes in shyness...but she liked this.
"I'm here Gazelle -a wish granted,just like the genie in the bottle." Benjamin said.
For a moment they thought they were in their own world untill Cindy brought them back to earth.
"Awesome. That's so sweet," Cindy said, smiling widely.
The compound was buzzing with life. All the guests had arrived and were settled under the tents.
The hot sun blazed overhead, but a soft, cool breeze tempered the heat, bringing relief. The mouthwatering aroma of spices filled the air, making everyone's mouths water in anticipation.
Conversations buzzed excitedly at every table, cutlery clattered, and laughter rang out as appetites were thoroughly indulged.
Children, already served, were eagerly attempting to master their knives and forks, cheered on by amused adults. Soft classical music played in the background, setting a gentle tone for the party.
Overhead, hawks circled, waiting for the perfect moment to swoop down and snatch unattended meat from unsuspecting diners—and occasionally, they succeeded.
In one corner, two ladies and two gentlemen lounged at the back of the tent, sipping cold, fresh fruit juices.
It appeared that most people had served themselves, and the queue had dwindled. Megyn stood up and announced playfully, "Lady and gentlemen of substance, it's a buffet! Let's help ourselves!"
Just then, her stomach gave a loud, embarrassing growl, causing the others to chuckle.
Benjamin gave her a reassuring look and rubbed his stomach in a circular motion, silently admitting he was hungry too.
While Cindy and Jerry headed to the food tables, Megyn and Benjamin went to wash their hands, exchanging a knowing smile. They both served themselves hearty portions of fish, managu, and ugali.
"Let's do this, Princess," Benjamin said with a grin as they carried their plates back to the table.
Mex, Megyn's young brother, joined them, his laughter bright and carefree.
"Why aren't you using knives and forks today, Megyn?" he asked, curious.
Megyn simply smiled and said, "Baby boy, say hello to my friend, Benjie."
Mex balled his little fist and bumped it against Benjamin's, grinning.
"...And Meg...I'm not a baby," Mex added, leaning against her.
Benjamin laughed, charmed.
"You're such an adorable boy," he said warmly.
Mex beamed, his whole face lighting up with joy. His newly growing incisors and the gaps from missing premolars gave him an even more endearing look.
Soon, he scampered off to join the other children at the bouncing castle.
Benjamin and Megyn shared a serious glance—they knew they needed to talk.
After lunch, the cake had been cut, gifts given, and guests were free to leave at their leisure.
Cindy and Jerry were among the first to go.
"Jerry's taking me to see his humble abode in the hills," Cindy said, smiling mischievously.
Megyn simply nodded, offering a silent prayer for her friend. She couldn't shake a strange feeling. Looking at Jerry, she thought she saw a flicker of dishonesty in his eyes. She didn't want to judge him—but the worry remained.
As the day wore on, Doctor Lucia lingered to chat with Mr. and Mrs. Maringo. Soon, a full, glowing moon rose into the night sky, casting a silvery-silken veil over the tents and the rose garden where Megyn, Melissa, and Mex sat with Benjamin.
Their laughter was infectious, sweet and joyful, reaching the house where Amanda, the house help, worked in the kitchen. Hearing their giggles, Amanda joined in silently, her shoulders shaking with laughter, tears of mirth streaming down her face. She adored the Maringo children. She prepared and brought them cocoa and snacks to enjoy as they waited for supper.
Melissa couldn't help staring at Benjamin, her mind busy connecting invisible dots.
Sensing her thoughtful gaze, Benjamin and Megyn turned toward her.
"Mel, you've been silent - Tell me what's in your mind." Megyn teased her.
Melissa finally spoke, her voice soft and thoughtful, addressing Benjamin.
"You must be a special friend to Megyn, Benjamin."
Benjamin smiled. "Yes, I am. But why do you say I'm special?"
Melissa shrugged innocently. "Because Megyn's always had girlfriends—Cindy's her best friend. I've never seen her this close to a guy."
Benjamin chuckled. "Well, Megyn is a special friend to me too."
Melissa pressed on, "Don't you have female friends?"
"I do," Benjamin answered. "But none as special as Megyn."
Mex piped up, grinning. "I'm glad I have a big brother now—someone to help me perfect my football skills!"
Benjamin gave him a thumbs-up, and Mex's face lit up with joy.
Soon, Amanda announced that supper was ready. Everyone gathered around the large dining table and ate the delicious meal she had prepared.
James Maringo engaged Benjamin in light conversation. It was then Megyn learned that Benjamin was not only a pilot flying small planes for Sunset Flying Doctor Services, but also qualified medical doctor.
She was elated. How had he managed two such incredible careers?
After a while, Megyn excused herself and went to the washroom. At that moment, Benjamin realized there were still many things Megyn didn't know about him. He made up his mind: before leaving for overseas, he would take her out on a proper date—just the two of them.
Supper ended with prayers, and soon after, Benjamin and his aunt said their goodbyes and left.
Benjamin was left thinking of a date with Megyn.
This time planned by him and not arranged by someone.
This time out of their volition and not pushed.
A proper date.