Best Defense

The Crystal Wedding Day

Jason's little sister's wedding will be in the title tomorrow and is the day we've been waiting for. Ever since we crossed the grand entrance to Lilydale, I knew this was a special place. I really believe in first impressions, and this place seems to be filled with love from first sight.

Drove in the car with Sean and Mia, I realized we were all silent as we crossed the winding driveway to a Victorian house with tower-like buildings like fairy tales.

The wedding planner, Eleanor, was waiting for us when Jason drove Taylor's van into the cobbled courtyard. I was relieved to straighten out the legs stuck in the car during our three-hour drive. It's the longest trip I've ever had in a car. And it felt so sweet in my bones.

The stillness of this place is so impressive, surrounded by a stretch of romantic hilly meadows and a stretch of silvery lake that meanders in the distance. Bird chirping was the only sound heard around us, a gift to be grateful for after three hours of boring street noise.

Sean and the others discussed setting up to install the band's equipment with Eleanor while Sam and I did a brief exploration of our surroundings, unabashedly reacting like teenage girls to whatever we saw.

"It's so peaceful here" sighed Sam. "and the towers at the entrance were like in a Disney movie!"

"If you think this is impressive, wait until you see the Glasshouse" Eleanor approached us to introduce herself. "Maybe we better get there first, so you can see where you're going to play."

We followed him down a rocky path to a series of elaborate gates that led us into a walled garden of Victorian style. It felt as if we were stepping into another world. Roses of various sizes and colors were everywhere, adorning the high walls made of red brick, looming among the beautifully pruned bushes.

Outside the walls, the tall and old fir trees spread their dark green branches wide across the pale blue sky and, through another pair of white gates, apple trees, pears, pear, and so on, and the plum is lined up into a labyrinth in front of the central point of the garden. Iron-framed glasshouse with half moon shape.

"At night we had thousands of little white lights among the labyrinth of fruit trees, along the path and around the wall." Eleanor explained as we explored the garden. "This place is pretty magical, I think."

Given all the different places I've been to over the past three years, I've never experienced anything like this before. The high walls surrounding this place gave off a feeling of seclusion and safety, making me feel as if I had just discovered a secret garden of my own.

Eleanor then took us into a large white pavilion tent where we would play for the afternoon and evening reception tomorrow. Sam and I held their breaths of amazement as they saw the suspended ceiling adorned with hundreds of tiny white LED lights, sparkling like stunning stars. Everything inside the pavilion was white. Tablecloths, chair-covering fabrics, large crystal chandeliers glitter, and even the curtains covering the dance floor are also white. The overall effect is stunning, simple yet graceful.

"There is no event tonight, so please enjoy the time as you like" Eleanor told us. "If you need help putting things in, just call me."

This is my first time. I mean, being a part of a band that accompanies weddings and strangely I love this activity. Everything feels very human. There was no special or special treatment like Sean and I used to get, and it was fun. I know what it's like to live as someone else like my friends. Besides having to work harder to earn money, there are also pleasures like this that are worth getting paid for. And I'm so lucky to feel this.

We all stayed at one of the grass huts. As we were all comfortable and the water was heated, Thomas and Jones arrived, cheering with excitement at the sight of our luxurious residence for the next two nights.

"I can't believe we can stay here and get paid," Taylor smiled as she plopped down onto one of the large-sleeved sofas in the cabin always kicking her shoes off. "I think we need to inaugurate our band and take orders as a wedding band escort."

Jason sat cross-legged on the thick carpet by the fireplace. "Yes, I'm gonna have my brother sell the band."

Her answer resulted in the throwing of pillows, jackets, sweaters, and next to Taylor's shoes raining down on her while she screamed. "That's all you deserve for not saying anything about this marriage" Sam replied.

Jason grumbled and nodded towards Taylor. "good. I respect your ability to get an amazing order, Tay." he muttered, referring to our New Year's Eve performance.

Taylor nodded back. "I'm flattered, oh Great Axe Swinger."

While Maggie and Sam were preparing tea and the others were chatting, I approached Sean who was sitting on a long wooden chair in the corner of the room while playing his phone. He raised his head, instantly making me forget the world around us. I ducked down to taste her sweet mouth for a few moments then sat on her lap.

To coincide with that Taylor announced with sparkling eyes. "Mother Sam sent us one of his legendary sacher cakes. Seriously, it's a really delicious chocolate cake. You want?"

That's the best news I've heard all day. "How could I refuse?"

That night we spent talking about the performance tomorrow while enjoying Sam's mother's sacher cake, then separated and returned to their respective rooms.

At nine o'clock the next morning, after Jason with messy hair while munching on a sausage sandwich joined in, we all walked into the beautiful garden towards the pavilion for a sound check.

In the midst of the activity stands Crystal, Jason's younger sister, clad in a large checkered shirt, yoga pants, and Uug boots. Her elegant bridal hairdo is already attached, pearl tiara and miniature white rose peek among the dark curls stacked to get the fight effect.

"Morning, everyone," he said warmly. "Cool, huh?"

Sam, Maggie, Mia, and I took turns hugging her. "It's cool," I muttered. "And you look amazing, lady."

She laughs. "I honestly wanted to wear this uniform all day, but my mom had a heart attack. It took almost a year for her to convince me to wear a dress."

"You've been scrubbing the body clean-up, right?" jason said as he carried his brother.

"It seems like it's already." He was watching his brother. "Not like you. Who dragged you over the hedge in the reverse position?"

Jason grimacing. "Don't worry, I'll be worthy to perform for the ceremony later."

"Hmm, it's best. Otherwise mom's anger will be bestowed upon you."

I watched while Jason and Crystal were poking each other, thinking how similar they were. I don't know Crystal like her sister, but seeing their closeness right now I'm sure they have a warm family.

"Jason William Parker, what the fuck do you look like?" we turned our heads and found Mother Jason and Crystal walking across the floor to join us.

Jason's expression tickled me, his face as if he had gone back to being a five-year-old brat when he had his mother. Jason's face turned crimson and embarrassed. "I still have to get ready, don't worry." His shoulders sagged and he buried both hands into his pocket while his mother hugged him.

"It's better, Jason boy. Really, Mia, did you ever think you'd meet someone who didn't like to get dressed? Remember the first time he brought you here?" Jason's mother winks to Mia.

We observed our bandmates acting all wrong and very amused.

"At the end of the day he looks pretty good, too" said Mia, but Jason's mother didn't want to hear it.

"Just because I managed to find a decent hairbrush. Like a messy forest creature, right, this one? Well, I know you can at will not follow the rules and in the style of cuckoo at your father's gallery, Jason, but I need you to look good today. Mia, promise me you won't let him out until he's half-deserved?" Mia nodded again While Jason let out a frustrated sigh.

I'm so happy to be here, plus to watch my brother turn sweet when I talk to Jason's mom. Since the tragedy of their romance at Taylor's former shoe factory, Mia and Jason's relationship seems to be progressing in a more serious direction. I haven't asked you anything, but the changes are so obvious that I'm sure they'll catch up with Crystal in a minute.

At two in the afternoon the ceremony begins in a beautiful greenhouse. Orchids and white roses everywhere, spilled over pots, framed doors, and pinned to the ends of each row with white and pale gold ribbons. Since our services were not needed for the ceremony, Sam, Taylor, Maggie, Matthew, Mia, Sean, and I sat in the brides' row.

Poking our necks to watch a quartet of stringed instruments playing a series of favorite classic wedding compositions. Air On G String by Bach, Largo from Winter Concerto by Vivaldi, Claire de Lune by Debussy, and Minuet from Boccherini's Swipe Musical Instrument, as well as one other composition that caused a heated debate between us.

"That's Grieg" whispered Matthew.

Taylor shakes. "No, I'm sure it's someone else like Handel."

Matthew grimacing. "Four three years of music school and you don't think I can recognize Grieg when I hear him? Sam, you're the music teacher, what do you think?"

"Don't ask me. I think it's Mendelssohn. I know, I'm just talking. But I'm not on duty today, so my principal won't listen."

Taylor persisted. "Tell me yes, it's Handel."

Matthew frowned. "Bet ten dollars, it's not Handel."

"Come on." Taylor and the meteor agreed on the bet with a handshake of competition.

Sean cleared his throat and picked up his phone. "I hate to say this, Tay, but the bassist is right. I just concluded the song to my music recognition app and the app confirmed it, see: 'Grieg: Wedding Day At Troldhaugen'." Sean looked at our faces when he heard this revelation. "Why the hell? This resolves the debate, right?"

I laugh. "You're really a tech-worshipper, honey."

"I am indeed a slave to Mr.'s creative ideas. Steve Jobs." - Steve Jobs." Sean's gaze turned forward, where Jason and his sister-in-law were standing while chatting with the guests and pretending to check their watches. "Geez, Jason looks cool today. And I'm saying this as a normal guy who's been tested."

I admit that Sean was right. Whether with Mia's help or not, Jason managed to tame his wild brown hair in the morning and dressed almost entirely in black, from collarless shirts and velvet suits to Gucci leather shoes. The only exception is a large flower in the form of white roses and orchids pinned to his chest.

I was just about to turn my gaze when the civil registry stood up, sucked in all of our attention and suddenly the atmosphere in the greenhouse changed, the casual chatter receded into looks of impatience.

"Father and Mother, please stand up to welcome the bride."

On cue, a quartet of stringed instruments started the solemn Canon In D Pachelbel sequence, causing an unexpected puddle of tears that I immediately set out to leave. It's because of the romance of this ceremony, or maybe it's because I'm reminded of my marriage to Sean. The moment that I currently regretted for not remembering all those processes.

The garden doors opened and two petite bridesmaids in white tule dresses with green belts emerged from the labyrinth of fruit trees before us. They followed Crystal who appeared to be drowning among the green trees. She looked calm in a white silk dress fitting on her body, a ribbon of apple-green color tied around her waist, her long strands breaking down to the tail of the dress under her three-quarters veil. His arms are tied to the arms of his father, who is facing towards his son, suddenly a very serious impact on the side of Robbie, his sister-in-law.

His worship is simple but beautiful. Crystal and her husband were bathed in golden sunlight that bounced through the glass roof, leaving guests stunned by the sight. A strong sense of peace floods the entire room, the belief in true love can be life-changing. The grasp of my hand and Sean grew tighter and there was hope in Mia's eyes as her mind undoubtedly drifted into that situation with Jason, jones and Thomas are doing the same thing as Sean and me.

After the exchange of rings, the couple was declared husband and wife. Robbie does not wait for the clerk's invitation to kiss his bride, he immediately snatches the chuckling Crystal into a Hollywood-style Errol Flynn kiss while cheers, whistles, and standing ovations echo around them. Thus the formality has been completed.

After an afternoon reception filled with laughter, tears, and a hundred joyful people, accompanied by our band members and Sam's American Songbook, we started walking back through the beautiful secret gardens to our cottage.

"It's cool, huh, her wedding?" sam asked as he carried a shotgun full of porcelain glasses and a rather luxurious tea pot into the sitting room. "I want to keep going like this."

I nodded and smiled as I leaned my shoulder against Sean's arm. "Yes, this is fun."

"You want to repeat our wedding?" Sean whispered in my ear. "We can do it if you want."

I was quite surprised by his sudden remark, as if he understood what was on my mind during the wedding ceremony. "no need. Our marriage remains special, of course other than tragedy I leave you to sleep for hours."

Sean laughed loudly, provoking another attention. "My Sleeping Bride." He pinched my nose and laughed again.

"Not to be confused, my sister left her husband at their wedding. She even slept quietly in her heavy wedding dress. Really, it's so embarrassing." Mia, my sweet sister has already returned to her spicy mouth.

"Uuh," said Taylor. "That must be a hard thing for you, man."

"Mm. not really."

"I'll tell you, you'll even have to wait a month to taste your bride. Geez, Franda, say, I salute your ability to destroy it. Really, you're cool, Franda." There was a subtle satirical tone I caught from Sam's tone, but I let it go.

Then the disgrace about marriage began to sound everywhere. "You know?" grunting Maggie. "Matt pulled me into the room after we exchanged rings." Matthew didn't get to protest because we immediately threw him with the objects around us, then a series of merciless taunts began to jostle.

It's a really entertaining day for me. Watching those closest to me dissolve into a happy and loving atmosphere, made me feel the other side of life that I rarely enjoyed in recent times. Sean and I are usually locked up somewhere that's just the two of us. Not that I don't like it, it's just that sometimes spending time with other people can clear my mind a little.

No need to ask me how my mood is right now. I happy. With everything that's been going on in my life, this is the beginning of my next days while we were in Queensland and I think I should have Sean take care of all the paperwork on our move. The lake houses, forests and people here make Queensland feel like a paradise. And I live in it.