Chapter 9 KATHRYN SOBRERANO

ALTHEA'S POV

After all these years of pain and sorrow, one would think that my family would have found some semblance of peace. But with the impending wedding, I felt nothing but dread. It was supposed to be a joyous occasion, but it felt more like we were stuck in a place of grief, unable to move forward.

I lay on my bed, dreading the moment when I'd have to leave the room and face the reality of the situation. Who would walk me down the aisle?

My father was out of the question - he has been kidnapped a week ago and is yet to be found. My brother, who had always been my rock, was gone too - taken by a car accident days after his birthday. The thought of walking down the aisle alone, without either of them by my side, was almost too much to bear.

As for my groom, I knew he wouldn't be there. There was no way he'd show up, he would never come. And if he did, it would surely be a sign of the apocalypse.

Downstairs, my sister Bella and my mother were greeting the guests as they arrived. I could hear the buzz of voices, but it felt a million miles away. I was lost in a world of my own, a world of fear and uncertainty.

I couldn't understand why I was feeling so tense and nervous. Why it felt like my stomach was tied up in knots? Was it the knowledge that this wasn't a joyous occasion, but rather a ransom? Was it the fear of the unknown? Or was it simply the fact that I had no one by my side to comfort me?

Oh, how I wished Kathryn was here!

I longed for the presence of my best friend, Kathryn. She always had a way of making me feel better, no matter what the situation. I wished she was here with me, but she was far away, unaware of the turmoil I was going through.

Sitting on my bed and staring out the window, I watched as the guests arrived and departed. Who would have thought that we'd know so many people? It was so strange yet I felt utterly alone.

A loud growl from my stomach broke the silence, sounding more like a howl than a simple rumble. I bet it was waging a war inside of me. I sighed and stood up, walking to the other side of the room where my phone was lying on the nightstand. I picked it up and dialed my mother's number, waiting as it rang.

It took three rings before my mother finally picked up the phone.

"Hello?" she said, her voice sounding distant and distracted.

"Mum," I said, trying to hide the anxiety in my voice.

"Yes, dear?" she replied, sounding a bit more focused now.

It was quiet on her end of the line, in stark contrast to the noise and bustle that must have been happening downstairs.

"Are you feeling okay?" she asked, her voice full of concern.

"I'm fine," I replied, trying to sound convincing. "Just a little bit nervous, I guess."

"That's to be expected," my mother said soothingly. "It's your wedding day, after all. But try not to worry. Everything will go just fine."

I took a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart. "I know, Mum. It's just hard not to worry when so much is riding on today."

"I understand," she said. "But remember, no matter what happens, you have me and your father and your sibling by your side."

"Mum, I'm hungry," I said in frustration, drifting off topic.

"But you know you can't eat yet, Tea" she replied. "It'll ruin your appetite for the wedding feast and might make you look fat in your wedding dress!"

"Mum, please, refrain from calling me Tea. Besides, I know, but I'm just so hungry," I said, my stomach growling in agreement. "Can I just have a few biscuits and some water? That's all I'm asking for."

My mother paused for a moment, then sighed. "Alright, I'll have someone bring them to you and...I am sorry."

"Sorry?" I asked, keeping my voice calm and steady. "What for?"

My mother took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "For everything," she said quietly. "For never being the mother you deserved. For putting you through all of this. For calling you Tea. For causing you so much pain. For... for..."

Her voice broke and she trailed off, unable to finish her sentence.

"Mum, don't!" I said, cutting her off before she could say his name. "Please don't!"

"I'm sorry," she said again.

I let out a long sigh. "It's okay. Just do what I asked, please."

"Of course," she said, her voice full of regret.

"Thanks." I said, hanging up before I could say anything else. I needed to collect myself before facing my guests.

Mrs. Melissa Ruiz wiped the tears from her cheeks and took a deep breath to calm herself down. She checked her makeup and hair in her phone camera, making sure everything was in place. She walked towards the entrance area to receive her incoming guests. She had earlier gone to a quiet place to answer the call when she knew that it was from Althea.

There she met Bella...she picked her up gleefully whilst Bella smiled happily.

"My love, how are you doing?" she asked, a smile on her face.

"I'm doing great, mom!" the little girl replied, her own smile bright and wide.

"That's wonderful to hear," Mrs. Melissa said, her heart filling with joy at the sight of her daughter's happiness. "On a scale of one to ten, how happy are you?" she asked, curious to see how Bella would respond.

Bella thought about it for a moment, considering her answer carefully. "I'm a ten!" she exclaimed with a giggle. "I'm so happy!"

"That's wonderful to hear, sweetie," Mrs. Melissa said, her heart full of love for her daughter. "What are you so happy about?" she asked, curious to hear her answer.

"Sister Althea is getting married!" Bella said, her eyes bright with excitement. "I know it's a big step for her, and I'm so happy for her! I trust that uncle Carter and aunt Maria will take good care of her, and I hope Mr. Adam will treat her well too. They're a perfect match for each other, even if they don't know it yet! That's how I feel. And I have to say, I never really liked Timothy. They just never seemed like they clicked, you know?"

Mrs. Melissa listened in awe as Bella spoke, amazed at how perceptive and mature her daughter was for her age. It was as if she had a deep understanding of the complex patterns of relationships and life in general. It was truly astounding.

Mrs. Melissa smiled at her daughter's thoughtful answer. "You're quite the little philosopher, aren't you?" she said, her voice filled with pride. "I'm so glad you're able to understand these things so well. You're a very special girl, and I'm so lucky to be your mom."

With a light chuckle, Mrs. Melissa ruffled her daughter's hair affectionately. "Okay, Bell," she said. "You go play with your friends, but be careful not to ruin your dress. I want you to look your best for the wedding!"

Bella nodded, smiling at her mother. She let her down and Bella departed.

Mrs. Melissa continued to greet the guests as they arrived, when suddenly she saw some familiar faces coming through the entrance.

"Oh my God!" Mrs. Melissa exclaimed, recognizing the face immediately.

"Melissa!" Mrs. Rachel Sobrerano said, walking towards her with her husband and children in tow.

Mrs. Melissa's eyes lit up as she saw her old friends, and she opened her arms wide to embrace them. The two women hugged each other tightly, their eyes shining with joy.

"Rachel, look at you!" Mrs. Melissa gushed as they hugged and laughed.

The air was filled with radiating bliss amongst the Sobreranos and the Ruiz which is mainly Mrs Melissa.

After pulling away from the hug, Mrs. Melissa turned to Mr. André, her smile still bright. "It's so good to see you!" she said.

"And it's wonderful to see you, too," he replied, his own smile warm and genuine.

The mood was light and happy as the two families reconnected after so long.

"Welcome, all of you," Mrs. Melissa said warmly. "I'm so glad you were able to make it."

"We wouldn't have missed it for anything in the world!" Henry said, Mrs. Rachel's son. "I'm so excited to see everyone again!"

"It's been too long," Mrs. Melissa agreed. "I'm just happy we can all be together again."

There was a sense of belonging in the air, a feeling that this was a place where everyone was welcome and loved. It was a home.

All of a sudden, Bella came running through the crowd. "Kathryn!" she screamed, her voice ringing out through the room. She raced towards the newcomer, who smiled as she embraced her.

"Bella, you're getting so big!" Kathryn said, laughing as she lifted the girl into her arms.

"Kathryn, did you bring me anything from London?" Bella asked excitedly, her eyes shining with anticipation.