•Five Years later•
Milani's feet slid outwards on the wet autumn leaves as she rounded the corner. The wintry evening air piercing through her throat and lungs as she inhaled deeper, and quicker. With each step she took a jarring pain shoots down her back. Her heart beat pounded, it's all or nothing. Milani could hear them panting with the effort from three yards behind that's how freaking fast they are. "Please God, let me live." She shrieked, throwing herself even further with great distance.
Her lungs and heart are pumping, but the air doesn't seem to be enough as she darts further. Milani's job kept her fit but still not enough for her heart pounds, sending blood to her muscles. Just when she thought she outran them, bodies flew on top of her restraining her from escaping. "Aww man you guys got me." Milani moped. "You know, you kids have it easy, when I was a little the real work was: practically training every day to be as fast as you guys are. Like seriously how are you both so fast?!" Romeo mocked his mother's hand movements as Alana snickered. "That's it time for the tickle monster," Milani charged at the two and tickled them, they were snorting and chuckling. "Lani come quick the mail came in today," Milani shot up as she heard Jasmine shouting from the inside balcony.
In the last five years Milani lived her life with her two toddlers in a beautiful two-story house with a beautiful large backyard. Chris and her had bought the house together a year ago on their four year anniversary. Milani was grateful for Chris and his family, she felt she truly belonged with them. Over the years she forgot about Caesar, she still in her heart had the love for him but she knew she could never be with him again. That was her two adorable babies' father, that was her first love, first boyfriend, first kiss. She used to only live for him, but now she was more confident. Milani did things for only herself and her kids, never for a man she lectured herself.
As she walked over to the backyard door with both of her baby's on her hips, she grinned at her life. Milani found Jasmine sitting with their other friends Ray and Makala. Milani gave them a little wave as she walked up to Jasmine. "Where's the mail.", She gripped onto the kids more so they couldn't slip. Anxiety ran down her spine as she thought about the mail. Jasmine handed her friend the envelope, she ripped off the red latch. With a sharp breath Milani looked back one more time at her friends before she read the letter. Their eyes met hers as she read every single word. The feeling of giddy with excitement spread out throughout her body. Milani wanted to run, to shout, to tell everybody what she read, but she had to wait until Chris and Mason showed up.
Well speak of the devils and they shall appear. "What's up, we're back from the grocery store." Mason set down a bag of chips as he approached jasmine. The next thing she knew, he had slammed his lips onto Jasmines and practically knocked all wind from her lungs. Milani still got so jolly when she would see them kiss. Over those past five years jasmine and Mason hit it off. The day he came along with them to the beach that weekend was the day him and jasmine met. They easily got along and became friends. Then three months later they told Milani individually that they gained feelings for the other, and that they didn't know what to do. She was so happy that her two best friends liked each other and that they wanted to be with each other.
Jasmine broke up with her ex girlfriend three years ago after finding out she was using her for her money. Then eventually Mason got his engagement ring back from Sarah via mail and they ended up dating. "You guys are so cute," Milani said as she planted her munchkins down in their playpen then walked back to the group. "Alright for the big reveal drumroll please. It says they have permitted me of the restaurant," Screams erupted from Jasmines, Makala and Milani's mouth as all three of them jumped up and down. "That's great baby," oh yeah Milani forgot to mention Chris and her have been dating for four solid years now. "Thanks babe, thank you all for your support." A smile creases on her cheeks as Chris kisses her hand.
The atmosphere was warm and lovely, Milani laid her head against his shoulders as he had his arm wrapped around her waist. "Do you know when you'll start the renovation?" Chris asked while his girlfriend shook her head. "We should start it as soon as possible" Milani explained as her boyfriend kissed her forehead. "I love you," Milani said as they kissed before she got up to call the renovation department. "Love you too" Chris whispered with a smile as Milani called up her agent.
•Five months later•
Milani rushed into the kitchen, her eyes wide, as she searched for Juliet. Her feet aching from the heels, clicking against the floor. As soon as Milani found her she grasped Juliet's arm. "There you are Julie, it's chaotic out there we need you ASAP." Juliet's red suede velvet dress complimented her red scorching hair. Milani studied the dress she ordered for all of her waitress. It has a medium-length narrow built that flares at the bottom with a corset about the waist and strap sleeves. "Yes boss," she added on her black flats ready to leave the room until Milani stopped her.
"How many times do I have to tell you Juliet we're all family now and family does not call each other boss. They call them by their first name," A chuckled escapes Milani's lips as she watched Juliets adorable face turn rosy pink. "I'm sorry Lani." She shook her head laughing as Milani gently nudged her out the faculty room.
Milani walked inside the kitchen area to check up on all of her favorite people. Heels clicked on the floor as she passed by dozens of chefs. Who stayed behind boiling food, steaming pots, chopping board, spoons raised, and noses lifted as they tried out their wonderful food. Others ran around hunting for whatever fragment of ingredients they needed, their arms filled with meats, vegetables or utensils, as they rushed back to their positions. Magnificent smells flooded around the enormous kitchen as Milani fleetingly sidestep Johnny one of her newest cooks.
"Oh Milani thank god I found you, the Jazz band can't make it tonight their flight got delayed. What are we going to do the crowd expects a musical performance?" Milani took a step back in shock, then noticed Johnny was observing her every move. This can't be happening. Her hand flew to the button under the counter, the one that's rigged to call straight to her office where Chris was handling paperwork. "Yello, this is Christopher speaking from floraison de l'amour How may I help you today?" A smile made its way on the corner of her lips at the way he said the restaurants name.
"Listen Chris, it's me Lani, we have a big problem on our hands. The band we hired for opening night can't make it and the audience expects a performance. What are we going to do? This is the opening we can't fail now." His girlfriend could hear his voice as he murmured to himself. "Babe you can sing just go up there and sing, sing your heart out." Just as she was about to say something the line disconnected showing he hung up on her. For a second Milani wanted to protest, but she couldn't protest and ruin the opening for not only her but the dozens of employees that were counting on her. I can do this, all I have to do is sing. The mother of two thought to herself.
By the time it was time for the performance, Milani had changed into a white long sleeve off the shoulder mermaid design dress. The material hugged the pure curves of her body, she had soft curves in all the right places. "I can do this just how daddy taught me". Milani said to herself in a whisper. "Breathe in and out". Walking into the stage Milani sat on a black suede chair. "Hello everybody, my name is Milani Kekoa and I am the owner of this restaurant and today I'll be preforming a song for you all." The lights faded as a spotlight shined on her.
Moon river, wider than a mile
I'm crossing you in style some day
Oh, dream maker, you heart breaker
Wherever you're goin', I'm goin' your way
Two drifters, off to see the world
There's such a lot of world to see
We're after the same rainbow's end, waitin' 'round the bend
My huckleberry friend, moon river, and me.
Her hand settled on her heart while her head rose as Milani belted out the final notes. After she hummed the final note she stood up straight breathless for a silent moment that was soon filled with applause. "Thank you everyone and I hope you have an excellent night," The only things Milani had on her mind were: her kids and food.
Call me Queen for I am the chosen one, Milani thought to herself as a chuckle escaped her lips. Trailing off the stage all her backstage workers and friends greeted her. "That was incredible Lani," Johnny praised her.
"I didn't know you could sing like that."
"Wow, that was beautiful."
"You should try singing for the restaurant more often babe," Chris lifted his head, Milani could hardly recognise him from all the flowers in front of his face. "Promise me you'll think about singing for the crowd, they love you." Kissing his cheek his girlfriend picked up all the flowers.
"I promise." Milani felt warmth flood her face.