"Hey, Niall! I heard you invited Mal?" Rhys asked.
"I did," Niall replied calmly.
"Any word?" Lewis asked curiously from the other side of the room. "This looks good."
The three of them were meeting to help Niall with his wedding. Currently, they are choosing the decorations for the reception hall.
"No, that's too boring! And, it is the same as the last one you picked, " Rhys said before Niall could reply. He raised a blinding blue cloth. "Niall, pick this one."
"Excuse me! We are choosing for a wedding, not a booze party. And they are obviously two different fabrics. One has gold embroidery while the other has silver ones!"
Niall was about to mediate when he felt his phone buzzed. He looked and found it was from an unknown number.
Niall was surprised and silent for some time. He couldn't believe what he was seeing. He didn't notice that his friends had not stopped arguing.
"It's Niall's wedding. He should decide," Lewis stated.
"Niall, what do you think?" Rhys asked.
Only then did the two notice that Niall's attention wasn't on them.
From: (Unknown number)
Hi, Niall!
This is Mallory. Thank you for inviting me. I'd gladly attend your wedding. I'll prepare a wonderful gift for you.
Love you!
Niall showed the message on his phone to his friends.
"Is this really Mal?" Niall asked hopefully. He wanted to see his cousin. They have occasional messages to each other but it could not replace a face-to-face meeting.
"Quick! Answer him!" urged Rhys.
"What should I say?" Niall asked worriedly.
"Just be casual. Ask how he is."
To: Mal
Hi Mal!
How are you? I miss you so much. I'm very happy you could attend.
Any hints on your gift?
I love you too.
The three waited for several minutes in silence for a reply. Unfortunately, their hopes were dashed. It seems Mallory is back to being non-existent.