Hey there Delilah

Light hit her, blinding her eyes, less than a second before the barrage of sounds did the same to her ears. Delilah stood in shock at the number of people crowded into the foyer, laughing and talking loudly. They, in turn stared inquisitively (but politely) at her, unsure who the girl standing upon the doorstep was.

Regaining her senses, she stuttered, "H-hi. I'm Delilah. Gina's friend."

In the distance, she heard a garbled question. A woman near the front of the crowd shouted a response, "It's Delilah, Regina!"

A squeal greeted the shout, followed by a good deal of movement from the crowd - someone was trying to get to the front. After a few seconds a person flew out the door, folding Delilah into a bear hug.

"Reg!" came the strangled gasp from Delilah.

"Yeah let her breathe Gina!" the crowd chorused, as both girls collapsed into giggles.

Most of the evening was a blur for Delilah. After being ushered inside she was immediately absorbed into the crowd. Regina made a point of introducing Delilah to everyone, and while Delilah was sure to forget most names, she felt she was part of the family.

“So Delilah, what’re you studying?” asked one cousin, or aunt, she wasn’t sure, “Gina said something about journalism, but you know how confusing she is.”

“Hahaha, yes I know I can never get a straight answer out of her,” came the giggled reply, “I’m doing a double degree, Science/Arts.”

“Do you have to do maths?” piped up a smaller cousin.

“Yes, sadly I do.”

“Eww! Maths sucks!!!” chimed several cousins.

The laughter never stopped, Delilah noticed. Even if a sombre subject was discussed, another group were laughing, hysterically at that. The family drank up each other’s presence, enjoying every moment they had together. Petty arguments were quickly diffused, the culprits embracing for the rest of the evening.

Soon enough it was announced to the household that the cake would be cut.

“Five minutes okay?” came the warning.

Fifteen minutes later the dinner table was surrounded and the candles were being lit. Delilah watched from behind the crowd as Regina was thrust into the seat at the head of the table. As the last candle was lit, Regina looked around.

“Where’s Delilah?”

Heads turned this way and that. Once Delilah was located, a spotlight could not have been brighter.

“Come ON Delilah!” Regina gestured. Shyly, Delilah made her way over to Regina’s side.

“Take a picture!” someone called. A chorus of assent rose from the crowd, as cameras were passed to the cousins in the foreground. Delilah awkwardly moved closer, before Regina threw her arms around her. Chuckling at her friend’s bluntness, Delilah relaxed into Regina’s arms. Lights flashed around them as they laughed and pulled faces.

Keeping one arm around her friend, Regina picked up the cake knife, staring cheekily around the room.

“Get on with it Gina!” they all knew she was playing, but enjoyed playing along too much, “Just cut the cake already!”

Ginning, Regina made a neat cut into the soft cake, barely disturbing the icing.

Impressed, one cousin remarked, “That’s why she’s going to be such a good surgeon.”

Laughing appreciatively, the crowd continued with their games, “Come on now Gina, you touched the bottom, you have to kiss the nearest boy!”

“What if I don’t want to kiss the nearest boy?” came the half-serious reply.

“Too bad!” the crowd shouted back.

Regina sighed, stating somewhat enigmatically, “Fine, I’ll go for the next best thing.”

Pulling Delilah closer, Regina kissed her; softly at first, then with more flair. The game dictated she put on a show. Staring into each other’s eyes a few seconds later, they couldn’t help smiling shyly. Expecting dead silence, they were surprised at the outbreak of giggles, and a few appreciative whistles. More than a little embarrassed at their daring, Regina and Delilah joined in the laughter.

“Finally!” cried Regina’s sister, “I was so afraid you were going to stay single forever and live as a hermit on some mountain!” A fresh wave of laughter rolled over the crowd. Regina and Delilah smiled and hugged once more.

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Why is it that i write something and hate it once i read over it? Answer me that...