After the song and dance number, the lights were switched on again. George, as the MC, took over. He began by encouraging everyone to give his parents another round of applause, then continued by welcoming the guests for the night's celebration. He approached his father to pass him the mic, but he signaled for him to give it to his mother instead.
When the mic was handed to Geneva, the guests started cheering and giving cat calls. Geneva could only laugh and blush in a mixture of gaiety and embarrassment. Nevertheless, she started addressing everyone.
"Good evening everyone. First, let me apologize for not being able to welcome you properly earlier, as you have seen I was otherwise indisposed."
The guests started laughing and some of her close friends and relatives even responded with 'it's alright Gene! We love the dance!'
Geneva chuckled and shook her head, then she continued "Anyway, I wish to thank you all for dedicating the time and effort to come all the way here just to partake in this celebration. It truly means a lot. So, I hope that this night won't just be memorable to me and my family, but also to you. Now, I know you all must be curious about where my song and dance came from, so may I request everyone to direct your attention to the stage."
The guests followed the instruction as they have been curious since earlier but just did not voice nor show it.
The girls haven't left the stage just yet as requested by Geneva earlier.
"Everyone, let me introduce my daughter, Gizel, my niece Via, and their friends, Lady Millicent Stark, and Lady Serena Maxwell who composed the song 'crazy for you' and choreographed my dance performance. Girls, thank you so much for making tonight a possibility. It was perfect and I shall remember it for always."
The girls all smiled and nodded, mouthing a 'you're welcome.'
Geneva told everyone to give them another round of applause as she continued to thank everyone else including her son and her husband.
The mic was passed to Gregory who also welcomed and thanked everyone. After all was said, the program continued with a prayer followed by a sumptuous dinner.
--
Serena and the girls all went down the stage after Gizel's parents thanked them. Gizel went to join the table where her brother and parents with their other family members were assigned to seat, while Serena, Via, and Milly went to join the table where Charlton, Kylo, and Via's family were.
Reaching their assigned table, Serena, Via, and Milly were welcomed by its occupants with everyone standing up in time for the prayer.
Kylo and Via tried to act casual as they decided that telling Via's family about them during Gizel's parent's wedding anniversary was not appropriate.
Charlton and Serena who were now standing beside each other wanted nothing else but to, well, get a room and show one another how much they missed one another. However, they were there for the event, so that can wait for later. Still, when the prayer was done and everyone was asked to be seated, their hands immediately intertwined under the table.
Anyway, they tried not to look at each other and get lost in their own world as Via went on to introduce Serena and Milly to her family.
Afterwards, everyone engaged in a casual conversation that halted soon after dinner arrived.
--
When dinner was over, George approached Serena and Charlton to ask them if they were ready for their performance. After getting their confirmation, he went to the platform to resume hosting the program.
"Good evening again, ladies and gentlemen. I hope you all enjoyed dinner. Now, before we get to the dancing, I want to thank our special guests who came all the way from Windsor. Tonight, they will be gifting my parents with one of their most popular song. I know not only my parents, but most of us have been looking forward to this portion all evening. So, without further ado, let us welcome Lord Charlton Daniel and Lady Serena Maxwell."
About half of the guests already knew Serena and Charlton's song and have been listening to it since it was released last December. So, when the two went on stage, they were already brimming with excitement as they cheered.
"So, Charlton, lady Serena, may I request both of you to impart a message to my parents before you give your performance?" George asked.
Serena nodded and George gave her the mic.
"Good evening everyone and thank you very much for the warm welcome. Uncle Gregory, Auntie Geneva. First of all, let me thank you for hosting my stay here in Militeia and giving me the honor of being invited in this momentous occasion in your lives. During the past few days, I got to personally witness how loving your relationship is. It left an impression on me, as it's so beautiful to see you two together sharing a strong and adorable bond. So tonight, as the two of you look back with happiness and pride, upon the 25 years that you've spent side by side, may every memory that you share of dreams you've seen come true, help make this special silver day a happy one." Serena said as she smiled at the couple.
The couple smiled back at her as they mouthed a thank you.
Then, the mic was given to Charlton. "Good evening everyone. Uncle Gregory, Auntie Geneva, thank you very much for having me here tonight. Earlier, when I saw Auntie Geneva do that dance, I immediately knew how wonderful your marriage must be. Thus, from the bottom of my heart, I wish that the love you have for one another continue to grow and blossom with each passing year. Wishing you endless happiness, joy, and love on this day, and always. Again, congratulations and happy anniversary." Charlton finished as he handed the mic back to George.
"Thank you two for the wonderful messages, I know my parents truly appreciate them." George said to the two. Then, he turned to face the guests. "Now, everyone, again, let us give a Charlton and Serena another round of applause."
--
TBC