Run, Isabelle, Run!

Chapter 3

Present day...

Delnard groaned as he tried to open his eyes. It seemed like a monumental feat to achieve. He squeezed and tried again but all he got was another pounding headache. 

He took a deep breath and swallowed, his throat felt arid and his tongue felt heavy. Once more, he tried to pry his eyes open and succeeded but he was starting to think if waking up was worth the pain he was feeling.

He blinked against the morning light that was shining through the window. He slowly took in his surroundings and realized that he was in one of the guest rooms in Jonathon and Sofia's New York apartment. 

He sighed realizing that he had never drunk that much since he was in college. In fact, he was so drunk he could not remember anything from last night.

Delnard tried to raise himself up but the moment he made a grand gesture, he felt his stomach heave while he thought a huge boulder was thumped against his head. 

He let out another groan and accompanied it with an expletive. He vaguely heard the knock on the door and did not notice it opening. He just had one thought in his head: He was never going to get wasted again!

"Hey, take it easy!" 

Delnard heard her voice the minute he tried getting up once more. He waited patiently for his heart to start clenching and bringing back the old pain of unrequited love but to his surprise, it did not come. He was not sure if it was because of the hangover though. 

He shook his head. No, he was over her years ago.

"Mommy, it hurts." He groaned out at her in a whiny kid's voice. 

He smiled and started feeling a bit better when he heard her familiar giggle. He could see her shining green eyes but as he opened his own, he wondered why they had turned a little shade of violet.

"I come bearing George's recipe for hangovers." 

Delnard turned his head slightly to watch one of his reasons why he left for Spain. Sofia Wright did not change that much. She still had that innocent look about her and the type that could make any guy want to protect her and take care of her. 

Sofia is such a rare gem that a man would want nothing than to better himself just so he could believe that he was worthy of something as special as she was.

When he saw her last month, he could not believe she could grow more beautiful. But Sofia Wright did. She looked happier, lovelier and a little bit grown up. He knew it was because she was truly in love with Jonathon and vice versa. 

They were both happy.

Delnard thought that a lot would change now that they were engaged but Sofia treated him almost the same way that she did when they were dating except it was toned down into pure platonic relationship. He was deliriously happy and thankful that the three of them have finally settled into their proper places in each other's life.

"Can I still steal you away from your fiancé?" He chided, struggling to get up. "What are you doing here taking care of the drunk? Shouldn't you be getting ready for the biggest day of your life?"

Sofia smiled and helped him settle against a mound of pillows. She handed him the glass and watched as he slowly began to drink it.

"How much did you drink last night?" She asked not bothering to mask the concern in her voice. "When I saw you passed out in that limo when Jon came to pick me up from Emily's, I wanted to take you to the hospital!" 

"I know. I really went overboard last night." He murmured.

Sofia raised her eyebrow and pierced him with a look that said she was going to be giving one of her sermons. She might be a shorter and younger but Delnard knew Sofia was wiser beyond her years and she had the knack of reading people and telling them exactly what they needed to hear.

"Come on, Delnard. Tell me what's wrong." She murmured reaching over to squeeze his hand. "I know you. You don't drink half as much as how Jon used to before we got together. Now, it seems like you are on your way to acquiring his old behavior." 

Delnard sighed. "You don't have to play therapist with me, Sofia. It's your wedding day and I don't' want to keep you busy when you should be out there getting pampered and prepped." 

Sofia watched as Delnard drank the entire mixture and placed the glass on the bedside table. She had hoped that she would remain good friends with Delnard after everything that had happened. 

Fortunately, they did. In fact, their relationship now was even better than how it was when they had tried being together. Sofia could tell Delnard anything and vice verse without fearing that one of them would slip and fall in love with the other again.

When Delnard came back eight months after he left for Spain about three years ago, Sofia was apprehensive and nervous when it came to talking to him. She did not want him to feel hurt or betrayed again because of their past. Sofia never meant to make it seem like she was choosing between him and Jonathon because the truth of the matter was, she had been in love with Jon even before she met Delnard.

Still, she did try to forget about Jon and did her best to try and love Delnard the way he was supposed to be loved. But, it just did not work out. Good thing Delnard was strong and open enough to accept the truth. 

He had told Sofia that he would never hate her or blame her for anything. It was his choice to fight for her and even though he lost, he never regretted a single thing.

Sofia knew in her heart that she loved Delnard but not in the same way she was in love with Jonathon. Delnard had one of the kindest, warmest and most compassionate hearts in the world. Sofia would never take for granted the fact that she was extremely lucky and blessed to have someone like him to call a friend; a best friend.

This was the very same reason why she was running a little late for her spa appointment. She would rather stay and make sure that he was okay than have her nails done or have a relaxing sauna bath in the spa. 

In their hearts, Jon and hers, they knew they had been married long ago as far as their love and their souls were concerned. Today was just formality and for satisfying the dreams of her parents and of course, Uncle Jefferson.

"Seriously, Del. I care about you more than those soothing facial masks at the spa." She continued. "And, I am not playing therapist. I am speaking to you as a dear friend. What's with all the drinking spree?"

Delnard sighed. He knew he was busted. She was right, he had been drinking an awful lot since he arrived in New York almost 2 months ago. 

He was not going to even think hard of the reason why he was trying to drown memories in his head. Memories that consisted of the most mind blowing kiss he had ever experienced and a pair of deep violet eyes surrounded by black curls.

He flinched when Sofia reached across and touched his left cheek. How did he get bruised? Did he fall flat on his face last night?

"What happened last night?" He asked instead of answering Sofia's question.

She looked at him and sighed. "You're changing the subject, Del."

Delnard smiled as he watched the worry and concern in her magnificent green eyes. He could never keep anything from her and he was glad he had someone to talk to about his feelings. Jonathon was a good listener and one of the best advise givers in his life however, it was always refreshing to have a woman's point of view.

"I know, I know." He sighed, grabbing her hand. "I promise I'll try to drink less, okay?"

"If you're doing it to forget her, Del," Sofia finally broached the topic he was trying to avoid answering. "You know better. It is not going to work."

Sofia watched as Delnard turned his face away from her to stare at the window. Her heart ached, not because she was jealous or sad about the fact that he had gotten over her, but because in all the times she was with him in the past, she had never seen him look so lost and sad. Whoever this mysterious Isabelle is, Sofia thought, she had better be worth it.

"You're right, Sofia." Delnard said, turning back to face her. 

He felt more determined now. It had been two months since that awesome kiss. He had not heard a word from her or caught a glimpse of her. He knew it was impossible to actually meet her because she lived in Spain. Delnard was sure of it. She reeked of Spanish aristocrat through and through.

Still, she had stolen his wallet so she had his contact numbers as well as most of his card memberships. He had immediately called the banks to report his missing credit cards. As much as he wanted to look for her, he could not. He had to fix his relationship with his mother, deal with his business responsibilities and then double his guard when it came to Jack Savage.

"I have to forget her." He declared, sitting up and placing his head on his hands. "I wish I could do it so easily, you know. That one night- man- I could not believe it. It was magic, Sofia. I'm telling you! I never fully understood how you felt for Jonathon before but now, I think- because of her, I- well, I'm beginning to..."

Sofia grinned and gathered Delnard's face with both her hands. She looked at him straight in the eye.

"If I were talking to you as a therapist, I would tell you that you are wasting time on ideals and not facing reality head on." She said. "But, I am your friend. I'm not saying that you waste away, drinking and wallowing over this girl. I just want to tell you that I don't think you're crazy and that I think what your going through is perfectly normal."

"It is rare to have those magical moments, Del. And, I know how frustrating and painful it is to have found such a moment only to lose it at once." Sofia sighed. "I just don't really want you to get hurt or end up being one of those sullen, brooding and drunk men. So please, please, please- for your sake, mine and Jon's- try to pull yourself together."

Delnard nodded and smiled. "Yeah, yeah- I know. I'm just being such a wuss." 

Sofia hugged him before pulling away and kissing him on the forehead. "You're Jonathon's best friend, of course you are a wuss." She teased. "But you do know Jon and I will do everything we can to help you, right? If you want to find this woman, then we'll join your search."

"Would it be too foolish of me to think that maybe one of these days, fate would actually deliver her to me?" Delnard asked, feeling entirely better although, his head still hurt a little.

Sofia laughed. "I think one of the reasons why we got along so well is because you are a dreamer and an old soul, Delnard Savage. If you believe that you are meant to be with Isabelle, then I believe in it as well. Who knows? She could turn up any time soon!"

He laughed. "Speaking of turning up, I think it's best that you leave me and go do what bride-to-bes are supposed to do."

Sofia shrieked with laughter when he tickled her and then lightly shoved her off the bed. She straightened up and gave him one last smile before walking to the door. Pausing slightly, she turned back to him and said.

"I really pray and hope that you get to find her Delnard!" She said. "Plus, no more drunken sprees, okay?"

"But it's your wedding day!" He groaned out, making puppy-dog-eyes at her.

"Oh shush! You can have some bubbly if you want. But, if you would so much as touch a decanter or bottle of whiskey, rum, tequila or gin- you'll get into serious trouble."

Delnard laughed and stuck his tongue at her. "What? Are you going to sic Jonathon on me? Psh- I can take him on." 

He laughed even harder as Sofia made a face. He knew he was thinking of the brawl that happened years ago between him and Jonathon.

"No, i'm not going to send Jon after you." She muttered, grinning mischievously. "I'm sending your mother!"

Sofia let out a loud laugh as she ran out and pulled the door close behind her. She shut it just in time to hear two pillows flying consecutively against the door. 

"Damn!"

Delnard peered closer into the mirror and examined the bruise that was decorating his left cheek. He could not remember how it happened. He sighed and turned to smooth out his tux. After, he turned to his best friend and groom who was impatiently tapping his foot on the floor while being seated on one of the couches in the waiting room. Only a few minutes and he would be married.

"How did I get this bruise again, Jon?"

Jonathon let out a chuckle despite feeling anxious. He was not nervous about the wedding, he was more like impatient. He had waited three years to marry the woman of his dreams and he wanted it done so that he could finally change her surname. Plus, he was eager to see her in the wedding dress designed by the same woman he had asked to make the gown Sofia had worn during his uncle's charity ball. 

"You tried running after a woman in that strip club and instead fell flat on your face. You passed out before you could even take another step." Jonathon replied. 

Somehow, Jonathon had not yet mentioned the fact that the girl was also called Isabelle. Could it be that she was the same Spanish girl that Delnard was pining for? 

Jonathon was still torn between telling his best friend or not. 

First, he did not want to give him false hopes. Second, if this girl stole his wallet, she might be bad news. However, if he told her that she might be THE Isabelle, then he would finally stop drinking a lot and actually get the girl. 

"What woman?" Delnard broke into his thoughts and he bit his inner cheek. 

"Well, you seem to know her." He began carefully. Then he stood up, walking over to stand in front of Delnard. "Listen, I'm not sure if I should tell you this but, that girl, D she's..."

A knock and the opening of the door interrupted them. Both men turned to see Jefferson Elliot walking into the room looking like royalty in his black tuxedo. 

Uncle Jefferson looked older but he definitely seemed to have gotten his second wind in life. He was excited because finally, Jon and Sofia could begin making him a grandfather and he wanted to be able to be healthy and strong enough to watch the kid grow up.

"We're starting, boys. Let me see if you've all suited up nicely. I don't want my daughter to have scruffy gentlemen in her presence." 

Both men rolled their eyes. If one would think of it, this wedding had been Jefferson and the Wright's production number. You would think they were the ones getting married. While Sofia would rather have a nice quiet little nuptial celebration, Jefferson would have none of it. He insisted on paying as well. Of course, Adam Wright did not want that. After a few squabbles, both gentlemen decided to split the bill. 

However, knowing Jefferson Elliot, he was not about to get one-upped. He had secretly bought the newlyweds a house near his property in Raleigh. He was going to surprise them during the reception. 

"Did you get into a fight, boy?" Jefferson's voice boomed in the small holding room and Delnard cringed. 

Sometimes, being the single guy, it made Uncle Jeff treat him like a kid. Ever since the incident with his family, Jefferson Elliot had made it his purpose to take the Savage man under his wing. 

"No, Uncle J." He muttered.

"He got piss-poor drunk, Uncle." Jonathon added with a mischievous smile on his face. He knew that his best friend was going to get in trouble.

"Hmp! I just go this buffoon to quit drinking. Don't tell me I have to start worrying about yours..." 

"Don't we have a wedding to attend to?" Delnard asked, glaring at Jonathon who was laughing silently behind Jefferson. 

"Yes, we do! Finally!" Jonathon exclaimed. 

The three men proceeded outside the room and just before stepping through the doors of the church, Jonathon grabbed Delnard's arm to stop him. 

"What's up man? Don't tell me you're getting cold feet because you know, I could step in anytime." He teased.

Jonathon rolled his eyes, grinning. "She'll probably taser you in front of the priest." He replied with a chuckle. 

"No, I just wanted to say thank you. I never really thanked you as much as I am supposed to. You've been there for me since we were trying to learn the ABC's and how to work an accounting sheet.  You never let me down, D. Now, because of you, I am also marrying the woman of my dreams. I just want you to really know that you are a huge and important part of my life- mine and Sofia's...and really, I owe you so much."

Delnard felt his throat constrict and he smiled broadly at the guy he thought of as a brother more than a best friend. He had never really thought of reasons why he would do and not do those things for Jonathon. It was instinct. He would lay his life down for the guy and Delnard knew that Jonathon would do the same thing for him in a heartbeat. It was just one of God's great creations.

He pulled Jonathon in for a hug just before the door opened. 

"I love you, bro."

"I love you too. Now, let's go get me married!" 

Delnard clapped him on the back before straightening up and marching through the door, a huge grin on his face. He did not care if he had a bruise or that he was still feeling a bit of a headache from this morning's hangover. His best friends were getting married and he knew that despite the issues he still had to face in other aspects of his life, he was glad that Sofia and Jon had come full circle. At least, that part of his world worked out splendidly.

Finally, Jonathon was standing beside him and both of them waited for the doors to open again and usher Sofia in. Delnard felt the excitement buzzing off from Jonathon as he stood erect, waiting for the music to swell. 

He turned to Delnard and both guys grinned like they were ten year olds without a care in the world. He gave Jonathon a thumbs up and a few seconds after, the strains of the wedding march filled the cathedral.

Delnard watched as Sofia stepped through the doors, accompanied by her parents. His breath had stuck on his throat and he felt a familiar pang in his heart. He forced himself to breathe and sort out his feelings. 

No, it was not jealousy or regret. He was just suffering a rare after shock. Who wouldn't? 

Sofia looked radiant and almost ethereal in her ivory pearl crusted gown. Her shoulders were bare and the dress fitted her perfectly. He watched in awe, unable to keep himself from smiling. He sighed and turned to look at his best friend and found that Jonathon Elliot actually had tears in his eyes. 

Delnard felt his heart swell with happiness and he reached to give Jonathon a soft pat on the back. His best friend looked like he was going to burst any moment out of sheer joy and love. 

He was looking at the radiant bride with a mixture of love, hunger, pride and most of all, adoration. Delnard did not need for Jonathon to tell him that he felt blessed and humbled by everything. He could read it in Jon's face.

He chuckled and realized that he too had tears in his eyes. It was just a very beautiful moment for them. In his mind, Delnard knew that he wished for the same thing for himself. 

Delnard was now even more determined to not settle for just any girl. He would have the girl of his heart's dreams. He would have the woman he would be willing to lay his life for and look upon on with such love and adoration that it was going to be difficult to get a good sized breath whenever she was around him. 

His thoughts wandered off to Isabelle and he quickly pushed it aside. Now was not the time to wallow. He was going to be a good best man and celebrate with the important people in his life, his family!