I'm Guilty, My Beauty[COMPLETED]

Upon hearing his last statement, an idea sprung into Beauty's mind as if receiving a stimulus.

"Thanks, Clarence! You gave me a very good idea!" In her excitement, she suddenly hugged Clarence who was beside her.

All eyes were on them. Clarence was stunned for a moment. He wanted to hug her in return, but he controlled himself while feeling blissful inside. He now realized she was lowering her guard around him.

The married couple did not mind; for them, it was normal.

Ronald the lone bystander felt sour and tried to look away. Yet, he was contented to see her happy.

The lover boy wished for the moment to last, but the lonely spectator cleared his throat, making the girl realize what she did. She just had to let go.

"Sorry, I was excited and just ..." After realization hit her, embarrassment took over.

"It's okay. I don't mind," The mouth said, but the heart revolted. 'Please don't let go yet. Stay longer. Oh, Ronald, your jealousy is my enemy. Keeping me from my pleasure.'

Beauty tried to cover her embarrassment by speaking, "Lorraine, do we still have enough time to inform the guests for a dress code change?"

"Tell us your idea first," said Lorraine.

"Clarence's words gave me the idea to modify the dress code. 'Under the sea' can also mean getting wet. Trees and flowers were indeed unnecessary. Let's put up showers, sprinklers, or even computer-controlled water fountains. If you have people who can install it quickly, then combine it with music. It would be superb! Guests can wear wholesome swimming outfits.

"The playground already had sands. Sprinklers will be installed for kids so they can play and jump around in the water. We'll just make sure all the food won't be reached by water splashes. Do you all get what I mean?"

"Good idea! No need for formality. I think this would really turn out to be very fun compared to the previous. My people can easily make the calls to explain and inform the guests." Lorraine's excitement came back. All thanks to the simple change.

"I know a team who can install the computer-controlled water fountains in a jiffy, but only at the poolside. Sprinklers are already present at the playground so that's solved." Leonard simply informed them.

"Still, we need to make some rooms near the pool as the changing area," added Clarence.

"Nice thinking there, Boss. Also, extra towels and other necessities for the girls have to be prepared." Ronald reminded Lorraine in case she did not realize to include them.

"Yeah, thanks for the reminder, both of you. I didn't even think up to that point or even about preparing those things. Well, let's go and make this event successful!"

. . . . .

By 4:00 pm, the computer-controlled water fountains were installed. Guests were slowly arriving. The rooms prepared for changing were transformed into small sections separated by curtains. Upon entering, maids were waiting to hand over towels.

Long tables full of food were placed a bit further from the pool. Next to it were rustic wooden tables and cushions resembling rocks. There were actual big rocks as well, which some men might prefer to sit on for it would not sink. Not far from the tables, the music band wearing beach attires was ready to play. The whole ground was covered with white sand instead of grass.

"Wow, I feel like I'm at the beach. Hello, Grandma Julianne, Lorraine, Leonard. Your setting is very nice."

"Mom, look at that moving fountain! It's dancing with the music! Can I go there now?"

"Grandma Julianne, Lorraine," a woman greeted them with cheek kisses [1], "you're really making us envious. Not just the theme, but look at the food."

"What is this? Haha, I thought real pebbles were accidentally placed on the food. I was about to complain. These are actually dumplings. Nicely done and delicious. Hmm."

"You're only focusing on that dish alone. Move back a little and look at the whole food setting. Can't you see? It looks like a seabed with objects and creatures under the sea."

"Yeah, you're right. Is this a real sea coral? ... it's not. Haha, it's actually a steamed bun with fillings. Man, this is really picturesque."

"This one is also beautifully made! It's not a steamed bun, but a mini cake with icing."

"Please move a little, I'm going to take a selfie with the whole table of food ... nice, uploading to Facebook!"

"Me, too!"

"See this one? It looks like a crab, but it is really a crab," joked one of the guests.

"Haha, nice one, Sean. You got me."

"Check out this fish!" A boy shouted. He was amazed for it exactly looked like it was swimming. "How did your chef cook it to make it almost realistic?"

"That's not the point, slice the body. Totally boneless with meat stuffing. Wonderful."

"Guys, this is totally an eye-opener for me." Another man pointed to the sea urchins look-alikes desserts. "Hmm, such new tastes but sensational to the tongue."

"Let me hire your chef, Grandma. I love all of these. Very beautiful. Like a painting. Delicious, too."

While people were slowly arriving, Leonard took a microphone and made an announcement.

"OK, everyone. Today, as we all know, is my Grandpa George's 68th birthday celebration. Thank you for coming to this rather wild theme chosen by Grandpa! Please help yourselves first with the food as he prepares his special outfit! The program will start when he arrives.

"Reminder to the parents, look after your kids by the poolside. We don't want any accident of them slipping or falling into the water. Even though we have lifesavers nearby—see those men in white shirt and red shorts—it's better to be careful.

"Kids, I suggest you go to the seabed-turned playground over there. You can play, run around, and get wet over there without a care! We also placed a trampoline for you to jump around safely. There are also chocolate- and cheese-fondue fountains nearby. You can directly dip your sea creature cookies and have a good bite."

After hearing the announcement, the kids rushed to the playground immediately. Some parents and teens were also eager to check out the place.

The star of the night, Grandpa George, was actually not so excited about going to the party area. He was very much entertained, watching Clarence and Beauty arrange food in platters for serving. He was also enjoying the topic with Ronald who matched his style of conversation. Both of them did nothing much but eat and talk. Both of them were simply gourmets.

[1] Cheek kisses are offered as a sign of sophisticated greetings. It starts with the right cheek pressed against the other's right cheek, and then the left cheeks to complete the action. After that, one should kiss the air without making a smacking sound.