Flicker of Life - Chapter One
Full Summary:
After the events at Jurassic World, Alise and Owen are left to pick up the pieces. They have a lot to figure out - they're currently homeless and jobless with a baby on the way and the emotional scars of the event run deep. No matter what they've been through or what lies ahead, one thing's for sure: they'll get through it. Together.
Along the way, they realize that they don't know each other as well as they thought they did and they're both hiding things from each other. So the question is, will they really get through it together?
*Part 2 in the Flicker series
*Summing up what has happened in the three years after Flicker of Hope (Jurassic World) and the third book in the series, All We Are (Fallen Kingdom).
Chapter Summary:
Alise is still in shock about what happened at Jurassic World and Owen seems to be dealing with the aftershock in his own way. However, it's time for them to push that aside for now because they decide to elope in Costa Rica with Lowery, Lucy, Lachlan and Barry all present. Despite what's happened the day before, this is definitely the best day of both of their lives.
I woke up in an unfamiliar room as the events of yesterday came flooding in. The Indominus getting out, Owen basically almost dying, being scared shitless the entire time I watched everything go on in the control room, then the sudden relief when I finally got to him when it was all over. All followed by Owen saying we should get married like right away, wherever and whenever. I would have done it right then and there, but we had other things to worry about.
With so many people injured and not enough medical staff, Owen and I tried to help as much as we could with the recovery efforts. We finally got off the island to the mainland around midnight (with Lowery in tow, of course) and the last thing we wanted to do was look at flights out of here, so I called Lucy and asked her if we could spend the night at her apartment.
She, of course, said yes and even came to pick us up and she was with Lachlan. The whole trip to Lucy's apartment, Lachlan was talking about how insane it must have been to be there, but Owen and I were way too tired to talk about it (not to mention it was still so fresh), but Lowery indulged him and did enough talking for the both of us. Lachlan was feeling much better. Turns out he was just super dehydrated and had a viral infection that just passed.
I let out a sigh as it dawned on me that Owen and I are basically homeless and jobless with a baby on the way. Everything still felt unreal, but it hit me like a ton of bricks. This was serious.
"So, do you wanna get married today?" was the first thing out of Owen's mouth when I turned over to face him. He looked like he was wide awake and had been up for hours.
I couldn't help the smile that crossed my lips as I raised my brow. "Were you waiting for me to wake up?"
He nodded simply. "Yeah."
"Well, I would love to become Mrs. Grady today," I laughed, it would be nice to have a little bit of a distraction from the real problem that we were having.
"Okay, so let's do it," he said, springing out of bed.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa," I laughed. When he got an idea in his head, he was set. Tunnel vision. There was no deterring him from doing the thing that he wanted to, but he needed to slow down a little bit. "Can we have coffee first? And maybe some breakfast?" I asked, sitting up. "And you're awfully chipper this morning, did you sleep last night?" I asked, suspicious. He's usually only this chipper when he hasn't slept a wink and I feared that might be the case.
"Not really," he shrugged.
My face fell, "I'm sorry… was it because of-"
"-let's not talk about that right now. How about we get some breakfast and go from there." he kissed my forehead.
I nodded, "Let me take a quick shower. Do you need one too?"
"Took one when I couldn't sleep," he said. My face fell again, thinking that he probably didn't sleep because of everything that happened yesterday. It was a lot. But him not sleeping worried me a little bit. "I'll start some coffee, see if the others are up."
"Okay," I said, getting out of bed. "And be nice to Lachlan, everything goes over his head. He doesn't realize how serious it was."
"Yeah," he said through gritted teeth.
"Owen," I warned softly, looking up at him.
"I know how he is, you don't need to remind me," he said, walking over to me and kissing my lips. "I'll be nice to him. Go take your shower," he said, slapping my ass.
I laughed, "Hey, hey, no touching 'til after the wedding."
"Ah, so we're keeping that tradition," he rolled his eyes. Clearly, everything about this wedding was going to be untraditional. I was just joking anyway. He could touch all he wanted. "Just for that I should f-"
I put my hand over his mouth. "Don't even say it because I might give in. I'm gonna go before you tempt me." I said before going to my bag to search for clothes.
"Not that many can resist the Owen Grady charm."
"Well, I am one of those people," I lied with a smirk, but was confident in my answer so he wouldn't catch on that it was a complete lie. "And go make me coffee for when I come out," I ordered.
Owen laughed, "Love you too, soon to be Mrs. Grady," he said before shutting the door. I couldn't help the massive, goofy smile that was on my face. By the end of the day, I was going to be Mrs. Grady and that was like a dream.
x x x
"So, there's this beautiful waterfall, called La Paz Waterfall Garden where a bunch of people have gone to get eloped. You just set a time and they have their own marriage officiant and everything. Look at how beautiful it is!" was the first thing Lucy said as I walked down the hallway and into the kitchen. She showed me her iPad and I definitely wasn't disappointed by the view of the waterfall. She let me have it and I scrolled through the pictures. It was actually breathtaking. "I called and asked if they had any availabilities and they just so happen to have one at 4pm. It takes about an hour to get there, but I thought it'd be doable."
My stomach immediately got butterflies when she said that, but it could have also been because I haven't eaten yet, but I was leaning more towards a mixture of excitement and nervousness at the idea of getting married today - in 5 hours. "That's in 5 hours… I have to get a dress, do my hair, Owen needs a tux… and so do the boys. There's so much to do..." Now I was panicking a little and it was a good thing the boys were in the living room and didn't see this.
"And we'll get it all done," Lucy said calmly, taking the iPad from me. "If this is what you want. We'll make it happen. I promise." she assured me.
I couldn't help but smile. "It's exactly what I want," I said. I wanted to be Mrs. Grady today and for the rest of my life. I've never wanted something more in my entire life.
"I can tell because you haven't gouged my eyes out yet because you haven't had coffee yet," she laughed, stepping out of the way and motioning towards the coffee pot.
"Hey, I'm not that bad…" I said, grabbing a mug and pouring my own coffee. She just looked at me with a raised brow. "Okay, fine, I am," I admitted. She laughed and nodded with big eyes, clearly agreeing with me. "So I have to tell Owen. I'm sure he'll want Barry there. All I really want is you, Lachlan and Lowery." I said, of course, if we were home I'd have my mom, Carl, Aspen, and Lance there, but I'll take what I can get down here.
"So that makes Barry and Lachlan groomsmen and me and Lowery the bridesmaids?" she asked with a smirk.
I laughed. "You read my mind. Wonder if we'll find a dress in his size."
"Speaking of dresses, I know the perfect place to find yours. It's not a formal wedding dress shop, but I'm sure you don't want to spend thousands of dollars on a dress, but it's a cute little boutique. I set up an appointment for an hour from now and it's 20 minutes away, you think that's enough time?" she asked.
I nodded, taking a sip of the coffee. "Wow, you're really making this as painless as possible for me. You're honestly the best, I don't know what I'd do without you." I said, hugging her.
"Of course, it's not every day your best friend gets eloped after a dinosaur almost killed their fiancée." she chuckled, then froze. "Is it too soon?" she asked, her skin flushing, clearly worried that the joke wouldn't be received the way she intended.
"No, it's kinda funny," I laughed, then thought. "So I have to tell Owen and make sure it's all okay with him."
"I already did. He talked to Barry, too. He's coming."
"Wow, you are a miracle worker. My little fairy godmother." I smiled, blowing on my coffee and taking a sip.
She hummed, smiling. "I also booked a honeymoon suite Hotel Villa Caletas because I figured you and Owen would want some privacy."
"Are you kidding me? Isn't that hotel like impossible to get into?" I asked in shock. That was one of the nicest hotels in Jaco and people book months in advance, especially the honeymoon suite.
"I have my ways. Consider it a wedding gift. I just want you to have a perfect day." she smiled back.
"With everything you've done and the fact that I'm marrying the love of my life, I know it will be. Thank you." I said, hugging her again.
God, what did I ever do to get a friend like her?
x x x
An hour later, we were at the boutique and looking at all the dresses. I wasn't the type to try on a bunch of dresses. I mean, I never even try on clothes at stores, I usually just buy it and hope it fits. We were also on a time crunch, so I didn't have time to be trying on a bunch of dresses.
The dress consultant, Maria, asked for the type of dress I was looking for and all I really knew was that I wanted something that was a light color and it didn't have to be white. I didn't want anything too long or extravagant looking, something cute and simple. Also, I had a 100 dollar limit, there was no way I was paying more for a dress I was only going to be in for half a day. (Because we all know the second we get to the hotel, it's coming right off).
There wasn't a huge selection of dresses and most of them were dresses someone would wear to prom. I tried on a couple of dresses, but they were a hard no. I lost hope in finding a dress after a half an hour passed, but I finally found one that caught my eye.
I tried it on and looked at myself in the mirror. Maria described it as a light purple a-line v-neck knee-length chiffon cocktail dress with beading on the top part. It was absolutely beautiful. I looked over at Lucy, who had tears in her eyes as she was covering her mouth.
"It's the one?" she asked. I nodded.
"It's definitely the one," I said, taking another look at myself in the mirror. Yup, definitely the one.
x x x
After that, Lucy and I went back to her apartment so we could both get ready. She didn't need to get a dress because she already had one to wear that was a maroon color with lace detailing, it was perfect. It was nearing 1pm, so we had to be out of the house in about an hour and a half, which was definitely enough time to get ready.
While I was getting my dress, the boys were going to get tuxedos, or at least that's what they said they were doing. I wondered if Owen would show up in board shorts, but hell, I wouldn't even care to be honest. I just wanted to marry him, we could be in our bathing suits for all I care.
"Did you tell your parents? I mean - mom and stepdad..." Lucy asked as she wrapped a section of my hair around a curling iron. We decided I'd go for a half up, half down look with loose curls. She was pretty good at doing hair and already had her hair done in a braid going around her head like a halo with a few pieces framing her face perfectly.
"Parent's are fine. Carl is basically like the dad I never had and no way. I had to swear Lowery to secrecy and I know he didn't tell them because I haven't gotten a call from my mom yet," I said. I had to call them earlier to let them know I was okay and all I said was that we were staying in Costa Rica with Lucy before we figure out what we were doing and that I'd call them when we had a plan. Of course, they said we could come stay with them, which is probably what we were going to do, but that's something I had to talk to Owen about tomorrow. "I didn't even tell Aspen when I talked to her earlier… God, she's going to kill me…"
Lucy laughed, "Well, just focus on today and you'll worry about all of that tomorrow. Today is your day." she smiled.
I smiled too, then thought about what the boys could be up to. "I wonder if the boys found their tux's yet, or if they even got to the shop yet," I said, pulling out my phone. "And I also wonder if they've killed each other yet."
"Knowing them, Lachlan has probably already driven Owen up the wall." Lucy laughed. Owen and Lachlan didn't really get on well. I mean, they're civil and everything and Owen has to deal with him because he's my friend, but he's probably the last person he wants to hang out with without me there.
"So will Lowery. At least he has Barry to keep him sane." I said.
"Hopefully. Lachlan did say 'we have 3 hours to squeeze in a bachelor party and get a tux, this is awesome!' before they left." she laughed. I was in the bathroom throwing up (damn morning sickness) when they left, so I'm bummed I missed that.
I laughed, "Man, I wish I could have seen the look on Owen's face."
"Oh, it was priceless." Lucy laughed again. I smiled as I scrolled through my Instagram feed. "You nervous?" she asked after a few quiet minutes.
I sighed, "I mean, I have butterflies in my stomach, but I don't know if it's actually nervousness, maybe more of excitement. I mean, I'm going to become Mrs. Grady, it doesn't get any better than that!"
"You two are so perfect together."
"What about you and Lachlan? Any wedding bells in your future?" I asked.
Lucy flushed and laughed nervously, "Let's just focus on you and Owen today, okay?"
I laughed, "Yeah, for today. Tomorrow's a new day." I smirked.
She just hummed as she finished spraying my hair with hair spray. "Fini!" she smiled, holding up a mirror so I could see the back of it.
"It's perfect! It'll look so good with the dress!" I exclaimed.
"It will!" Lucy smiled, marveling at her work. "And we should get that on now because it's actually time to go!" she said, bringing the dress over. I took a look at the dress and my eyes widened and I covered my mouth as I ran to the bathroom. I barely made it to the toilet before I threw up. I heard Lucy's footsteps come rushing after me. "Are you okay?!" she asked, quickly grabbing my hair and holding it back.
"Yeah," I let out a sigh once I was finished and flushed the toilet.
"Are you not feeling well? Were you not feeling well earlier and you just didn't say anything?" she asked as I rinsed my mouth out with the mouth wash she had on the counter, knowing she wouldn't mind if I took some.
"No, I'm fine… I'm not really supposed to tell anyone yet, but I'm pregnant." I confessed.
"No way! That's great, Alise! I mean, it is, isn't it?" she asked.
"Totally. It's amazing, actually. I just found out a week ago," I said, then I thought. "We're not getting married just because of it…"
"I know, you two love each other more than anything," Lucy smiled at me. "Are you feeling better? Want to change into your dress?" she asked. I nodded. She brought it over and I put it on and looked at myself in the mirror.
"You look beautiful. Stunning. Marvelous. Amazing." Lucy said with a grin.
"Keep 'em comin', I'm enjoying all of the compliments," I laughed.
"I'll keep telling you how beautiful you are on the way there. You ready?" she asked.
I let out a breath and looked at myself one last time, letting it actually sink in. This was finally happening. "Yes. I'm so ready."
x x x
I had butterflies in my stomach the entire drive and the butterflies lingered when I was walking down the stone path, the sound of the rushing waterfall filling my ears the closer I got. I was just hoping I didn't throw up. Lucy looked back at me and squeezed my hand.
"You got this," she whispered, letting my hand go and walking ahead of me, disappearing behind the brush of trees. I took a deep breath, shaking off my nerves.
"Here we go," I whispered to myself, letting out another breath as I walked into the clearing.
I saw Owen standing with the officiant, Lucy standing to his left and Lowery, Lachlan and Barry standing to his right. They were all looking at me and I felt my cheeks burn as I walked over. Owen's mouth was hung open when I stood in front of him.
"Careful, you might start drooling," I laughed. Owen shut his mouth and chuckled softly, as the officiant made his introductions. The butterflies continued throughout the ceremony and they were at their height when the officiant told Owen to say his vows.
I smiled at him as he grabbed my hands and let out a shaky breath. His eyes were a little glossed over and it looked like he might cry. I was seconds away from crying and this would most definitely send me over the edge.
"I guess I'll start by saying that I never thought that I'd ever settle down and have kids or even get married, and then I met you and I just knew you were the one I was going to spend the rest of my life with. I don't know if I've ever said this because I know I'm not the best at sharing my feelings, but I'm so grateful that you're in my life and I thank God for that every day. I know I've made a lot of mistakes, but you aren't one of them. I promise to never break your heart because I know Lowery would try to beat me up, but probably fail," Owen chuckled, glancing over at Lowery. I smiled and we all got a chuckle out of that. "I promise I won't use all the hot water and I'll fix the water heater the first time you ask me to. I promise to love you and our baby with everything that I have. I love you so much and I always will. I'm all in." Tears were in his eyes and he was so sincere. I felt a few tears fall down my cheeks at his words, this was just so overwhelming.
"Wow... that was beautiful. I don't know how I can follow that up…" I laughed lightly, sniffling in and trying to hold back more tears of joy. "But when I met you I never imagined that a year later I'd be marrying you and having a baby with you. The past year with you has been a whirlwind... I never expected any of this, but you're the best thing that's ever happened to me. This past year has been filled with so many laughs, smiles, kisses, and tears, but I wouldn't change any of it. I'm so lucky to have met you and to have you in my life. I promise to love you with all my heart, no matter what. Even when you're being a dick, which is 90% of the time," I laughed and everyone else did too. Owen shrugged his shoulders, chuckled and nodded, agreeing with me. "I promise to be the best mother and wife that I can be. I promise to always be by your side, no matter what. I love you more than anything. And of course, I'm all in, baby."
"I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride." the officiant said and Owen didn't hesitate to grab my face and pull me into a passionate kiss. Everyone clapped and cheered and I heard Lachlan chant 'Woot woot' and I couldn't help but laugh as we pulled away and looked at them.
"That was beautiful. Congratulations!" Lucy said, hugging me and then Owen.
"Congrats bro," Lachlan said, giving Owen a hug and patting his back. "But it's me you'll have to worry about if you break her heart, not the pansy, alright?" he said, squaring up to Owen and acting all tough.
"Seriously?!" Lowery exclaimed.
"I'll keep that in mind." Owen chuckled. I laughed, shaking my head.
"Congratulations, Mrs. Grady!" Barry said, hugging me. "What are you two going to do now?"
Owen looked at me and I raised my brows. "We have a hotel room to get to," he said and in one swift motion, he picked me up bridal style.
"I already called an Uber, enjoy your night you two!" Lucy winked.
"We will," I smirked, grabbing onto the back of Owen's neck and pulling him down into a kiss. "I love you."
"I love you too."