I've got a lot of things to say before I get on with the chapter, which is the longest one I've ever written.
I hope you enjoy this chapter! I spent about 5 or so hours on it, so I hope my creativity was flowing throughout the whole 5 hours.
Mad shout-outs to HSMandChelseaFan, XxTinkyBlondieBellxX, HSMLUVER218, zanessatroyellaforever4evr620, HSMobsessed23, TheMusicinMe, x0emz0x, Danny (Restles Quill), Nicky, and daddys-damsel-in-distress for being with me! Props to Christine for the design choices and musiclover Valerie for the setting options.
Butterflies ran through her stomach. Her breath was getting short. Her fingers wouldn't stop shaking. Shivers ran along her skin.
Gabriella Montez looked at her reflection in the mirror. She was in her wedding gown, the material flowing over her body perfectly. She looked down at the tiled pattern on the floor and breathed in deeply, filling her lungs with oxygen, trying to calm her nerves down.
"Gabi, you look absolutely beautiful." A pair of hands had taken a hold of her shoulders, the grip firm enough to soothe the many things that were running through her mind for a moment. "As you always do."
Taking a hold of the hands, Gabriella turned around and smiled at her mother. "Thanks mom." She let go of her mother's hands and wiped at the tears that had started to well up in her mother's eyes. "It means a lot to me that you're here with me right now."
"I wouldn't want to be anywhere else right now, Gabriella. It's not everyday that a mother sees her daughter all grown up and getting married. This is something I would never want to miss," Ms. Montez whispered to her daughter, picking up the veil that was lying on the table.
Gabriella didn't know what to say, she was speechless at the moment. She engulfed her mother in a hug, fighting to hold back tears. Her mother hugged her daughter tightly, stroking her back to calm her nervous daughter down.
"Gabi, you look absolutely stunning today," her mother murmured in her ear, her own tears slowly falling from her eyes. "There are no words that can express how happy I am for you right now. I'm so glad that you found someone like Troy. If only your father was here right now."
The urge to cry became stronger. Her father. Her father who would've been here right now. Her father who would've told her that she was beautiful. Her father who would've been walking her down the aisle to her groom. Her father who loved her dearly. Her father was gone, died when she was only five. "Mom, I miss him."
"I do too, honey. You know that he would've been so proud of you right now. He would probably be right by my side, crying like I am while telling me not to cry. He also would tell you that you look gorgeous. Gabi, you know that he loves you," her mother told her.
"Yes, I know that daddy loves me. I just wish that he was with me right now. I wish that I could tell him that I love him and that I miss him," Gabriella wiped away a tear that had escaped from her eyes.
Ms. Montez hugged her daughter once again, even tighter than before. After they finished the hug, Ms. Montez wiped at the tears in her own eyes. Gabriella and her mother had a silent conversation, knowing exactly what was on each other's mind. Ms. Montez put the veil gently on her daughter's had, firmly pressing it down so it would remain in place.
"Gabi, you look so exquisite today," her mother said again, breaking the few moments of silence. "Just wait till Troy gets a look at you. You'll take his breath away and he'll think how lucky he is to have found you."
Taylor walked into the room quietly, standing beside Ms. Montez. Taylor was wearing a pool colored dress, another design by Sharpay. It was strapless like Gabriella's, but unlike Gabriella's, the material had been layered over itself in the back. "Gabi, are you ready?"
Right now they were at the local church, right next to the beach. They were going to have part of the ceremony at the church, but they were going to say their vows at the beach, just when dusk would start to settle in.
"Taylor, I can't do this. I'm not ready," Gabriella stated, putting her forehead in her hands.
Taylor took a seat next to her best friend, taking a hold of her hands. "Gabriella, don't say that. You are ready. Remember my wedding. I was in the same situation as you. You were sitting right next to me, telling me that this was my dream come true. Well, you know what Gabi? This is your dream come true, this is your moment. You are ready for all of this. You are ready to marry the man of your dreams. Marry the man that you love."
Gabriella hugged her friend. "Thanks Tay. I don't know what I would do without you here. Or my mom. I'll be ready, just give me a few moments to myself. I'll be out in a minute."
Taylor and Ms. Montez gave Gabriella one last encouraging look before walking out of the room. When she heard the door close, Gabriella turned back to her reflection. Sharpay, of course, had done her make-up minutes before her mom came in. It was simple, yet exotic, something that worked with her looks.
"Today is the day. The day that I get married. The day that I will finally become Gabriella Bolton. The day that Troy and I will be husband and wife. The day that I marry the man of my dreams. The man that is one in a million."
With one last deep breath, Gabriella pulled the veil down, letting it cover her face. She looked at her image in the mirror again, smoothing out any wrinkled that she thought were in the dress, and picked up the bouquet of red roses on the table.
But the red roses weren't the only ones on the table. There was a lone yellow rose hiding beneath them along with a single card attached to the leaves. She pulled off the card and opened it, instantly recognizing the handwriting.
To Gabriella:
Gabriella, today is the big day. Our wedding day. But before you carry the bouquet of red roses down the aisle, I wanted you to have this yellow rose, this last gift from your boyfriend before I become your husband, as a reminder that I love you and that I'll be waiting for you.
Will always love you for the rest of my life,
Troy Bolton
Holding the yellow rose to her chest, Gabriella let a small smile appear on her lips. With this last gift from her boyfriend, Gabriella was ready to walk down the aisle and join him. She placed the yellow rose down delicately and picked up the bouquet again. She started for the door, only looking back once to set her gaze on the yellow rose.
♥
Troy Bolton stood at the altar in this white tux, bouncing on his heels. He was trying not to let anyone else know that he was nervous. But why wouldn't he be? It was his wedding day. The day that he was going to marry the woman that he loved. He pulled at the cuffs of his jacket, hoping no one else saw beyond his facade.
Chad noticed it of course. He walked up to his best friend, dressed in his black tux. "Troy, dude, calm down."
"I can't Chad. I'm a nervous wreck right now. Did you feel like this on your wedding?"
"Heck yeah," Chad stopped, remembering that he was in a church, "But I took a deep breath and remembered that Taylor was the woman that I loved. That we were gonna be joined in Holy Matrimony and I was gonna be able to call her my wife," Chad patted his friend on the back, "Just think, you guys are gonna be official."
"Thanks Chad. I don't know what I would be doing if you weren't here. I'd probably be pulling my hair out or something unpleasant," Troy and Chad punched their fist quickly, "Thanks a lot man."
"No prob. That's what I'm here for."
Troy looked around at the crowd. There were his parents sitting toward the front, not exactly the first row, but relatively close. Right now his mother was being calmed down by his father, his coach back in high school. The man who used to disapprove of Gabriella until the one day that he heard her and Troy sing together. Wilton Bolton looked up at him for a second, flashing his son a small smile of approval. Troy smiled back, wishing that his parents could've been beside him to calm his nerves.
Ryan and Sharpay were standing next to each other with their love ones beside them. Ryan was looking sharp as usual, except right now he wasn't wearing one of his signature hats. Rachael was beside him in a chocolate colored cocktail dress, her head leaning on Ryan's shoulder as she gave him a small smile. Sharpay today wasn't dressed in pink surprisingly. She was wearing a red mermaid style dress with white gloves. You could always depend on Sharpay to make a dramatic statement with her fashion choices. Jared was beside her in a black pinstripe tuxedo, holding Sharpay's hand tightly.
Chad gave Troy a poke in the back and pointed to the doors. Troy looked up, expecting to see Gabriella standing at the entrance, but he saw Ms. Montez waving at him. He gave her a quick and brief wave of his hand before looking at the altar.
The priest wasn't what you would call old, but he wasn't on the young side either. Somewhere in his thirties, he looked at Troy encouragingly, as if he definitely saw through Troy's face.
Suddenly, Here Comes the Bride started to play, resounding from the organ that Kelsi was playing on as it filled the entire church. Everyone stood up, wanting to get a look at the bride that would be soon walking down the center aisle. Nervously, Troy turned his head and looked down the aisle.
First was the flower girl, who was his little cousin, Anya, throwing flowers petals on the floor, bearing a grin on her face. The rose petals that fell from her hands drifted onto the floor, softly hitting the floor like snowflakes on a cold winter day. But today wasn't a cold winter day. It was a summer day, the day of his wedding. As his little cousin approached the altar, Anya took the rest of the rose petals and scattered them upon the altar. Once the last of the petals hit the floor, Anya turned to her left and walked to the front pew, placing the basket on the seat beside her.
After Anya was Taylor and the rest of the bridesmaids. Gabriella had offered for Sharpay to be one, but she declined, saying that she would rather watch everything instead of being a part of it. Taylor smiled brightly as she made her way down the altar and took the place opposite Troy and Chad.
Now, it was the moment that everyone was waiting for: the bride.
Slowly, Gabriella appeared at the entrance. Troy was at a loss for words. She looked amazing, gorgeous, beautiful, glamorous. Whatever word could've been used couldn't describe how lovely Gabriella looked. But the only thing that bothered him was that he couldn't see if she was smiling or not because of the veil, but he knew that she was smiling.
When she finally approached at the altar, she turned to Troy and lifted up the veil, allowing him to see her face. And he was right. She was smiling, no, more like glowing. Troy couldn't do anything except take her hands in his and smile at her. He was speechless and even if he could've thought of any words to say, his mouth would've been able to form them.
"We are gathered here today," the priest announced, causing Troy and Gabriella to turn to face him, "to witness..."
The beginning of the ceremony was more of a blur to both of them until the candle lighting portion. Troy and Gabriella went over to candles that were standing slightly off to the side of the altar. Two small ones and one large one.
Troy took a hold of the match and lit one of the small ones. Gabriella did the same. Then together they lit the large one. While they did this, the priest explained why they did this. "By lighting the smaller candles individually and then the large one together, this symbolizes the joining of man and woman, the joining of two hearts as one..."
♥
The sky was beginning to turn to a multitude of colors, as if a painter had run a brush along the sky, one color after another. Hues of pinks, yellows, and oranges were visible in the sky. The congregation had moved outside, right beside the beach. Tents were set up with lanterns hanging on them, waiting for the sun to set. Chairs had been set up, but no one was sitting. They were all on their toes, listening as the priest asked Troy and Gabriella the Question of Intent.
"Do you, Troy Bolton, take Gabriella Montez to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poor, in sickness and in health for as long as you live until death do you part?"
"I do," Troy replied strongly, hiding the fact that his nerves were still acting up on him. But when Gabriella squeezed his hand tightly, he looked over and saw the small smile that she gave him. "I guess she knows how nervous I am."
The priest turned to face Gabriella. "Do you, Gabriella Montez, take Troy Bolton to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poor, in sickness and in health for as long as you live until death do you part?"
"I do," Gabriella answered, feeling Troy drawing circles on her thumb as he held her hand tightly.
Now came the dreaded part of the ceremony. "If anyone," the priest proclaimed to the audience, "has just cause why these two may not wed, speak now or forever hold your peace."
Troy and Gabriella didn't know anyone who would've objected to them getting married, but there could've been someone who was madly in love with either of them that never decided to speak up and was planning to do at their wedding. But luckily, no one spoke up and the ceremony continued peacefully.
"You may now present the rings," the priest said quietly to Chad and Taylor.
Chad stepped forward, giving Troy the gold band that was on the pillow that he was holding. He gave his friend an encouraging smile.
Troy smiled back before turning his attention to the woman that was standing in front of him. He took her left hand in his and put the ring on the tip of her ring finger. Taking a deep breath, Troy felt his nerves disappear when he started to pour his heart out to Gabriella.
"Gabriella Montez, never in my life would I think that I would find someone who truly sees me for who I am, that is until I found you. You didn't see me as the popular basketball jock with a pretty face, but you saw me as Troy Bolton, a regular human being who is imperfect and is going to make mistakes. You accepted me for all the flaws that I am and never expected more of me than for me to be myself.
"They say that beauty is something that you can't see, but you are the living embodiment of beauty, both inside and out. When strands of your hair fall to your face, I want to stop and brush them out of your eyes, just so I can see how full of love your eyes are filled with. The eyes are a passage inside a person's soul and when I look in your eyes, I see a gentle, kind, caring soul. A beautiful soul that can never be tainted by anything evil or rotten.
"You are so special to me Gabriella Montez. Whenever you smile at me, I feel like I can't do anything wrong in your eyes. Whenever you hold me close, I can feel that you truly love me. You're something that I would never want to let go. I'd be crazy to let you go.
"There are a lot of things in this world I do not know, but this I do. There are things that are meant to be, and I know that you and I are meant to be. It's in the way that your lips curl into a smile when I look in your eyes, it's in the way that you laugh whenever I try to be funny, it's in the way that you softly whisper that I'm your everything, it's in the way that you kiss me for no reason. It's because of you that I look forward to tomorrow, it's because of you that I live today, it's because of you that I continue to fight whenever I lose.
"Gabriella, you're my heart, my soul, my everything. You are the shining light that leads me through the dark tunnel of life. You are the loveliest rose in the garden, far more beautiful that all the rest. You are the music in me. I feel so blessed to have you in my life and I feel so lucky to call you the love of my life. If loving you is wrong, then I never want to be right."
Feeling tears welling in his eyes, his fingers trembled slightly as Troy slid the ring onto her finger. Looking up, Troy could see the glow that shone from Gabriella as she smiled. Taylor stepped forward, giving Gabriella the other ring that was on the pillow she was holding.
Gabriella held Troy's hand in hers and held the ring to his left ring finger. Her fingers shook slightly as she opened her mouth to say her vows. The sun's reflection could be seen on the black-blue color of the ocean, distorted as the waves rippled from the gently blowing wind.
"Troy, if I am the music in you, than you are the harmony to my melody. You saw pass the genius girl that I was and saw me as a person. You saw my flaws, but you didn't see them as flaws. You saw them as something that made me different, something that made me unique. You truly understand and it's the little things, like the notes, that show you care.
"Before you, before I moved to East High, I always wondered what true love meant. Did true love really even exist? You were my answered prayer. You showed me that everyone can find true love and that it will come to you at the most unexpected times.
"You listen to me whenever I feel like talking to someone, you wipe away my tears when I cry, you hold me tightly when we sleep at night, you tell me that I'm beautiful whenever I wake up, you say that I'm your diamond in the rough, you do the littlest things for me. Whenever I'm around you, I can feel something in the air, something that's only around when I'm with you. Being with you makes me feel that way.
"You've touch my heart so deeply and I can't thank God enough for you. When I'm scared and losing ground and when my world is going crazy, you can turn it all around. You are my shield through the storm, you are my friend and love that keeps me safe and warm, you are my strength when I'm weak, you are my will to help me carry on the fight, you are the arms that I run to for shelter from the rain, you are the truth that I know will never change, you are the shoulder that I lean on, you are my rock and foundation, you are the one that I turn to for help.
"Troy, you know how they say that good things take time, but now I know that really great things happen in a blink of an eye. I never thought that I could find the man of my dreams, that it was going to be impossible to find him, that he was the one in a million. You are my one in a million. It's because of you that I count the stars in the sky, it's because of you that I wake up every morning, it's because of you that I get out of bed every day. You are the reasons for my smile. You are the one in a million and I'm never going to let you go. I am and will be forever yours."
Tears of happiness started falling from her eyes as she slid the ring onto Troy's finger. Troy took his hand away and tenderly wiped away the tears that were cascading down her cheeks. Gabriella took a hold of his hand and pressed it against her cheek, smiling. Gabriella looked up and saw that Troy too was crying. She brought up her other hand and wiped them away.
"I now pronounce you husband and wife," the priest declared loudly so the rest of the congregation could hear, "You may kiss the bride."
They both looked at the priest for a second, who smiled warmly at them. They smiled back as a thank you. The lights in the lantern started to dimly show as the sun said its good-bye for the day when it finally dipped below the horizon, the pinks, yellows, and oranges lingering on for a few more minutes. As Kelsi started to play one of her own slower romantic arrangements, Troy and Gabriella lost themselves in a kiss, their first kiss as husband and wife, their first kiss as Mr. and Mrs. Bolton.
♥
"A toast to Troy and Gabriella!" Chad exclaimed, holding up his drink.
Gabriella and Troy had spent the excess of the money on some luxuries, like expensive wines and a stage for Kelsi to perform on. Troy insisted on a chocolate fountain, which they got and was popular amongst the younger children that were there, which included Troy and Chad. Everyone had changed into something less formal, something more suited for the beach. It really wasn't has if they were celebrating Troy and Gabriella's wedding reception, but more like they were having a party with old friends.
"To Troy and Gabriella!" Sharpay replied, holding up her drink. Every one of their friends did the same, raising their glass in toward the center of the table.
"To friends!" Taylor shouted.
"To dreams!" Ryan added.
"To love!" Troy said, his gaze fixed on Gabriella.
"To true love," Gabriella quietly said as they all clinked their glasses together and then drinking down heavily.
The sky was now a deep blue, stars dusted the skyline, shining like little diamonds against a velvet canvas. The many lanterns, which were modeled after the Chinese lanterns, were all now shining brightly. Gabriella turned her attention to the stage when Kelsi finished the number she was currently playing. Kelsi looked at her briefly and smiled before getting up and setting up a microphone. Ms. Montez walked onto the stage and cleared her throat.
"I would like to thank everyone who came to my daughter and her husband's reception, even though I had nothing to do with it. But now, I would like to dedicate a song to the couple of the hour so they can have their first dance as husband and wife."
The crowd applauded and called for Troy and Gabriella to get up on the dance floor. Troy took a hold of Gabriella's hand and guided her up to the dance floor. Kelsi was still by the piano for she had one more number to play, but the DJ started the music. Ms. Montez took a step down and joined Troy's parents as they watched their children step onto the spotlight. "Power of Love" by Celine Dion started to play softly.
The whispers in the morning
Of lovers sleeping tight
Are rolling by like thunder now...
--
Gabriella wrapped her arms around Troy's neck as he put his hands on her waist. They started to sway to the music, the bodies moving in time with the other. Gabriella rested her head on Troy's shoulder.
"Troy, I love you," she whispered, unheard by anyone else but Troy because of the music.
"Gabi, I love you too," Troy replied, holding her body closer to his. "And I'm so glad today finally came. Did I tell you that you look amazing?"
"Yes, you did Troy, this is about the 50th time now," Gabriella answered, closing her eyes and taking in the smell that as Troy Bolton.
--
'Cause I'm your lady
And you are my man
Whenever you reach for me
I'll do all that I can
Lost is how I'm feeling
Lying in your arms
When the world outside's
Too much to take
That all ends when I'm with you...
--
Now, other colors of spotlights were joining the center one. Yellow, blue, green, orange, red, and purple started dancing around Troy and Gabriella. Mr. Bolton hugged his wife around the shoulders as she started to cry tears of joy. Ms. Montez was singing the words under her breath. This was the very song that she and Mr. Montez first danced to on their wedding, so it brought back many memories, happy memories.
--
'Cause I'm your lady
And you are my man
Whenever you reach for me
I'll do all that I can
We're heading for something
Somewhere I've never been...
--
Chad looked over to Taylor and nudged his head toward the dance floor. Taylor nodded in response and followed Chad out. Other couples started following the suit and soon Trevor and Christine, Sharpay and Jared, and Ryan and Rachael had joined Troy and Gabriella. Mr. and Mrs. Bolton also decided to joined their child.
Gabriella started crying to herself, which Troy noticed. He started to sing along quietly, whispering it into Gabriella's ears and running his fingers softly through her hair.
--
The sound of your heart beating
Made it clear suddenly
The feeling that I can't go on
Is lights years away...
--
Gabriella looked up, seeing that Troy was smiling brightly in the night. The lanterns illuminated his face, making him appear angelic. She smiled also, hugging him closer to her. She started to sing along with him.
Ms. Montez watched from the side, tears freely falling down her face. Never had she seen her daughter so happy. Never had she been so happy.
--
Whenever you reach for me
I'm gonna do all that I can
We're heading for something
Somewhere I've never been
Sometimes I am frightened
But I'm ready to learn
Of the power of love
--
The dance floor was now filled with other couples. Ms. Montez had been asked to dance by one of Troy's older relatives and she gladly accepted. They danced by Troy and Gabriella, who were also joined by his parents.
Troy and Gabriella's eyes were locked in a gaze as they both sang to each other.
--
Sometimes I am frightened
But I'm ready to learn
Of the power of love
--
When the song faded out, Troy and Gabriella once again lost themselves in a passionate kiss as everyone around them applauded. Kelsi once again set up the microphone and placed a stool in front of it.
As soon as they separated, Gabriella whispered "Wait here" to Troy and headed up on the stage. Troy knew what she was going to do, so did Sharpay and Taylor.
"I would want to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart for being here today to witness our wedding. Now, to everyone that is in love or is still looking for that one, I've written a song that I would like to dedicate to Troy and all my friends."
Gabriella took a hold of the microphone and sat down on the stool as Kelsi started playing the last piece she would have to play for the night.
How did I get here
I turned around and there you were
Didn't think twice or rationalize
'Cause somehow I knew
That there was more than just chemistry
I mean I knew you were kinda into me
But I figured it's too good to be true
I said pinch me, where's the catch this time
Can't find a single cloud in the sky
Help me before I get used to this guy
They say that good things take time
But really great things happen in the blink of an eye
Thought the chances to meet somebody like you were a million to one
Can't believe it
You're one in a million
All this time I was looking for love
Tryin' to make things work that weren't good enough
Till I thought I'm through, said I'm done
Than stumbled into the arms of the one
You're making laugh about the silliest stuff
Say that I'm your diamond in the rough
When I'm mad at you, you pull out your velvet gloves
I fell drunk but I am sober
And I'm smiling all over
Every time that I see that sparkle in your eyes
They say that good things take time
But really great things happen in the blink of an eye
Thought that chances to meet somebody like you were a million to one
Can't believe it
You're one in a million
All this time I was looking for love
Tryin' to make things work that weren't good enough
Till I thought I'm through, said I'm done
Than stumbled into the arms of the one
--
Troy watched as Gabriella sang, her heart in the song, her soul in the music. He looked around himself briefly, seeing everyone around him swaying in time to the music. Tears welled up in his eyes for the millionth time that day.
--
I feel drunk but I am sober
And I'm smiling all over
Every time I see that sparkle in your eye
They say that good things take time
But really great things happen in the blink of an eye
Thought the changes to meet somebody like you were a million to one
Can't believe it
You're one in a million
All this time I was looking for love
Tryin' to make things work that weren't good enough
Till I thought I'm through, said I'm done
Than stumbled into the arms of the one
You're one in a million
--
Breathing deeply, Gabriella closed her eyes, hearing the applause and accolade that the audience had given her. She looked down at her friends, Taylor and Sharpay were bawling their eyes out with a smile on their faces. Then she turned to Troy, who smiled and was clapping the loudest out of everyone. Behind him was her mother, crying just as she thought she would be.
"I want to thank Kelsi for playing for me," Kelsi stood up and received a round of applause, "my mother for supporting me throughout my whole career. And lastly I want to thank Troy for being my inspiration because without him, I would've been able to write this song or any of my other pieces."
Gabriella jumped off the stage and ran into Troy's arms, burying her head into his chest. Troy held her tightly, putting his lips to her forehead.
"Troy, I love you and you're my one in a million," Gabriella whispered.
"I love you too Gabi, and you're my one in a million."
Before I let you review, I want to say some more things (I'm in a talky mood today, aren't I?):
1) Thank goodness for spellchecker and grammar check. I wouldn't be able to live without them.
2)The two songs used were: "Power of Love" by Celine Dion and "One in a Million" by Sandy Molling. Both of which I don't own.
3)The was by far the hardest chapter in my life to write. I really didn't know how the vows should've went and it was really hard to connect my ideas together. So for inspiration, I went to look at lyrics of various love songs. That would probably explain why many things sound so familiar.
4) Much of this was derived from my mom and dad's wedding back in '99. I would know, I was the flower girl. And they chose "Power of Love" as the song they first danced to.
5) And lastly, to see the last of Christine's choices, go to my profile to see Taylor and Anya's dress!
Lotta love,
Kat