A/N: Sorry for the delay in updating. I'm working on a big project unrelated to Fanfiction and haven't had much time to write. This chapter is short, and not one I had planned. The idea presented itself a few days ago, and I had to write it.
Visions
Unknown Date
Unknown Place
Unknown Time
A crowd of people gathered outside the church—some men dressed in military uniforms, others in suits and ties. Most of the women wore dark-colored dresses. It seemed, by all accounts, a somber event.
The building itself was large and ornate with stone walls, intricately designed stained-glass windows, and a massive steeple.
He made his way inside. A grandiose display of flowers filled the altar. There was almost no space available, and their smell overpowering, even though the sanctuary was huge.
A few people stopped to light a candle before sitting in one of the many pews. As expected, with an occasion such as this, several women wiped tears from their eyes.
He sat on the left side of the church near the back. Somehow, he couldn't bring himself to move any closer. It was if he didn't want to face what was about to happen at the altar. As others entered, he recognized many of them. Commander Mattoni and his wife, Lt. Singer, Gunnery Sgt. Galindez, Carolyn Imes.
Others he didn't know. Much smaller in number, they sat on the right side of the church, and he saw for the first time those women wore brightly colored dresses. It seemed like a strange mix of people. Inexplicably absent were Bud and Harriet, The Admiral, and Mac. Who was he to question why?
It wasn't long before a Navy Chaplain entered the sanctuary, followed by none other than Mic Brumby and Bud Roberts.
Why the hell was Brumby here? He didn't belong. When the organist began to play, everyone turned to look toward the back of the church. Chloe walked in, followed by Harriet. When everyone stood, he followed suit.
And that's when he saw her. Mac, dressed in a long, white gown, on the arm of Admiral Chegwidden.
Unlike most brides, she wasn't smiling. He'd seen brighter faces at a funeral. The thought crossed his mind that the organist was playing the wrong march.
Brumby, on the other hand, grinned from ear to ear. The people seated on the right side of the church smiled. The facial expressions of those on the left matched Mac's.
He looked again toward the altar and met Brumby's gaze. That arrogant, self-serving bastard had the audacity to wink at him.
One of these days, Brumby, I'm going to kick your ass.
Mac and the Admiral reached the front of the church. He placed a quick kiss on her cheek before taking a seat on the first row.
She linked arms with Mic, and they moved toward the chaplain. This was all wrong. Why couldn't Mac see she was about to make the biggest mistake of her life?
The chaplain began to speak. "Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to join this man and woman in Holy Matrimony. If anyone here can show just cause why these two should not be married, let him speak now or forever hold his peace."
Harm stood. He had to say something. Had to stop Mac from making a mistake.
"I can, Chaplain." Everyone in the church turned toward him.
Mac's eyes grew wide in surprise.
Bud had that "I'm acting clueless" look he often got when he wanted to trick his opponents in the courtroom.
Chegwidden's unspoken words said, "It's about damn time."
Brumby was enraged. He had a look of murderous intent.
The chaplain spoke, "Then step forward, sir."
He stepped into the aisle and began to walk toward the front. Suddenly, instead of seeing Mac and Mic standing there with their attendants, he saw a flag-draped casket. Everyone dressed in dark colors.
Mac sat between Admiral Chegwidden and Bud, weeping. He needed to get to her. To tell her he was okay, but water surrounded him. Everything was dark and cold.
Water's cold out there.
The sensation didn't last long before he felt a sense of contentment. Of light. Of warmth. He might never want to leave this place. Except there was one problem.
Mac wasn't with him.