*************************************
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN:
A week and a half after the shooting, Alex was sitting up in bed at home, recuperating from his wounds. His friends all came over to see how he was doing, with Max and Liz coming in last.
"So, Max," asked Alex. "How have you been feeling? I mean, I just got shot, but you actually DIED and all."
"I feel fine," said Max. "Same as always."
"That's funny, you look dead tired," said Kyle jokingly. Maria slapped him on the arm. "OWW! Hey, having a little joke over the returning from the dead thing is just how I deal with the whole STRANGENESS of it? I mean, think about it, Max....you can heal people, change say...water into wine, you died and came back from the dead. You could start a new religion and give Jesus a run for his money."
"Ha, ha," said Max. "So, Alex...you and Isabel called us all over here to talk about something. What's up?"
Alex and Isabel looked at one another, smiled, then mutually decided to plunge forward with what they were going to say. "Max," said Isabel. "Alex and I have been talking, and we have come to a major decision regarding our lives."
"Uh, oh," said Michael. "This should be good."
"Isabel and I love each other very much," said Alex. "I've almost lost her twice in the past year. She almost lost me. We've come to learn how precious life is, and we want to cherish every moment of our lives together."
"So, we decided...to...get married," said Isabel.
Not a person in the room said a word in response. Instead, the room went dead quiet, as Alex's and Isabel's friends stared at them in a state of shock. Finally, Liz broke the silence. "You...you decided to...get MARRIED?"
"That's right," said Alex.
"Isabel, I don't think that's a good idea," said Max.
"Max, I know you would be...hesitant," said Isabel.
"Hesitant is NOT the word for it," said Max. "Alex, you are still in High School! Isabel, you just started college! You two are REALLY thinking this is a good point in your lives to get married!"
"Wait, I'm sure you two were talking long term plans to get married, right?" asked Maria.
"Actually," said Alex. "I should be up and around in another week. We were thinking of doing it by the end of the month."
"Boy, you two don't rush into things, do you?" asked Michael sarcastically.
"Wait," said Kyle. "I...I just had a thought. Is this some kind of shot gun wedding, here. I mean, Isabel are you..."
"You're NOT, are you?" asked Max in a worried tone.
"No!" said Isabel emphatically. "I am not pregnant! Alex and I truly, sincerely, want to be husband and wife."
"Then what?" asked Maria. "You two shack up at one of your Parent's homes? Get real!"
"Actually," said Alex. "We've been talking. Isabel and I plan on keeping our marriage a secret until after I graduate. Then, we break the news to the folks."
"Why?" asked Liz. "I mean, if you two are hell bent on getting marriage, why be so cloak-and-dagger about it?"
"Because, as you say, I am still in High School," said Alex. "I'm eighteen, Isabel is nineteen, that makes us legal age, but still...it wouldn't go over well to just spring this on them right now."
"And we aren't getting married for others to know about it," said Isabel. "WE would know it. That's what's important. I would know Alex is my husband, and that I am his wife."
"So why tell us?" asked Kyle.
"We need witnesses," said Alex. "We figured we could go to Nevada, elope with you guys as witnesses. What do you say?"
"I don't know what to say," said Maria. "This is all so sudden, I mean..."
"I still don't think this is the right time," said Max.
"Alex, Isabel...don't get us wrong," said Liz. "We know, see, how in love you two are. I think we all kind of knew you two were going to be married someday. But...its just such a shock. And we care about you two, and don't want to see you make a mistake."
"Michael," said Isabel. "You've been pretty silent through all of this. What do you think?"
Michael was silent for a moment or two, then finally replied. "I say do it," he said.
"What?" asked Max. "Michael..."
"Max, let me ask you something," said Michael. "Do you approve of Isabel being with Alex, of him being her boyfriend?"
"Yeah," said Max. "Not that it is really my place to approve."
"Alex is our friend, right?" asked Michael. "Would you trust him with your life?"
"Yeah," said Max.
"With Isabel's?" asked Michael.
"Yes, I would," said Max.
"Look at them, Max," said Michael. "Look at Alex, laying there in bed, wounded after taking a bullet to protect her. He was able to break Tess' mind warp just because he knew Isabel was in danger. You ask me, Isabel couldn't be in safer hands. And another thing. Since Alex was shot, has Isabel been far from Alex's side?"
"No," said Max. "She hasn't."
"If you ask me, Max," said Michael. "These two are devoted to each other. Who the hell are we to tell them they can't get married?"
"He's got a point," said Maria. She walked over to Isabel and Alex. "I'm with you." Then, she gave them both a big hug. "You just take care of him. He's my only brother, Isabel."
"I will," Isabel replied.
Kyle walked over to Alex, and shook his hand. "Congratulations," he said. "You're getting one hell of a girl."
"Thanks," said Alex. "I was thinking, Kyle. Would you consider being my best man?"
Kyle smiled. "You bet."
"Michael," said Alex. "Can I count you as a groomsman?"
"Sure thing," said Michael. "Just as long as I don't have to dress life a penguin."
"Deal," said Alex. "Max. I would hope you would...consider being a groomsman as well?"
Max was silent. He ran his hands through his hair and exhaled loudly. Isabel walked over to him.
"Max," said Isabel. "This is the man that I want to be with. He loves me, he will protect and support me, and I will support him. You're my brother, and I need you support. Please."
Max looked at Liz, who nodded at him with a smile. Then, he smiled and looked back at Isabel. "Look's like Alex has another groomsman."
Isabel flung herself into Max's arms, and hugged her brother tightly. Then, Max walked over and shook Alex's hand. "Take care of her," he said.
"Always," said Alex.
"Maria, Liz," said Isabel. "Would you...be my maids of honor?"
The two girls smiled. "Absolutely," said Liz and Maria together.
**
It was in early March when Alex, Isabel, Max, Liz, Michael, Maria, and Kyle, hopped into two vehicles and headed across the state lines into Nevada, home of quickie marriages. They knew there was a wedding chapel about forty miles from the Nevada state line, and made their way there on a Saturday morning. Their parents thought they were just taking an ordinary day trip, friends hanging out and having fun. Even Jim Valenti didn't know where they were REALLY going.
When they got to the chapel, Alex and Isabel met with the Justice of the Peace who runs the chapel. The cost for getting married was one hundred dollars, and they also had to fill out some legal papers. Then, the group went to change clothes, the guys in one room, the girls in another.
Isabel had put her powers to work before coming, changing one of her formal blue dresses into a beautiful, white wedding gown, complete with lace trim. Liz and Maria wore simple, but elegant dresses. Alex, in the meantime, wore the same suit he had worn to the prom a year ago, while Max, Michael, and Kyle all wore different suits. The men were ready long before the women were, and waited in the chapel with the Justice of the Peace for the ladies. Finally, Maria poked her head into the room, and said. "Here we come."
Then, the doors opened, and Isabel stepped into view, preceded by Liz and Maria. Alex, Max, Michael, and Kyle, all locked eyes on Isabel, who seemed to glide into the room in her gown. Alex almost cried seeing how beautiful she was, and the huge smile she had on her face. She was like an angel, sent by God to be Alex Whitman's greatest source of joy.
Isabel, in the meantime, kept her eyes focused right on Alex. She saw this man who was about to become her husband, and felt for the first time that her life was going to have some security. Alex would always be there for her, would take care of her, and would love her with all of his heart. She felt as though her love for him was like a wave of energy, and she did her best to mentally send it Alex's way.
The couple stood side by side as the Justice of the Peace performed the ceremony. After the "I do's", Alex and Isabel exchanged simple silver rings. They weren't fancy, but Alex and Isabel didn't care. The rings still symbolized their union, and Isabel's went well with her beautiful diamond engagement ring that had belonged to Alex's grandmother. After exchanging rings, they looked back at the Justice of the Peace.
"Alex and Isabel, by the authority vested in me by the State of Nevada, I now pronounce you husband and wife," he said. "Alex, you may kiss your bride."
Alex took Isabel in his arms, and captured her lips in a tender and loving kiss, they're first as husband and wife. They both felt like they were floating.
Then, their friends enveloped them in congratulations and hugs. Liz and Maria, both shedding tears of joy, hugged and kissed Alex and Isabel. Max, who was himself tearing up at seeing Isabel become a bride, hugged his sister, and then his new brother-in-law. Michael and Kyle both kissed Isabel on the cheek, then shook Alex's hand. Maria even swore she saw Michael wipe away a tear, though he firmly denied it.
***
That night, in a little hotel in southern Nevada, Isabel lay cuddled up next to Alex in bed, her head on his chest, enjoying the warmth of her husband's strong arms and upper body. Alex's arms were wrapped protectively around his wife, holding her close to him as he kissed the top of her head. Her long, blonde hair was cascaded down her back and over his left arm, which was wrapped around her shoulder.
They're friends had left them after the wedding, allowing them their honeymoon before having to return to Roswell the next day. When they got back to Roswell, Isabel and Alex would both have to take off their rings, put them somewhere safe, and only wear them in private together. Isabel would go back to her parent's home, Alex's to his family's home, and pretend they were not husband and wife for the rest of the world.
But, for tonight, Alex and Isabel Whitman could be themselves, married and happy. The uncertainty of the future still lay ahead for them, but one thing was certain-they would face that future side-by-side.
End of Chapter Seventeen. Chapter Eighteen coming soon.
Isabel and Alex-married. Ahh, sweet, isn't it? Well, if you think their nuptuals end this story-THINK AGAIN! Because now, MORE TROUBLE is coming up for Alex, Isabel, and the others. And I mean trouble with a capital T (hint, hint). So, don't miss the next chapter of this story. In the meantime, if you love reading this story as much as I enjoy writing it, please do let me know with a review. I really appreciate all of the reviews I have gotten so far, and would love to continue to see feedback from my readers.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN:
A week and a half after the shooting, Alex was sitting up in bed at home, recuperating from his wounds. His friends all came over to see how he was doing, with Max and Liz coming in last.
"So, Max," asked Alex. "How have you been feeling? I mean, I just got shot, but you actually DIED and all."
"I feel fine," said Max. "Same as always."
"That's funny, you look dead tired," said Kyle jokingly. Maria slapped him on the arm. "OWW! Hey, having a little joke over the returning from the dead thing is just how I deal with the whole STRANGENESS of it? I mean, think about it, Max....you can heal people, change say...water into wine, you died and came back from the dead. You could start a new religion and give Jesus a run for his money."
"Ha, ha," said Max. "So, Alex...you and Isabel called us all over here to talk about something. What's up?"
Alex and Isabel looked at one another, smiled, then mutually decided to plunge forward with what they were going to say. "Max," said Isabel. "Alex and I have been talking, and we have come to a major decision regarding our lives."
"Uh, oh," said Michael. "This should be good."
"Isabel and I love each other very much," said Alex. "I've almost lost her twice in the past year. She almost lost me. We've come to learn how precious life is, and we want to cherish every moment of our lives together."
"So, we decided...to...get married," said Isabel.
Not a person in the room said a word in response. Instead, the room went dead quiet, as Alex's and Isabel's friends stared at them in a state of shock. Finally, Liz broke the silence. "You...you decided to...get MARRIED?"
"That's right," said Alex.
"Isabel, I don't think that's a good idea," said Max.
"Max, I know you would be...hesitant," said Isabel.
"Hesitant is NOT the word for it," said Max. "Alex, you are still in High School! Isabel, you just started college! You two are REALLY thinking this is a good point in your lives to get married!"
"Wait, I'm sure you two were talking long term plans to get married, right?" asked Maria.
"Actually," said Alex. "I should be up and around in another week. We were thinking of doing it by the end of the month."
"Boy, you two don't rush into things, do you?" asked Michael sarcastically.
"Wait," said Kyle. "I...I just had a thought. Is this some kind of shot gun wedding, here. I mean, Isabel are you..."
"You're NOT, are you?" asked Max in a worried tone.
"No!" said Isabel emphatically. "I am not pregnant! Alex and I truly, sincerely, want to be husband and wife."
"Then what?" asked Maria. "You two shack up at one of your Parent's homes? Get real!"
"Actually," said Alex. "We've been talking. Isabel and I plan on keeping our marriage a secret until after I graduate. Then, we break the news to the folks."
"Why?" asked Liz. "I mean, if you two are hell bent on getting marriage, why be so cloak-and-dagger about it?"
"Because, as you say, I am still in High School," said Alex. "I'm eighteen, Isabel is nineteen, that makes us legal age, but still...it wouldn't go over well to just spring this on them right now."
"And we aren't getting married for others to know about it," said Isabel. "WE would know it. That's what's important. I would know Alex is my husband, and that I am his wife."
"So why tell us?" asked Kyle.
"We need witnesses," said Alex. "We figured we could go to Nevada, elope with you guys as witnesses. What do you say?"
"I don't know what to say," said Maria. "This is all so sudden, I mean..."
"I still don't think this is the right time," said Max.
"Alex, Isabel...don't get us wrong," said Liz. "We know, see, how in love you two are. I think we all kind of knew you two were going to be married someday. But...its just such a shock. And we care about you two, and don't want to see you make a mistake."
"Michael," said Isabel. "You've been pretty silent through all of this. What do you think?"
Michael was silent for a moment or two, then finally replied. "I say do it," he said.
"What?" asked Max. "Michael..."
"Max, let me ask you something," said Michael. "Do you approve of Isabel being with Alex, of him being her boyfriend?"
"Yeah," said Max. "Not that it is really my place to approve."
"Alex is our friend, right?" asked Michael. "Would you trust him with your life?"
"Yeah," said Max.
"With Isabel's?" asked Michael.
"Yes, I would," said Max.
"Look at them, Max," said Michael. "Look at Alex, laying there in bed, wounded after taking a bullet to protect her. He was able to break Tess' mind warp just because he knew Isabel was in danger. You ask me, Isabel couldn't be in safer hands. And another thing. Since Alex was shot, has Isabel been far from Alex's side?"
"No," said Max. "She hasn't."
"If you ask me, Max," said Michael. "These two are devoted to each other. Who the hell are we to tell them they can't get married?"
"He's got a point," said Maria. She walked over to Isabel and Alex. "I'm with you." Then, she gave them both a big hug. "You just take care of him. He's my only brother, Isabel."
"I will," Isabel replied.
Kyle walked over to Alex, and shook his hand. "Congratulations," he said. "You're getting one hell of a girl."
"Thanks," said Alex. "I was thinking, Kyle. Would you consider being my best man?"
Kyle smiled. "You bet."
"Michael," said Alex. "Can I count you as a groomsman?"
"Sure thing," said Michael. "Just as long as I don't have to dress life a penguin."
"Deal," said Alex. "Max. I would hope you would...consider being a groomsman as well?"
Max was silent. He ran his hands through his hair and exhaled loudly. Isabel walked over to him.
"Max," said Isabel. "This is the man that I want to be with. He loves me, he will protect and support me, and I will support him. You're my brother, and I need you support. Please."
Max looked at Liz, who nodded at him with a smile. Then, he smiled and looked back at Isabel. "Look's like Alex has another groomsman."
Isabel flung herself into Max's arms, and hugged her brother tightly. Then, Max walked over and shook Alex's hand. "Take care of her," he said.
"Always," said Alex.
"Maria, Liz," said Isabel. "Would you...be my maids of honor?"
The two girls smiled. "Absolutely," said Liz and Maria together.
**
It was in early March when Alex, Isabel, Max, Liz, Michael, Maria, and Kyle, hopped into two vehicles and headed across the state lines into Nevada, home of quickie marriages. They knew there was a wedding chapel about forty miles from the Nevada state line, and made their way there on a Saturday morning. Their parents thought they were just taking an ordinary day trip, friends hanging out and having fun. Even Jim Valenti didn't know where they were REALLY going.
When they got to the chapel, Alex and Isabel met with the Justice of the Peace who runs the chapel. The cost for getting married was one hundred dollars, and they also had to fill out some legal papers. Then, the group went to change clothes, the guys in one room, the girls in another.
Isabel had put her powers to work before coming, changing one of her formal blue dresses into a beautiful, white wedding gown, complete with lace trim. Liz and Maria wore simple, but elegant dresses. Alex, in the meantime, wore the same suit he had worn to the prom a year ago, while Max, Michael, and Kyle all wore different suits. The men were ready long before the women were, and waited in the chapel with the Justice of the Peace for the ladies. Finally, Maria poked her head into the room, and said. "Here we come."
Then, the doors opened, and Isabel stepped into view, preceded by Liz and Maria. Alex, Max, Michael, and Kyle, all locked eyes on Isabel, who seemed to glide into the room in her gown. Alex almost cried seeing how beautiful she was, and the huge smile she had on her face. She was like an angel, sent by God to be Alex Whitman's greatest source of joy.
Isabel, in the meantime, kept her eyes focused right on Alex. She saw this man who was about to become her husband, and felt for the first time that her life was going to have some security. Alex would always be there for her, would take care of her, and would love her with all of his heart. She felt as though her love for him was like a wave of energy, and she did her best to mentally send it Alex's way.
The couple stood side by side as the Justice of the Peace performed the ceremony. After the "I do's", Alex and Isabel exchanged simple silver rings. They weren't fancy, but Alex and Isabel didn't care. The rings still symbolized their union, and Isabel's went well with her beautiful diamond engagement ring that had belonged to Alex's grandmother. After exchanging rings, they looked back at the Justice of the Peace.
"Alex and Isabel, by the authority vested in me by the State of Nevada, I now pronounce you husband and wife," he said. "Alex, you may kiss your bride."
Alex took Isabel in his arms, and captured her lips in a tender and loving kiss, they're first as husband and wife. They both felt like they were floating.
Then, their friends enveloped them in congratulations and hugs. Liz and Maria, both shedding tears of joy, hugged and kissed Alex and Isabel. Max, who was himself tearing up at seeing Isabel become a bride, hugged his sister, and then his new brother-in-law. Michael and Kyle both kissed Isabel on the cheek, then shook Alex's hand. Maria even swore she saw Michael wipe away a tear, though he firmly denied it.
***
That night, in a little hotel in southern Nevada, Isabel lay cuddled up next to Alex in bed, her head on his chest, enjoying the warmth of her husband's strong arms and upper body. Alex's arms were wrapped protectively around his wife, holding her close to him as he kissed the top of her head. Her long, blonde hair was cascaded down her back and over his left arm, which was wrapped around her shoulder.
They're friends had left them after the wedding, allowing them their honeymoon before having to return to Roswell the next day. When they got back to Roswell, Isabel and Alex would both have to take off their rings, put them somewhere safe, and only wear them in private together. Isabel would go back to her parent's home, Alex's to his family's home, and pretend they were not husband and wife for the rest of the world.
But, for tonight, Alex and Isabel Whitman could be themselves, married and happy. The uncertainty of the future still lay ahead for them, but one thing was certain-they would face that future side-by-side.
End of Chapter Seventeen. Chapter Eighteen coming soon.
Isabel and Alex-married. Ahh, sweet, isn't it? Well, if you think their nuptuals end this story-THINK AGAIN! Because now, MORE TROUBLE is coming up for Alex, Isabel, and the others. And I mean trouble with a capital T (hint, hint). So, don't miss the next chapter of this story. In the meantime, if you love reading this story as much as I enjoy writing it, please do let me know with a review. I really appreciate all of the reviews I have gotten so far, and would love to continue to see feedback from my readers.