Chapter 10: Two Weddings and a Catastrophe
A/N: … represents telepathic conversations. Thanks! ~*Mac*~
The Bennetts (Jessica, Kay, and Sam) along with Reese, Theresa, Ethan-Martin, and Vincent arrived in Newark-Liberty International Airport the following Saturday. "Ugg, I hate flying," Kay said, sitting by the baggage claim, while Reese, Sam and Vincent hunted for the baggage. "I know. At least this was only from Maine to New Jersey," Theresa said. "Why did Pearl have us fly into this airport? Wouldn't LaGuardia or JFK be closer to her apartment?" Jessica asked. "You're staying on Staten Island. We are currently about fifteen minutes away from the hotel you're staying at," Kay said. Kay and Vincent wouldn't be staying in the Hilton with the other family members. Vincent would be rooming with Jeffrey in his house with the other groomsmen, while Kay would be returning to join Cheyenne and Alyssa with Pearl in Pearl's apartment.
The men returned with everyone's baggage. Pearl was waiting outside with Jeffrey and his family minivan. "Everyone in!" he said, cheerfully. Ethan-Martin climbed over and sat in between Kay and Vincent, thumb wrestling with Vincent on the ride to the hotel. Theresa sat in the back, squashed with the other members of their party. Jeffrey and Pearl rode upfront. Kay and Pearl kept up a conversation during the ride, careful to avoid Grace's name. Pearl and Jeff were unsure whether or not to invite Grace—she and Pearl were never close, and technically, she was never Pearl's aunt. But, Tom Donahue had the final say and said his wife's former sister-in-law would be invited. So, the wedding was looking tense for some people—but Kay was determined to have the best time possible with her cousin at her wedding. Besides, Kay considered Jeff another older brother.
Once Pearl and Kay got back home, the entire story came out. Kay even demonstrated some of her new powers to her cousin, but not all. She was still working on mind readings and turning invisible, which Jess could already do. Jess was having trouble with telekinesis and healings, the things that Kay had already mastered. "Well, I'm certainly jealous," Pearl said in the half-mocking way that she only used for joking with her cousin. "Of course you should be," Kay shock back in an equally half-mocking voice, "I have magical powers, am getting married to the man of my dreams—"
"Hey! I'm getting married first, silly."
"Have a loving father and sister, a wonderful cousin, a wonderful best friend, and an evil mother whom, with my evil cousin, must thwart before they take over the world. Yes, you should be jealous!" Kay finished with a dramatic gesture and flopping onto the nearby couch, feet landing high in the air. "Ah, if only Vincent could see you now, dear cousin," Pearl said. "Are you kidding? He's seen worst. This is a picnic compared to some of the nervous breakdowns I've gone through before." Kay sat up. "But I won't let my problems destroy my cousin's day! So, what's for dinner?"
The next day was the rehearsal and dinner. At a local diner, the party enjoyed their food, toasting the soon-to-be married couples. Kay and Vincent danced along with Jeff and Pearl, joined by their New York friends. Ethan-Martin was caught dancing with Cheyenne during one dance, while his mother just laughed on. The laughter, however was silenced when the diner door flew open and the cold air blew in. "Oh no," Kay mumbled, as the entire wedding party looked up. There stood Grace on David's arm, with Charity, Miguel and John right behind them. "Grace?" Sam asked, shocked to see his former wife standing there. "Oh, I didn't know this was your wedding party site. I would've chosen a different place for my rehearsal dinner," Grace said. "You're getting married, Aunt Grace?" Pearl asked. "Oh yes, I am. Well, re-married. David and I need to make it officially official. Don't worry, dear, it won't be tomorrow, it will be the next day. We didn't want to miss your wedding," Grace said. Kay approached her mother, with her boyfriend close behind. "Grace," Kay said. "Mom, dear, I'm still your mother," Grace said. "You don't deserve that name. Grace, I know this wedding is apart of your evil scheme. Don't think I won't try to stop it," Kay warned. "That is why I am never going to tell you where the ceremony is," Grace said. "Come on, we must celebrate." The small party walked to their table.
The next day, the girls were running around the apartment trying to get things ready. Kay's uncle had long disappeared from the apartment, saying he would show up in time for the pictures. Hannah Donahue and Kay were trying to fix the dress and the veil. Kay was underneath, assorting the various layers of Pearl's skirt, while Alyssa tried to place the last curl into Pearl's bun, fighting with Hannah, who wanted the veil on. "Ow! Alyssa that's the tenth hair pin you stuck straight into my scalp! Am I bleeding yet?"
"No, and it's your mother's fault," Alyssa said, slightly annoyed as two more curls fell out of the bun due to Hannah's poking. "Mom, let Alyssa do the hair first, then you can put the veil on. That's normally how it works," Pearl said. "Someone doesn't seem too nervous," Kay said, tangled in the jungle of Pearl's wedding skirt. "Oh, I am, but Jeff and I have been waiting so long, I don't think anything can go wrong. Besides—" Pearl was cut off as Jennifer ran into the room. "You aren't ready yet! Oh, the cameraman will be here in a fifteen minutes to take your pictures and then the limo will be here in an hour, the wedding starts in a hour and a half and then the reception. Hurry up or you'll throw everything off track! Nothing, and I mean nothing, will go wrong today!" Jennifer stormed out of the room. Pearl giggled and said, "I had Jennifer do all my worrying for me. She's good for that." The three in the room shared a laugh as Alyssa finished the bun, Hannah placed the veil on her daughter's head and Kay untangled herself from the dress. Jennifer's voice was heard from the door: "The photographer is here! Thank you for being early sir."
The limo pulled up to the church, as the bridal party ran out and into the vestibule. Kay and Cheyenne met up with Tom and Pearl in the sacristy, where the priest had stuck her so that Jeff wouldn't see her. The other bridal party members were already lined up, ready to go down the aisle. Kay got excited when she heard the first strains of "Pachebol's Canon in D" drift over the church speaker systems. She could imagine each one of the other girls walking down, arm in arm with the guys, as they did in rehearsal, yet more splendid. She felt someone grab her arm and looked up to see her uncle Tom leading her out. It was already time for her to go down the aisle, followed by Jeffrey's twin nephew and niece, Andrew and Elissa, as ring-bearer and flower girl. She took a breath and started down the aisle, towards the altar where Jeffrey and his best man and older brother Mike stood.
As she walked down, she took in the church. She knew almost everyone on her cousin's side, with the exception of Tom's family. Her mother, cousin, supposed half-brother, and her mother's first husband all sat in the back of the church. Even for a wedding, Charity and Grace still wore black. Kay fought the urge to frown at her ex-family, and smiled at the cameraman as he took her picture. Kay looked to the other girls in front, green dresses for two rows, with her aunt and grandmother right behind them. Kay's dress was still green, but a different style than the other bridesmaids. Theirs were simple dresses, floral print on the skirt, and off the shoulders. Kay's was strapless, and had floral print on the bodice as well. Her hair was done in tight curls that fell around her face.
Kay reached the altar, bowed and took her place next to the bride's chair, while the best man took his place opposite of her. The "Bridal March" started up as Andrew and Elissa reached the front of the church. A veiled Pearl stood in the back on her father's arm. Kay smiled, watching the woman seem to float down the aisle. Pearl's dress was strapless, with a large puffy skirt (Kay smiled at the earlier memory of the skirt.) The congregation, now standing, ooh-ed and ahh-ed as she walked down the aisle and Tom Donahue handed her off to Jeff. Kay gave her cousin a quick smile as she took the bride's bouquet.
The priest began the ceremony and Kay found herself lost in her own reverie. She remembered years back, back to the doomed double wedding between Ethan and Theresa and Luis and Sheridan. The Bennett house, thanks to her, at been sucked into the deep recesses of hell and Sam was busy rebuilding their house. Meanwhile, the other Bennetts had moved into Tabitha's house, and sometimes, Kay was allowed to stay over at the Lopez-Fitzgerald house. One of those nights had been the night before the double wedding, and Kay was there to see Miguel's Tio and Tia present Theresa with a manilla. She had taken the manilla to get a better look at the Spanish veil and had imagined her wedding, standing before Fr. Lonigan, admitting her love to Miguel. Charity had snapped her out of it, and was unable to see the face of Kay's husband.
Now, Kay's wedding reverie was still the same, only with a different groom at the altar. Kay even was wearing the manilla she imagined years earlier, knowing that Theresa had gotten rid of her wedding dress, but kept the manilla for later use. The older woman had promised Kay she could use when she and Vincent got married, and Kay could see her and Vincent smiling happily. Kay knew she and Vincent would get to the altar, no matter what happened.
The vows and rings were exchanged. Jeff and Pearl were soon heading down the aisle, and the entire bridal party was on its way to take pictures in a nearby gardens. Kay swore her cheeks were going to freeze if she had to smile anymore, and in the limo, the others girls and she were rubbing their cheeks. "I hate posing," Cheyenne said. "It hurts too much when you have to purposefully smile."
"I know what you mean," Robyn said, as Jenn nodded next to her. Kay broke open a bottle of war and poured it into the cups provided in the limo. She handed them out and offered a toast. "To no more posing the rest of the night!" she said, and was soon followed by a round of "Amen!" After taking a sip, Cheyenne raised the cup again saying, "To being a bridesmaid and not a bride!" which everyone said "Indeed!" Robyn led the next toast. "To Kay, the next bride!" The other girls raised their cups and drunk to Kay. "Good thing we're only using water," Alyssa joked. "Anyway, to the other single women in the limo: May the best lady win later!" After taking a sip, the other girls started to argue over who would catch the bouquet. "Kay, are you going to try?" Alyssa asked. "No, no. I'm already getting married, right? I don't think I count," she responded.
The reception was lovely, and the others danced the night away. In an all out war, Cheyenne came out the victorious one. She clutched the bouquet close to her chest smiling and sticking her tongue out at the other girls. Rob caught the moment on camera, both still and moving. He was quite surprised when he caught Pearl's garter, and the look on his and Cheyenne's face were priceless. Luckily, Mike was quick enough to pick up Rob's camera and take a picture. Vincent pulled Kay up for a slow dance to a tune called "No Matter What" and she leaned over and whispered, "I think we found our wedding song." Vincent kissed her and spun her around.
In the limo, on the way back, the late night, tough day strain let loose more chaos. A game of "Get the Bouquet from Cheyenne" started up, and Jessica was surprised when she caught the bouquet. (The Bennetts were allowed into the limo, since now all four were staying with Kay at Pearl's apartment.) After three rounds, with Robyn and Jenn winning the other rounds. The limo driver very gladly dropped all the girls off and sped away.
Grace's wedding soon came to the top of Kay's mind. She and Jessica were trying to find out where the woman could possibly be marrying her evilly assigned mate. Their major clue came at the airport when they went to wish Jeff and Pearl off. Coming off a nearby flight was Ethan, Gwen, Rebecca, and Julian. Kay ran over to the four, wondering what was going on. "Why are you here?" Kay asked. "Hello, Kay, it's nice to see you too," Julian said, sarcastically. "We're hear for your ex-mother's wedding," Rebecca replied. "Why?" Kay asked. "Grace became a second mother to my Gwennie after I left town with Julian, which was a hard choice. I'm here as a thank-you." Gwen flashed Kay an evil smile. She's in on it, too! Jessica shouted into Kay's brain. Calm down, Jess! the woman countered back. "Well, where is it being held?" Kay asked. "I thought you would know, you are still her biological daughter," Julian said. "Come on, Pookie, I need to get my bag back," Rebecca said. Kay knew that Julian was about to tell her, and Rebecca was in on the plan too. Gwen sent Ethan to get something and turned to Kay. "You will never find out. You are not welcome there." Kay worked her way into Gwen's mind, and pulled out the information she needed. It was to be held at a small church near Pearl's apartment. "Okay. Well, thanks Gwen," Kay said, winking and walking away.
"Are you sure it's here? What if Gwen thought here to throw you off?"
"How would she know I could do that? I didn't even know I could do that!"
"We should hurry! Were you able to pull out the time of the wedding?"
"No, but we are going to go to the park across the street."
"Why?"
"Because we can monitor the Church and see who comes and goes."
"Good idea, but won't Grace be suspicious when she sees us there?"
"Not if we have Ethan-Martin. Anyone for softball?"
Two hours later, with the girls beating the boys horribly, a limo pulled up to the church across the street. "I thought Grace and Charity couldn't enter a church," Reese said. "No, they can. They just can't receive Communion," Kay replied. After seeing Julian, Rebecca, and Ethan get out, the group knew they found the church. A few minutes later, David, Miguel and John arrived in their car, and parked. A separate limo delivered Grace, in a red dress, Charity and Gwen, in matching pink dresses, to the church. The three women entered into the church, and the group across the park headed to the church.
"And if anyone here does object to this union, let them speak now or forever hold their peace," the minister said. "I do!" came a female voice from the back. "I protest this union," Kay said, Jessica right behind her. "Kay!" Grace said. Gwen looked shocked. "How did you--?" Kay laughed. "I pulled it out of your mind, Gwennie," Kay said. "I protest this evil union," Kay told the minister. "They are getting married to start an evil chain reaction that could end with the enslavement of the human race," Kay said. "And don't think I'm crazy." Grace and Charity lunged for Kay, screaming a chant in a strange language. Kay moved and moved the organ in front of the two women. The organ broke their fall, rending the two unconscious. David looked at Kay and she felt pain sear through her body. It felt like flames were consuming her body and the searing pain increased as David began to talk the same language as Grace and Charity.
"Kay!" Vincent and Miguel screamed as Kay collapsed to the floor. Sam caught his daughter, and her fiancé was soon by her side. Fight it Kay! You can do it! Jessica's voice cut through the pain. Jess, sing.
What?
I think you singing may help stop this. After thinking this, Jessica's sweet voice was heard in Kay's head singing "Amazing Grace." The pain soon subsided, and Kay was able to stand up again. David looked amazed at the woman. "There's still some fight left in me," she said, before Vincent knocked her to the ground. She saw a lit candle fly over them. Jess put the flame out as it passed her, and Reese some how caught the candle. Kay looked at Vincent and smiled. She stood up again and looked at her cousin. "DAMN!" Charity screamed, then let out a string of curses so vile, the minister closed her book loudly, before hurrying out of the church to call the police.
Outside, Miguel was sitting on the stairs of the Church. Kay sat down next to him. "Hey, how are you doing?" she asked. When Grace shattered a window after the flying candle incident, Miguel was knocked unconscious. "I'm okay," he said. "Nothing serious."
"I'm sorry about this," Kay said. "It's not your fault, Kay," Miguel said. "It's Charity's. Why am I marrying her?" he asked, looking as the blonde woman was being placed in the back of a New York City police car with her aunt and (almost) uncle. "That's also not your fault," Kay said. "How can I be so blind?" Kay looked at Miguel. "It's not your fault. Charity has purposely made you blind. It's part of an evil plan."
"I need help," Miguel said. "I know," Kay said. "But I can't leave her," Miguel said. "I can't. She bound me to her," he cried. "Oh no!" Kay cried. Vincent soon appeared behind her, watching her comfort her best friend. "It isn't good, is it?" Vincent asked. Kay shook her head. "Miguel, we all promise to help you and end that bind." Kay put out her fist, an old secret between her and Noah, which only Miguel knew about. Miguel stuck his fist next to hers, with everyone else soon placing his or her fist on top of theirs, including a newly arrived Theresa. Alyssa stood off to the side, as the person who was running Theresa's New York company. Miguel smiled.
Ethan and Gwen walked out of the Church, obviously upset. "Fine then, but I am keeping the engagement ring!"
"Fine! It wouldn't be appropriate for anyone else after you've worn it! How come I never noticed how awful you were before Gwen?"
"Fine! I still have Christian," Gwen said. "Christian? Theresa's boyfriend."
"Ha! I fooled you royally there, didn't I? Christian was a good friend back then, and he agreed to help me get you. He posed as Theresa's boyfriend so I could get you. Then, he and I just started to date, but he was fully satisfied being 'the other man' so I could marry you and live in Crane mansion." Ethan was stunned into silence. "Did you ever love me?" he asked quietly. "For awhile," Gwen admitted.
"When we graduated from school and went to college, I loved you. Then in college, I realized I didn't love you love you. I thought of you as a brother then. But I just couldn't give up the idea of not being Mrs. Ethan Crane, wife to the heir to the most powerful company in the world. The power, Ethan, the money. Then Mother and I learn about Ivy and Sam. We were shocked and my life shattered. I was ready to give up on you then and there, but remembered that you had given up on me for the lying, backstabbing Theresa. I wanted to make her pay, so I continued to chase after you to show her up. I got you, but you are letting me go again. But I have Christian, and you have nobody. Good-bye Ethan," Gwen said. She kissed Ethan on the cheek, winked and walked away.
Theresa ran up to Ethan. "I may not be the person you want to see right now, but if you need me, I'll give you my number. We can talk, when you're ready," Theresa offered. "You know what Theresa? You've matured so much in the last few years, I almost didn't recognize you," Ethan said. "Is that a good thing or a bad thing?"
"Good. I think I love you more because of it, but I know you're still the same Theresa." Theresa smiled. "Do you want to give us a second chance?" Ethan agreed, taking Theresa's hand. "I don't know what is going on, but I'll help." Kay smiled at her half-brother, and shook his hand.
The next day, the entire gang was on the return flight back to Harmony. The flight was silent, since some were pondering what to do now and others were asleep. The only nervous one was Alyssa, who had a fear of flying. She was coming with the group to help Theresa with some loose ends in Harmony. Miguel seemed to notice her fear and was talking to her and comforting her the entire flight. Kay smiled at the two and felt glad that her best friend might be moving on. Maybe Alyssa could help them break the spell Charity had placed on Miguel. She turned, nudged Jessica across from her and motioned behind her. Jessica turned around, smiled, and nodded. She agreed with Kay. The rest of the flight, Sam and Hank played card games, Jessica and Reese played games on his palm pilot, Ethan-Martin played on the newest videogame system, Theresa and Ethan caught up, Alyssa and Miguel got to know themselves better, and Kay used Vincent's shoulder as a pillow, enjoying the safe, loving feeling that radiated from him.
A/N: Well, that took a while. Deeply sorry that took so long. But junior year can get difficult sometimes. Thanks for sticking around and look for the next chapter coming a computer screen near you sometime in the near future. Sneak peak: Grace and Charity return to Harmony and hold Miguel hostage. What will Kay do? What will happen between Theresa and Ethan? Or between Alyssa and Miguel? Stay tuned. ~*Mac*~