I haven't posted Chapter 19 yet, but I really want to finish this one first. I hope this chapter is more interesting than the last one was…
Disclaimer: The term "fan fiction" kind of implies that I don't own anything. But in case you are still unsure, I don't own these characters except for the ones I made up. (Bernadette, Shelly, maybe some others I can't think of right now…)
Chapter 20: Countdown to the Wedding
Eric's POV:
I woke up early the day after the funeral, and drove to Bernadette's apartment. Once there, we discussed wedding plans over a delicious breakfast she'd made me. It almost seemed inappropriate, having our wedding so soon after the funeral, but everyone had to get home soon. For this reason, we set the date three days ahead of now. Of course, that wasn't enough time to come up with an extravagant ceremony, but we decided to keep it simple with my family and of course the visiting friends and her family and friends. She was going to wear a beautiful dress she had bought a few months back. It was simple, but elegant and I loved it. I kissed her sweetly and headed out to find a church that we could book on such short notice.
Angela's POV:
I opened my eyes to the sight of Mrs. Mathews leaning over me. She smiled, and informed me of the upcoming wedding. I smiled at her, but inside I was very jealous of Eric's happiness. Then and there, I made a decision. I followed Mrs. Mathew's in the kitchen and asked her to go get Shawn for me. She looked confused, but obliged. He trudged down the stairs, wiping sleep from his eyes. His hair was rumpled in that cute way I remembered.
"Shawn, I want you to do me a favor. We need to talk. Go get dressed and take me somewhere quiet and private. Please," I pleaded.
"Um…ok. Sure. Why not?" he said, turning up the stairs without a word.
I sat quietly, waiting, imagining his reaction to what I had to say.
Shawn's POV:
After I got dressed, Angela and I borrowed a car and headed out. I took her to a small park where we used to go together. Back when we were in love.
"Shawn, I can't go on like this. Pretending I don't love you, that I don't miss you. I want you so badly," She said, her voice sad.
"Well then, what's the problem? If you love me so much, take me back. Things can go back to how they used to be. Before…you know. When we were young, carefree, and in love," I said.
"I wish it were that simple, but it isn't. How do I know I can trust you? How do I know you won't go back to your old ways, taverns and beatings, the apartment reeking of beer, covering the bruises so no one would know. Living in fear of you, of our debts, of life. I can't, won't, live like that. I want love and kindness and security. I want a reason to get up every morning. I want a warm body in my bed at night, and a man who will protect me and help support me. I'm tired of the tears, Shawn." She said, beginning to cry.
"I've changed Angela. I promise. I…I can be all those things now. I'm a new man, a real man. Please, please believe me," I said.
She didn't respond, simply cried. I put my arms around her shoulders, holding her and rocking her. I was surprised that she didn't pull away. Soon, my shoulders were soaked with her tears. I began to cry too, because I wanted her so much. I knew that Angela was my true love, the one I was to spend the rest of my life with. I let go of her, looked into her beautiful brown eyes.
"Angela, I love you. Please, believe me. I'll never hurt you again. I won't," I said, begging her to believe me.
"I'm sorry Shawn. I can't. Not yet. Maybe. Someday," She said, tears pouring from her eyes and her shoulders shaking.
I leaned over and kissed her once more, and then we headed to the car in silence