Daphne: Alright, people! The last and final chapter of 'Just Breathe' is
here! I want you all to know that this was one of the hardest chapters to
write, mostly because I never wanted this story to end. It is like my
baby...I didn't want it to grow up!
But now it has, and here it is, for all of you to read.
Enjoy, everyone, and thank you for reviewing! I really appreciated it!
P.S. Just to let some of you know, there was a question about my country of origin. The answer to that is...America. I am an American...through my roots are in Europe. Hope that doesn't disappoint anyone!
JUST BREATHE
by Daphne Li
Epilogue
Tears clouded Tomoyo's eyes as she looked around the familiar setting. A small grove of sakura trees, completely hidden from the outside world by bushes in-between. Emerald green grass was soft beneath the many rich- looking shoes, and the sky above was a crystalline blue. Near the front of the grove was an arch of white roses, under which stood a nervous looking Kojii and a smug-looking Hiro.
A soft ballad began to play, and Tomoyo opened her mouth to sing the words, more tears coming as she watched her youngest daughter appear on the white- satin pathway. Hilde leaned on her father's arm, smiling shyly as he led her toward her future. Two little flower girls (Deluce and Ying-fa) walked in front of them, along with three grinning bridesmaids (Meilei, Akane, and Heidi). A beaming Akito carried the ring-pillow in the very front, with both Chang and Xiaolong on either side of him like guardsmen.
Hilde wore a dress that her mother had designed, simple in it's lines but gorgeous on the girl that wore it. Her dark hair was pulled up into curls under the sheer veil that covered her face, but it was obvious that she was happier than she had ever been in her life.
Finally the group reached the archway and Eriol kissed his daughter before releasing her over to Kojii. The younger man shot her a tender look that revealed his whole soul to anyone watching, and she willingly returned it.
As the preacher spoke, Tomoyo's eyes met Eriol's and they were both forced to blink away the dampness that entered them. One other wedding had been here, years before, that was nearly identical to this one. A wedding that had touched them so deeply that it left a lasting effect on everyone around them.
Their wedding.
And now, Hilde was following in their footsteps, saying her vows in the very spot where years ago, her parents had first learned to love each other, and had later gotten married. A place so significant that it was almost holy to them.
Tomoyo knew that something was different about this place. So near to a schoolhouse and yet filled with those of the future...and the past. A place where memories were boundless and hearts became one. Tomoyo and Eriol's place. Hilde and Kojii's place.
"By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride."
Tomoyo's mind flew back to the present as she watched her new son-in-law bend down and kiss he bride gently. A happy tear escaped and slipped down her cheek as people began to crowd around the new couple, congratulating them and wishing them well.
Two pale arms slid around her shoulders, hugging her gently. Tomoyo looked up to see her daughter, her Hilde, smiling up at her knowingly.
"Just breathe, mommy. Just breathe." She whispered, before turning back to her husband. Tomoyo's eyes widened and a smile came to her lips. Another pair of arms slid around her waist, and she was pulled tightly against a broad chest.
"Are you alright, love?" Eriol asked softly, though he already understood her thoughts. She looked up at him and her smile widened as she twined her arms around his neck.
"I'm fine, Eriol-mine. I just need to breathe." She answered. Then she turned to watch the rest of the festivities.
THE END!!!!
But now it has, and here it is, for all of you to read.
Enjoy, everyone, and thank you for reviewing! I really appreciated it!
P.S. Just to let some of you know, there was a question about my country of origin. The answer to that is...America. I am an American...through my roots are in Europe. Hope that doesn't disappoint anyone!
JUST BREATHE
by Daphne Li
Epilogue
Tears clouded Tomoyo's eyes as she looked around the familiar setting. A small grove of sakura trees, completely hidden from the outside world by bushes in-between. Emerald green grass was soft beneath the many rich- looking shoes, and the sky above was a crystalline blue. Near the front of the grove was an arch of white roses, under which stood a nervous looking Kojii and a smug-looking Hiro.
A soft ballad began to play, and Tomoyo opened her mouth to sing the words, more tears coming as she watched her youngest daughter appear on the white- satin pathway. Hilde leaned on her father's arm, smiling shyly as he led her toward her future. Two little flower girls (Deluce and Ying-fa) walked in front of them, along with three grinning bridesmaids (Meilei, Akane, and Heidi). A beaming Akito carried the ring-pillow in the very front, with both Chang and Xiaolong on either side of him like guardsmen.
Hilde wore a dress that her mother had designed, simple in it's lines but gorgeous on the girl that wore it. Her dark hair was pulled up into curls under the sheer veil that covered her face, but it was obvious that she was happier than she had ever been in her life.
Finally the group reached the archway and Eriol kissed his daughter before releasing her over to Kojii. The younger man shot her a tender look that revealed his whole soul to anyone watching, and she willingly returned it.
As the preacher spoke, Tomoyo's eyes met Eriol's and they were both forced to blink away the dampness that entered them. One other wedding had been here, years before, that was nearly identical to this one. A wedding that had touched them so deeply that it left a lasting effect on everyone around them.
Their wedding.
And now, Hilde was following in their footsteps, saying her vows in the very spot where years ago, her parents had first learned to love each other, and had later gotten married. A place so significant that it was almost holy to them.
Tomoyo knew that something was different about this place. So near to a schoolhouse and yet filled with those of the future...and the past. A place where memories were boundless and hearts became one. Tomoyo and Eriol's place. Hilde and Kojii's place.
"By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride."
Tomoyo's mind flew back to the present as she watched her new son-in-law bend down and kiss he bride gently. A happy tear escaped and slipped down her cheek as people began to crowd around the new couple, congratulating them and wishing them well.
Two pale arms slid around her shoulders, hugging her gently. Tomoyo looked up to see her daughter, her Hilde, smiling up at her knowingly.
"Just breathe, mommy. Just breathe." She whispered, before turning back to her husband. Tomoyo's eyes widened and a smile came to her lips. Another pair of arms slid around her waist, and she was pulled tightly against a broad chest.
"Are you alright, love?" Eriol asked softly, though he already understood her thoughts. She looked up at him and her smile widened as she twined her arms around his neck.
"I'm fine, Eriol-mine. I just need to breathe." She answered. Then she turned to watch the rest of the festivities.
THE END!!!!