"One for the money
And two for the show
I love you, Honey
I'm ready to go."
- Lana Del Rey
"Okay, you look ready to go," Johanna said as she finished securing a small topaz pendant which was in the shape of an hourglass around her daughter's neck. Dawn watched her reflection in the mirror, admiring how her Mom had curled her hair up. The off-shoulder maroon dress reached upto her knees and she paired it off with matching Mary Janes. She had opted for light makeup but settled on a contrasting red lipstick.
"I have so many questions but I do not want to discuss stuff with you when you are going to the wedding," Johanna added as she watched Dawn get up from her seat.
"I told you everything," Dawn blinked, a little surprised, "What else do you want to know, Mom?"
"Don't you think going on a vacation within two months of dating is a little too extreme?"
"I have known him for years," Dawn emphasized on the words 'years'. Taking in a breath to think about the whole situation, she couldn't believe they were having this conversation again. Johanna was supportive(as supportive as she imagined her Mom could get), but the moment Dawn told her about the vacation, she sounded a little skeptical. Some passive-aggressive comments here and there which made Dawn a little too restless.
"I don't think that is my concern here?" Johanna sighed. Dawn could be such a child sometimes.
"Mom," Dawn held her Mom's hand to reassure her, "Trust me on this one okay? I love him and I want to do 'us' right this time. I won't know this isn't meant to be if I don't give it my all."
"Jumping headfirst isn't always right," Johanna kissed her forehead, "I want you to be happy, that's what matters to me."
"I know." She knew that it was a little fast paced but she also knew that with Ash, she was already past the introductory phase. She had known him since they were teenagers, dated for quite some time but fell apart and now they were back together, trying to see how it goes this time. If it were some other person, she would have taken her time to know him, go on a few dates to get an insight of their interests and common hobbies and slowly got intimate.
Intimate.
Shit.
Was Ash expecting something to happen on their vacation? Was her tone provocative and inviting when she suggested it? She didn't know. Did she want to take the next step with him so soon? She didn't know that either.
She took in a breath to get rid of the thoughts. She will cross that bridge when she comes to it.
"Thanks for taking care of the cats," Dawn said, petting Loki who was on the bed and watched fondly as her Mom picked Olivia up from the floor.
"Yes, don't worry about them," Johanna nuzzled her face in the soft fur, "Good to know she hasn't forgotten me."
"She prefers you over me," Dawn shrugged, a smile on her face,"Anyways, it might be late when I come back, take care okay?"
"Yeah, be safe." Johanna put Olivia down,"Do inform me if you end up spending the night with other friends."
"Obviously."
To say that the venue looked beautiful would be undermining it. Dawn was totally taken aback by the beautiful decorations. She had been to her share of lavish and extravagant weddings but this... this looked so cozy and warm and very intimate at the same time. The altar was decorated with white satin and roses while the tables had been covered with cream-white fabric and a small vase with a bouquet of pink and white roses was on it. The slight autumn chill added a wonderful ambience to the location and Dawn looked around, her face instantly lighting up when she saw some of her school mates there. Leaf had gotten her a front seat with Drew, May, Serena and Ash and she saw Drew waving in her direction. Giving him a slight nod, she slowly made her way to that table, taking a seat beside him. Others weren't there at the table yet and Dawn could guess Ash and May were helping the couple.
"You look beautiful," Drew complimented as soon as she took a seat. "And you don't look a day older than the day I last saw you."
She gave him a smile and said, "You look handsome too. Dude, why does your hair look... umm...different?"
"Oh," He looked a little embarrassed, "That was a little bleach fail. Not my best moment."
"That kind of stuff happens quite a lot," She held back an amused chuckle. Isn't it rude to laugh at someone's demise. She knew he loved his hair quite a lot so it must have been a nightmare for him.
"I know that it sounds amazingly funny so you can ask questions about it, laugh even."
Dawn had the urge to run her fingers through it but held back,"What colour where you even trying to pull off?"
He chuckled,"Black."
"And may I ask why?''
"May."
"Yeah, why?" Dawn asked again before she caught his answer,"Did May tell you to? Why, I mean she likes this colour on you and..."
"Geez lady, breathe," He laughed,"There was a meeting with her grandparents. Her brother suggested that they would be very surprised because of the uncommon hair colour so I thought why not change it."
"Yikes," Dawn couldn't help but feel giddy inside at the declaration but at the same time felt sad for the poor fella. She knew how much he loved his hair.
"May was so mad," Drew smiled at the memory fondly,"Well, the meeting with the grandparents went a lot smoother because her grandpa kept making jokes about that and her father was adding his own jokes after a while. I am telling you seeing Norman laughing was refreshing. His stern face always makes me nervous."
Dawn nodded,"So, I guess meeting her family was a success."
"Sure was. So," He leaned in his seat, "So, how have you been?''
"I am good," She tucked one of the loose strand of hair behind her ears, "Business is good, it is hectic and sometimes, a lot of stress but good. How about you? Your two dogs are so precious!"
"Oh those fluffs are full of energy, cheers up the atmosphere so much," Drew grinned,"I was surprised when you left some likes on their photos on instagram.''
"That I did," She laughed,"Could never have imagined you running a fanpage for your dogs."
"That started as a joke, something May did whenever the girls were acting up and before we knew it, it got popular," Drew laughed,"Those who know us mainly know us from the fanpage, not because of my work as a designer or her as a teacher. Well, you are quite early."
Dawn nodded,"Yeah. Wanted to be on time than running late. Leaf wasn't lying when she said its a small ceremony."
"Its mostly immediate family and friends. May has been so excited to be the maid of honour and she dragged me here as soon as the sun rose. Gary is almost ready and the others are now calming his nerve down. I came out for a drink and saw you so thought I will keep you company for a while."
"That's so sweet," Dawn was reminded again why May was head over heels for him. "I can manage! Don't let me keep you from commitments."
"Oh sure sure, but Dawn, tell me," Drew suddenly got a lot serious,"How is your plan for owning Ash coming along?"
Nothing in the world could have prepared her for that sudden question. Drew burst out laughing on seeing her wide eyes and red face. Dawn wished that the earth would split open in two and swallow her whole.
"Oh god," She looked down, eyes shut close,"Oh god..."
"Dawn," Drew said, putting a hand on her shoulder,"If the news is true that you guys are back together, that is great. If not, its also fine. There is no harm in wanting what your heart wants. I know that the way you worded it sounds wrong, creepy even, but all you can do now is try not to slip up like that. I don't think a lot of people know and even if they do, they would probably not bring it up. Relax."
"Not helping," Dawn pouted,"I feel so stupid for saying something like that."
"Well, it was something stupid." Something behind Dawn caught his eye and Drew waved and said,"Okay, looks like guests are filling in and Serena is here. I will leave you two to it and go catch up with the guys. See you after the vows."
"Sure."
Dawn was greeted by Serena's happy face as she took a seat beside her, settling in comfortably after giving the blunette a small hug.
"Hey there," The honey-blonde girl was grinning ear to ear,"Nice to see you again!"
"Likewise," Dawn returned the friendly smile back,"Pink is definitely your colour, it really suits you."
Serena blushed,"Thanks. You look good too!"
The venue was getting filled up slowly and Dawn saw Professor Oak and his daughter-in-law take the table on their left. Leaf's mother soon sat down beside him and as if on cue, looked in her direction. Dawn did a small, awkward wave and Mrs Green smiled before waving at her.
"I can't believe the polar opposite couple from our class is getting married," Serena gushed, her tone all light and feathery.
"I always thought that they complimented each other quite well though," Dawn added,"But yeah, Leaf was more reserved and introverted while Gary was loud and chaotic, so that is also correct, I guess."
"I know right!'' Serena giggled,"The place looks so sweet and nice. I feel so excited."
Soon enough, all the guests arrived and were catching up amongst themselves. However, Dawn's eyes were glued to the alter, watching and appreciating Ash standing behind Gary, whispering something in the groom's ear. He was wearing a black tuxedo while Gary was wearing deep navy blue suit.
Dawn couldn't help but smile when Ash tried to settle his heavily waxed up hair; his poor hair always took a turn for the worse during an important event. Dawn would never confess but his hair on the verge of rebelling was something she always found adorable and how the hair irritated him every once in a while always amused her. The way he complained about hair forming soft curls sometimes always made her smile. If only she could ever tell him how much she adored those curls and how much she wanted to play with them.
She felt an immense wave of adrenaline rush through her when he looked in her direction, their eyes catching each other. He gave her a small smile and she smiled back. When she had gotten the invitation to the wedding, she was dreading the occasion because she had no idea how their encounter would go. But now, there she was, dating the person. Funny how life worked sometimes. His gaze set her heart on fire and she could swear her cheeks were turning red.
Serena nudged Dawn a little when the soft music started playing. Dawn turned to see Leaf making an entrance. The white ballgown white wedding dress made her look so radiant and breathtaking. She had her hair up in a bun with small diamond earrings adoring her pretty face. She smiled at her father who was walking down the aisle with her and Dawn felt a soft pang at her heart on seeing Mr Green at the verge of tears. She instinctively turned to face Gary who was almost about to cry. Ash rubbed the groom's arms and Dawn could swear she saw him mouth the words I love her so much to Ash.
Everyone took their seats as Leaf walked up to the aisle, smiling brightly at the man in front of her, the man she was going to spend her whole life with.
The officiant began,"We are gathered here today to join Leaf Green and Gary Oak in holy matrimony. You may now exchange your vows."
Gary stepped forward and held Leaf's hands,"Leaf, you make me want to be a better man. Being with you fills a hole in my heart that I didn't know even existed. You were an amazing friend, even more amazing girlfriend and I know you will be the most amazing wife to me. I promise to love you till my last breath and I promise to build a sweet, caring and wonderful life with you Honey. I know I can face whatever life throws at us as long as you have my back. I love you Leaf and I can't wait to be married to you."
The whole area was dead silent and all eyes were on them but Leaf felt as if nothing else but they mattered in this moment. She was on cloud nine. "When we started dating, I was so anxious. I always kept thinking we would hit a bump and fall apart. I consoled myself by saying that even if we fall apart, a part of me will always be yours to keep. But even in the worst of times, you held me tightly. Whenever I was down, you made me my favourite coffee and put on my favourite music. All my self-doubts started vanishing when we danced in the kitchen at midnight and sang off key during trips. You feel like home Love. Those little bumps don't scare me anymore. I have loved you for the longest time Gary, and I would keep loving you forever. I have found my bestfriend and soulmate in you. I can't wait to start this new chapter with you."
The Officiant nodded as he said,"Do you Leaf, take this man Gary, to be your lawfully wedded husband? To live together in matrimony, to live in comfort, to love him, honour and keep him, in sickness and in health, in sorrow and in joy, to have and hold, from this day forward, as long as you both shall live?"
"Obviously," Leaf grinned, and her voice came out as a choked sob,"I do."
"Do you Gary, take this woman Leaf, to be your lawfully wedded wife, To live together in matrimony, to live in comfort, to love her, honour and keep her, in sickness and in health, in sorrow and in joy, to have and hold, from this day forward, as long as you both shall live?"
"I do," Gary could swear his heart would burst out from his chest anytime.
With the signal, Leaf put the ring on his finger and promised,"I pledge my love and loyalty to you my love, now and forever."
"I promise to love you forever Leaf," Gary smiled and slipped the ring on her finger.
"Into this holy estate, these two persons present come now to be joined. Therefore, if anyone can show just cause why they may not be lawfully joined together, let them speak now or forever hold their peace," The Officiant said and waited for a while. Hearing on response he smiled and declared,"By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride."
Unlike all the other times when they kissed, this felt much more intimate and personal. Leaf wrapped her arms around his neck as he pulled her in for a second kiss and Dawn turned to face Ash, who was staring in her direction. His soft gaze on her made her heart flutter as she shyly looked away, the joyous mood making her mind spiral. She was in love with him, there was no doubt about that but he wasn't there yet. He liked her but she didn't know how deep his feelings went. Afterall, he never said he loved her even once since they got together and she didn't want to force that out of him if he wasn't there yet. All she knew was she loved him and if its meant to be, it will be.
Dawn walked in through the door and discarded her shoes. Walking in heels all day had taken its toll on her and she felt heavenly after her bare feet touched the floor and let out a sigh of relief. Ash turned around to look at her and smiled, saying, "Feels good, right?"
She nodded,"Yes! So, freshen up. I'll wait for you to change."
"You won't stay the night?"
A little surprised, she looked at him with questioning gaze, "Umm, do you want me to?"
"Obviously," Ash shrugged,"I mean, its already late and we both are tired. I thought since Johanna is taking care of the cats, we can have some time alone. "
"That we can," Dawn looked a little uneasy," I just... don't have anything to change into."
"Oh, don't worry it," Ash took off his coat and put it on the couch,"I have a few stuff which you can use."
Dawn had certainly not thought about this outcome. Spending the night, alone, at his place? His place which had one bed? It sounded strangely exciting and a little scary.
"Pardon the intrusion then," She said. She would deal with the consequences later. Right now all she wanted to do was freshen up and relax.
She put her phone and purse down on the coffee table and took her earrings off and kept it beside the purse. She was about to take off her pendent when she felt him come behind her and put his chin on her neck, his arms wrapping around her torso.
His warm breath sent shivers down her spine and for a moment she forgot to breathe.
"Ash-"
"No matter how many times I tell you that you looked absolutely gorgeous tonight won't be enough," He said and Dawn could swear he was doing this on purpose. "Dawn, you looked breathtaking today."
"You looked good too," Dawn somehow breathed out. All she could do was hope he couldn't feel her wild heartbeat. She felt him nuzzle his nose on the crook of her neck and her breath died in her throat, a soft groan almost escaping her lips. "You don't play fair, Ash."
"Uh-hmm." He had the audacity to chuckle while she was fighting the urge to turn around and kiss him till all he could think about was her. Or maybe that was exactly what he was hoping for.
"I am not here to play Dawn," He placed a kiss on her forehead and went back to nuzzle against her,"But I promise you I won't do anything you don't want me to. Tell me to stop and that would be it."
All hell broke loose within Dawn's heart. If it was a wild beating mess previously, it was a full-blown orchestra now. "Wha-" She couldn't find the words to describe what she was feeling, "I didn't- Ash! I don't think I am ready for this yet."
He let her free and she immediately turned around, her face red as a tomato. He eyed her for a while, as if trying to learn her intentions and limits and a sly smirk formed on his face. "I didn't mean anything that intimate. I just meant cuddling and a little kisses thrown here and there."
All the embarrassment was replaced with a deep urge to smack him. This fucker knew what he was doing and Dawn couldn't believe she fell right into his trap. How he was able to make her heart flutter like crazy one moment and make her irritated the next would always be a mystery to her. "I have known you long enough to know about all your shenanigans."
"And its still that easy to get you riled up," He laughed.
"Ha ha, very funny," She rolled her eyes and pouted,"Had me worried for a while."
"Oh relax," He held her hand and gave her a small peck on the forehead,"We won't do anything unless both of us agree to it."
She rested her head on his chest and to her surprise, his heartbeat was way too loud and she smiled to herself. Atleast she wasn't the only one who was nervous. "I know. I love you."
"I think I love you too," He said and she looked up, amused.
"You think?"
"I mean," He shrugged, his fingers playing with her curls,"I know it looks a lot like love and I an pretty sure it is. Haven't felt this way in a long while."
"Sounds good," She bit her lower lip,"I want to kiss you."
"Same." He cupped her face with his palm and his other hand rested on her shoulder. Dawn rose on her tiptoes and pressed her lips against his, her hands wrapping around his neck.
She had always wondered what would it be like to lose herself in him again. Would it give her butterflies like the times when she was a teenager?
Her heart was so damn loud yet she felt at peace. All she could think about was him and only him. Her mind was spiraling.
"We should freshen up," She spoke as she broke the kiss, his forehead pressed against hers.
"I think that can wait," he spoke and kissed her again. He wrapped his arms around her back and pulled her closer and a small gasp escaped her lips when she felt him pressed against her.
She could feel her legs turning into jelly and held onto him for support. It had been so long since she had been kissed like this. She felt wanted and desired.
And most of all, she felt loved and accepted.
He smiled at her when he found her eyes closed and ran his fingers over her lips, saying,"I have been waiting to kiss you whole day."
"You could have," She said, her breaths still heavy.
"I know," He sat down on the couch and pulled her in his lap. She gasped as she landed on him and hit his chest lightly.
"But," Ash continued,"I didn't want our first kiss to be at my best friend's wedding."
"It ain't our first kiss though," She said, knowing full well what he actually meant.
"I know but its going to be the first of many," He kissed her on her cheek. "But yeah, we should freshen up and change. And probably take some rest. Its been a tiring day."
"I know," She tried getting up but his grip on her tightened. "Ash, I can't get up if you hold me this way."
"Give me some time," he smiled at her innocently,"Let me hold you close for a while."
She couldn't deny that innocent request. So she made herself comfortable in his lap and rested her head on his neck. Closing her eyes, she mumbled,"Sure."
.
I am alive! The month of march had been so hectic. I had so many exams that missed a few festivals. Not only that, got my other cat neutered and taking care of her (mostly worrying ) took up so much of my time. Also, I always used to type on phone and recently switched to laptop so typing is a little hectic. I am still not fast enough so it gets irritating quite soon.
I apologize if the vows sound sappy. ;-; Kinda imagined that I was in a sitcom, got embarrassed and thought, "Sheesh, declaring my undying love for my partner in front of our whole family sounds so vulnerable and embarrassing." ( I don't know why I even confessed it here. ;-;) Also, typing a Christian wedding is tough because I don't know any rules/rituals. I apologize if there are any misleading/incorrect stuff there.
One reviewer pointed out how the word "Maya" was confusing because they are Spanish. I don't know what that means in Spanish though, so I can only hope that it is not a curse word. I choose the term "Maya" because in my language it means attachment. I thought that it was a nice word. Sorry if the name caused any confusions. Funny how languages work.
I am proofreading a story, a pearlshipping one at that! It should be up in few days and I hope you guys would check that out!
See you guys later! Take care!
~ darkestlightofhope
