Disclaimer: I still don't own Zoey101, Another World, or Couples .

We are taking back our wedding

Chase and Zoey 's recent announcement had put the entire house in an uproar, voices were raised, arguments cited between anyone involved in the Brooks/Matthews wedding , with Amanda throwing in some tears to add to the hoopla.

Zoey threatened that if her parents didn't like it , she and Chase would just elope instead and they could forget all about the fuss planning a fancy wedding .Sensing that her own daughter was one minute away from having a Monster mother of the bride meltdown , Rachel stepped in between her granddaughter and Amanda with a shrill whistle to halt the fighting .It seemed the truce was short lived .

.

Michael and Lisa shared a look of utter fear wondering if they could make a run for it before their friends noticed they were missing . Quinn and Logan lucked out since they decided to grab breakfast while they were in town and had been out the door before the big announcement was even made .

Lola who usually enjoyed being in the thick of excitement took a sip of her orange juice then vacated the table as the yelling and screaming continued between mother and daughter .

' Enough ! '

Chase stepped between them , his arms outstretched .' Stop fighting ! This wedding is supposed to be the happiest day of mine and Zoey's life ! All this fighting and bickering isn't fun ! Mrs. Brooks , I wanted me and Zo to be married at the beach across from P.C.A. and right now it's sounding awfully darn awesome '

Zoey slanted a look at her fiancée .' I expected too much from Mom . I thought it would be better since we were getting along clearly I was mistaken '

' Only because its less than a month away !'

Rachel grasped her daughters shoulders gently but firmly .' Amanda , might I remind you Zoey is only acting in a way you would have if I had been over-bearing, well-meaning , and well, bossy when you and Mike were planning to be married '

That seemed to calm Amanda down and a chagrined look crossed her face . Hadn't she and Mike considered sneaking out to be married in a private ceremony when his Aunt Iris had started contributing ideas for the circus of their wedding day . Oh, the stress !

'Point taken, Mother ,' replied Amanda , rubbing at a knot behind her neck ,'I'm sorry I overreacted especially when we've been getting along so well lately but what brought on this sudden decision '

' It isn't really sudden ,' admitted Zoey, staring at her engagement ring ,' Chase has been telling me all along how he feels about the plans but I haven't really been listening . It's his wedding too, Mom, and I don't want him to hate it '

Chase gave his future mother in law a helpless shrug .' I don't know if hate is the right word - strongly dislike might be better .'

Michael helped himself to more juice then contributed ,' He hates the tuxedos '

Amanda looked mortified by the idea .' Why, Chase , you'll look handsome '

' I'll look like a fancy waiter ' Chase made a face as he helped himself to some bacon left on Lola's plate ,' and I am not that good at waiting on people , ma'm '

" Then you shouldn't wear the tuxedos, ' said Rachel, breezily ,' there , done . Why don't we stop the screaming match , give you kids time to eat a late breakfast then perhaps we can discuss the changes you would like to make afterwards .'

Zoey crossed her arms , defiance plaintive in her blue eyes.' Fine '

' Uh oh '

Amanda bristled still from Chase's suggestion but nodded .' Fine but arrangements have already been made , payments taken care of , and it isn't in good form to make changes so late in the date '

Mac joined them , the noise disrupting his work in the study, as he bussed his wife's cheek then poured himself a cup of coffee . It appeared that change of heart had taken all of the wind out of Amanda's sails and here he thought most of the big decisions had been settled .

' Don't be so dramatic, Amanda ,' replied a calm Mac, a twinkle in his blue eyes ,' you know I have clout in town . I am sure changing things up to suit Chase and Zoey wont be any trouble at all .'

When Mac Cory talked , people jumped through hoops to make things happen for him .

Chase sent the man a grateful smile .' Thank you so much, Sir '

Mac drank his coffee .' Its about time you spoke up, Chase , and it's telling that Zoey realized your needs are important too . Valuable life lesson for marriage right there.'

" I suppose I should call Mike ,' muttered Amanda , embarrassed by her earlier reaction, ' I highly doubt that he and Dustin are back from fishing yet . Chase, would you like to call your parents and put them on speakerphone ? They should hear this as well as us .'

Chase swallowed the rest of the bacon then looked at Amanda .' Can't I call them myself later ? I mean, pretty sure my parents will go along with whatever changes Zo and I want to make to the wedding .'

That was the best thing about his folks - their unwavering love and trust in him even when he went a little crazy . Covington , England , came to mind . This would probably take a load off of their minds and freaking over the money part of it .

Rachel put a reassuring hand on Zoey's shoulder though she addressed Chase .

' Of course, Chase , as you wish '

Zoey heaved a tired sigh .' Will Dad really care about us wanting a smaller wedding ? Dustin's been dying for someone to go fishing with him for days and I don't want him mad at me for taking Dad away from him '

Amanda was considering a mimosa to de-compress but poured orange juice into a goblet .

' I suppose not ,' relented Amanda , sitting down at the table ,' look I am sorry I lost my co. Why don't we sit down in here and discuss the changes during brunch '

Lisa rose and grabbed Michael by the arm, casting a wry smile towards everyone .

' Well, you don't need us for this so Michael and I are going to take a walk '

Michael looked at Lisa , confused .' We are ? '

Lisa gave him a tug ,' Yes'

' She was super mad at me earlier so I'm just gonna go with Lisa now '

' Coward ' called out Chase , helping himself to the pitcher of iced water as the couple made their great escape ,' some pal '

Rachel took a delicate sip of coffee .' Small wedding sounds lovely . How many did you have in mind ? '

Chase and Zoey shared the same hopeful expression then plunged forward with what they had discussed earlier .It might be late in coming but it was past time to be the mature adults they were supposed to be . If Zoey's family disagreed well, it wasn't their day .

They would just have to accept it and deal with it .

' I'm really comfortable with 100 people but I know your side knows practically everyone down here ,' admitted Chase , mildly ,' so I'm willing to say 200 , tops .'

Amanda nearly choked on her juice .' That is cutting a lot of important people out of coming to the wedding . We had a modest 456 and that isn't counting all of my husbands business associates in England and California .'

Mac rapped a hand on the table top .' Well, that is settled easily enough . Rachel can help you all dissect the guest list invitations - in any case , I am sure those associates will appreciate saving on airfare and use it to send a gift in its stead

Zoey beamed , as she reached for Chase.' s hand to hold .' Chase's Aunt Kim is setting up a buffet for us with our favorite foods . It's not fancy nor is it really southern style but it's a menu that we both want '

' Obviously you kids should have what makes you happy ,' replied Rachel, evenly ,' I am sure with all of our well meaning input, we've overwhelmed you both by now . You'll have to forgive us for that ….we just want the best for the both of you .'

Zoey shared a warm smile with her soon to be husband .' Which we do appreciate and love you all for but this is our wedding …"

Chase addressed everyone else in the room, his tone firm .' We're going to go back to just a simple, small wedding with our family and our best friends .'

That was what they wanted and what they would have , by God .

********************************Wedding Bells ******************

Upon hearing the ruckus taking place in the dining room, Vince had simply changed his plans , and settled into the comfortable wooden rockers on the veranda, mulling over his Lola induced thoughts as well as the trouble with Texas . He didn't like the feeling at being at odds with his girlfriend and thought maybe they should work on a new form of communication between them. Perhaps it wasn't always the right way to just give in to Lola though he loved her , it always made her happy and he wanted her to be happy .

Still that might not always help them come college and new situations but he detested arguing with the impossible Lola . She could drive a man to drink .

' I'm sorry I acted like such a jerk ' Lola wound her arms around his neck and bent down to stare into his green eyes ,' I think this wedding is getting into my head . It's making me act like a crazy person ….'

Vince pulled her into his lap, linking her fingers with his .' You were already a little crazy when I fell in love with you , this side is new . New is fine if we make it work, Lo.'

Lola smoothed her lips together , bit down on her bottom lip .' I don't want us to fight like Quinn and Logan . We've never really did that except maybe at first when I hated your guts and we never really had the jealousy thing to freak out over …but if your in Texas and I'm back in New York, it feels like we might .'

Vince brushed at a strand of her loose brown hair , thoughtful. ' You might not have worried about others but might I remind you , Lola, half of the male population of P.C.A. wanted you ,' informed Vince , calmly ,' I've always trusted that we were good there . "

He paused , considered .' You know your flirting with Lewis bothered me but I thought we straightened all of that out between us . Are you having second thoughts on us ? '

Vince dropped her hand , somber at the prospect of bringing up an idea he didn't like having in the first place . Especially one they had avoided like a plague .

' Unless you want to break up '

A gasp of hurt tore from Lola's throat along with a sob as she stared hard and in disbelief at the man she had fallen in love with two years ago with his mild manner and his ultra sensitivity replacing the trademark cocky .Was he trying to blindside her ?

' Is that what you want ? Is that why we've been fighting over ridiculous stuff lately , Vince ? Do you want to be free to date all those gorgeous southern women when your in Texas ? '

Vince dragged his hand through his reddish brown hair as he let out a trying sound .It had made more sense in his head but now that he said it out loud he cringed at it .

How did this conversation go so off the rails ?

' No, I don't want to be with anyone but you ,' stated an exasperated Vince ,' I'm not going to Texas . We already had this conversation , Lola, or have you forgotten ? For some insane reason, I am madly in love with you still though you make me want to pull my hair out of my head . Lola, I think maybe we need to learn to actually discuss our problems like other couples do rather than how we normally handle things .'

Lola wiped absently at the tears with the back of her hand as she regained her composure, smoothing a errant strand of hair, running a hand down to fix a wrinkle on her shorts, and fiddle with the bracelet on her arm.

.

' Letting go of the issue has always worked for us in the past, Vince '

' I know ,' Vince tilted her chin to force her gaze with his own ,' it's always been the most peaceful way for us to let it not be a hindrance in our relationship . Maybe this new situation, the upcoming new changes such as our friends upcoming nuptials and our colleges calls for something more than the Buddha could suggest .'

Lola folded her arms across her chest .' I hate this ! We don't fight , that's not us ! I don't want us to break up either ! I …I think I'm just scared of what the future might hold for us if we are miles apart …..'

Vince pulled her in close to him , holding her tightly in his embrace .' Hey, there is absolutely no way we are letting Reese and Pensky get one up on us keeping their relationship strong . We're every bit as good as them , Lola Martinez '

A determined expression crossed the actresses face as clarity occurred to her faster than she could blink an eye or have an apple . This had been their first real serious fight about their relationship since they had first gotten together , she didn't care for it much .

I don't want you to blame me if you regret not going to Texas …'

' I wont , Lola ,' reassured Vince, wrapping his arms around her from behind ,' it's you an d me . That's the way it's going to be ..'

' Always and a day ' added Lola in a whisper as they stood together affirming their love on the veranda with the ghosts of the past behind them .

*******************************Wedding Bells **************************

Somehow through discussions ( ahem a heated debate ) on scaling down their wedding to suit them , chair covers versus no chair covers, and the need to call the florist to arrange for more flowers even though it was an outdoor ceremony . Chase thought Belvedere had tons of pretty flowers on the ground as it was but he didn't even want to stick his nose in and ask the logic behind that one . He didn't want to know .

Zoey and Amanda had gotten intense over the whole ice sculpture but in the end , his girl won . They didn't need a fancy ice sculpture melting in the heat .

Whenever it seemed as if Amanda had reservations about the changes, Mac or Rachel would kindly remind her of the happenings before her wedding day .

' I honestly don't mean to be a pain ,' stated Amanda for the hundredth time ,' I just want the perfect day for my daughter . ' She let out a shrill laugh ,' Oh, I'm acting like Aunt Iris . Shoot me now, please '

Rachel chuckled as she patted her daughters leg .' No, darling, not nearly that bad . After you I haven't heard you suggest releasing the doves to Chase and Zoey '

Amanda made a pained expression ,' I promise no doves '

Zoey sent her mother a baffled expression .' You never mentioned having doves released at your wedding in any of the stories I've ever heard, Mom '

Mac chuckled , himself .' You wont either because I cancelled the order '

Thinking of Mike's incident the day before their wedding and the ensuing craziness provoked in her own family, Amanda realized she must be projecting that on Chase and Zoey . It was a good thing Mike was still fishing or he would have read her the riot act !

' Chase , dear, promise me you wont be going back to Baltimore before the wedding '

' Hadn't planned on it , Mrs. Brooks '

' Good '

Chase sent a puzzled glance at Zoey, who just shrugged . ' So, are we good now ? '

His head felt marginally better thanks to the concoction from Grandpa Mac but now he was thinking a nap might be good . They had gotten most of the important details taken care of and Chase figured Zoey could handle the rest without him .

' I think we've got it , Chase ,' informed Rachel, understanding ,' you can relax now '

A yawn escaped from him and a sheepish expression flashed across his face .' Actually I thought I'd either take a nap or put my head in the freezer for a few '

Zoey kissed his cheek .' Go take a nap , Sleepy Head , I'll wake you later '

' Bachelor party after affects ' indicated Chase , kissing Zoey back ,' never again .'

With a wave that encompassed the rest of what would soon be his family, Chase left the room , a spring in his step, and nearly tripped up the stairs as he made way to his room .

It already was beginning to feel like a brighter day for him and Zoey and it felt as if that ten ton weight had finally been lifted off of his chest .

Rachel, Amanda, and Zoey had left the dining room while Mac left citing he had some business to attend to, the women went into the bedroom that was currently being used as a bridal suite . It held Zoey's gown which was on the dressmakers dummy awaiting the final touches, her kick ass high heels , and the bridesmaids gowns as well .

' So , you've always told me and Dustin how perfect your wedding to Daddy was, Mom , but why do I get the feeling there are things you haven't mentioned before ' asked Zoey, who had picked up enough random tidbits to clue in on the obvious more .

Amanda had the grace to blush , prettily .' My wedding was perfect but there might have been some misunderstandings leading up to it such as your Dad getting detained over a misunderstanding in Chicago making him miss our rehearsal '

Zoey's blue eyes widened in shock .' What did Dad do ? I cant imagine anything bad '

' It wasn't , it was a mistake . He was trying to stop a thief and the police assumed that Mike had been the guilty one but he got it all straightened out eventually '

Rachel tucked Amanda's hand in her arm .' I'm afraid the rest of us went a bit crazy thinking Mike was a no show and about to leave our darling Amanda at the alter …so you see, Zoey, you cant avoid the craziness if you and Chase try but we'll do our best '

' Thanks, Grandma ,' smiled Zoey, as she turned the knob to open the door to the suite ,' wouldn't it have been much simpler to explain all of that to us rather than steam roll over me and Chase ? '

Amanda looked contrite .' I was trying to avoid embarrassment '

' Well, Chase might trip and fall down the aisle but we're not you and Dad '

' True enough ,' Amanda hugged her daughter ,' I brought your veil over this morning, honey. I know you still weren't sure what you wanted to change about it ..its on the dresser '

The rhinestone encrusted headpiece sparkled on the cherry dresser, the wispy chiffon once a glorious white was now a unbelievable soft pink .

' Oh my Gosh …'

' Dear Lord, what happened to it ? It wasn't like that when I brought it over this morning, I swear '

Zoey studied the veil, as she chewed , anxiously on her bottom lip , a tell -tale knowing in her gut .

' Quinn ! I am so going to kill you !'