Hello, everyone! I was able to finally get the epilogue up, after fanfiction decided to let me log in. :P Okay, so thank you for reading and I hope you enjoy!
Disclaimer: I do not own Degrassi.
Epilogue
On our way to the hall, the car ride was silent. Thankfully Abby wasn't in the car because things would be just too awkward. Dad was running a little late with picking us up so there wasn't too much time to speak while he was too busy getting us to our destination. He would speak to Eli and I every so often, whether it was asking us how we were and how our summer was going. However, even if dad was merely asking causal questions, I knew he was trying really hard not ask if Eli and I were dating. I gave him credit for how calm he was being, since the first time Darcy brought home Peter, dad almost had a fit.
I smiled to myself at how things used to be. The smile faltered a little when I thought of how much things changed and tried my best to keep the mellow mood I was in. My eyes found Eli's and he gave me a small smile that skyrocketed my mood ten times more then it was just a minute ago. He looked really handsome today; a gray dress shirt, black tie and black skinny jeans could only be pulled off by him. He told me I looked pretty before we left but my outfit wasn't that extravagant. A simple floral dress with a black blazer with my hair curled just a little more then it usually is. I also added a smidge more make up around my eyes then normal and cherry red lipstick was smoothed over my rose lips. It wasn't too much for a wedding but certainly not too little.
"Okay kids we're here," dad announced, stopping the car.
We all exited the vehicle and my eyes planted on the huge building in front of us. Since Abby was an atheist, she didn't feel comfortable being wed in a church. Completely understandable but it doesn't mean I wanted to fully be here. I was only doing this for my dad.
Eli came beside me and I leaned into his side, wishing I could hold his hand. Dad was far ahead of us, speed-walking with his plastic-covered tux in his hand.
"How are you feeling?" I asked Eli, feeling slightly worried he might feel uncomfortable.
"Shouldn't I be asking you that question?" he chuckled, and I shot him a serious look that instantly made him mirror my expression. "Clare, I'm fine. Don't worry about me. Now, how are you feeling?"
"I don't really know," I shrugged noncommittally, watching my dad speed up the stairs. "I guess I'm still stuck in disbelief."
Eli's brow furrowed and he moved closer to me but refrained because of what the gesture implied. He wanted to hold me but didn't for my sake. I didn't find it in me to care at the moment, so I took Eli's arm and wrapped it around my shoulder, whiled my arm wrapped around his waist. He raised a brow at me but a smirk etched on his face. I smiled back at him, just happy that I had him here with me because as soon as we entered the hall, I could feel my mood mould into misery.
Chairs were divided on two sides of the room, leaving room for a huge aisle in the middle. The theme was definitely pink and brown. Streamers and flowers were settled in every corner and a cream mat was settled where an alter would have been in a church. People related to my dad came up to Eli and I, greeting me enthusiastically while I tried my best to keep up with the many hugs and kisses. I was a little disappointed grandma wasn't here but she probably thought dad was a disgrace for remarrying. I made a mental note to call her later tonight.
I was glad my family didn't hound Eli because I don't think I could handle any attention on me today. I steered Eli to the seats in the back because I did not want to be near Abby's family that were seated up close on the other side of the room. I did sneak a peek at her parents - at least, I believe they were her parents. The woman had the same red hair as Abby and the man beside her held onto her arm, both of them were speaking to the person that presumed to be marrying dad and Abby.
"Clare, it's okay," Eli's voice rung through my steady mindset.
"What?" I was confused that he was looking at me with a calm exterior. "Why are you looking at me like that?"
"You keep breathing heavy when looking at those people." He motioned his gaze towards Abby's parents and I slinked back in my chair tiredly. "Don't work yourself up over this."
"I'm trying, but I just… want this day to end," I groaned frustratingly, rubbing a hand over my face.
"It will eventually and before you know it, you'll be getting a call from Girth Hobbits that you won the writing contest," he winked, resting his arm on the back of my chair.
"You make it sound so simple," I laughed, thinking of when Cece must've handed in my story. I personally felt like I did a good job, as well as Eli, so I was hoping to God that I won.
"I just have a feeling it's gonna happen," he said steadily, sounding very confident. "You better remember me when you become famous."
"Oh, be quiet." I stuck my tongue out and pushed his chest playfully. "That's won't happen."
"You never know," he sing-songed, making the both of us laugh.
"If you'll excuse me," I mocked in a elegant voice to escape to the washroom.
After I was finished, I left the washroom and started my way down the hall. A low sob was heard from the room beside me and I stopped in my tracks. There was no sign on the door but the sob increased and it sounded female. Could that be Abby's dressing room? I pressed my ear against the door and knocked a couple of times.
"Abby?" I asked quietly, wondering in my head what the heck I was doing.
The sobbing died down abruptly and shuffling was heard. The door swung open and Abby was on the other side, tears steamed down her face and her eyes puffy.
"Clare?" she sniffled, squinting her eyes. "What are you doing here?"
I had no idea myself.
"Uh… I was in the bathroom and I heard you crying - Are you okay?"
She let out a small humourless laugh before walking back inside the room, but left the door open in case I wanted to go in, I guess. My mind was screaming at me to leave but my foot took a step inside the door, and I closed it before taking a seat on the chair across from her.
"I'm so sorry," she breathed shakily, wiping her eyes. "You don't have to be here. I know you're not exactly fond of me."
I wasn't going to deny it but decided to steer the conversation to a different subject.
"You're upset and my dad is probably going to be worried if you're not out there." I tried to comfort but was having a really hard time because I didn't know what to say.
"I can't go out there," she sobbed, looking down at her lap.
"What? Why?" I asked frantically, my pulse quickening with panic.
"I feel so awful. Everything is just not going right today." She jerked up and looked in the floor-length mirror, eyeing the white gown that adorned her figure. "I don't deserve this."
I looked at her, scrutinizing her expression because all I could think right now is that this is a dream; Abby was not about to back out of marrying my dad. But when I blinked back to reality, I was still in the same room and Abby was still crying. Was I supposed to be happy? I didn't feel happy. I most certainly know dad won't be happy if this wedding is called off. I had to do something.
"Abby, you realize what you'll do to my dad if you call this off?" I said sharply, walking up beside her. "I may not like you but you make my dad happy. And I am not going to let you hurt him."
She turned her head towards me, shock painting over her face. "Clare, I ruined your family."
I shook my head vigorously, growing annoyed. "Stop it. I'm not going to feel sorry for you. Yes, I feel like you did ruin my family, but my dad also left, so I can't blame all of it on you. I still love my dad. He loves you and if you ruin this for him and yourself, you're lower then I ever would've thought."
I gave her one last disappointed look before leaving the room and walking down the hall.
.
.
I may have not liked Abby very much. She'll still be known as the woman who took away my dad, but if there's one thing I'll always respect about her is how happy she makes my dad. Despite how painful it was, seeing dad's face light up when she walked down the aisle made my heart swell. I was more then happy that she decided to marry him because even if my family couldn't be happy together, I rather we all be happy separately. And as far as I knew, we were all doing just great.
The reception was taken place in the park near by. It was set up quietly nicely; tables and a platform with some local band played music. Toasts were about to begin and Eli and I sat at a table with my uncle and aunt.
"I'm not really good at these things, but I do have a couple of things to say," dad spoke loudly in an awkward yet funny way.
He stood up and held a glass of wine, looking down at an ecstatic Abby. I felt Eli's hand slither though mine and I smiled lovingly at him.
"I want to thank every single one of you who came today and my beautiful wife for not standing me up," he joked and the rest of the guests cracked up while Abby and I shared a knowing smile at each other.
"But one person I want to really thank is my wonderful daughter, Clare." My eyes perked up in surprise and dad smiled affectionately. "She came here today for me and I love her for completing this day. Thank you, honey. Cheers!"
"Cheers!"
Everyone took a sip from their glasses and I wiped tears from my eyes, a warm feeling spreading through me. Eli kissed my cheek and that made me cry even more.
"It's time for the bride to dance with her father," the lead singer from the band announced through the microphone.
A slow tune kicked off from the instruments and Abby took her father's hand and guided him to the dance floor. Dad came over to me and offered his hand, and I took it with glee.
"Was this your plan all along?" I asked as we swayed in rhythm with the music.
"What?" he asked, confused.
"Make me cry from that sappy speech?" I laughed, sniffling quietly.
"Of course not," he laughed softly. "I just wanted to tell you how much you being here means to me."
"Well, I'm glad I came," I smiled wide. "So how does it feel?"
"How does what feel?"
"Being married again. Are you happy how it turned out?" I was thoroughly curious.
His eyes caught onto Abby and that same look on his face from earlier returned. "It turned out better then I expected. And what about you? Are you happy?"
I looked over at Eli, my heart fluttering rapidly. "I am."
"Eli makes you happy?" dad asked knowingly, smiling tenderly at me.
I nodded. "Yeah. I really care about him. I just wasn't sure when to tell you."
"I kind of already knew, Clare-bear."
I looked down so he wouldn't see the blush on my face but I was sure he already seen it, given the laugh I heard from him.
"I love you, dad." I hugged his waist and just rested my head on his chest because I wasn't sure how long we'd have with each other.
"I love you too, sweetie. You know how much I do." He stroked my back and kissed the top of my head and I let out a sigh of content.
"Excuse me, Mr. Edwards, I hope you don't mind if I cut in.," Eli asked softly.
"Not at all," dad smiled warmly, releasing himself from me and placing me into Eli's hold. "I'll see you two later."
Eli held out his hand, I took it and gasped when he twirled me around, before I returned back in front of him, my hand gently on his shoulder and his hand wrapped around my waist. My other hand fit itself perfectly with his, both of our fingers intertwining and he pulled us further on the dance floor, my body pulled close to his as we swayed in a perfect circle.
"I didn't think you liked to dance," I observed, remembering the time when he declined my offer at that party.
"This stays between us," he said in a hushed tone.
"Wow, Eli Goldsworthy, closet dancer. What else do I not know about you?"
He smirked. "I'm sure that's the last secret."
"Good because if you had anymore, I'd find out," I teased and he twirled me under his arm. "Hey, thank you… for coming today. It really means a lot to me."
"No problem," he said happily. His eyes brightened and I could just stay lost in them forever. "I think you handled this wedding really well."
I let out a breath. "It was hard…" My eyes trailed off to dad and Abby dancing, both of them smiling lovingly at each other. "…But it was worth it."
"I guess we just have to remind ourselves sometimes," Eli mused quietly, a faraway look in his eyes.
"Remind ourselves what?"
"We may go through pain but in the end, we have people that love us. We have people we would do anything for." His eyes pierced mine as if he were peering through my soul and everything around us felt far away. "Like you."
We stopped dancing and I looped my arms around his neck, pulling his face to mine. His arms wrapped tightly around me and he eagerly reciprocated the kiss. My senses tingled and my heart dropped; his lips were like candy, giving me a sugar high that I never wanted to get off of.
I never would've thought my summer would be this way. I thought maybe some swimming… writing… hanging out with Alli. A very predictable summer that I thought no one would change. But Eli completely steered my plans in a different direction. He showed me how much fun summer could really be. He showed me how love can really conquer the pain. And I love him for it.
I love him.