Clare

I opened my eyes from the long night. I realize what day it is. Now I know why I didn't get any sleep the night before. I look around my room, and look out the window then turn my head to the digital clock. Its 6:37 in the morning and the sun is barely peeking out the horizon. It's very peaceful in my apartment.

Then I look over to the lavender little envelope on my beds stand.

My heart skips a beat.

Today is the day.

Today is the day I will see Eli. See him in a whole different setting than I'm used to seeing him in. Today I will see the Elijah Goldsworthy wed Krista.

See my Eli wed Krista. I loved Eli before, but after this time period, spending time with him at work and just hanging around with him, we built a connection. Not just a regular co- workers connection, we have a connection that only a brother and sister have, but then it's a lover's connection. Very complicated. Heck I don't even understand it myself.

There it lay; the beautifully made lavender wedding invitation. It was absolutely magnificent. It had the words "Krista & Eli Forever" engraved in the front; with a pretty little lavender ribbon wrapping it and a little cute bow in the front. To me I thought the invitation was beautiful and so did everyone else, because the night before Fiona was gushing to me on how beautiful it looked. I just sat there, thinking that the beautiful invitation was all my idea.

A few weeks ago I noticed that Eli was stressing out more than usual so I asked him what was wrong. He spilled all his problems to me in just 45 minutes. All the wedding colors and themes that Krista put on him while she was in New York yet again getting shoes for her brides maids. I told Eli just to get a simple bright color. Not a color that would bring the vibrant mood of a wedding down, a color that everyone loved. Lavender. Or also known as my favorite color. I chose this color to resemble spring and happiness. All the things that I know any woman would love. But no. Krista hated the color when she found out Eli was using it as the theme. But it was too late; Eli and I had already sent the information to the makers of the invitations and told the wedding planners to make the theme of spring. Everything was set in stone. Too late for anything to be fixed.

I sat up from my bed and leaned my back on my head board; I looked across from my room then closed my eyes and started to remember last week. I smiled to myself. I was working late with Eli trying to finish packing up his things because he was getting ready to send his things to Texas. We sat there in his office; I was going through his computer just for fun when I stumbled upon some photos. They were old ones, they were some of Eli and I from high school. I also saw photos of us both ridding in Morty. Adam probably took the shot. It me, I had my head leaning on Eli while he was driving. He was smiling in the picture and it just made me feel so good inside that I once made Eli smile like that because now a day I'm lucky if I even get to see him smirk, it's because he's so busy.

I saw another photo. I liked it and I remember when we took it. It was Eli's birthday and after his little party we decided to take a little walk in the park. We ended up on the swings and decided to take goofy pictures with each other. There was one with our tongues sticking out another one with both of us making pouty faces. Then there was a last one, the one that I remember strictly, it was with Eli and me kissing. It was so cute, a huge grin appeared on my face and I could feel my cheeks get hot just remembering hoe Eli's lips feel like and what his mouth taste like. Then all of a sudden a heard a sharp "What are you doing?"

I looked up to see Eli; with boxes in his hands. I quickly exited the page and got up quickly and got up from his chair.

"Well, uh, I was just … looking at your computer." I replied. I sounded like a complete bimbo.

"Alrighty then Edwards, let's just get back to work. I still have a lot to go." He said motioning me to help him organize the papers that were on a chair by him. After about 30 minutes of constantly mentally fighting with myself to ask him why he still has these photos us of; some I have never even seen before.

Should I ask him why he has the pictures?

No!

He probably forgot about them.

Maybe he doesn't even know they are even there to begin with?

I snapped out of my mental war with myself and then blurted out "Why do you still have pictures of us as a couple in high school?"

Eli stopped what he was doing; he slowly put down the papers and then looked up at me.

"What are you talking about?" Eli asked, his voice was dry and he was sort of stuttering.

"You know, the pictures of us" I emphasized the word us, because I wanted him to remember them. I know he remembered. He had to remember.

I opened my eyes and saw the big bright room. The sun moved just enough to fill the room with sun light. I sighed and slowly got up from my bed and stumbled to the bath room. I looked at myself in the mirror and I looked fine. I was surprised I didn't have any dark circles under my eyes because of the lack of sleep last night. I smiled lightly trying to show a face to make for the wedding preparing myself in case I was sad. I finally made up a facial expression; it was a light but reassuring smile. I wanted to at least seem happy, even though I might be crying in the inside.

I slowly stripped off my clothing and turned on the hot water. I left the water running until the whole bathroom was filled with steam. I stepped in the shower and winced at the extreme heat I had allowed the water to be, but my body slowly adjusted to the tempter of the hot water.

I stood in the shower and let all my muscles relax and clear my mind. I was in the shower until the steaming hot water turned ice cold.

I stepped out the shower and grabbed my towel. I patted my face dry and then wrapped it around my body and tucked it in place. I walked over to the sink and then drained my short hair.

After I tried my best to drain my hair I walked out of the bathroom and into my room to see Alli sitting there on my bed. i screamed and I almost had a heart attack.

"Oh my god, Alli, what are you doing in my room?" I demanded from her.

"Clare, today is the wedding and I just wanted to make sure you wore something appropriate for today". Alli always had a great fashion sense, but this time she took it too far to make sure I wore something right for the occasion. Well that's Alli for you.

"Okay. But I already have an outfit ready for today. And how did you even get in my apartment?"

"Don't you remember? You gave me a key like 6 months ago. I let myself in why do you ask?"

"Oh I don't know, I don't like it when my friends just come into my apartment while I'm taking a shower!"

"Okay, okay, I'm sorry; I won't ever do it again. Promise."

I nodded then walked over to my closet to get out the dress I'm going to wear for the wedding. It's a regular black dress. I walked over to show Alli and she just flipped out!

"Oh my god Clare, you're going to wear this?"She asked almost gasping at my fashion mishap.

"Um, yes. I didn't really have time to choose a really pretty dress. I just grabbed it and went home." I replied.

Alli looked behind her and grabbed a dress. Her weary look soon turned into a huge smile and then said "Go ahead, choose one. I brought two dresses just in case this would happen and it did!"

I fake smiled at her then grabbed the peach, short, straight, strap less, uneven layered dress from Alli's hand. It had little fabric flowers on the side and looked extremely pretty. Maybe it was good having Alli break into my house.

I slipped the dress on and it was just perfect. It fitted me perfect and I liked how it looked on me too. This was the dress.

I came out and showed Alli and she went nuts when she saw me. I knew this was a great pick. Thank you Alli!

I like the response from her, but I had to take it off and get ready.

After I got out of the dress I went to go do my hair. I blow dried it then curled it. After I finished that I glanced over at Alli who was just staring at me aimlessly.

"Why are you staring at me?" I asked curiously.

"I'm just trying to figure out why you are going to your ex- boyfriends wedding? Most people that I know would never even speak to the guy if they ever did what Eli did to you."

I sighed then turned around and replied "Well, we are all mature adult here and he is my co- worker. Aren't I like obligated to attend his wedding?"

Alli leaned her head to the side then replied "Not exactly…But you make a good point."

I laughed then turned back around to do my makeup.

I did my makeup very light; I didn't want to seem like a whore with a whole bunch of makeup on. And besides I will have a light colored dress on. After that I went to my walk in closet and changed back into the dress and put on simple black heels. And that's it. I was ready. Ready to see Elijah Goldsworthy get married. I hope I'm ready.

It was about 11:03- ish when Alli was completely ready and so was I.

We both got into her SUV is when I remembered about the invitations. "I'll be right back! I have to go get the invite!" I said quickly the jetted back to my door and unlocked it. I ran by my kitchen, living room, and into my bedroom. I picked up my invitation and right before I was about to touch the front door handle my phone rings.

"Hello?" I asked not even bothering to look at who was calling me.

It was silent on the phone for a moment and I was about to hang up then I heard Eli's voice. "Uh, hello Clare. I was checking, making sure you were making it to the wedding."

My heart beat skipped a few and my palms became so sweaty. "uuu-m yes. I'm going. I I I was actually on my way right now!"

I could feel a grin creep upon hid face over the phone then said "That's great! You see I want sure if you were going or not and I wanted to make sure".

"Well no worries! Clare is here!: I joke then we both said our good byes then hung up. I smiled a bit to myself then walked outside and locked the front door and ran to the SUV.

When I finally got in and fastened my seat belt Alli asked me "What took you so long?"

"Sorry, I had got an important call!" I retorted.

"Alright" Alli sighed then focused on the getting out of the parking lot.

The car ride to the wedding was nice. We weren't talking, but it was peaceful silence. I stomach churned and did back flips, why was I so nervous? I have acted normal this whole time and now my body wants to react. Just fucking great. I started to sweat and I could feel my foundation starting to run down my forehead. I pulled out a little mirror in my purse and looked at it and started to fix my makeup. Alli noticed what I was doing then asked me "Hey, why are you fixing you're make up?"

"It's hot in here! Turn the AC up." I replied.

"But, Clare, it's already freezing in here and I already have the AC on full blast."

I closed my eyes in frustration then closed my mirror. And put it back in my bag.

I tried to control my sweating then after about 10 minutes of uncontrollable sweating in the car I finally got myself under control.

After about another hour of driving Alli and I reached the Four Seasons Hotel. We got our self's together and Alli gave the valet her keys and we walked inside the beautiful hotel.

We walked into this ballroom area and everyone was already seated. We were late. The bride was supposed to come out any minute. Alli and I took our reserved seats in the front next to Fiona. Adam was the best man. I saw Eli and he grinned; he looked so handsome. Eli was wearing a black tux with a lavender bow tie. Just like the theme. Eli's hair was brushed back and he was just so…

Then I heard whispers and then looked behind me and saw Krista, wearing light pink flowing wedding dress. She looked pissed, she wanted pink as the theme. But Eli wasn't looking at me when he grinned, he was looking at Krista. He loves Krista. He loves her and he is going to marry her in just a few minutes, so why am I still day dreaming that Eli and I will get back together? Because I am still full head over heels for him. And I can't have him.

I start to notice the organ playing the original song "Here comes the bride".

Then it hits me. Everything becomes so surreal. I know why I came, I'm thinking that Eli will stop before the wedding, but no. it's too late to change anything everything is set in stone. Nothing can be changed of fixed.

I sit there silently. I don't turn around to see Krista walk down the aisle, I wait till she steps on the alter with Eli. I see them hold hands and I see what she's wearing and what he is wearing and I feel my heart drop into my guts. My body suddenly feels like its burning and my eyes sting as tears weld. I feel like I can't breathe.

We priest starts talking and then he asked "Is there anybody who would like to object to this man and this woman, please do so now."

I wanted to, but no. I couldn't. I couldn't if I wanted to. I can't be the one to take away Eli's happiness.

I rather be old and alone that to ruin the happiest day of his life. That's how much I care and that's how much I would do just to ensure his happiness. When no one responded I turned my face down and took a big breath in.

"If no one objects, then I am happy to pronounce you Elijah Goldsworthy and you Krista Nash husband and wi-" The priest was cut off.

Was it me?

No.

It was another female yelling "I OBJECT!"

The whole room looked behind us and at the end of the hall way we saw a woman. She had short black hair and she was wearing a black muscle shirt and blue jean pants.

"ALEX! What are you doing here?" Krista yelled.

Oh my god.

Was she…was Krista a bisexual?

The whole room filled of murmurs of "Oh my gods". Because it was a OH MY GOD moment.

"Krista, I love you and I can't let you do this to yourself!" Alex yelled breathlessly.

"Alex! I'm married!" Krista yelled back at Alex.

Then I heard a "Not yet! And not anytime soon!" It was Eli and he threw his engagement ring on the floor and walked out of the beautiful ballroom.

I didn't believe it. I didn't believe anything right now.

I just saw Adam run after Eli and I soon followed behind Adam.

I caught up to Adam an then we saw Eli walk out of the hotel and then get right into a cab. Damn, Eli was fast; he already got a cab and god only knows where he went.

"Where do you think he went?" Adam asked me. I thought, I thought of his house, but I don't think he wants to see any of Krista's stuff so not there. He can't go to work.

I couldn't think of anything. Then I thought of all the places I knew when Eli and I were in high school and the only place that I could think of was the old abandoned church in the woods. He had to be there. If not there, where else would he be, right?

"The abandoned church. HE'S AT THE ABANDONED CHURCH!" I yell to Adam.

"That's it!" Adam complied and we quickly caught a cab and we headed straight to the location. The ride was a bit long, and all I could think was about Eli. He could be crying his eyes out right now or he might harm himself. God I hope he doesn't do anything stupid! Please!

When the cab finally gets us close I throw like 40 bucks at him then Adam and I start sprinting towards the woods to the church. When we finally reached the church we started yelling Eli's name. We yelled and yelled until I smelled the stench of cigarettes. I follow the smell and see Eli. He had his back leaned against a wall and his legs spread on the ground. I few feet away I see where he threw his bow tie. I looked at him then he said "Guess you found me. Surprise!"

I didn't smile. He looked so broken and lost. I wanted to take him in like if he were a lost puppy.

"Hey Clare did you smell th-" Adam said by me then saw Eli.

"Dude, I'm glad you're here and not at a bar getting wasted." Adam said worried. He really thought Eli would do that and I thought that too.

"Well so am I. Drinking wouldn't make it any better." Eli replied. Eli took one last smoke of the cigarette and then smashed it with his foot.

"Um Eli, are you okay?" I asked him. I know it's a dumb question to ask when a obviously know the answer, but maybe I can soothe him.

"You know what Clare, no I'm not... I finally know how it feels to have a relationship end because of the other person. And I'm so freaking sorry I ever hurt you Clare. ..I'm so, so sorry." He said. His voice was breaking and at that moment I saw it.

I saw old Eli.

Then I heard a car screech on the road. It was Alli's SUV stopping in the parking lot by the woods.

Eli got up to give me a hug. "Clare, I love you so much." He whispered in my ear.

I was taken back from his words then I whispered back in his ear "Then prove it!"

And with that he picked my chin up and moved his lips to mine. I knew from then and on that life would be okay.

Because I had Eli.

Now I know that life works in the most fucked up ways, it ends up making the right choice's.

The Universe has spoken. And i feel it has the right answer.

END.

A/N: So that's it! I hope you guys like the chapter! I worked really hard on this one and I stayed up until 3 in the morning working on this! :O so I'm really tiered. To let you guys know that I will be starting a new story and I feel it will be a good one. I'm pretty sure no one has made a fan fic like this before so I'm excited for it, but I don't know when. -_-

Just keep a look out for my name and have a great summer! PEACE!

xoxo

~Hope M :P