*Full A/N at the end. But here is Chapter 2 of Nothing Stays The Same. Enjoy! (:
*Disclaimer: I do NOT own these characters, they belong to the wonderful Sara Shepard as well as the writers of the tv show. Future characters may belong to me, but we will cross that bridge when we get there.
Nothing Stays The Same
Chapter 2. "The House of Hastings"
All it took was the "I Love You." Nothing more. She was forever his. And soon she would make his last name her own.
After the picnic the newly engaged pair went to the Hastings' Manor to share the news with her family. All hopes were high that they would be happy for her, though she expected the worst out of Melissa who was never too fond of Toby. Then again, the whole family always thought she could do better, but eventually they warmed up to him.
When they walked up to the door hand in hand she looked up at him and smiled. "Ready?" she asked, a little smile on her face. Of course Spencer was nervous to tell her parents. A million questions were running through her head. How will dad react? What will he think? What about mom? And Melissa? But before her brain could psych her out of going through with it, she told herself that the only thing that mattered was that she and Toby loved each other, and nothing could change that.
She opened the door and they walked in the home.
It was no secret that the Hastings family had money, even through times that were harsh, they always had plenty. The Hastings Manor was a lavish farm-house style home, set on 30 acres of land. It had an upstairs and down stairs, with a balcony for most of the bedrooms upstairs and the yard was fenced in, thanks to the handy work of Toby Cavanaugh.
Spencer's mother was in the kitchen, Melissa by her side, and her father was sitting in a chair reading the newspaper, his reading glasses toward the edge of his nose like they always were when he read the paper.
Each of them looked up when they heard the door open and saw Spencer and Toby.
"Oh, glad you're back home Spence. Always nice to see you as well Toby." Spencer's mom said over her shoulder as she continued chopping the vegetables for the night's dinner.
Toby smiled at the woman who wasn't always the kindest to him, but when she was, she made him feel like part of the family. "Always wonderful to see you Mrs. Hastings."
Spencer took in a breath, "Um. Mom, Dad, Melissa. Can you all come in the living room. I, we, have an announcement to make." The brunette had a smile on her face as she spoke.
At first her mom was hesitant to move, wondering what they would be announcing. Could she be pregnant? The last thing they needed was for their little girl to be pregnant before she was married. The rumors would flying all over town and they didn't need that kind of label. Nothing shy of perfection would be accepted in the house of Hastings.
Soon enough the family was seated on the sofa in the living room, Toby and Spencer standing in front of them.
Their eyes seemed to burn into the soul with the gaze that was given from her parents. Melissa on the other hand just sat there, her arms crossed over her chest, playing it off like she had no interest in anything Spencer would have to say.
After Spencer was standing there, fiddling her thumbs nervously and chewing on the inside of her lip, for a few minutes, Toby gave her a little nudge and her father cleared his throat.
"So... um, what we wanted to tell you all is that.. um... We're, getting married." Spencer said, holding up her hand to show the dazzling diamond ring that fit perfectly on her ring finger.
Spencer's father, Peter, smiled and laughed, "See, son. I told you she would say yes!" he directed towards Toby. Just a few days ago, Toby had met with Peter to ask permission to marry his daughter. Peter granted him permission and Toby was ecstatic. Peter now referred to him as "son".
The blue-eyed boy wrapped his arm around Spencer, who stood there with a grin plastered to her face. "Wait, dad. You knew?"
"Well of course I knew. He asked for my blessing like a true gentleman would." Peter remarked.
Mrs. Hastings then stepped into the conversation after having been sitting there smiling for a moment or two. "I knew too. Your father can't keep his mouth closed for long." she joked, still smiling.
"Well I didn't know. This is news to me." Melissa jumped in. "But, I'm happy for you Spence. I guess now I have to start calling you little brother - in - law now..." she said to Toby.
He just laughed, "Toby is still acceptable Melissa."
Melissa chuckled, "Good, because after a year and a half of calling you Toby, the other option is far too long."
Spencer smiled, her body still pressed to Toby's. She was so glad that the reaction from them was good and not anything like she had expected. Maybe the tough parent act was exactly what it was, an act, and not a sad reality.
For once, even Melissa was accepting things. She had never really warmed up to Toby as well as her parents did, but she always just threw the idea that Melissa was being protective out of the window. Spencer only thought Melissa was jealous, seeing as none of her engagements ever worked out well.
"So, have you two set a date?" Melissa asked.
Spencer and Toby looked at each other. Truthfully, they hadn't, and they didn't know what would be a good day because of the uncertainty of the world around them. One day he could be there, with Spencer, in the house they would buy, and the next day he could be on his way to the war zones.
"No, we haven't really thought about it..." she said. "But, we're open for suggestions."
At that, Melissa's face lit up, and Spencer had to admit that she was a little scared of what would come out of her sister's mouth.
"Can I plan the wedding?! I promise I won't screw anything up, please! That is all I'm asking."
Toby laughed at the sight of Melissa Hastings begging for something from her sister, whom she always tortured and taunted. "Spence, it could be a good idea."
"I don't know... I mean, I guess you could. BUT only if Mom helps you. I'm not sure just how much I trust you on this Mel." she said.
At that Spencer's mom cut in, "Now Spencer, why don't you give her the benefit of the doubt here. I won't have much time with work, you know that. Melissa won't mess things up, will you Melissa." she said, giving Melissa the stern Hastings look that could cut through a solid rock.
Melissa nodded, "Yes. I promise. Please Spencer... Give me the benefit of the doubt." she begged again.
Toby gave his future wife a reassuring squeeze on her shoulder, "I think it's a good idea."
Spencer could never tell his blue eyes no. "Okay. Fine. But I swear Melissa, if you screw up my wedding I will never forgive you." she told her, putting emphasis on never.
"I need to go meet up with my friends, tell them the good news." Spencer said, looking at her gorgeous engagement ring. "I'll see you guys at dinner." she said, smiling and then she and Toby headed out of her house.
Toby waved them off and followed Spencer out.
Once they were outside, and out of ear-shot he said, "Okay, I didn't want to say this in front of Melissa, or your parents, but the thought of Melissa planning our wedding is kind of scary."
Spencer nodded, "Tell me about it." she sighed. "But, if she messes anything up I will kill her. We'll meet up later, kay?" she said, giving him a quick kiss on the cheek.
"Okay. I love you." he said as she pulled herself away from him, but he grabbed her hand and pulled her back, kissing her passionately.
He felt her smile against his lips and he smiled in return.
She pulled herself away from him again. "Love you more." she said, before they parted and walked in separate directions. Toby toward his house, with Jenna, his step-sister. And Spencer toward Aria's house, her best friend.
The whole way she thought of how she would tell her the news, a huge grin on her face.
*A/N: Okay, so last chapter's ending was better than this one. This chapter was really full of fluff, but I'm building up to the big big news and everything. I promise it's not just all insignificance and boringness. Big things will be happening, just trust me on this (; As always, reviews and favorites are always appreciated! Reviews on chapter 1 were so good, thanks so much guys! I hope that I can continue to please you!
Chapter 3 is sort of on stand still, I'm not sure when it will be posted, but hopefully soon. (: