I have no affiliation with any of the groups or songs mentioned in this chapter I just happen to love singing the songs.
Ch 12. Happiness in Surprises
(Fitz)
I walked into church this morning and greeted some of the people I knew. I hadn't asked Gaea if she'd like to come with me this morning. We haven't even gone on a date yet and I'll be spending most of the rest of the day with her anyway. I decided to stay by the door for a little as I knew Clare was coming and probably wouldn't know anyone. It isn't long before I see Clare walking up to the doors, but what does surprise me is Owen is with her.
"Morning Clare," I greet and we hug.
"Hi Mark," Clare comments, "beautiful day out," she finishes with a smile.
"Sure is. Hey Owen, I'm surprised but happy to see you," I comment as we fist bump.
"Hey man, ya I'm a little surprised I came too, but I know Clare is a Christian, and you became one. I've seen her saying grace and prayers and such and it intrigues me. I've really only been to church for funerals and such, and you said there's a number of people our age, so when the alarm went off this morning to wake Clare up I decided to get up and come with her," he comments.
"Cool, well I'm happy to see you both. We should probably head in and find seats," I remark and we start walking into the sanctuary. I head up to the third row where I normally sit and Clare and Owen follow me.
"Wow, these seats are certainly nicer than the wooden benches I remember," Owen comments and Clare and I smile.
"Those are pews Owen," Clare clarifies with a laugh.
"And we use the chairs so they can be moved easily. Not just so the carpet can be vacuumed, but so the youth group can stack them against the walls to play, or they or the young adults group can put them in a circle for devotions," I explain to Owen.
"When does the young adults group meet?" Clare questions.
"Wednesday nights at 7:30. I go when I'm not working. I've tried to get it off whenever possible, but sometimes it just can't happen the current manager has told me," I answer.
"I know if I talk to Peter he'll switch your shift so you always have that time off," Clare comments, with a smile.
"Seriously?" I question.
"Of course. He may not always be around at this point, but he still has clout and if I ask nicely I'm sure he'd do it," she remarks with smirk.
At this point the worship team is on stage and the leader greets everyone, saying they can feel free to stand if they wish but worship is a personal time so it's up to you, and then they start singing. I stand and Clare and Owen join me and I can see Clare enjoying herself singing along to the words on the screen while Owen is looking around at everyone. He isn't singing but smiles when he sees Clare is. After the first song everyone is invited to turn around and greet one another, so I start shaking hands with those around me. Clare and Owen look at me a moment, and then follow my lead and shake hands with those around us so I introduce them to a few people before the worship team starts singing again. Pastor James follows that with announcements and a short prayer and then there's three more songs. The last, God of Angel Armies is my favourite and I get right into it and raise my hands part way through as I close my eyes.
Everyone sits as Pastor James gives the message today on what it means to have a personal relationship with God introducing it as the first in a series he's going to be doing for the next few weeks, except mother's day. He starts by saying there is an immense difference between knowing about someone and have a personal and intimate relationship with them. His message today is from Genesis about the relationship he created with Adam and Eve in the beginning but how sin tore apart that relationship. After the message he prays and then there is one more song, which is Your Love Never Fails. Pastor James gives the blessing for the upcoming week and then says goodbye. The worship team continues to play as we begin to leave.
"So how long have you been attending here?" Clare asks when we get into the foyer.
"About a year or so. Father Greg was a great mentor, but he was a minister specifically for the juvenile detention center, so I tried a few churches in the area when I got out until I found this one and made a real connection here, not only with Pastor James and the people but also with God. Like this is where I was meant to be," I comment and Clare smiles.
"I was surprised by the music. I thought church music was all slow stuff hundreds of years old. But that stuff was upbeat and current, and even the slower stuff had good sound," Owen comments.
"Ya, worship music these days is a lot more mainstream than church hymns once were," Clare comments.
"Hey Pastor James, good to see you," I comment as he stops talking to someone else. "I'd like to introduce you to my friends Clare and Owen," I comment, but don't introduce them as husband and wife because I know that's still a secret at the moment.
"Good morning Fitz, and it's nice to meet you both," he says shaking each of our hands. "So how do you all know each other?" he questions politely.
"We all went to Degrassi together. Owen and I have known each other for years," I comment.
"It's nice to meet you, and I really liked the message. I hope I can get back to hear more," Clare remarks and I'm glad to hear her say that.
"We'd of course be very happy to have you back, both of you," Pastor James comments looking from Clare up to Owen.
"This was more of a curiosity thing for me, but I did like the music," Owen comments.
"Well I'm glad you liked something from our service and I hope to see you both back. And if you ever have any questions feel free to ask Fitz for my email. I'd be happy to answer any questions you might have Owen. That goes for you too Clare," Pastor James smiles and walks away.
"It was great to see you both and I hope you come back, but I should get going so I can change and meet Gaea for our date," I remark looking at the clock on the wall.
"That's right, I hope it goes well and please say hi to her for me," Clare comments and gives me another hug.
"I promise," I respond, and then fist bump with Owen and say bye, and then I head back to my apartment to change before driving over to Gaea's house.
(Gaea)
After a wonderful sleep in I got up about 10:30am, and was ready when Fitz pulled up about 1:30pm to pick me up. I was waiting on my front porch as I didn't really want my parents and siblings to bother us and I was ready when he pulled up.
"Hi Gaea," he greets as he parks on the street walking up to meet me. "I would have come to the door, you didn't have to wait outside," he comments with a smile walking up.
"Well it was more that I didn't want my siblings to bother us, and I know my mom would have questioned you for a while if you'd come inside," I explain.
"Ah I get it, but I'd be happy to meet your parents at some point," he expresses as we walk towards his car. When we get there he opens the passenger door for me and I smile in thanks as I climb in and he closes the door before walking around the car. "Hey I think we're being watched anyway," Fitz says as he climbs in and points toward my house, and I see a small face at the window.
"Ya that's my little brother Kai, he's 10," I remark as Fitz starts driving.
"Cool, I had always hoped to have a younger brother, but that didn't happen. You mentioned siblings so how many do you have besides Kai?" Fitz asks curiously.
"Well there's also my sister Idony who's 14, and my sister Ceres, and she's 6," I explain to Fitz.
"Wow, four of you, that's quite the family these days. I was an only child for years and then my mom remarried and I gained my older step-brother Steve but he is not someone you ever want to be around if you can help it. That's why I was happy when I could move into my own place," Fitz comments.
"How long have you been living away from home?" I ask.
"About 6 months now I guess. I go home to see my mom when I can, but I usually try to make sure she's the only one there first," he explains and I nod.
We're quiet after this until I notice Fitz pulls up at Jimmie Simpson park. "The park? Cool I enjoy the park," I comment. Fitz had dropped me off at home the other night but it was a quick drive and I mostly just gave him directions, we didn't get the chance to personally talk too much.
"I'm glad," Fitz smiles at me and then gets out coming around to open my door and then opening the back door. "We can enjoy the park too, but I thought a picnic lunch might be nice. No lines or crowds, we can just talk and get to know each other," he comments, and I smile. He grabs the picnic basket and then holds out his arm for me.
"Quite the gentleman. I think Clare really was right," I comment taking his arm as we walk toward a sunny spot. Almost all of the snow has now melted and the ground is mostly dry. Fitz puts down the basket and then pulls out a blanket, laying it out and then we both sit down.
"Clare was right about what?" Fitz asks as he begins to pull food out of the basket. "And I wasn't sure what you'd like but I remembered some of the stuff you've ordered at the Dot, hope that's alright," he remarks and I smile.
"Yep that's totally fine with me. And after I commented on Owen last week, even before I knew they were married, but said I wouldn't go for him because they seemed really close, she asked what I was looking for in a guy, and I said I'd like someone who was a little troublesome without being scary and who is also caring," I comment.
"I'm glad she feels that way after everything," Fitz comments and I'm not quite sure what he means but I can't ask as he bows his head. I watch for a moment but begin eating before he lifts his head and opens his eyes.
I let the comment go for the moment, and decide to change the topic, as I don't really want to get into pasts at this point. He asks me about living in LA, and I comment on parts of my life, and then we talk about Toronto a little as we eat and then Fitz packs up the basket before I fold up the blanket. We take them back to the car and then we decide to walk through the park for a bit.
We walk and talk for a while and then get into asking more questions. "What do you like to do for fun around here when you're not working?" I ask. I've lived here since the end of January, and moving was quite the chore in the snow, but I haven't been here for summer yet so I'm curious.
"Well I'm not too big into sports, but I enjoy playing road hockey with Owen. I'm not really into the party scene anymore, but I love going to the movies when I can," he tells me and I nod.
"I like movies too. So I guess already living here you don't do much of the touristy stuff do you?" I comment.
"No not really, my mom was never really one to take me to stuff like that, and between money and having to bike everywhere when I was a kid I couldn't really do much of that stuff myself. Although I could probably do some of them now if I wanted, although I'm not really into museums or anything," he comments.
"Ya I'm not so much into museums, just too quiet, but stuff like Wonderland, or the CN Tower or Niagara Falls I think would be more interesting," I comment and this time Fitz smiles. "So how long have you worked at the Dot?" I question. We've now gotten to the far end of the park and found a swing set. I decide to sit on one of the swings, but instead of sitting on the one next to me, Fitz begins pushing me on mine.
"About a year or so at this point. I like working there. Meghan is nice to work with and although I'm not as fond of the current manager, I get to see a lot of the kids come in during spares and after school and hear a lot of what's going on. It's like the hub for news. It can make ya feel like you're still a part of everything by working there," Fitz remarks.
"Did you not finish school?" I ask, and hope I'm not prying.
"No, I made some mistakes in the past, and didn't finish, but I'd rather not go into that right now if it's alright with you. I'm not really proud of who I was," Fitz responds, and I know what he means about not wanting to talk about your past, so I let it go too.
He pushes me on the swing and we talk for a while longer before it's time I feel I should get off, so he slows me down some and I get myself to stop. I attempt to stand but get slightly dizzy. "Woah, you ok?" he asks holding on to my waist to help steady me.
"Ya, I'm alright thanks. Swings may only go back and forth and not all around, but that can still put you off balance," I remark and Fitz laughs. But now we're looking right in each other's eyes and I feel myself move toward him, closing my eyes once they go fuzzy because of how close we get, and then our lips touch. A surge goes through me, like an electric shock that charges me with energy and bliss. I've never had a kiss like this before with any of the guys I've kissed. It's gentle and soft but filled with so much passion. My hands intertwine at the back of his neck as I stand on my tip toes to deepen the kiss. And feel as he puts one hand along the side of my neck while the other drifts to the small of my back as if beckoning me that much closer. Finally, although I don't want to, I pull away for air.
"Wow," is all I can say and Fitz just smiles at me but doesn't say anything and I look down slightly.
"It's getting kind of late, we should probably start walking back to the car and then stop at the store to pick up a dessert before we head over," Fitz comments and I nod, a little afraid of possibly squeaking if I were to speak and we start walking back.
We talk on the way back about the friends I've made, which is mostly Clare, and Adam although I made a few other friends in my classes, but we haven't really hung out at all. We get back to the car and then buy a dessert at the store and drive over to Owen's house, as Fitz still knows the way.
(Clare)
"Hey Bianca," I greet and hug my best friend as she comes in, and then she does the same with Owen and then I ask how her day was as we move into the living room because she's the first to arrive.
"Stressful as I spent most of the day with the Torres family at their house, first talking with Drew and then the two of us talking with Audra and Omar. Although they have been pretty supportive of me given what Drew did, but it was worse having to talk to him just the two of us," she comments as the bell rings, and I get up to answer.
As I go I hear Owen ask if she's still mad at Drew but I don't hear the answer, as I open the door to greet not only Emma and Spinner, but Spike, Mr. Simpson and Jack."
"I hope it's alright we brought Jack along," Spike comments, "but we couldn't get a babysitter for tonight."
"It's no problem. There's really no one else his age going to be here, but there's still a small playroom downstairs with some of Owen and Tristan's toys if he'd like to play down there," I comment as I hug Spinner and Emma and then welcome them all into the living room, while I show Spike and Jack where the playroom is and then she and I head back upstairs, and I find that Mark and Gaea have arrived.
"Hey how was the date?" I ask as I show Gaea into the living room while Mark greets those he knows and Owen introduces him to the others.
"It was wonderful. We had a picnic in the park, and talked while we ate, and walked and he pushed me on the swings and we even kissed," she gushes slightly and then looks past me towards where Mark and Owen are talking.
"That's great I'm so happy for you," I comment and give her a hug and then we both join the others in their introductions. Owen introduces Gaea to his family who have come into the living room, and those who have newly arrived which includes the Torres family, Fiona and Imogen, and Lucas, who says Jay should be right behind him. I greet them all and then am summoned by the doorbell again.
But this time my heart just about stops, and I know my jaw drops because not only is Jay here, but his wife Manny is home after being away, plus Peter has shown up with Jane. "What are you doing here?" I question them all in totally dismay.
"My little sister got married, I couldn't miss this," Peter comments and gives me a huge hug, and I can feel my eyes start to get misty.
"I hope you like our surprise," Emma comments from behind me and I turn around to find Emma, Spinner and Lucas standing there.
"I love it, thank you all so much," I gush and hug Emma again, and then turn around and hug the four that just arrived.
"I'm extremely surprised to see you Jane. I thought you were still going to Stanford?" I question as we all begin to move into the living room.
"I am, but its summer vacation so I came back to see my boyfriend and then found out he was coming here to see his little sister, so I figured why not make it a family reunion, and decided to see my mom and my brother while I'm at it," she comments and I have to wrap my mind around what she just said. I look between her and Lucas and Peter for a moment before everything registers.
"Are you serious?" I comment and everyone laughs.
"Now you know how we felt when you told us about you and Owen," Tris comments from across the room, and now even I'm laughing.
Once everyone has calmed down from laughing I actually greet Jay and Manny, and introduce everyone that hasn't already been. I also see Peter give Owen a glare because he hasn't had the chance yet.
"Hey Owen, long time no see," Jane greets him after hugging her brother hello.
"Alright as I think this is now everyone, although there are more people than I expected, why don't we head into the kitchen to get the reception started. Noah started the barbeque already," Danielle comments and everyone starts moving to follow her.
"Wait!" Owen calls out across the room and everyone looks at him. "There is something I would like to do first," he comments.
"So would I actually," I comment shyly and Owen looks at me now. He walks up to me and stands just a few feet in front of me and everyone turns around to watch us.
"The group of you, plus Jake who couldn't make it, are here because you know about Clare and I getting married and you have all supported us. Although this was something neither of us planned or expected, now that it has happened we are both extremely happy. This is a reception to celebrate but I want to say something," Owen says looking at everyone. "Some of you may know that Clare has sent in the papers for her name to legally become Clare Diana Milligan, and once that officially occurs we are going to be open about being married. But first, I would like to do something because I love her but I regret that we got married in a way where not only do we not even remember any of it except through a photograph, but we didn't have any of the traditions or family that go with getting married," Owen expresses and I watch him unsure of what's happening and then he drops to one knee, and I hear a few ahhs in the room.
"Clare Diana Milligan," he begins and then he pulls out a box and my jaw drops. "I love you, and not only that but I realize now that I am in love with you. Will you do me the honour of officially becoming Mrs. Clare Diana Milligan and take this ring as a symbol of my love?" he questions as if he were really proposing. He opens the box and I see a white gold infinity band with a round center diamond and three smile diamonds on each side, and gasp.
"Owen it would be my honour, to wear this ring. But I need to know something first," I comment and he sounds shocked like I am regretting being married or something, and I see a few shocked faces in my peripheral vision and then I see Emma with a smile on her face. I kneel down on both knees so we are now face to face. "I need to know if you will wear this ring as an outward symbol of our love, because yes Owen I am in love with you too, and officially be the married Mr. Owen Aaron Milligan?" I say as I pull out a box and flip open the lid revealing a white gold infinity band, and he is stunned.
"Yes of course Mrs. Milligan," Owen comments after a moment. I pull out the ring and place it on his left ring finger.
"I would love to," I answer and Owen pulls out the ring and softly places the ring he got me on my ring finger. He drops the box to the floor and stands picking me up as he does and begins kissing me but begins turning and we spin. And I love the feeling of protection I get in his arms as if no one else is watching us.
We get our moment to enjoy in silence, and then everyone starts clapping and we are reminded we aren't alone. We kiss a little more and I nip Owen's lip as we pull away and he grins at me slightly putting me on the floor.
"That was so beautiful," Emma gushes and I see the tears in her eyes, and suspect it's her hormones increasing the emotions.
"I may not have been happy to find out the two of you got married while you were drunk but that was certainly worth it," Jay comments, and Owen and I look at each other and kiss once more.
"I was ready to take you outside to figure out what in the world was wrong with you for getting drunk and doing something stupid, but you proved me wrong. I better never find out you hurt her, or you'll be picking up your teeth from the sewer," Peter comments and now I glare at him, before Adam, Drew and Bianca come over and hug each of us.
"I'm so happy you found the one that's perfect for you," Adam comments.
After hugging us both, Bianca looks at Owen's ring. "How did you know?" she asks and I look at her quizzically.
"Know what?" I question and look up at Owen.
"About the ring? I mean, you essentially got the guy version of your engagement ring," Bianca comments.
"When Emma, Maya and I were at the mall on Saturday I thought about what I would like and found a guy's ring that matched it," I comment. Bianca looks up at Owen for a moment and they both shrug but don't say anything else. We get congratulations from the rest of our friends and guests, and then Owen's parents walk over.
"When I learned you two had gotten married and that neither of you remembered it, and that we weren't there to witness it, I was almost devastated," Danielle comments, and I feel guilty she didn't get to see her oldest son get married. "But what the two of you just did, especially since it was a surprise for each other, gives me back a little piece of what I felt I missed," she comments with a tear in her eye. "I love you both," she remarks and I'm almost stunned. She leans in hugging Owen and then me.
"We both love you, and although it was a choice, I can never call what you two did a mistake again, because the consequences of the choices you made were probably some of the best things that will ever happen to either of you. We really are proud of you, and can see how happy you've made each other in just a week," Noah comments. "Remember one thing though, never go to bed angry," he comments and then pulls us both into a hug with him and I smile hugging him back. When he pulls away he calls out that now we can head into the kitchen as long as Owen and I have no more surprises. We both shake our heads laughing and we all head in to get our food.
"That's was just awesome," Gaea comments walking up beside me. "I hope that's me someday," she remarks and I smile and see Mark a few steps in front of us.
"I'm sure it will be sunshine," I tell her putting my arm around her shoulders until we reach the food. Everyone grabs plates, but there isn't enough room for us all to sit in the living room, so the parents and Jack stay inside while the whole group of us decide to sit out on the front lawn because it's an unseasonably warm evening.
"So Peter told me a little, but what were you two both doing drunk enough to not remember getting married?" Jane questions when we're outside, which with all the food smells is better for Emma. We explain our reasons again for Jane, Peter, Manny and anyone else who doesn't know the whole story. I notice Bianca and Drew seem to be doing a little better today, and I hope that continues.
"How are you guys going to tell everyone about you getting married?" Mark questions. "I could always make an announcement at the Dot," he comments with a laugh.
"Or I could always hire a blimp with a sign on the back that you guys got married," Fiona comments and this gets everyone laughing.
"That certainly would get everyone's attention and it would be around school and the whole neighbourhood in a day or two, but I'm not quite sure we want to go quite that route," I comment and then look up at Owen.
"Ya, I think that's a decision we'll make when the papers are official and it's the right time," Owen says and then takes my hand.
A moment later Omar comes out and asks to talk to some people about what happened with my mom, but Owen and I already talked to him. They go inside and then others head in for some more food, including Owen and Mark.
"So, what do you think of Mark after today?" I ask Gaea, as we're the only ones left outside, as Tris, Maya and Manny decided to go in and play with Jack.
"I think he seems like a great guy, and I'd like to get to know him better, but when we kissed before we left the park I felt something I never have with any other guy I've kissed," she tells me.
"Something good I hope," I remark, because I'm sure these two were meant to be.
"Something great, even passionate in a way, I really didn't want to stop," she comments as her voice gets smaller, "but I'm afraid when I tell him about my past he may not want to be with me," she comments quietly, and then we hear a car door slam.
"Clare Edwards where have you been? You haven't come home, you haven't called, you have no business being out at night with people I don't know, you come here right now," my mother calls walking up across the lawn toward us quickly. And then I notice Glen get out of the passenger side of the car.
I see Gaea's expression, "my mom and step-dad," I whisper, but can't say anything else as my mother grabs my left arm, and begins pulling me with her. I attempt to free myself, but can't quite get free.
"Glen help me now," she says sternly, and he quickly approaches and grabs the back of my neck pushing me toward the car so we're moving even faster.
"Owen, Mark HELP!" Gaea yells and then I hear her rush toward us from behind as I continue to struggle from my mom's grasp which has been made much more difficult with the tight grip on my neck. But before she can reach out to help me I hear a loud thud but can't turn around to see what I heard.