Ugh, this was annoying. I had to type this entire chapter TWICE! Stupid wi-fi areas. *frown* Anyway, I would like to put out a special thank you to XxAi-HimexX who reviewed my story 15 times in one day! *applause* I have also checked out my traffic tab and I see that a total of 5, 591 people have seen this story. That's a lot! But it also means that less than 2% of everyone that has seen this has reviewed. I am very disappointed. Just one word or two will satisfy me. So please, review! It doesn't take much time! But I would like to warmly thank the 31 people who have favourited this story and the 25 people who have this on their alert. It's you guys that give me the fuel to continue writing! Stay strong!

The Wedding

After a week of slow work in the city, I find myself back on the island the day before Elliot and Julia's wedding. It struck me a bit odd that they decided to get married the day before my birthday. But I'm not complaining.

It was 10am, but I wasn't in the meadow for the Rice Cake Festival. No; instead, I'm down on the beach in Denny's house getting everything ready for Elliot's bachelor party.

I work by myself, just because it's easier. As I set up, it briefly crosses my mind that I have no idea what I was doing. Well, winging it has never failed me before. And Denny said he'd bring some stuff to help out once the Festival was over. Pierre was bringing some food too. He was also making the wedding food too. That guy really likes to cook.

About fifteen minutes after the Festival ends, I survey my work. Denny's shack was presented in a reasonable fashion and all the fishing stuff was hidden. As I look around it hits me that I have zero idea on what a bachelor party is all about.

I let out a deep breath as I lean against the wall. I take my hat off and use it to fan myself for a minute. There is no way that I am ever doing this again. Not for a million gold pieces.

Just as I place my hat back on my head, Denny bursts through the door.

"Vaughn!" He cried out to me, his eyes shining.

One of my eyebrows rises suspiciously. "Denny?"

He walks over to me and smacks me on the back. "I am a genius!"

Both of my eyebrows go up. "What crap did Lanna feed you now?"

Denny laughs. "Nothing." He pauses as he stops to think. "Yeah nothing. I meant for the party!"

"What did you do?"

He winks at me. "Wait and see!"

Half an hour later, every single male person on the Island crowded that tiny shack. Denny was walking around handing everyone drinks laced with every kind of booze he had hidden in the house. Pierre stood by a table serving out his food to people and recommending certain dishes. The native Shea came and was stuffing his face with all the food. His old man Wada stood next to him watching everything with a wary look plastered all over his wrinkled face. Chelsea's cousin Mark was attempting to break dance in the middle of the room and failing miserably because of one drink too many.

Taro had shown up too, which surprised me. But I guess he wouldn't want to miss his own grandson's bachelor party. Chen was talking with him as well as with Regis and Gannon. Even Nick, the restaurant owner, Martin and Ray, the fly fishers, and Slater and Isaac, the miners, showed up. The only male people not there was Charlie because he was eight or something and Nathan because he was a priest.

Suddenly the door opens and in walks Elliot. A cheer goes up from the crows when the groom-to-be walks in. he blushes and quickly hides among all the people.

I stand against a wall as I sip a glass of red wine. All in all, I thought it was going well; but I still didn't know what Denny's apparent genius idea was.

My thoughts drift to Chelsea. She was probably at Julia's bachelorette party. I wonder if they were doing the same thing we were. Mostly drinking and talking. Knowing my cousin they'd probably be gossiping about us.

I think back to that doctor's appointment I'd had a week ago. Neither Elliot nor I had told the girls about it when we got on the ship; but it still made me wonder. What if Dr. Ray was right and the key to my disease being put to an end was for me to become happy? Although a better question would be, is it possible for me to be happy? Lately, around Chelsea, that answer was becoming more and more often a yes.

Suddenly Elliot is right beside me. His face is flushed and his glasses are slightly askew. He holds a glass of champagne in his hands that wobbles in his trembling hands.

"Nervous?" I ask him as I pointedly look at him hands.

He puts the glass down on a table and shoves his hands into his pockets. "I think I'm going to be sick."

I wince slightly but give him an encouraging half smile. "That's how it's supposed to be."

"Really?" He seems to calm down just a bit after that.

I nod. "Besides, there's more things after that I'm sure are even more nerve-wracking."

His eyes widen as he sucks in a sharp breathe. Oops. "Shit! I forgot about that!" His breath starts to come faster, and I'm seriously thinking that he might be hyperventilating.

"Elliot! Calm down!" I tell him forcefully.

"I'm not ready for this. I'm not ready for this." He mumbles it over and over to himself until I reach over and slap him across the face.

His eyes clear and he takes in a deep shuddering breathe. "I needed that." He says calmly.

"You're welcome."

"I'm going home. I need sleep."

"Just don't forget that Denny and I will help you get ready tomorrow."

He nods, an odd calm spread over him. "Thanks again Vaughn."

I dip my hat at him as he leaves. No one notices and for that I'm thankful because Elliot did not need attention right now.

A couple hours later I find out what Denny's brilliant genius idea was when the door to the shack flies open.

I'm stunned into silence as I watch with my eyes practically popping out of their sockets. Quickly, I avert my eyes and angrily search for Denny.

I find him with Mark, both of them drunk where Pierre watches carefully. Angrily, I pull Denny aside.

"Stripers?" I practically yell his ear off. "You got stripers?"

"They gots here?" He slurs as he laughs. "Now it's a party!"

I sigh in exasperation. "I'm going home. I am not staying around for this."

Denny shrugs and stumbles to the side a bit. I catch him before he runs into Mark. "Don't get into too much trouble." I tell him gently, my anger at my friend fading. "Lanna is pretty good at figuring stuff out."

He almost seems to sober up as he walks away. Carefully avoiding the stripers, I leave the party and head back to the Animal Shop to go to bed.

I open the door of the shop quietly, hoping not to disturb anyone. To my amazement I'm greeted by soft music and over a dozen pairs of eyes staring back at me. However the pair of blue eyes I want to see aren't there. But the pair of green eyes I loathe are there as well.

"Hey brother!" Skye shouts out to me.

"Half-brother." I mutter under my breath.

He just waves it off again; like it was no big deal. His arm is around Lily, though it's obvious that she's way too intoxicated to actually know that he was doing it.

Julia giggles. "Is the bachelor party over?"

"No."

"Why on earth would you leave then dear brother?" Skye asks with a self-important smirk.

"Denny got stripers." I snort.

His face contorts and he almost seems sad that he missed the bachelor party. All the girls burst out laughing except for Lanna who jumps up and runs out of the house. That only makes the girls laugh harder and draws a smile from Skye.

"So how's your party Julia?" I ask politely as I inch my way to the hallway and my escape.

She claps her hands together. "Oh it was so much fun! We did some karaoke, had some drinks and we played a bunch of games. Right now we're playing truth or dare. Hey Vaughn, did you know that Skye has a really good singing voice?"

"Aren't you a little too old for truth or dare?" I ask, completely ignoring the comment about Skye.

They all laugh, which I find annoying. Sabrina speaks up. "A girl's never too old to play truth or dare."

I glare at her, but she just laughs. I've figured out by now that they're all drunk. Without their notice, I take a couple more steps closer to the hall.

"So Sabrina," Skye starts, his eyes twinkling mischievously. "Truth or dare?"

"Dare."

I'm about to flee as their attention focuses back on their game. Unfortunately I'm stopped by the words that come out of Skye's evil little mouth.

"I dare you to kiss Vaughn."

A wild chorus of howls erupts from everyone except for Skye, whom I glare hatefully at. But my eyes widen in horror as Sabrina stands up and begins to walk over to me.

Without a second thought or a second glare at Skye, I run from the room; leaving the giggling girls to themselves. I slam my bedroom door and bolt it shut.

The next morning is a hectic rush. I barely have enough time to gobble down a bowl of porridge for breakfast before Mirabelle shoos me out of the house to go get Elliot ready. I collect a hung-over Denny from the beach and then we head to Elliot's.

His mom is fussing all over Natalie, getting her into her dress. Both Natalie and Chelsea are the bridesmaids. Denny and I are the best men.

In the other room Denny and I help Taro get Elliot into his tux. Thankfully, Denny is the only one out of sorts from the party last night. I guess Lanna got there before he did anything too stupid.

Before I know it, Felicity and taro are rushing all of us to the church. When we get there I plop down on a bench and shut my eyes; more tired than when I went to bed last night.

"Hey there stranger."

My open as a breath-taking beautiful brunette slides in beside me. Dressed in an elegant light blue dress that made her eyes shine, she was…well, beautiful. It struck me then and there that she got even prettier every time I saw her.

I wrap my arm around Chelsea. Then I lead down and whisper in her ear. "You shouldn't look this beautiful. It's not fair to the bride."

She blushes. "You're one to talk."

I glance down at myself. Taro had forced me to wear a tux, but I still had my boots and hat on. Gently I kiss her forehead. "You look much better than I do."

She yawns suddenly and I turn to fully look at her. Abruptly the dark circles around her eyes seem to pop out at me and her face looks extremely worn.

"Are you okay?" I ask her softly.

She laughs quietly. "Just tired I guess."

"How's the bruising?"

"Gone." Her face drains of all emotion so I quickly blurt out another question.

"Is something keeping you up at night?"

"Just this scratching noise outside my house. But every time I look for it, there's nothing there."

My eyes narrow. I knew exactly who, not what, was keeping Chelsea up at night. This had to stop.

Before I can think of what to do though, we're called into the church; the wedding had begun.

Deny and I walk down the isle after Elliot does. The three of us stand at the pew while Chelsea and Natalie walk down. They stand beside us; Chelsea slips her hand into mine and smile at me.

Then Julia walks down with Mirabelle at her side and the entire church seems to hold their breath. Her gown was white and flowed far behind her while clinging to her every curve.

Elliot lifts up her veil when she comes to stand beside him. Mirabelle falls back a couple of paces and I swear I see a few tears in her eyes.

Some formalities go by and I faze out a bit. Before I know it, Nathan says. "You can kiss the bride."

Elliot turns to Julia and everyone laughs when she throws her arms around him and kisses him enthusiastically. Then everyone follows the newly weds out of the church.

Outside by the Harvest Goddess's pond, there's a huge party set up. Music blows out of speakers and people are already dancing when I step outside with Chelsea.

"May I have this dance?" Chelsea asks me like I had asked her so long ago; the day her house was ruined; the first day we were a real couple.

"Of course." I tell her as we head out into the dance area.

"I can't believe Julia and Elliot are married." Chelsea tells me as I spin her around in a circle.

I chuckle. "They probably believe it less than you do."

That makes her laugh as she takes my hand again. "Julia looked really beautiful in that dress."

I nod without answering. Her statement had made me begin to wonder what Chelsea would look like in a wedding dress.

"Are you going to be on the Island tomorrow?" She asks suddenly.

"No. it's Wednesday tomorrow. I have work." I pause as I spin her out again. When she spins back to me I continue. "Why?"

She shrugs. "No reason." But I can tell she's lying, though I don't ask further.

The song ends and she goes off to dance with the groom. I, in turn, go to dance with the bride.

"Hello Vaughn." Julia greets me as I walk up to her.

"May I have a dance with the bride?" I ask as I extend my hand.

She giggles, her hand going to her mouth. "You can have a dance with the bride and with your cousin."

Julia accepts my hand and we head out onto the floor. For a while neither of us says anything as we twirl along with everyone else.

Without warning she speaks up. "Vaughn, I'm nervous."

Why am I suddenly having Deja vu? Gently I sigh. "Why? The hard part is over."

She swallows. "I'm nervous about the part after the wedding. You know, the honeymoon?"

"Oh." I purse my lips together as I spin her around. When her free hand goes back to mine I continue. "Why are you asking me?"

Julia seems to be at a loss for words for once. Then she gathers herself. "Well you're older than me and haven't you already…umm…you know…"

I shake my head. "No Julia. I'm still a virgin."

"Oh." She really seems to be at a loss for words now.

So I speak up. "But it's okay. Elliot was nervous about the same thing last night."

"Really?" Julia's face brightens.

"Yes. Besides, when it does happen, you'll know exactly what to do."

"Really?" She repeats.

"Really."

"Thanks Vaughn." She gently kisses me cheek when the song ends. Then she heads over to Elliot, who is thanking Chelsea for the dance. Julia kisses Elliot and both of them seem happier than I've ever seen them.

I walk over to the punch, even though I don't take any. Chelsea walks up beside me and takes my hand. Even in the warm spring sun, I shiver at her touch.

She laughs. "Elliot was sure nervous."

"So was Julia."

"I guess they'll get over it soon."

I nod my head. "I guess so."

We stand and watch people dancing. Some people look like liquid as they move across the floor, but others look like it takes every once of their concentration just to not step on their partners feet. *cough* Denny. *cough*

"You want to get out of here?" Chelsea asks me softly.

The song ends and taro announces that the music will be taking a break. "Just a sec." I tell her. "I have to do something I promised to do."

She smiles and lets go of my hand as I walk over to Elliot. His arm is wrapped around Julia and both of their faces are lit up like the night sky on the Fireworks night.

"Hey Elliot, what does it feel like to be a chicken?" I tease him.

A huge smile breaks out of his face. "You remembered!"

I nod. "You bet. I don't forget my promises."

"Thanks Vaughn."

"No problem." I glance back at Chelsea, who waves at me. "Listen, I'm going to go now. So have fun."

"We will." They say in unison as they gaze at each other lovingly. I smile slightly and leave them alone.

Chelsea takes my hand and we walk in silence down to the beach. Neither of us says it, but we both want to spend as much time together as possible before I have to leave.

"Did you enjoy the wedding?" She asks me.

I nod. "You?"

She nods as well. "Yeah."

I squeeze her hand tightly and she squeezes back. When we get to the dock I wrap my arms around her in a hug; never wanting to let go.

Chelsea leans her head against my chest and I lean my head on hers. She smells amazing and her skin feels so soft.

Gently I kiss the top of her head. She leans back to look at me and I'm shocked to see tears welling up in her eyes.

"I don't want you to go." She whispers to me.

"I don't' want to either." I whisper back to her. "But I have to go."

A tear spills down her face. With my thumb, I erase the existence of it. "Don't cry Chelsea. I'll be back in a week."

"Can't you move to the Island?"

I shake my head gently. The sky around us has darkened and in the distance I can hear the boat approaching.

I gaze deep into Chelsea's eyes. Suddenly her lips are on mine in a crushing kiss. Her tongue snakes out to meet mine and her arms wraps around my neck as her fingers bury themselves in my hair. My hands are on her waist and her back, pulling her closer to me.

"Can I ask you something?" She murmurs against my lips.

"Anything." I whisper back, my trembling lips still against hers.

"Do you miss your father?"

I lean back so I can see her face, without releasing my arms wrapped around her. "Why?"

"I thought you said you'd answer anything." A playful look makes the corners of her mouth twitch upwards as she pretends to be serious.

I shrug. "Not really. I never knew the guy, so I'm not really attached to him."

"Did you ever miss him?"

"What's with all the questions?"

"Just answer. Please?"

I sigh. The please always got me. "Sometimes. Sometimes I wonder what it would have been like living with two parents." I pause and search her face. "But I don't think about it long, because it doesn't change anything."

"What if it could change?"

"How could it? You can't rewrite the past, no matter how much you want to. Trust me, I've tried."

A whistle blows from beside me and the captain of the boat yells for me to get on. Chelsea gives me a small smile and then wraps her arms around my neck in a hug. I hug her back, clinging to my small moment of happiness.

"You may not be able to rewrite the past, but maybe you can find a different point of view." She softly breathes into my ear as she lets go of me.

I get on the boat, still looking at her as she waves to me from the dock, her dress flying around her in the gentle ocean breeze. As the ship sails away from the Island and her figure disappears, I can't help but wonder; what did she mean?

Okay, I know I already had a long Author's note to begin with, so I'll make this quick. I'm really excited for the next chapter; it will blow away your socks! Be prepared; you will NOT see it coming! Thanks again, and please review!