9) Reality ~ The Nightmare Before Christmas

Part 2

The day had come for the wedding to take place. But before I go on about that, I'd like to discuss something that kept happening a little bit before that.

Jack, as most of us know, is very curious. He wanted to see the dress design, but knowing that would be bad luck, we kept it away, or at least managed to. But he was just as his father had described him – persistent – and wouldn't stop trying.

"I'm home!" Jack announced as he walked into his house where he knew I was. Though what he didn't know was I wasn't alone. Ellie and Sally were both with me, along with Cedric and Zero, Jack's dog. Hearing Jack's voice, Cedric went to stall him while we girls and Zero cleaned up.

"Hi, Jack. So, how was your day?"

"Fine, why? What are you doing here?"

"I'm not allowed to visit? This was once my house, you know! I think I have a right!"

"Not what I meant, Cedric. I mean, why are you blocking my way."

Cedric sighed, "Because I want to talk."

I heard quick footsteps and then Jack yelped. Finally, there was a crash. Several more crashes were heard and I thought I heard someone hit several incorrect keys on the piano. Then Jack yelped again.

"Ow! What are you doing, Cedric? What was that for? If I didn't know any better, I'd say you were–"

"Stop! Just calm down before you get hurt."

"I'm only getting hurt because you're getting in the way and pushing me around!"

"Jack, you need to calm down and sit still. You are way too riled up. Besides, I don't think your ego could take being beat up like old times."

More grumbling could be heard from Jack. But by then we were done, so I walked out of the kitchen and smiled at Jack, "Hi Sweetie! How have you been?"

Jack looked up at me, "I was doing fine before I got home. Now Mister Stall-crow got in the way and I have no idea what's going on. Not to mention, he did hurt me!"

The scarecrow shrugged, "I had to. You would have messed everything up."

Jack glared at him before turning to me, "Tell me what you were up to."

I shrugged, "Nothing much. Just going over plans for next Halloween."

Jack gave me a disbelieving look, "I highly doubt that! So seriously, tell me."

I shook my head, "I'll give you a clue. I didn't originally like the concept, but I'm getting used to it and will hopefully be ready by the wedding."

Jack blinked, "The dress? Let me see!"

I shook my head, "No, that's bad luck!"

"But–!"

"NO!"

Jack moaned. That wasn't the last time he had tried to find things out. But I won't go into that because it was always the same. I'll just skip forward to 'the day'.

*~*~*~*

I sighed nervously yet happily. "Okay, I'm ready!" I moved my hair out of my face as my escort approached.

Cedric Elroy, who would be leading me, smiled, "Glad to hear it." And with that, he took my arm and laced it through his. "So, are you keeping your last name?" He asked quietly as we walked down the aisle, all eyes on us.

I nodded, "Rachel Skellington just sounds weird. I'll always be Rachel Terrera. Maybe I'll put Skellington in the middle." Cedric chuckled, nodding as we reached from the front. Jack was not allowed to look, which is why when he turned as we reached him, he blinked twice in surprise, and then smiled widely.

Holding my black roses close to me, I took Jack's hand and then laced my arm through his as we listened to the minister, or the Mayor, as he said his lines, "Jack Skellington and Rachel Terrera, in presenting yourselves here today to be joined in marriage, you perform an act of faith. This faith can grow and develop and last, but only if you both decide to make it so. A lasting and growing love is not guaranteed by any ritual.

"If you would have the foundation of your marriage be the devotion you have for one another, not just at this moment, but for all the days to come, then treasure the hopes and nightmares that you bring here today. Establish that your love will never be blotted out by the common nor obscured by the ordinary in afterlife. Faults will surface where now you find comfort, and admiration can be shattered by the routine of daily afterlife.

"Dedication, love, joy, and scaring abilities can grow only when you nourish them together. Stand fast in that hope and confidence, having faith in your shared destiny just as strongly as you have faith in yourselves and in one another today. Only with this spirit can you forge a union of two Nightmares that will strengthen and endure all the days of your afterlives."

The Mayor turned to Jack, nodding his head for Jack to start his part, and Jack turned to me, "I, Jack Skellington, take you, Rachel Terrera, as my friend and love, beside me and apart from me, in laughter and in tears, in conflict and tranquility, asking that you be no other than yourself, loving what I know of you, trusting what I do not know yet, in all the ways that afterlife may find us. Let us be together to infinity and beyond, considering we're already dead."

He continued after the short laugh from the audience died down, "For so long, I wondered if I would ever find my true princess, my real love. It seemed like forever until we met. You complete my life, and you hold my heart, not literally since I technically don't have nor need one. I hope this ceremony means as much to you as it does to me."

The crowd was still busy giggling from the 'heart' line, but as soon as they were done, Jack slipped the silver ring on my finger and continued, " Rachel, I give you this ring as a symbol of my vow, and with all that I am, and all that I have, I honor you, in the name of Halloween."

Now it was my turn, and I am still thankful, to this day, that I took the time to memorize my speech. No slip-ups this time.

" I, Rachel Terrera, take you, Jack Skellington, as my friend and love, beside me and apart from me, in laughter and in tears, in conflict and tranquility, asking that you be no other than yourself, loving what I know of you, trusting what I do not know yet, in all the ways that afterlife may find us."

I took a breath and continued, " For so long, I wondered if I would ever find my true prince, my soul mate. It seemed like I was in the dark for so long. I was filled with hatred and despair for my former life, but you brought me out, filled me with joy, and brought me back to life, not literally because you know, we're all dead here, am I right? Anyways, I agree, this ceremony means just as much to you as it does to me."

Now people were really laughing. Jack grumbled, "What? Was your speech really funnier than mine? Darn, and I worked really hard on it too!" I laughed and patted his hand before continuing, since the laughter had died down.

Placing the black ring on his finger, I said, "Jack, I give you this ring as a symbol of my vow, and with all that I am, and all that I have, I honor you, in the name of Halloween."

The Mayor nodded, "With this statement made of love and trust, which we have just heard, I now wish you to greet Jack Skellington and Rachel Terrera as husband and wife. You may kiss the bride while I continue speaking.

Everyone except the Mayor, Jack and I laughed; the Mayor was finishing his speech and Jack and I were kissing.

"May this day shine eternally in your lives.
May it add brilliance to every achievement and cast a divine light over any misfortune.
May you care for each other in all sadness.
May you give cheer and good scares to each other.
May you give vitality to each other in all undertakings.
May all that is virtuous, beautiful and honest, remain with you always."

To BE CONTINUED…