This coming week will be just insane for me and chapters are probably going to be very short. I will do my absolute best not to skip another chapter but they will likely be on the short side.
The character polls are all done, thank you to everyone that voted. There will be two sets of coupling polls to vote on, I will leave each set up for two weeks. For the next two weeks you can vote on who you want Clare, Adam, Bianca and Fitz to be with. Please please read the notes for the voting it is important.
Also just below the polls is a list of all the characters (so far) that will be included, more may be added dependent on the coupling polls. Below the list of characters is a slideshow of some of the characters as their creature for the story. Not everyone gets a picture because I really don't know what to do for some of them such as vampires and damphyr. I'm open to suggestions but bear in mind that I don't have Photoshop or illustrator and I haven't a clue how to make animations or gifs.
Also check out the new additions to the DeGrassi Saviors homepage. And on my page check out the calendars on my page that list my writing schedule through July.
Ch. 11 I Love You More & More Forever
(CLARE)
"It's gorgeous here," I comment as we walk through the Plaias Royale where Adam and Ashley are getting married. As if to agree with me Velicity begins clapping, a recent skill she's developed and does many times a day.
"Yeah extremely too bad the rehearsal wasn't here last night but they are a popular place for weddings," Drew comments.
"Hey pretty girl want to come play with Andrew?" Fitz asks coming over with Jenna who's holding Andrew. Velicity babbles in response and Fitz takes her.
"Thanks for being on baby duty," I smile at them.
"No problem we're happy to do it," Jenna smiles.
"Be good Velicity," I say to Velicity kissing her forehead.
"We'd better find the ladies dressing room it always takes you longer to get ready," Drew remarks.
"Well they're getting married on the courtyard patio so it can't be too far from there," I comment.
After a few minutes of searching we find the ladies dressing room and Drew kisses me before going off to find the guys. Drew is Adam's best man of course but I haven't known Ashley that long really, although we are close friends, but she's been friends with Paige for over fifteen years so Paige is her maid of honor and I'm a bridesmaid. Eli is one of Adam's groomsman and he'll be escorting me down the aisle. Ashley's stepbrother Toby is the other groomsman and he'll be escorting Ashley's friend Terri. Owen and Ashley's other friend Ellie are ushers.
I knock on the door and get let in by Ashley's mom, Paige is here but Terri is not yet although I'm sure she'll be here soon. The ceremony and reception will be outside on the garden patio which has a gorgeous view of the harbor and the city but the wedding is actually very casual and it has a music theme, something Ashley and Adam are very passionate about. Ashley's dress is white and strapless, music motes cascade down from the top left to the bottom right. The dress also has a sash with sheet music on it. Adam's tie has music notes and the groomsmen's bowties all have music notes. There are silver music notes painted on the roses of our bouquets. Paige's maid of honor dress is pink with music notes trimming the bodice and the skirt. Terri and I have navy blue bridesmaid's dresses in the same halter style as Paige and we have black sashes with white musical notes.
It takes almost two hours for us all to be dressed, with our hair done and makeup done. When they knock on the door and tell us it's time to take our places we walk out to the steps where the procession will begin and go down to the patio.
"You look amazing," Drew grins when he sees me. He gives a soft kiss and then takes Paige's arm while I take Eli's.
"You all look really handsome, I can't wait to see Adam," I comment as we hear the music.
Adam is already in place, Terri and Toby go next then Eli and I, followed by Drew and Paige and then Ashley escorted by her father. Adam looks so handsome in his tux and I grin at my best friend. Robert gives Ash to Adam and the officiator begins speaking. The same officiator as Owen and Paige had because Adam and Ashley liked him so much and the speech he gives is very similar at least until the vows.
"Adam and Ashley have chosen to write their own vows. Adam please recite your vows as you place the ring on Ashley's finger."
"Love doesn't come in a minute, sometimes it doesn't come at all. I know I found love with you and I know it's going to last forever. I'm hanging on to you as though eternity beckon, you give me an overdose of love when just a little is enough. I have the only key to your heart and you have the only key to mine. Without you the ground thaws, the rain falls, the grass grows but I'd die without you. I think they meant it when they said you can't buy love, it is a gift that you give and I am honored to have your love. Ashley I promise to always be your safe place, your rock and your shoulder to cry on. I promise to love you more and more every day, to listen to you, to take care of you and to be honest and faithful. I promise to do my part around the house, to always take a breath when I'm angry and to be the man that you need me to be and the man that you fell in love with."
"Ashley please recite your vows while placing the ring on Adam's finger."
"All my life waiting for somebody, waiting for the day you'd come my way. There's a little more love in the world today, a little more grace in the world starting with you and I. On the wings of love you carry me. You ask me will my love grow, it will forever. I give you all my love that's all I do, I know this love of mine will never die. Remember that every day I get a little bit closer to you. From the bottom of my heart comes an army of one. Love is a country better served with someone. Adam you make me smile, laugh and feel loved every day. I love talking to you, I love holding you and you holding me, I love being around you. I promise to always love you, always listen, to hold you when you need me to and trust in you."
"May your life together be filled with music and melody, love and laughter, wealth and family. May you stay strong in times of grief and hardship, support one another in times of sorrow and take care of each other and all those you love. Remember to be honest and to honor each other. Remember to appreciate the little moments and the big milestones and remember that everyone here today loves you. Adam and Ashley I now pronounce you man and wife you may kiss the bride."
Adam and Ashley share a happy and lingering kiss as the rest of us clap and cheer. Drew then announces that they'll be setting up the patio for dinner and dancing and requests that everyone go downstairs to the lawn for pictures. The photographer gets pictures of the wedding party, Ash and her family, Adam and his family including me and Velicity. Adam and Ashley alone together, pictures of Ash, Paige, Terri and I, a few of Adam with Drew, Eli and Toby. We stay on the grass socializing and getting pictures for half an hour and when we return they have the patio set up for dinner and the ballroom set up for dancing.
The music theme is of course carried out with the dinner and dancing set up. The silver table cloths have runners made of real sheet music, the centerpieces are silver and gold treble clefs on gold sticks in glass vases filled with colored stones. The place settings for everyone have a lyric from a song, and some of Adam and Ashley's favorite songs are on posters in the ballroom. Before we all sit down the emcee announces that it's time for Adam and Ashley's first dance so they go to the dance floor and we all watch them. After they dance most of us get food and sit down to eat. When almost of everyone is sitting down to eat Drew clinks his glass and stands up.
"It's time for the best man speech which means it's time for me to embarrass my brother. Adam has been the greatest brother ever and it's partially thanks to him that I met the love of my life and my angel, this gorgeous woman sitting next to me. He's always been the level headed one, and done his best to keep me out of trouble, not an easy task. He's the best friend you could ever have, loyal, trustworthy and always using his humor and wit. As great of a guy as he has always been and as much as everyone, especially girls, wanted to be his friend dating was not easy for him. Adam is one of the bravest people I know just for being himself, being a transgender kid in high school is extremely hard but Adam never got down about it. He dated a few girls but many of them turned him away or only wanted to be friends when they found out. Then he met Ashley and they fell in love. Ashley I could not have ever have imagined a better match for my brother, someone else who clearly shares his deep love for music, someone who appreciates his humor. But most importantly that you love him so completely and deeply and that is what is truly important."
Drew finishes his speech and hugs the happy couple then he sits down and kisses me. People are still clapping and cheering but they quiet down again when Paige clinks her glass.
"My turn, Ashley and I have known each other a very long time. We haven't always been the best of friends; in fact there were times when we nearly hated each other. However our friendship withstood even those difficult times. Ash was there for me during one of the most difficult times in my life and she is a loyal friend and wonderful person. She's a wonderful musician with a beautiful voice and a wonderful person with a beautiful soul. She found a perfect match in Adam; I wish you both many years of happiness and love."
Everyone claps and cheers again; a few more people make speeches including Eli, Omar, Toby and Ashley's dad. People finish their dinners and go in to dance including Drew and I, we get through one slow song when I feel a tiny hand trying to grip my arm and I look over to see Jenna holding Velicity.
"Mamamamama," Velicity says reaching for me.
"Hey Little Princess you want to dance?" Drew says taking her from Jenna. Velicity grips onto her dad and he starts to dance with her.
I smile and watch them for a moment before leaving them to dance while I go socialize. I talk with Eli a while, he's doing well and really happy with Annabelle but won't tell me if he's considering marriage yet. After talking with Eli I go check on Velicity and Drew, he's chatting with Owen but Audra is holding Velicity and Omar has Andrew. I dance with Drew one more time before it's time for cake. They got a photo cake of Adam and Ashley singing together and the cake makers put little music notes in frosting coming out of their mouths. Adam and Ashley have changed they're both wearing black t-shirts, Ashley's t-shirt says Bride and Adam's says Groom in white lettering and they both have shorts on under the t-shirts.
"Well you should have told us we get to change into super casual clothes," Owen comments as they get to the cake.
"No just us," Adam smiles.
Adam cuts his face out of the cake; Ashley cuts her face out of the cake. Then they raise their hands but instead feeding the other person the piece of cake they smear it on the other person. Not just their face but everywhere they can, Ashley smooshes the cake into Adam's face right on the nose, goes up to his forehead, then smears it on his legs. Adam splits the cake in his hands, smashes it on Ashley's cheeks, her arms and legs then draws a heart on her forehead with frosting. While the rest of us are laughing hysterically Adam and Ashley go running outside holding hands, we follow them out to the grass and they run off the pier and they splash into the water. No most of us are laughing so hard we can barely stand. Adam and Ashley climb out of the water wet but clean.
"Okay everyone get some cake there's another big one, we'll be out in a minute," Adam tells everyone as he and Ashley are given towels by hotel staff and they walk into a first floor room.
Actually it takes them almost half an hour to come back but if they were changing together I know why. When they come out again they're dressed to leave on their honeymoon, Adam is wearing khakis and a dress shirt. Ashley is in an olive green halter dress; it's long and buttons up the front. They look nice but are still the most casually dressed of course it is their wedding. We all sit down for cake, after eating Ashley tosses the bouquet and Adam the garter. Then they say goodbye and we walk them out to the parking lot waving as they get in the car to leave for their honeymoon.
We find Velicity asleep in her grandma's arms, she fusses a little when Drew picks her up but goes right to sleep again. We bid goodbye to everyone and go out to the car. Drew gets Velicity in her seat and I drive us home. When we get home Drew carries Velicity upstairs and quietly changer her and get her into bed. Of course when we try to put her in the bed she begins to cry and wakes up a little.
"Dadadadada," she cries clinging to Drew.
"Let's take her to our bed she always calms down when we do that," I tell him.
"Sounds wonderful Angel," Drew grins.
We go upstairs to our room, Drew holding Velicity while I undress and I do the same while he undresses. Then we get into our bed, Drew holds Velicity on his bare chest, she lies on her belly and Drew strokes her back. I lie on my side, Drew's other arm goes around me I put a hand on Velicity.
"I love you both," Drew says.
"We love you more," I grin and kiss my husband's lips.
(DREW)
"Can you believe it's been ten years?" Clare asks me as we get dressed.
"Doesn't feel like it's been ten years," I grin.
"Mama, Dada loot," Velicity says running into our room and holding out the skirt of her pink dress.
"Don't you look beautiful, Aunt Darcy and Grandma did a good job dressing you up," Clare smiles picking up Velicity.
"Look at my pretty dress Auntie Clare," Krystan says running in wearing a purple dress.
"You both look very beautiful and I'll be Andrew will look very handsome. I think we're all ready to go now, you girls ready to go to the beach?" I ask.
"Yeah," Krystan nods.
I pick up Krystan and Clare takes Krystan's hands and we walk downstairs. My parents, Darcy and Peter are dressed and we're all ready to go. Today is mine and Clare's tenth wedding anniversary. We've been married for ten wonderfully amazing glorious years and we're celebrating with a big party on the same beach where we got married. Velicity is now fourteen months, Andrew is twenty months and Krystan is three. Owen and Paige have been married a year, Adam and Ashley have been married for seven months.
We all drive to the beach in separate cars so other people can leave at their leisure. We have a big tent set up with tables for dining and just like at our wedding the dance floor extends the almost the length of the tent and extends outside so people can dance outside. I'm wearing a suit and Clare is wearing a light blue dress. We have shoes on but when we get to the sand we walk barefoot through the tent. We spend the first hour just greeting everyone, aside from my parents, Darcy, Peter, Krystan and of course Velicity over a hundred other people are celebrating with us. After greeting and talking with pretty much everyone here we sit down to dinner. Clare and I sit at one table in the center of things. Velicity is with us, Adam and Ashley as well as Owen, Andrew and Paige are with us. After eating and getting a fresh glass of champagne I stand up and clink my glass getting everyone's attention.
"I want to thank everyone for coming to celebrate this momentous occasion with us. Ten years ago was one of the happiest of my life because I married my angel, the great love of my life, the most beautiful, wonderful, intelligent and sexiest woman, to my eyes anyway, to exist in this world. It's been ten wonderfully happy, incredibly hot and salacious years," I comment and many people laugh. "We now have an incredible and beautiful daughter and my love for my wife and my daughter gets bigger every minute. I am the happiest and luckiest man ever."
I sit down and Clare instantly abducts my lips in a feverish kiss. People are clapping and cheering, Clare smiles into the kiss. We only break apart when Velicity pulls us apart.
"Okay my turn for a speech," Clare says standing up. "Drew and I were not even friends at first, in fact we barely acknowledged the others existence. But I cannot imagine the last twelve years without him in my life. It's been a decade of an incredibly happy wonderful marriage and a dozen years of being a happier person and having a better life just for knowing Drew and having him in my life. I love you so very much Drew and we made a very beautiful daughter. I am thrilled to be spending the next ten years with you and looking forward to every minute of it. I love you more Drew," Clare smiles and sits and I take her lips again as people cheer. A couple more people make speeches including Adam, Owen, my mom and Glen. Then the band plays "Something" by The Beatles and I hold my hand out to Clare.
"This was the first song we danced to as husband and wife," I remind her.
"How could I ever forget it's one of my favorite songs because of that. Let's dance under the stars again," she says.
"As you wish Angel," I grin and we dance our way outside to dance under the stars.
We share a kiss under the stars after the dance just as we did on our wedding night. We stay on the dance floor for another dance before returning to the table. Adam and Ashley are dancing; Owen and Paige are sitting with Dallas and Bianca and talking with them. Fitz and Jenna are dancing with Andrew and Velicity in their arms.
"You know I think those two will be married soon," Eli comments motioning to Fitz and Jenna as he sits down with Annabelle.
"I think so too and they'll probably have kids right away but that pretty much just leaves you two as the only ones not married yet," Clare comments.
"Actually we were married two weeks ago," Eli says and they hold up their hands showing us wedding bands on their fingers.
"EEEE," Clare screams excitedly and hugs them both before slapping Eli's arm, "why didn't you tell me?"
"That's great I'm thrilled for you both, marriage is awesome when you're truly in love," I smile and hug them when Clare finally lets them go.
"We are and I wanted to tell you but it was sort of spur of the moment. I asked her to marry me and she said yes, well the first people we told were my parents and they tried to take over wedding planning. It sort of made us afraid to tell anyone else and then we kept arguing about wedding plans, with my parents and each other," Annabelle is saying when Eli takes over.
"So one night while arguing I said this whole thing is so stressful we should forget about the wedding part and just be married, she said she agrees so we eloped. We still haven't told her parents or mine, we'll tell them when we get back but we figured we'd tell everyone here. We wanted to tell you guys first and now we're going to go tell Adam and well pretty much make the rounds," Eli tells us.
We hug them and congratulate them again then they go off to tell Adam. Since Velicity is being well taken care of and entertained with Fitz and Jenna Clare and I decide to get dessert. We relax and eat, talk and mingle with our guests and dance a lot. Velicity falls asleep at nine but she's going home with her grandparents tonight anyway. We're supposed to be off the beach by eleven so we begin saying our goodbyes as the even people begin breaking everything down. By midnight we're the last ones on the beach under the moon and stars.
"Share one last dance with me tonight," Clare requests pulling me out to the sand.
"As you wish Angel," I grin and take her in my arms dancing to music in our heads.
"I love you Drew," she smiles.
"I love you more Angel, more and more and forever."
"We love more and for eternity," Clare says.
"We?" I question looking at her.
"Yes we," she grins, "I'm pregnant again."
I smile wide stretching my lips across my face in bliss, picking my gorgeously sexy wife in my arms and spin her around. I spin us gleefully until we fall into the sand, she falls into my lap and I crush my lips to hers in a loving and exuberantly rapturous kiss.
Well this was the last chapter of this story however I'm not just totally going to leave it there and abandon it. There will be an epilogue chapter at Christmas with the birth of Torres baby number two! Most of Adam and Ashley's vows are lyrics taken from songs by The Beatles, Paul McCartney, The Who, The Wallflowers, Paul Westerberg, The Wilkinsons and RENT.
This will be replaced with the sequel to Best Served Hot however I'm not going to start that until August when my normal schedule resumes.