Just Visiting: Chapter Nine

Chapter Nine
The Wedding

1 Month Later

_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_- The Ranch… Akiko's Point of View…

This was it… my wedding day…

The butterflies in my stomach wouldn't go away, and I was panicked. There was so much more work involved with weddings than I could have imagined, but I was told to just keep calm. Everyone told me they had it under control, saying that it was just going to be a simple, elegant wedding.

A lot had happened in a month. I didn't get a bachelorette party, but instead a large picnic with all my friends, that weren't guys. Nick said she had some special news she wanted to share but wouldn't say until after the wedding, when things had calmed down.

I looked at the mirror for the fifth time, seeing myself in a crisp white gown, simple yet elegant. I smoothed out the invisible wrinkles and played with my hair for the hundredth time that day, trying to make it just right.

I also had a veil, and a bouquet. I chose lilies for my bouquet and a small veil that just barely hid my face. I smiled wide thinking of the day that Gill had proposed. I remember how he held up the ring to me, while I started to cry. I had said yes.
And now, I was getting ready for my wedding. I couldn't believe it; in less then an hour I would be walking down the aisle and marrying the man of my dreams.

_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_- The Church… Nick's point of View…

"I can't believe that she's getting married. It feels like only yesterday that you two had pranked him and Aki had broken her leg." Toby said while he fixed the bow in my hair. Once satisfied with how it was placed, he put his hand on my cheek and smiled before kissing me.

"Yeah…" I remembered that; cookie monster Gill. Heh… I could eat a cookie right now… chocolate chip cookies… or maybe peanut butter cookies. I make great peanut butter cookies.

"I'm tired. And hungry. And sleepy. When's she getting here?" I leaned on Toby's chest for support, my knees threatening to buckle under my weight. We had been getting ready for about an hour and were still setting up. The church didn't look that much different though, but there were white rose petals scattered on the floor from the entrance to the altar.

"Oh Toby, I love you." I snuggled into his chest, grabbing his fancy shirt by the collar and pulled him as close as I could. I could smell the ocean off of him, and I kissed his neck. I felt him wrap his arms around me, burying his face in my hair.

"I love you too, Nick. We should get married." He rubbed my back as I got comfy in his arms, "I know, you already asked me, silly." I held up my hand with the small gold band.

Toby laughed, "Oh, right. I forgot I already proposed. So when are you telling Aki?"

I smiled a bit, "I told her I had something important to tell her. I'm going to tell her after the wedding and stuff."

Toby sighed contently, "I love you so much." He kissed the top of my head and we both went to do our jobs. He proceeded to stick little white bows on the long church benches and I threw more petals on the floor. It wasn't going to be that long before she would be walking down the aisle.

And I was the maid of honour. I'm not sure what I'm really supposed to do, but whatever, I figured I'd just have to stand there.

_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_- Back room in the Church… Gill's Point of View…

"Oh man, what if she changed her mind? What if I don't make a good husband? What if Luke bursts in and objects? Oh my Goddess, what if she trips on her dress? What if I can't get her veil off? What if I get the hiccups? What if I lose my voice and can't say I do? What if I–"

"Oh my Goddess, WHY did I EVER agree to be your best man?" Chase smacked his face with his hand before running it through his hair.

"I don't know, because you didn't have anything better to do?" I clutched my head with continuous thoughts of all the things that could go wrong. "What if she doesn't show up? What if she doesn't really love me? What if I–"

"Gill, you are giving me a migraine! Look, she loves you. If she didn't she would have said no when you proposed or at the very least dumped you afterwards or something." Chase rubbed his temples as though trying to prevent his headache from getting any worse.

"How do you know that? How do you know that something won't go wrong? Can you read the future? I think not. If you could read the future you probably wouldn't have agreed to–"

"And now I regret agreeing in the first place." Chased sighed and pounded his head into the desk in the back room, a flutter of papers jumping at the contact.

I huffed at his comment but decided to ignored i altogether. I had more important things to worry about. Like how I should say I do? I do… I do… I dooooo… I do.

Ugh, what if something happens that I can't control? I sat in another chair and smacked my head on the desk, a flurry of papers jumping once more at another impact.

_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_- Another back room… Nick's point of View…

I blew. Bubbles. Dip. I blew. Bubbles.

Bubbles filled the room. A lot of them, too many to count, but that didn't stop me from trying. This is what you get when you stick someone like me in a small room with bubbles. A bubbly room, a very bubbly room full of bubbles… bubbles, bubbles, bubbles.

I was stuck in the room 'cause I was playing hide and seek. So far it was me and Toby and Julius and Renee and Anissa that were playing. I think it Calvin was the seeker, but I wasn't sure.

Anyway, I found bubbles in the room I was hiding in, so yaaay. I was sitting in the corner blowing bubbles… inconspicuously.

Suddenly, the door swung open and then closed silently. Weird. I held my breath, the bubbles floating about and popping. Suddenly a quiet feminine voice called out, "Hello? Anyone hiding here yet?"

"Julie?"

"Nick? Where are you?" I saw his boots from where I was, and I grabbed onto them, hearing a small squeak from him. I giggled and tugged at them.

He ducked his head down, and I saw his river of violet hair and his eyes lit up seeing me, "Nick! Great, I have a hiding buddy!"

I shushed him like a child, "It's a secret hiding spot. C'mon." He crawled under the desk with me, and I fixed up the chair so it looked like it was just casually set up next to the desk.

Julie bumped his shoulder into mine, "It's pretty dark in here."

It was true. It was a small room filled with books and this old desk and chair. There were boxes here and there, and I left the lights off so it looked as if no one was really in the room. There was a tiny little peep-hole window that let little light in, but other than that it was pretty much black.

"Yeah. That's why the bubbles will protect us." I held up my bubbles for him to see. Well, not really see but yeah.

Julie snatched my bubbles though, "No! That would be strange, bubbles coming from under the desk!" I pouted, but that wouldn't work in the dark.

I felt his shoulder bump into mine again, "So how are you and Toby doing?"

I shrugged, "Good. I want to marry him." I thought I heard Julie say something, but I didn't ask.

"That's great! But… don't you think getting married so soon is… hasty?" Julie raised an eyebrow.

I instantly thought of Aki when he mentioned it, "Do you think Aki is marrying too quickly, Julie?"

"No! That's not… Nevermind," I could imagine that he was waving his hands like a ducky or chicken.

The lights turned on then, I hadn't even heard the door open. Boots were seen wandering in the room and Julie and I had both froze. The boots slowly walked around the room, and stopped in front of the desk. I held my breath and waited. Suddenly the chair jerked forward, hitting Julie in the leg, "HEY!"

Calvin poked his head down, kneeling over, "Gotcha!"

I pouted, "Aww… Julie ruined my hiding spot!" I punched him in the arm then, "Hey! Why does everyone want to hurt me?" Julie started to cry, but I laughed at him, stealing back my bubbles and blowing them at Calvin who was laughing at Julie's pain.

"So who do you have left to find?" I tilted my head.

"No one, the game's almost over. We're going to call it off since we have to finish setting up."

I nodded and crawled out from under the desk. "Okay… let's get this wedding started!"

_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_- The Church… Akiko's Point of View…

The butterflies were back and this time it felt as though they were doing some sort of strange insect jig. This was it. I was getting married. The day had finally arrived. I was getting married!

I repeated my vows over and over in my head. What if I forgot what to say? What if Gill changed his mind? What if I tripped on my dress? Realizing I was starting to freak out, I started thinking about what Gill might have written for his vows.  My heart leapt painfully at the thought of him standing in front of the altar.

I felt so beautiful and insanely blessed in my wedding gown, waiting for the signal for my grand entry. Nothing would stop me from marrying him today. Nothing could go wrong.

I smiled brightly as I saw a white hankerchief wave from the door. I took a deep breathe. This was it.

_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_- Gill's Point of View…

The crowd whispered loudly, waiting for the Akiko's entrance. Feeling my hands get sweaty, I quickly rubbed them on my crisp tuxedo.

The church was set up. White bows stuck on the ends of the benches, flower petals graced the floor all around and lavenders could be seen around the church. Everything was perfect. I spotted familiar faces in the crowd, all from town. It seemed like half the town had decided to come to Aki's and my wedding.

Just then, the entrance music started playing. Everyone stood up, turning to look at the door that my beautiful bride would be walking through. I stood tall and smiled as I saw her. I actually had to catch my breath, she was that stunning.

She wore a beautiful white wedding gown, simple yet elegant. A veil covered her face but it was obvious to anyone who saw her that she was remarkably beautiful. Her hands were clasped in front of her, holding a bouquet of lilies. I couldn't stop staring. No one could take their eyes off her and I wasn't at all surprised.

Soon she was at the altar, facing me. I couldn't hear anything, but I knew my father was speaking. I couldn't stop smiling at her, and she couldn't stop smiling at me.

_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_- Luke's Point of View…

No… this isn't happening.

I saw her in all her beauty; she was an angel in my eyes. It had been a whole month since she had announced she was getting married. I couldn't believe that Akiko was going to marry him, without even so much as a second thought about me.

I knew that I couldn't stop it, but I had to try. Otherwise, I would never have her. I would never know if she truly loved him or loved me.

I loved Aki. I had to stop this! I had to!

_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_- Gill's Point of View…

"And now, you may exchange your vows." My father raised his hands in joy, and I smiled at him. I looked at Aki as she passed Nick the bouquet of lilies she was holding and she whispered to me that I could go first.

I took her hands into mine, closing my eyes and reopening them. I looked deep into her eyes, my heart melting. I spoke then, pouring my heart out in words.

"Akiko… when I first met you… I thought you were just another girl, but as time went by, I realized you had begun to mean so much more to me than I ever could have predicted. You have stolen my heart and every day I spend with you bring me more joy than I had ever thought possible." I took a breath, seeing her eyes brimmed with tears.

"I wouldn't give up this love that I have for you for anything in this world. You complete me, Akiko. I love you and promise to love you for the rest of my days." I smiled at her then, she smiled right back. I felt her hands squeeze mine.

"Gill… I have never been so happy in my entire life. I have seen so many people fall in love that I never thought I would ever find someone that I could spend the rest of my life with. Then I met you, and at first I had thought you were just some silly plaid pant wearing guy, but before I knew it, I had fallen in love."

She hung head then; tears rolled down her cheeks, "I promise to love you forever, as long as you continue to be my knight of shining armour. I love you now and I will love you forever."

I smiled then, despite the fact that there were tears in my eyes that were threatening to spill over any second. I heard a few sniffles from the crowd and held tightly onto Aki's hands, never wanting to let go.

"For anyone who doesn't want these two to be together, speak now or forever hold your peace." Mayor Hamilton called out into the crowd, and I had expected silence, but what I heard horrified me.

_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_- Luke's Point of View…

"STOP!" I shouted loudly, jumping to my feet.

I felt everyone's eyes on me, but kept my gaze fixed on Akiko. The look on her face turned from complete bliss to horror in a matter of seconds and the number of gasps in the room was uncountable, but I didn't care what anyone else thought.

"Akiko can't marry Gill!" I jumped over my bench and ran to Akiko. I ripped her hands from the clutch of Gill's, holding her hands close to my chest. My heart dropped as she continued to stare at me in horror and disbelief, but I wasn't about to let that stop me from telling her that this was all a mistake.

"Akiko… I love you and I can't let you do this!" I looked at her in desperation. Everyone was whispering around us, I could hear their disapproving tones and harsh criticism, but I ignored it all. If anything at all, I would make Aki understand. I would make her understand what I was feeling.

"You… YOU BASTARD!" It was my turn to be horrified as everyone turned to see something I didn't plan on at all. Selena stood, her fists clenched. Tears ran down her face, her eyes red and puffy. Instead of finding myself a punching bag though, she had ran out of the church, the doors swinging open and her retreating form disappearing from sight.

What just happened?

"You ruined everything…" I looked back at Akiko this time, her eyes filled with fresh tears. She tore her hands away from me and slapped me across the face. I stood there, as she screamed out, "Why do you have to ruin everything?!"

I saw a fleeting veil pass me as I heard the clicking of heels run out of the same open doors. Akiko had run off, and not even a second later I saw a wisp of blonde hair chase after her- her would be husband by now if it hadn't been for my outburst.

Murmurs and voices rose as the drama continued. I felt a harsh grip on my arm then and looked up to see Nick. She didn't look as furious as Akiko or Selena had, instead her face was contorted into a disapproving frown. Shaking her head in disgust, she dragged me out of the church in front of everyone.

Closing the large oak doors, she came and slapped me across the face. By now I realize I had deserved that. "How stupid are you? Don't you realize what you just did?"

I hung my head low. I probably just ruined everything for the rest of my life.

Nick sighed, "Number one most greatest experience that anyone could ever have is their wedding day, and because of you Aki had hers ruined in the worst possible way."

When I didn't respond she continued, "Not only did you ruin her day, you also broke a heart aswell."

This time I looked up. What did she mean by that?

Nick shook her head, "You don't realize it yet? Selena likes you, you idiot. Unlike normal people though, she can't just express it very well. Why do you think she ran out like that?" She smacked me upside my head.

Then it hit me. It hit me like nothing I could compare to. Her twisted nature wasn't out of spite but… jealousy. All those times she yelled at Aki was because she was jealous of her, jealous of how I looked at Akiko and not her…

That one time she had taken care of me after I tried to confront Gill… I never knew what twisted reason she had behind the kind nature she had showed me but… It wasn't twisted at all; she genuinely cares about me.

"You figure it out yet?"

I didn't respond, instead I looked up to see Nick rolling her eyes with her hands on her hips, "She loves you, stupid."

_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_- The Ranch… Akiko's Point of View…

I couldn't breathe. I couldn't think. All I could do was cry. The tears just wouldn't stop. All I wanted was this one day; this one day to show everyone how much I loved Gill and to show the world that love him by committing myself to him for the rest of my life.
But no, stupid Luke had to ruin everything! He ruined everything!

Suddenly, I felt warm hands on my shoulders. I didn't bother looking to see who it was; I just let him hold me as I continued to cry. Gill had said nothing, and I didn't want to say anything. He continued to hold me in his arms, cradling me in silence. He kissed my forehead, and stroked my hair. Why did things turn out like this?

"Why did he have to do that?" I eventually asked Gill once I managed to get a grip.

I felt Gill shrug gently before replying, "I don't know, sweetie."

We stayed like that for awhile longer; I was unable to speak without crying. Everything was ruined. Not only that but now I was going to be the most gossiped person on the island now. How sucktastic is this?

"I love you Aki and I always will, no matter what happens. We don't even have to have another wedding. We can get married at the Town Hall, if that's what you would prefer."

I nodded numbly. I didn't want another wedding after this. I just want to be with Gill and not have to worry about Luke forcing himself back into my life.

This was supposed to be the happiest day of my life, but here I am sitting on my bed, crying my eyes out and wishing nothing more than for this day to be over.

_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_- Nick's Point of View…

Chaos; that's the only way I could think of to describe it.

Well, that's what happens when you have to call off a wedding after some dude crashes it and a chick, the bride and groom run out of the building furious, crying or worried.

Everyone had filed out, the chaos ending. Of course, it would be a non-stop gossip fest tomorrow. Think about it; a small town like this, how much drama could you stick in there?
Apparently a lot.

Toby and I were the last ones in the church. Everyone had finally left to go home and get into their regular clothes, just itching to discuss the madness that had just occurred.

I sighed. Toby came over and wrapped his arms around me, pressing my back into his chest, "So should we tell anyone we're engaged?"

I shook my head, "I don't know, things are just happening all at once. It would just be more stuff for her to think about if I were to be all like, hey I'm engaged."

Toby laughed, "Yeah, that's true."

We finished cleaning up, and started to walk to Toby's to enjoy a good cup of cocoa with mini marshmallows. The little colored ones.


_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_- Maple Lake District… Selena's Point of View…

He said he loved her…

I know I haven't been that nice to him… but still, why did he have to do that? Akiko would finally cease being a threat to me once she and that bore Gill had tied the knot, but then Luke had to get involved.

I wiped away the pathetic tears on my face, sniffling back the ones that threatened to fall. I never wanted to force Luke to be with me… but what other option did I have, seriously? There was no way he was just going to fall out of whatever he fell in for that freak. There was no other way I could have gotten him to even look at me.

I guess that's why I did that. I guess that's why I forced him to be with me. There was no other way he could have even noticed me then.

"Luke… you jerk…" I sobbed as I fell to my knees, looking over the sea.

I love him. I love him more then Akiko could ever have loved him! Why does he still want her? What could she possibly have that I don't?

"Selena?" I knew who it was as soon as he said my name. I held my breath. He couldn't have… he ran after me? Why? Why would he do that? He practically threw himself at Akiko in the church!

"L-Luke?" I turned to him, only to see him gasping for breath, his hands resting on his knees. His hair was more messed then before and I just stared at him. What was he doing here of all places? Didn't he want to run to that white haired freak, Akiko?

"Selena… why… did you…" He tried to talk threw gasps, but I knew what he was trying to say. Why did I just run out like that? Why? I ran out of there because I didn't want to see the man I loved to throw himself at another girl at her wedding, that's why!

"Why? Why did I freak out?" I laughed dryly, "Why do you think? I try and try… but you'll never look at me like you look at her! Why do I even bother?" I spoke the last part mostly to myself. Why did I bother to try to win him? The only thing I could do was force him to be with me, but that would never be the same as how he was with Akiko.

"Selena… you yell at me, you freak out at me, you won't let me see Aki or do anything I want to do. You say horrible things to me but the moment I get hurt you're there taking care of me like… like, I don't know! What's with you, Selena? What's your problem? First you're cruel, then you're caring? What do you want from me Selena!?" Luke stared at me but I didn't meet his eyes.

"Selena… what do you want from me? You ruined my relationship with Akiko, but why? What could you possibly want from me?"

Luke grew frustrated at me not looking at him. He roughly grabbed my shoulders, forcing me to look at him. I broke out crying then, "What do I want from you?! You really want to know? I love you, I have always loved you! Then that stupid girl came in and stole you from me! Would you have even seen me if I hadn't done what I did? No, you wouldn't have."

I broke down crying, my body grew limp in his arms and I let myself fall back onto my knees, not caring anymore. And why should I care? Nothing I ever do goes right.

Suddenly, his lips grazed mine, softly and sweet. My heart leapt as the lump in my throat grew. My mind reeled, is this actually happening? Despite my shock, my body responded to his touch and I kissed him back, this single kiss growing more passionate as it went on. I wrapped my arms around him; he finally knew what I felt for him. Even if he didn't return my feelings, this was good enough for me.

He pulled away and I felt empty till he started to talk, "Selena… This is not how I would want to start out, but… maybe… we could give it a shot."

I looked at him confused, "What do you mean?"

Luke scratched his head, "I don't know… maybe we could try… you know, try dating."

I looked at him with wide eyes, "You… you really mean that… after everything I did?" Luke nodded, "I already ruined any chance I had with Aki… but, I still have a chance with you, right?"

I blinked away the tears and found myself crying new ones, "Yes… that's all I ever wanted."