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HERE COMES MY BRIDE...
March 17th, 2011
Today has been the day of my dreams for- oh, well, I guess its been, oh
yeah...FOREVER! Since my father told me of my engagement to Natalia I've either
dreamed of my freedom or of a woman who I desire in every way possible. Johanna
is that woman.
All I have to do is hear her name and my undead heart starts beating and my dead
arteries start pumping dead blood through my system in anticipation of the
freedom she brings. Being with her, I've learned that humans aren't as delicate
as they might seem. My Johanna has the will of God, the heart of a saint, the
warmth of a hot summer sun, the mind of a scholar, the life of a flourishing
undiscovered rainforest. She's funny and smart, beautiful and kind, loving and
warm, strong and determined, she's gracious when she's right and accepting when
she's wrong. I'm not just marrying a girl today; I'm marrying a woman, my best
friend, my teacher, my sun my moon and my stars, the other half of my heart. I'm
being bonded in every way possible to the woman I want to spend forever with.
She's the right amount of crazy to my "boring", she's the life to my death,
she's the love in my heart.
So, why then, did I feel like something was wrong? Sure I'm about to go against
everything I once stood for. Once. But I've changed for the better and this is
what I've waited for since I first laid eyes upon her. Perhaps I'm worried that
her humanity will catch up to her too quickly and then, in turn, take her away
from me? Seems plausible. Perhaps I'm afraid that she'll let humanity take her
away? Yes. Visions of my aged Johanna start filling my mind:
She'll let herself grow old without me, she'll let the gray fill the color of
her hair. Time will wrinkle her beautiful skin. Seeing the world will catch up
with her, making her eyes grow weak and depend upon glasses. Hearing music and
dancing deep into the nights will take its toll; her ears are straining to her
the new music we've discovered, her body is weak. My wonderful friend's eyes no
longer jump in anticipation of seeing me, instead, her eyes flare with
resentment at seeing my perfectly sculpted body.
And then, she'll let the cold seep into her bones, the light leave her eyes, the
touch of Gods creations escape her grasp, Death will knock on our door. I won't
be able to prevent him from entering. He'll throw in the door and slowly curl
one icy finger after another around the door frame. Eventually pulling his
hooded face into the room, all that is distinguishable is his glowing hell-fire
red eyes. Rather than walk or creep into the room, he seems to glide. This
enrages me that such a monstrous creature that wishes to take my love from me
can appear so tranquil. I run from her side to attack the foul beast but my
vampire powers are of no use. I have died, I am dead. But I am not Death itself.
I'm just the messenger. Effortlessly, his long, bony, talon like fingers reach
inside my chest and wrap around my heart. The ice from his hand freezes my heart
and has me shivering in pain on the floor. My body is paler than normal, my
eyelashes are draped in snowflakes and my lips are blue. I'm shivering and can't
escape the cold because its inside me, I'm doomed to watch as Death continues
gliding to Johanna's bed. He sits on the edge of the bed, just like an old
friend, and smoothes her gray hair.
Johanna's old mind makes her mumble something un-intelligible and Death stops
her from speaking any more. He places his icy, taloned hand over her mouth and
nose. Just like that, my beautiful beloved is gone from this world. Her life is
snuffed out like the flame of a candle.
My frozen eyes produce two blood red tears that slowly travel down my cheeks.
Death takes his ring and pointer fingers and drags them over her eyes, down her
face to close them, and places two pennys (heads up) over the dead green fields
that I never get to lose myself in again.
When that is done, He stands, his tattered black robe flowing around his body.
Casually, and as properly as a gentleman would, he holds out his hand to her, as
if offering to lead her into a dance.
I wonder why? She is dead!
But I am answered when a whispy, white hand rises from her dead one. That hand
turns into an arm and then a shoulder, a chest and a head. Her whole body is
ghostly as she moves her legs over the side of the bed. Her ghost hand flutters
light as a feather into His gnarled, bony clutches. When she stands, she too,
appears to be gliding rather than walking.
"Johanna?" My voice is little more than a whisper.
Its like she can't hear me. My eyes follow her path alongside Death to the door.
"Johanna!" My scream is hoarse. And raspy.
Her ghostly foot steps in front of my hand. I'm able to twitch my finger to try
and stop her but her ghost foot just warps around my hand and then re-assembles
when its out of her way. My finger tries to cling to the last whisps that were
her foot.
"Johanna!" I cry out hoarsly again.
No reply. My blood tears keep coming, slower than I need them to be. And I can
only watch her walk out of the door, arm-in-arm, with Death as if they were old
friends.
Death stops in front of the door, steps aside, and makes a sweeping motion with
his hands. Without even hesitating, Johanna walks through the door and
dissapears in the brightly lit sun.
"Nooo-ooo!" My dry voice crackles.
Death follows behind and soon they are shrouded by his rotted black cape, and
then...gone.
"Gabriel? Hello? You-hoo! Anybody their?"
I become vaugly aware of a male voice. And then I realize a hand is being waved
in front of my eyes.
"Gabriel! Snap too! We need you!"
There's that weird voice again!
Its like I'm coming out of a blindness, everything is white, then colorful, and
blurry, then fuzzy, then clear.
Rhoan is leaning in front of me tying something around my neck.
I freak out and dart away from him because I suddenly had the weird feeling that
he was trying to strangle me.
"What the Hell is wrong with you?" Rhoan asks with his hands still frozen where
they were.
I freeze with my leg half way out the open window, I didn't even realize I was
trying to make a break for it.
"You know, you were really scaring me." Rhoan slowly crosses the room to where
I'm crouched, "You had your eyes open the entire time and it was freaky! Please
don't ever do it again." He informs me as he finished tying the bow tie around
my neck.
I'm still crouched half out of the window, not completely sure what's going on.
There is a knock on the door and before anything happens, before I move or Rhoan
replies, Ryder pushes open the door walks in and closes it behind him.
He has a cigarrete poised between his first and second finger and a glass of
scotch held by his thumb and third finger.
"There he is." Ryder taunts, "The special one."
"Yeah! He's all-" Rhoan begins cheerfully.
"Out. I want a word with my almost-brother-in-law." Ryder growls.
Rhoan gives a look but starts towards the door.
I'm still sitting their stupidly with my foot out the window.
"So are you goona suck my sister dry tonight or what?" He asks abruptly, "Ya
know what really gets me? The fact that she's goona be having sex with a dead
guy tonight."
Rhoan hadn't gotten to the door yet, he freezes in his tracks, "Hey, how? Did
you know-?" The confused look on his face made Ryder laugh.
"How about some food to sedate you enough to not kill my sister at the alter?"
Ryder asks mischeviously.
"I still don't understand how-" Rhoan's sentence is cut short when Ryder throws
the contents of the glass into his mouth, slices Rhoan's throat with his claw
and has blood pouring from my friend's throat and into the glass.
"Want some?" His lips slide over his gleaming teeth.
I'm still frozen to the spot. You would think I'd do something to have saved my
best friend, but I just couldn't move.
"No? Well I'll have some." Ryder bends to Rhoan's neck and his face dissapears.
A minute later his face rises with blood smeared around his lips and his canines
pointed and full of delicious ,delectable blood.
He looks into the glass of blood and slowly raises his eyes until they are level
with mine.
"Its still warm," He muses.
And with a snap of his arm, the beautiful red nutrition is flying at me, hitting
me in the face and soaking into my dark hair.
I pull my leg back inside the room, shut the window and run my hands through my
hair to smooth it.
"I'm sorry. I'm just a bit frazzled." I reply semi-calm.
"Hey, are you okay?" He asks referring to my blood lust.
I consider this. I'm hallucinating. So no.
There is a knock on the door and before we can move, Ryder is strolling in with
a smirk on his face, a cigarrette between his first and second finger and a
glass of whiskey in his thumb and third finger.
"Yo, your presence is requested downstairs." He says, "There's some guy in black
down there." He sips his drink.
"Oh! Its the priest!" Rhoan clarrifys.
I shrug and we head downstairs into the living room.
The guys are all gathered there in their tuxs and ready for a wedding. Rhoan
hands me a white flower to put in my chest pocket and a red one in his to
signify he's the best man.
Ryder goes over to the bar and pours himself another whiskey and asks Rhoan if
he would like some. Surprisingly, Rhoan agrees. I'm also surprised how
comfortable Ryder is in a room of vampires.
The priest asks if I'm ready to get married.
"More ready than I ever thought I could be."
He looks at me confused.
"That's a yes," Ryder calls from the kitchen as he and Rhoan finish their
drinks.
"Very good, and now we'll be on our way." The nice man replies.
I shrug my shoulders and out the door we all go. I start walking towards the
cars.
"Young man, where do you think your going?" The priest calls out.
"Don't we have to go to the-?" The priest starts shaking his head, "No?" I ask.
He waves me over and I follow behind him, into the forest.
The forest. Hmmmmm. Not exactly what I pictured, but, Johanna hadn't told me
anything about the wedding and I hadn't asked so I really don't know what's
going to happen.
Deeper and deeper we go.
The sun shines through the tree tops and follows us all the way to the
river...the river I found Johanna in.
There is a clearing, with small white chairs set up and split down the middle by
a long red carpet which leads to a beautiful alter. As Rhoan and I walk down the
aisle I notice the two weeping willows set as our back ground, they are
absolutely beautiful, and absolutely perfect. At the end of the red carpet is an
arch made up of 2 trees that become intertwined in each other. Along these trees
are vines and more small white flowers. I'm in complete shock and amazement as I
stand up there next to the priest and Rhoan. The chairs are filled by the time I
blink and in the back there are three violinists.
Things are set in motion: Darla walks down the aisle in a lovely green dress and
holding some flowers that I'm not familiar with. Then my cute nieces walk next
to each other, down the aisle, dropping large white petals and wearing floor
leangth apricot colored dresses, very antique looking and definitely chosen by
Johanna.
Vera stands next to Darla, Sophia stand next to Rhoan.
And the moment I've been living forever for finally arrives:
One violin starts stringing out the notes to the wedding march, and then the
second one eases into the song and finally the third creates a symphony. Its
slow and soft and beautiful.
Before the crowd rises to see the bride, snow starts falling. That's right; I
said snow. Its soft and white and beautiful as it falls all around us. It comes
down faster and faster, not a blizzard but not scarce. I follow the walls of
people and the red carpet to see the hem of her dress. And my heart warmed, she
had chosen a large white wedding gown just as I had wanted for her. The dress
itself is a creme color with vintage lace in the front and fabric roses along
the waist line. Traveling farther up her body, the straps for the dress are also
made of roses, but Johanna has the straps draped off her shoulders. Her
beautiful, tanned neck is framed by a diamon necklace. At her bust she holds a
bouquet of white lillies. Her hair is curled and held in place by a wild half
bun that has some of her hair coming over her shoulder. She smiles shyly under
my stare of wonder, approval, and excitement. My Johanna wore no veil, she
didn't need it. The snow swirls around her, her dress drags over the red carpet,
brown dirt, green grass, and white layer of snow as she dances her way to me.
The violins stop, the people sit. All is silent. Our song becomes filled by the
sound of the river running, the snow swirling around our bodies, birds chirping
in the trees.
She looks up deep into my eyes, and I look into hers.
In one, magical, sacred moment, I hold my hand out to her and she takes it,
being led closer to the priest.
"We are gathered here today to celebrate the bonding of this man and this woman
in holy matramony-" the old priest speaks loud and clear.
Johanna gives me a reassuring squeeze, but I can hear her feet shifting
anxiously beneath her dress.
"May I have the rings?" He asks.
Rhoan hands me my wedding band for Johanna, Johanna passes her bouquet to Darla
and is then given the wedding band she chose for me.
We give them to him, he blesses them and then hands me my ring for Johanna.
I take her left hand and repeat, while sliding it onto her third finger, "With
this ring I take thee, Johanna, to be my lawfully wedded wife."
Johanna takes my left hand saying, "With this ring, I take thee, Gabriel, to be
my lawfully wedded husband."
"Then I now pronounce you husband and wife." The priest turns to me, "Gabriel,
you may kiss your lovely bride."
Happily, I place my hands on Johanna's shoulder and pull her to me. Her lips
first taste sweet, and then the taste changes, her lips no longer mold to mine.
I start wondering what happened, I rub her shoulder but its covered in fabric.
I pull back and then flinch in shock. My gorgeous Johanna isn't in front of my
eyes. Instead, small, thin lips curled in a smile, tiny, delicate hands gripped
the bouquet. And plain brown eyes were peering at me, you know what they say
about eyes being windows to the soul? Well, her eyes were brewing with trouble.
My love's amazing wedding dress was gone, instead was an old white dress with
long sleeves and a veil thrown over her head and her hair pulled into a tight,
proper bun.
I flinch back, "Natalia!"
"Hello...Husband." She smiles wickedly.
I look to the priest but the kind old man is no longer there, in his place is
the Devil dancing around. He's sporting a pointy red tail, a sharp red
pitchfork, and small horns. Fire dances through his eyes and sears the edges of
his cape.
I look to Rhoan for help. My friend is wearing a smirk that I've never seen
before. And in front of my eyes, he starts clawing away at his face and arms.
Blood doesn't pour from his wounds, instead he starts reaching another layer of
skin. He peels away the old one and steps out of it like one steps out of a
diving suit. In the place of my friend is my older brother, Filip.
"Congratulations," He jests.
I look to Darla but she is doing the same thing, clawing away at skin and then
stepping out of the old layer. She has her head bent, her hair covers her face.
Its no longer brown, but a shimmery blond instead. I thought it might be Johanna
so I rush to her aid.
"My love!" I say taking her hand.
She throws up her head, hair flying to rest on the back of her neck.
"Yes?" That voice is not the one of my beloved. Tiny, delicate features, height
much smaller than Johanna's. Sharp teeth, and... Red eyes. Eyes that scream
fire, Hell, death, and...
"Pain." She says slowly with a hint of happiness.
I fall to the ground, withering in agony. Fire starts eating at my insides.
When it stops, all I can say is, "Jane."
She smiles a wickedly happy smile.
I look out to the crowd, hoping my family can help me, but their all gone. All
the chairs are empty except for a few on the front left side. Three to be exact.
Three kings.
Aro. Marcus. And Caius.
Aro looks rather amused, like always. Marcus looks surprisingly un-bored. And
Caius is intrigued.
Aro gives a slight wave.
A few rows behind them is Ryder lighting another cigarrette and a few of his
werewolf friends are licking their lips in anticipation of a good kill.
I'm freaking out! Behind me, I hear the devil choking on something. I turn and
see blood dripping from the corner of his lips. Steam rises from his eye balls
as he falls face first to the floor. In his back is a razor edged silver knife.
I look up and see a billowy, black cloth cape coming my way. The front of the
cape is open and she's naked underneath. She has long nails, slender hips, stong
arms, a beautiful creamy body. Her lips are set in a playful pout and lilac eyes
are framed by long, dark eyelashes. Her long blonde hair is straight, with
sparkles and pulled half way up in the back.
She saunters my way, never taking her eyes away from mine.
My brother laughs, she throws fire from her hand and incenerates him where he
stands. She does the same to the Kings, who don't even bat and eye. And to Ryder
and his gang and also Jane. It is just me, Natalia, and Her.
She opens her lips a little, still keeping them in a pout, and for the first
time, I notice the curve of her breasts. Immediately I feel shame! Today is my
wedding to Johanna, but that feeling evaporates. The curve of her breasts, the
tightness of her abdominal, their familiarity makes my dead heart stutter.
The cape drags behind her on the floor as she approaches Natalia. She stops a
little more than two arms lengths away, eyes on Natalia.
"Stay away from my wedded husband." Natalia says.
She raises her cream colored leg and kicks Natalia in the chest. Natalia flies
backwards and dissappears into thin air.
The snow had been falling this entire time, the green grass isn't visible any
longer. The once green forest is now covered in white, an icy winter wonderland.
"Kali?" I ask her cautiously.
She doesn't move. The cape slides off of her shoulders without her moving.
Their is a clapping sound. I look to the right set of chairs. My other brother,
Nikolai, is lounging in a chair, one leg over his other knee. Hands resting on
that leg.
His long golden hair is held back by a crimson ribbon.
"Bravo, dear brother. When you were a human you wanted every girl to be yours,"
He muses, "But now, even in death, your girls won't let you go."
He stands and walks up the aisle, away from us.
"You dug your grave, now lie in it." He whispers before dissappearing into the
whiteness.
We're all alone. Everything is still. Just me and Kali with her back still
turned.
Slowly she turns to me with her naked body fully exposed. Her flesh seems to
tighten and retreat from the cold, it makes her seem human. Steam rises from her
mouth where hot air meets cold air.
A small shiver runs down her spine as she wraps her arms around her naked body.
My ruthless maker now seems vulnerable. I take her hand from her shoulder and
hold it to my heart for warmth. I take her other hand as well and she begins
unbuttoning my shirt. As soon as my marble body is exposed I pull her naked body
to mine, holding her there, trying to warm her body. I grab her tighter and
tigther as she tries harder and harder to become one with my body.
"Gabriel?" Her steamy breath tickles my flesh.
"Yes, my love?" I don't know what made me call her that! Its like being back
with her all those years ago, we were partners in crime...and lust...once again.
"D-I-E." She whispers slowly.
I hadn't realized what she meant until it was too late, she had thrown fire at
my feet and the fire was soon licking my legs, caressing my chest, searing my
soul.
My skin melted and dripped onto my bones, I was screaming bloody murder as the
snow all dropped away and was replaced by hot flames and volcanoes. My eyeballs
burst from the heat and my bones started charring.
Johanna slides the ring she chose for me onto the third finger of my left hand.
I hold both of her hands in mine and whisper, "You look beautiful." So only she
can hear.
"Do you, Gabriel, take Johanna to be your wedded wife for as long as you both
shall live? In sickness and in health? For richer or poorer? Until death do you
part?"
"I do." And I was never more sure of anything in my entire life.
"Do you, Johanna, take Gabriel to be your wedded husband for as long as you both
shall live? In sickness and in health? For richer or poorer? Until death do you
part?"
It seemed that she took forever to answer, even though she took no longer than I
did:
"I do."
"Then, by the power invested by me, I pronounce you husband and wife. I think
you know what to do next." He says happily.
"I know what I want to do next." I whisper to Johanna.
She smiles against my lips and invites my tongue in quickly before pushing it
away.
The crowd cheers and I wish we didn't have to pull away from each other. Johanna
grabs her bouquet from Darla and we happily walk down the aisle as man and wife.
Just outside the edge of the forest is a white horse drawn carriage. I help her
inside and then climb in as well. We wave goodbye as the horse trots away from
the forrest.
"Well, Mrs.Ryan," I smile at her happily, "What's next?"
She snuggles up to me and pulls my arm around her shoulders.
She gets this very happy, relieved look and then gazes far off into the sky,
"Take me to the stars?" She asks me in a dreamy voice.
"Oh trust me, tonight I will." I say with a goofy grin spreeding across my face.
She hits me playfully, "Cocky fellow, aren't you?"
We let the conversation die off for a couple minutes until I gingerly grab her
chin and make her look at me.
"Anything you want, I'll give it to you. Anywhere you want to go, I'll take you
there. All you have to do is ask and I'll give you the world."
She searched my eyes, let a tear slide down her cheek, and then places my hand
over her heart.
"Just like you said two nights ago, 'do you feel that? My heart beats for you
and only you.' All I want is your heart, to know its mine and no one else's."
She was crying softly and I wished I could cry too.
In a choked voice, I reply, "My heart was yours from the moment I first saw you.
And it always will be. Its yours to protect, to love and hold or to throw away.
Do anything you please with it. Its yours."
There we are, the human and vampire, a seemingly horrible match, bound until
death takes us away from each other. One is crying and the other is forced to
choke on sobs that can never come out.
Johanna ends her sobs and smiles, "You called me 'Mrs.Ryan'. I love it, and I
love you. I've never been more happy than now, when I can finally call you my
husband."
I lean in and kiss her, whispering the word 'wife' into her lips, her mind, and
her soul.
About 30 minutes later, the carriage coasts to a stop in front of a large
building. I help Johanna out and take her, hand-in-hand, inside. We are told
which door to go to, and when we open it all of our friends shout and cheer for
us. They form an arch leading to our wedding table where we sit happily and
observe the party. I decided that I would experience the party as a human, the
food, the dancing, everything! Johanna was a little annoyed that I was trying to
fit in with everyone but given the circumstances she let it slide without an
argument.
I danced with Vera, I dance with Sophia, I dance with Susan and I dance with my
family.
It was time for Johanna's dance with her father, we all surrounded the dance
floor to watch.
"'And you'll be in my heart
Yes, you'll be in my heart
From this day on
Now and forever more
Don't listen to them
'Cause what do they know
We need each other,
to have, to hold
They'll see in time
I know
When destiny calls you
You must be strong
I may not be with you
But you've got to hold on
They'll see in time
I know
We'll show them together
'Cause you'll be in my heart
Yes, you'll be in my heart
From this day on,
Now and forever more
Oh, you'll be in my heart
No matter what they say
You'll be in my heart, always
Always '"
Richard leaned forward and pressed a kiss to Johanna's forehead before she held
him tightly and whispered, "I love you, daddy."
My human body thought of Catia. I could even still feel her warmth as she clung
to my legs.
Half way through the song I asked Susan for the dance and was gliding across the
floor with her.
"Hello, hello friends and family of Mr and Mrs.Ryan! If we all clear the dance
floor its time for the first dance for our married couple." The DJ says.
I pass Vera over to Lottie and then take my place in the center of the dance
floor. We start out with my hand on her waist and holding her other hand in the
air.
"'Look at the sky tell me what do you see
Just close your eyes and describe it to me
The heavens are sparkling with starlight tonight
That's what I see through your eyes
I see the heavens each time that you smile
I hear your heartbeat just go on for miles
And suddenly I know why life is worthwhile
That's what I see through your eyes
That's what I see through your eyes
Here in the night, I see the sun
Here in the dark, our two hearts are one
Its out of our hands, we can't stop what we have begun
And love just took me by surprise, looking through your eyes,'" by this time her
hands were resting behind my neck while my hands were on her hips, "'I see a
night I wish could last forever
I see a world we're meant to see together
And it is so much more than I remember
More than I remember
More than I have known
Here in the night, I see the sun
Here in the dark, our two hearts are one
Its out of our hands, we can't stop what we have begun
And love just took me by surprise, looking through your eyes
Looking through your eyes'"
Our dance existed of fairy tale like twirls and dips, slow and romantic. The
magical thing is that this song seems to have been created just for us. The
crowd melted away behind us and we were alone in our own world where only each
other mattered. The world could have been set on fire, there could have been an
earthquake, I wouldn't have noticed.
The dance ended too soon, we were applauded, and Johanna went to change. When
she came back she was wearing a strapless off white dress with golden designs on
an empire waist, this dress was very slim, not too big, I could tell that she
felt more comfortable in it and then it was time for dinner. Johanna had
requested a varity of foods. She wanted Greek food and native Russian dishes,
but she also had steak and chicken for the younger kids.
Before we knew it, it was time for the toast.
Darla cleared her throat, took the microphone and stood up.
"Good evening, friends and family of Johanna and Gabriel," People clapped, "I
just want my little sister to know how proud I am of her. Johanna, I've watched
you grow up all your life. I was there when you were first brought home, I
helped you take your first steps, I even helped you with your first crush. I'm
really happy and proud to be standing up here as your maid of honor, your
sister, and your friend. You look beautiful, and you've grown into a very
special young woman. So for a special woman, we have a special man as well.
Gabriel, I wish I could have met you sooner. Your nice and funny, your perfect
for Johanna. Welcome to the family."
Johanna stands up and hugs her sister.
Everyone toasts us and sips their champagne.
Next its Rhoan's turn.
"Hey everyone, thanks so much for being here and celebrating this special
occassion. I know that Gabriel and Johanna agree that you all have made it
magical and special for them. Although I didn't know Gabriel when he was
younger, I've watched him grow up in these past years. Meeting Johanna really
changed him. Because of her, Gabriel has more patience, he's more accepting and,
well, he's just an overall nice guy. But you know what they say, if you are
around someone enough then you pick up on their traits and habits. Johanna, you
make Gabriel smile more, and laugh, you taught him to take a step back and love
the world for its beauty. You make him happy. Thank you. Johanna, welcome to the
family, even though we've considered you family since we met you."
My wife...gosh I love that!...smiled sincerly and blushed a little too.
I stood up and hugged my friend. I know he had his doubts about Johanna in the
beginning, and he even still might hate her, but it means so much to me that he
said those things.
"To the bride and groom." Darla and Rhoan raise their glasses and so does
everyone else in the room.
"To Gabriel and Johanna." They reply.
Everyone sips their champagne before Darla takes the microphone from Rhoan,
"Rhoan and I have put together a slide show of Johanna and Gabriel. Please enjoy
it."
Darla was really smiling....like an abnormal amount of smiling for her. She sat
next to Rhoan as the slideshow started playing. They couldn't have it from when
we were both children to the present day because I don't have pictures from my
childhood, and if I did they would be black and white and painted portraits. So
it was just pictures of Johanna from the year I first saw her and then a few
pictures of me, like the one with the family and the Cullens. And then their
were pictures of me and Johanna that I didn't even know we had. There was a
picture of me at The Seven Deadly Sins (when the hell was that picture taken?!
Those vampires don't do pictures!) And there was one of Johanna working at her
bar. There were halloween parties and New Years parties spent with our human
friends. There were pictures of Johanna "camping" outside the house (that was
when we had our fight), and at the end there was a video of us baking cookies
and stuff. Well, okay, Johanna did the baking. I tried to help but I almost
burned the house down, so Johanna told me to kind of watch instead.
At the end, I was amazed how far we had come... and how many times their were
cameras around and I didn't even notice because of how interested I am in
Johanna.
The video was truly brilliant! And when it was over, we wanted to thank Rhoan
and Darla but they weren't anywhere in sight.
Johanna and I decided to get up and dance with our friends to continue the
party. But when we got to the middle of the dance floor, all I noticed was six
pairs of red eyes glowing from the darkness near the bar. I left Johanna on the
dance floor and wandered over.
I was out of sight when I rounded the corner and as soon as I did, I felt an icy
hand slide along my shoulder.
I spun around fast, my eyes widened even faster.
It was Brielle.
She was wearing a sparkly blue cocktail dress and tall skinny heels. And if it
wasn't short enough anyway, well it had a slit going up the side of her leg.
Around her neck was a choker necklace of the same color.
"Do you like it?" She bats her long eyelashes which are also covered in
sparkles.
I push her hand off my shoulder, "How dare you come to my wedding dressed like
that and try to seduce me."
The others stepped out of the shadows behind me.
"My mate is not trying to seduce you, mate. She's with me." Ripper growls.
I turn on him and growl back. We bare our fangs at each other.
Reaper growls at Ripper, Brielle growls at Reaper, Stormy growls at Brielle, and
Lara growls at Stormy.
Reaper was wearing a peculiar cotton tank top and his usual bow tie around his
neck, Stormy was in a deep purple pants suit and Lara was in a bright pink skirt
and top.
Ripper turns around to take Brielle away.
"Well if she's with you then tell her to stop being a little slut." I say to
Ripper.
The growling starts again.
Ripper growls at me, I growl at him, Brielle purrs at me, Reaper growls at
Brielle, Ripper growls at Reaper, I growl at Ripper, Reaper growls at me, Stormy
growls at Reaper, Lara growls at Stormy.
"Why don't you say that to my face?" Ripper yells.
"How about I say it to your body while its 6-feet under for good, youngster?" I
threaten as I shove him up against the wall.
"Children, children," Rodrick steps from behind the corner pulling a black
jacket over his bare arms, he blinks his red eyes and makes a dissaproving
clicking sound with his tongue, "Aren't we better than this?" He asks
sarcastically.
I step away from Ripper. Brielle looks down at her feet.
'What is this about?' He asks me in my mind.
I look at Brielle, what kind of vampire am I if I can't deal with such a small
problem on my own?
"Nothing," I say.
'Are you sure?' He prompts.
No one says anything.
Rodrick is giving his usual, dissaproving, downwards glare at us. Slowly, his
eyes shift to Brielle, she looks up at him, straight in the eye.
"Now, Brielle," he backs her straight into the wall and presses his body close
against hers, "Brielle, look," he commands and her bright red eyes stare at his
lips as Rodrick let's his fangs slide down, "Brielle." He whispers twice as he
breathes on her neck, lightly dragging his fangs over her skin. The joy and
elation it causes has Brielle breathing heavy in anticipation and even has her
fangs out when Rodrick places his fangs over his wrist to give her his blood.
As soon as her fangs were out, Rodrick grabbed both of them and tore them out of
her jaw. She gripped her bleeding mouth and wailed in pain. Ripper snarled which
is all it took for Rodrick to decide to make an example of him. Rodrick took his
hand and grabbed the right side of Ripper's face, forcing him to the wall and
not long after, the smell of burning flesh filled the air. Ripper howled in pain
as Rodrick removed his hand to expose the hand print of fire scar on his face.
Reaper looked like he wanted to do something but was then discouraged when
Rodrick's fierce red eyes became fixed on him...of course it didn't hurt that
Rodrick was snarling with his fangs out and blood dripping from them.
Once Lara, Stormy and Reaper backed away and Ripper and Brielle were cowering in
pain against the wall, Rodrick turned to me. He took four quick steps before he
was pearing down at me, standing close. He takes his closed hand and sticks it
into my pants pocket before he opens his fist and pulls his hand back out.
I feel the blood from Brielle's fangs seeping into the liner of my pants pocket.
Rodrick keeps his eyes on me as he wipes the blood from his mouth and closes his
eyes, sending his fangs deep into his skull.
Brielle scowls and storms off into the crowd. Ripper heads towards the bar and
Reaper follows after him. Lara and Stormy leave and go anywhere just so Rodrick
and I can be alone.
"I am sorry for the interruption and for the embarrassment Brielle has caused
you." He says.
"Thank you." I reply.
"She is too determined for her own good. Once my Brielle has her eyes on
something," Rodrick is looking me in the eye, "she never let's it get away."
I had taken my human form again after the others had gone and it was just me and
Rodrick. I blink my human eyes and when they open Rodrick is holding two glasses
of champagne.
I take one.
"Its amazing how little human eyes perceive." His hand gripped my jaw and was
looking deep into my eyes. I actually felt like he was entering my body,
learning every twist and turn of my insides.
"Yes," I state.
"And how much the human body feels." He trails his icy fingers along my neck, I
shiver.
"And how easy it is to make the body feel,"
I start to feel warmth spreading through me, its delicious whispers tug on my
heart strings and fog my mind. I began to realize how perfect Rodrick is. He is
tall with thick blonde hair, a luscious face like an angels, his ab muscles form
a perfect six pack visible beneath his black coat. My king is wearing leather
pants ,like usual, that show me the strength of his thighs and the power of his
legs. His strong hands move over my face, memorizing each and every line and
then down my chest, and then down to my.....
"Its astonishing how easy it is to corrupt a human body."
The feeling stops. I feel empty at first and then realize what he had did to me.
He had made me love him.
'I didn't make you feel anything that you already didn't.' He whispers in my
mind.
"I know so much of you, but so little of your human body." Rodricks fingers
trailed over my chest to discover that my scars were no longer there.
"Ah, well. Such a shame that my son uses his talents to pretend to be a human.
Living in that filthy body, unable to take what you want."
"What do you mean?" I ask my fearless leader.
From behind his back he pulls what looks like a bottle of wine, but I knew
better. The bottle was wrapped in gold with jewels incrested in the gold. It was
his blood inside.
Rodrick gripped the neck of the bottle and strolled into the crowd of dancers,
specifically he strolled over to Johanna. The song changed to something erotic
and sexual, a low heavy beat was causing heads to snap back and forth.
Rodrick grabbed Johanna's waist and pulled her close, pressing her against his
groin. I was glued to the spot, unable to protect her. I shouted her name but
over the music I probably wasn't audible. Johanna gave me a smirk as she took
the uncorked bottle from Rodrick and swallowed some of the blood.
"Johanna!!!!" I yelled across the room, "Don't!"
But she couldn't hear me.
Rodrick bent down to her chest and licked her skin all the way up her throat.
While she was distracted by his strange pleasures, Rodrick tore open her dress,
leaving my Johanna in her under garments.
I yelled again, it seemed that my voice had dissapeared. I couldn't run to her,
save her, and I couldn't turn away either. I was forced to watch Rodrick posess
her.
The people around them seemed to have dissappeared, Rodrick grabbed Johanna's
long golden hair and yanked her head back causing her to fall. Instead of
falling to the floor though, she fell on top of a bed. The people were gone, we
weren't at the party anymore, I was in a small bedroom watching Johanna's naked
flesh melt into the large bed with many pillows.
'I'm taking what I want...' He says in my mind.
Rodrick dived on top of her. She twisted her arms around his neck, he didn't
like that. Rodrick grabbed her wrists and pinned them above her head. He left a
trail of kisses down her neck, down her chest, over her stomach...
The deadly whiteness of Rodrick's stark naked body blended with Johanna's tanned
body. She sipped the blood that Rodrick had given her and screamed a mixture of
pain and pleasure...
'...and living in Johanna's dirty body...naughty girl...'
Time sped up and stopped then sped up again a few times. Each time, Johanna had
her back to me but was still gripping the bottle of Rodrick's blood, and each
time her hips seemed a little wider than I remembered. Time stopped. The bottle
was less than half full. Johanna had her back to me still.
"Johanna?" I called out.
To my surprise she turned her head to look at me, she had heard me.
"Johanna thank God you are alright!" My voice sounded different, it was getting
distant. I didn't realize that it was because I hadn't spoken the truth. She
wasn't alright.
Johanna turned her body towards me. My eyes widened in shock and horror! My
words caught in my throat! My heart ripped in half and then in half again until
it was nothing more than little shreds.
....Johanna was pregnant! Very much pregnant! And I wanted to cry.
"Johanna? How did this happen?" I whisper.
She gets a very pleased look on her face as Rodrick appears behind her and
places his hand on her shoulder.
No. This is simply impossible! I wanted to scream at myself. How could Rodrick
do this to me?! I was his friend! I wanted to convince myself.
Rodrick grabbed the scarf around Johanna's neck and ripped it away to expose her
neck which was covered with fang marks. Rodrick had gotten her pregnant AND used
her as his own personal blood bank.
All the sudden pain had Johanna gripping her pregnant stomach and withering on
the floor. Rodrick bent down in front of her, obscurring my vision of her. All
was silent...until a shrill cry pierced the air. Rodrick turned around, holding
a baby in his blood covered arms. A baby boy. A smile played on his blood
covered face. Johanna rose up behind him. She was pale, her eyes were red, her
nails were sharp. She was a vampire.
I noticed that the bottle was now empty. She looked at it, then at me and threw
the bottle. But instead of the bottle breaking into millions of pieces, the
image of Johanna and Rodrick and the baby shaddered. The pieces fall away as if
I had seen that frightful image in a mirror...
I shuddered at the foul memory that had clouded my mind.
"-You had invited us out of friendship, and I am sorry that Brielle has put our
friendship in this position. If you so wish then we shall leave." Rodrick is
explaining to me.
I felt some relief, I had imagined that whole horrible thing, but I had to know
for sure. I had to see Johanna.
"Its fine. You are forgiven." I took a step forward to go to Johanna then
thought about something else, "You didn't by chance get her a wedding gift, did
you?"
"What kind of gift does one give to a human?" He answered with a question to my
question.
The answer was no. I nodded and walked away. I found Johanna with Sophia and
Vera in the middle of the dance floor. I placed my hands around her waist and
spun her around to face me. Her hips were as narrow as I remembered and her neck
was clean from any imperfections. I placed my palm on her cheek and she held it
there as we kissed.
"Can we talk?" I ask her after pulling away.
"It sounds important, and like something I really don't wanna hear."
"Its both," I reply.
She gives a solemn nod and sends Sophia and Vera over towards Lottie and Jordan.
Johanna grabs my hand and leads me out into the empty hall.
"I don't know what is happening to me." I say as we sit on a stone bench.
She's silent for a couple minutes as my face lays in my hands.
"Tell me what happened." She commands.
So I do. Only, I don't elaborate on all the details. Just that I seem to be
haunted by death and people from my past and that I had a strange...vision?...in
which she became pregnant by Rodrick.
"Its like I keep imagining alternative ways that these events can go. I feel
confused and scared."
She leaves me to think for another minute. And I love how wonderful of a
listener she is.
"You don't have to worry about Rodrick, I married you. I choose you, not him,
not anyone else." I smiled, "And as for me being pregnant by another man;
impossible. I can't become pregnant...ever."
My head snapped up to look at her beautiful green eyes. Its not that I wanted
kids at all, I wouldn't dream of putting her through that kind of torture...its
just...I wish I had known.
"What do you mean?" I ask her slowly.
"Because I was sick all the time...something...happened. And because of that
something, I can't ever be pregnant. I consider it a never ending disease."
We're both silent.
"Are you upset?" She asks.
"No, I care. I'm worried that you didn't tell me. And I feel like a jerk for
showing off my nieces to you when they children, I had no idea."
"Don't be sorry. It doesn't really bother me. And don't worry, I didn't tell you
because I don't think a relationship should be based upon those kinds of
things."
She's right...but relationships, definitely marriages, ARE based on those
things.
We let the news seep in and let the bad mood leave, there would be plenty of
time to worry about this stuff after the honeymoon.
So Johanna pulled me back to the dance floor and settled against my chest for a
slow dance.
"I can't believe Rhoan and Darla." She smiles.
"What about them?" I ask.
"Your best man is making out with my maid of honor." She tells me.
I pull back a little to look her in the eyes, "Rhoan?!?... And Darla?!? Rhoan
AND Darla?!?"
She's nodding, "If you had listened to me, I was trying to tell you before.
Look." She points to the hall where we just were and I see Rhoan kissing Darla
before both were coming back to the party. The DJ takes my lovely Johanna and
sits her in a chair in the middles of the dance floor.
"Alright, alright. Gabriel, do you think you could go get Johanna's garter for
us?" He asks me.
Oh, its that thing! I nod my head and make my way to Johanna. I hope that I
didn't look too serious about what I was supposed to be doing. I knelt to the
ground and reached inside her dress, trailing my fingers up her smooth leg. At
last, I found the garter and slid it off from around her ankle.
I tossed it into the crowd and guess who got it? Haha, Rhoan was very shocked
when it landed in his hands.
"Alright, friend, don't go anywhere, we're goona need you," the DJ tells Rhoan,
"Now, Johanna, do you think you can get all your single ladies up her so you can
throw your bouquet?"
"Of course!" Johanna smiles.
She gathers all her girls into a group, turns her back and tosses the bouquet
into the air. One guess who got it? Darla. She seemed kind of shocked.
"What does this mean?" She asks the DJ.
He laughs, "This means that you have to take a seat right in this chair." She
does, "Alright, where is that guy that caught the brides garter?"
Rhoan steps forward.
"Okay, now, depending on how much you love the bride and groom, your going to
slip that garter as high up on our maid of honors leg as you want. Keep in mind
that the higher up you place it, the more years of happy marriage you wish our
couple. Ready, go!"
I'm not diving into details, but I will say that Rhoan loves Johanna and I a
lot. Haha!
When that as done, as soon as they can, Rhoan and Darla sneak away back into the
hall. Darla is kissing Rhoan and pulling him into the coat closet....
....The coat closet!
Yeah, buddy!
"Who knew? Your sister and my best guy friend. That'll take some getting used
to."
Johanna laughs, "I saw it coming."
For the rest of the party, I couldn't help but grin every time I saw the coat
closet!
But, like all good things do, this party came to an end. Johanna and I snuck
away at the last five minutes to change. We both dressed in jeans but while I
wore a nice button down shirt, she wore a black tank top that said 'Just
Married' on the front.
Hand in hand, we ran through the hall shouting our goodbyes, to the white
limosine waiting out front. We waved until we couldn't see our friends any
longer.
"Where too?" The driver asks.
"The airport. We have a honeymoon to start on." I tell him.
-Gabriel
March 17th, 2011
Today has been the day of my dreams for- oh, well, I guess its been, oh
yeah...FOREVER! Since my father told me of my engagement to Natalia I've either
dreamed of my freedom or of a woman who I desire in every way possible. Johanna
is that woman.
All I have to do is hear her name and my undead heart starts beating and my dead
arteries start pumping dead blood through my system in anticipation of the
freedom she brings. Being with her, I've learned that humans aren't as delicate
as they might seem. My Johanna has the will of God, the heart of a saint, the
warmth of a hot summer sun, the mind of a scholar, the life of a flourishing
undiscovered rainforest. She's funny and smart, beautiful and kind, loving and
warm, strong and determined, she's gracious when she's right and accepting when
she's wrong. I'm not just marrying a girl today; I'm marrying a woman, my best
friend, my teacher, my sun my moon and my stars, the other half of my heart. I'm
being bonded in every way possible to the woman I want to spend forever with.
She's the right amount of crazy to my "boring", she's the life to my death,
she's the love in my heart.
So, why then, did I feel like something was wrong? Sure I'm about to go against
everything I once stood for. Once. But I've changed for the better and this is
what I've waited for since I first laid eyes upon her. Perhaps I'm worried that
her humanity will catch up to her too quickly and then, in turn, take her away
from me? Seems plausible. Perhaps I'm afraid that she'll let humanity take her
away? Yes. Visions of my aged Johanna start filling my mind:
She'll let herself grow old without me, she'll let the gray fill the color of
her hair. Time will wrinkle her beautiful skin. Seeing the world will catch up
with her, making her eyes grow weak and depend upon glasses. Hearing music and
dancing deep into the nights will take its toll; her ears are straining to her
the new music we've discovered, her body is weak. My wonderful friend's eyes no
longer jump in anticipation of seeing me, instead, her eyes flare with
resentment at seeing my perfectly sculpted body.
And then, she'll let the cold seep into her bones, the light leave her eyes, the
touch of Gods creations escape her grasp, Death will knock on our door. I won't
be able to prevent him from entering. He'll throw in the door and slowly curl
one icy finger after another around the door frame. Eventually pulling his
hooded face into the room, all that is distinguishable is his glowing hell-fire
red eyes. Rather than walk or creep into the room, he seems to glide. This
enrages me that such a monstrous creature that wishes to take my love from me
can appear so tranquil. I run from her side to attack the foul beast but my
vampire powers are of no use. I have died, I am dead. But I am not Death itself.
I'm just the messenger. Effortlessly, his long, bony, talon like fingers reach
inside my chest and wrap around my heart. The ice from his hand freezes my heart
and has me shivering in pain on the floor. My body is paler than normal, my
eyelashes are draped in snowflakes and my lips are blue. I'm shivering and can't
escape the cold because its inside me, I'm doomed to watch as Death continues
gliding to Johanna's bed. He sits on the edge of the bed, just like an old
friend, and smoothes her gray hair.
Johanna's old mind makes her mumble something un-intelligible and Death stops
her from speaking any more. He places his icy, taloned hand over her mouth and
nose. Just like that, my beautiful beloved is gone from this world. Her life is
snuffed out like the flame of a candle.
My frozen eyes produce two blood red tears that slowly travel down my cheeks.
Death takes his ring and pointer fingers and drags them over her eyes, down her
face to close them, and places two pennys (heads up) over the dead green fields
that I never get to lose myself in again.
When that is done, He stands, his tattered black robe flowing around his body.
Casually, and as properly as a gentleman would, he holds out his hand to her, as
if offering to lead her into a dance.
I wonder why? She is dead!
But I am answered when a whispy, white hand rises from her dead one. That hand
turns into an arm and then a shoulder, a chest and a head. Her whole body is
ghostly as she moves her legs over the side of the bed. Her ghost hand flutters
light as a feather into His gnarled, bony clutches. When she stands, she too,
appears to be gliding rather than walking.
"Johanna?" My voice is little more than a whisper.
Its like she can't hear me. My eyes follow her path alongside Death to the door.
"Johanna!" My scream is hoarse. And raspy.
Her ghostly foot steps in front of my hand. I'm able to twitch my finger to try
and stop her but her ghost foot just warps around my hand and then re-assembles
when its out of her way. My finger tries to cling to the last whisps that were
her foot.
"Johanna!" I cry out hoarsly again.
No reply. My blood tears keep coming, slower than I need them to be. And I can
only watch her walk out of the door, arm-in-arm, with Death as if they were old
friends.
Death stops in front of the door, steps aside, and makes a sweeping motion with
his hands. Without even hesitating, Johanna walks through the door and
dissapears in the brightly lit sun.
"Nooo-ooo!" My dry voice crackles.
Death follows behind and soon they are shrouded by his rotted black cape, and
then...gone.
"Gabriel? Hello? You-hoo! Anybody their?"
I become vaugly aware of a male voice. And then I realize a hand is being waved
in front of my eyes.
"Gabriel! Snap too! We need you!"
There's that weird voice again!
Its like I'm coming out of a blindness, everything is white, then colorful, and
blurry, then fuzzy, then clear.
Rhoan is leaning in front of me tying something around my neck.
I freak out and dart away from him because I suddenly had the weird feeling that
he was trying to strangle me.
"What the Hell is wrong with you?" Rhoan asks with his hands still frozen where
they were.
I freeze with my leg half way out the open window, I didn't even realize I was
trying to make a break for it.
"You know, you were really scaring me." Rhoan slowly crosses the room to where
I'm crouched, "You had your eyes open the entire time and it was freaky! Please
don't ever do it again." He informs me as he finished tying the bow tie around
my neck.
I'm still crouched half out of the window, not completely sure what's going on.
There is a knock on the door and before anything happens, before I move or Rhoan
replies, Ryder pushes open the door walks in and closes it behind him.
He has a cigarrete poised between his first and second finger and a glass of
scotch held by his thumb and third finger.
"There he is." Ryder taunts, "The special one."
"Yeah! He's all-" Rhoan begins cheerfully.
"Out. I want a word with my almost-brother-in-law." Ryder growls.
Rhoan gives a look but starts towards the door.
I'm still sitting their stupidly with my foot out the window.
"So are you goona suck my sister dry tonight or what?" He asks abruptly, "Ya
know what really gets me? The fact that she's goona be having sex with a dead
guy tonight."
Rhoan hadn't gotten to the door yet, he freezes in his tracks, "Hey, how? Did
you know-?" The confused look on his face made Ryder laugh.
"How about some food to sedate you enough to not kill my sister at the alter?"
Ryder asks mischeviously.
"I still don't understand how-" Rhoan's sentence is cut short when Ryder throws
the contents of the glass into his mouth, slices Rhoan's throat with his claw
and has blood pouring from my friend's throat and into the glass.
"Want some?" His lips slide over his gleaming teeth.
I'm still frozen to the spot. You would think I'd do something to have saved my
best friend, but I just couldn't move.
"No? Well I'll have some." Ryder bends to Rhoan's neck and his face dissapears.
A minute later his face rises with blood smeared around his lips and his canines
pointed and full of delicious ,delectable blood.
He looks into the glass of blood and slowly raises his eyes until they are level
with mine.
"Its still warm," He muses.
And with a snap of his arm, the beautiful red nutrition is flying at me, hitting
me in the face and soaking into my dark hair.
I pull my leg back inside the room, shut the window and run my hands through my
hair to smooth it.
"I'm sorry. I'm just a bit frazzled." I reply semi-calm.
"Hey, are you okay?" He asks referring to my blood lust.
I consider this. I'm hallucinating. So no.
There is a knock on the door and before we can move, Ryder is strolling in with
a smirk on his face, a cigarrette between his first and second finger and a
glass of whiskey in his thumb and third finger.
"Yo, your presence is requested downstairs." He says, "There's some guy in black
down there." He sips his drink.
"Oh! Its the priest!" Rhoan clarrifys.
I shrug and we head downstairs into the living room.
The guys are all gathered there in their tuxs and ready for a wedding. Rhoan
hands me a white flower to put in my chest pocket and a red one in his to
signify he's the best man.
Ryder goes over to the bar and pours himself another whiskey and asks Rhoan if
he would like some. Surprisingly, Rhoan agrees. I'm also surprised how
comfortable Ryder is in a room of vampires.
The priest asks if I'm ready to get married.
"More ready than I ever thought I could be."
He looks at me confused.
"That's a yes," Ryder calls from the kitchen as he and Rhoan finish their
drinks.
"Very good, and now we'll be on our way." The nice man replies.
I shrug my shoulders and out the door we all go. I start walking towards the
cars.
"Young man, where do you think your going?" The priest calls out.
"Don't we have to go to the-?" The priest starts shaking his head, "No?" I ask.
He waves me over and I follow behind him, into the forest.
The forest. Hmmmmm. Not exactly what I pictured, but, Johanna hadn't told me
anything about the wedding and I hadn't asked so I really don't know what's
going to happen.
Deeper and deeper we go.
The sun shines through the tree tops and follows us all the way to the
river...the river I found Johanna in.
There is a clearing, with small white chairs set up and split down the middle by
a long red carpet which leads to a beautiful alter. As Rhoan and I walk down the
aisle I notice the two weeping willows set as our back ground, they are
absolutely beautiful, and absolutely perfect. At the end of the red carpet is an
arch made up of 2 trees that become intertwined in each other. Along these trees
are vines and more small white flowers. I'm in complete shock and amazement as I
stand up there next to the priest and Rhoan. The chairs are filled by the time I
blink and in the back there are three violinists.
Things are set in motion: Darla walks down the aisle in a lovely green dress and
holding some flowers that I'm not familiar with. Then my cute nieces walk next
to each other, down the aisle, dropping large white petals and wearing floor
leangth apricot colored dresses, very antique looking and definitely chosen by
Johanna.
Vera stands next to Darla, Sophia stand next to Rhoan.
And the moment I've been living forever for finally arrives:
One violin starts stringing out the notes to the wedding march, and then the
second one eases into the song and finally the third creates a symphony. Its
slow and soft and beautiful.
Before the crowd rises to see the bride, snow starts falling. That's right; I
said snow. Its soft and white and beautiful as it falls all around us. It comes
down faster and faster, not a blizzard but not scarce. I follow the walls of
people and the red carpet to see the hem of her dress. And my heart warmed, she
had chosen a large white wedding gown just as I had wanted for her. The dress
itself is a creme color with vintage lace in the front and fabric roses along
the waist line. Traveling farther up her body, the straps for the dress are also
made of roses, but Johanna has the straps draped off her shoulders. Her
beautiful, tanned neck is framed by a diamon necklace. At her bust she holds a
bouquet of white lillies. Her hair is curled and held in place by a wild half
bun that has some of her hair coming over her shoulder. She smiles shyly under
my stare of wonder, approval, and excitement. My Johanna wore no veil, she
didn't need it. The snow swirls around her, her dress drags over the red carpet,
brown dirt, green grass, and white layer of snow as she dances her way to me.
The violins stop, the people sit. All is silent. Our song becomes filled by the
sound of the river running, the snow swirling around our bodies, birds chirping
in the trees.
She looks up deep into my eyes, and I look into hers.
In one, magical, sacred moment, I hold my hand out to her and she takes it,
being led closer to the priest.
"We are gathered here today to celebrate the bonding of this man and this woman
in holy matramony-" the old priest speaks loud and clear.
Johanna gives me a reassuring squeeze, but I can hear her feet shifting
anxiously beneath her dress.
"May I have the rings?" He asks.
Rhoan hands me my wedding band for Johanna, Johanna passes her bouquet to Darla
and is then given the wedding band she chose for me.
We give them to him, he blesses them and then hands me my ring for Johanna.
I take her left hand and repeat, while sliding it onto her third finger, "With
this ring I take thee, Johanna, to be my lawfully wedded wife."
Johanna takes my left hand saying, "With this ring, I take thee, Gabriel, to be
my lawfully wedded husband."
"Then I now pronounce you husband and wife." The priest turns to me, "Gabriel,
you may kiss your lovely bride."
Happily, I place my hands on Johanna's shoulder and pull her to me. Her lips
first taste sweet, and then the taste changes, her lips no longer mold to mine.
I start wondering what happened, I rub her shoulder but its covered in fabric.
I pull back and then flinch in shock. My gorgeous Johanna isn't in front of my
eyes. Instead, small, thin lips curled in a smile, tiny, delicate hands gripped
the bouquet. And plain brown eyes were peering at me, you know what they say
about eyes being windows to the soul? Well, her eyes were brewing with trouble.
My love's amazing wedding dress was gone, instead was an old white dress with
long sleeves and a veil thrown over her head and her hair pulled into a tight,
proper bun.
I flinch back, "Natalia!"
"Hello...Husband." She smiles wickedly.
I look to the priest but the kind old man is no longer there, in his place is
the Devil dancing around. He's sporting a pointy red tail, a sharp red
pitchfork, and small horns. Fire dances through his eyes and sears the edges of
his cape.
I look to Rhoan for help. My friend is wearing a smirk that I've never seen
before. And in front of my eyes, he starts clawing away at his face and arms.
Blood doesn't pour from his wounds, instead he starts reaching another layer of
skin. He peels away the old one and steps out of it like one steps out of a
diving suit. In the place of my friend is my older brother, Filip.
"Congratulations," He jests.
I look to Darla but she is doing the same thing, clawing away at skin and then
stepping out of the old layer. She has her head bent, her hair covers her face.
Its no longer brown, but a shimmery blond instead. I thought it might be Johanna
so I rush to her aid.
"My love!" I say taking her hand.
She throws up her head, hair flying to rest on the back of her neck.
"Yes?" That voice is not the one of my beloved. Tiny, delicate features, height
much smaller than Johanna's. Sharp teeth, and... Red eyes. Eyes that scream
fire, Hell, death, and...
"Pain." She says slowly with a hint of happiness.
I fall to the ground, withering in agony. Fire starts eating at my insides.
When it stops, all I can say is, "Jane."
She smiles a wickedly happy smile.
I look out to the crowd, hoping my family can help me, but their all gone. All
the chairs are empty except for a few on the front left side. Three to be exact.
Three kings.
Aro. Marcus. And Caius.
Aro looks rather amused, like always. Marcus looks surprisingly un-bored. And
Caius is intrigued.
Aro gives a slight wave.
A few rows behind them is Ryder lighting another cigarrette and a few of his
werewolf friends are licking their lips in anticipation of a good kill.
I'm freaking out! Behind me, I hear the devil choking on something. I turn and
see blood dripping from the corner of his lips. Steam rises from his eye balls
as he falls face first to the floor. In his back is a razor edged silver knife.
I look up and see a billowy, black cloth cape coming my way. The front of the
cape is open and she's naked underneath. She has long nails, slender hips, stong
arms, a beautiful creamy body. Her lips are set in a playful pout and lilac eyes
are framed by long, dark eyelashes. Her long blonde hair is straight, with
sparkles and pulled half way up in the back.
She saunters my way, never taking her eyes away from mine.
My brother laughs, she throws fire from her hand and incenerates him where he
stands. She does the same to the Kings, who don't even bat and eye. And to Ryder
and his gang and also Jane. It is just me, Natalia, and Her.
She opens her lips a little, still keeping them in a pout, and for the first
time, I notice the curve of her breasts. Immediately I feel shame! Today is my
wedding to Johanna, but that feeling evaporates. The curve of her breasts, the
tightness of her abdominal, their familiarity makes my dead heart stutter.
The cape drags behind her on the floor as she approaches Natalia. She stops a
little more than two arms lengths away, eyes on Natalia.
"Stay away from my wedded husband." Natalia says.
She raises her cream colored leg and kicks Natalia in the chest. Natalia flies
backwards and dissappears into thin air.
The snow had been falling this entire time, the green grass isn't visible any
longer. The once green forest is now covered in white, an icy winter wonderland.
"Kali?" I ask her cautiously.
She doesn't move. The cape slides off of her shoulders without her moving.
Their is a clapping sound. I look to the right set of chairs. My other brother,
Nikolai, is lounging in a chair, one leg over his other knee. Hands resting on
that leg.
His long golden hair is held back by a crimson ribbon.
"Bravo, dear brother. When you were a human you wanted every girl to be yours,"
He muses, "But now, even in death, your girls won't let you go."
He stands and walks up the aisle, away from us.
"You dug your grave, now lie in it." He whispers before dissappearing into the
whiteness.
We're all alone. Everything is still. Just me and Kali with her back still
turned.
Slowly she turns to me with her naked body fully exposed. Her flesh seems to
tighten and retreat from the cold, it makes her seem human. Steam rises from her
mouth where hot air meets cold air.
A small shiver runs down her spine as she wraps her arms around her naked body.
My ruthless maker now seems vulnerable. I take her hand from her shoulder and
hold it to my heart for warmth. I take her other hand as well and she begins
unbuttoning my shirt. As soon as my marble body is exposed I pull her naked body
to mine, holding her there, trying to warm her body. I grab her tighter and
tigther as she tries harder and harder to become one with my body.
"Gabriel?" Her steamy breath tickles my flesh.
"Yes, my love?" I don't know what made me call her that! Its like being back
with her all those years ago, we were partners in crime...and lust...once again.
"D-I-E." She whispers slowly.
I hadn't realized what she meant until it was too late, she had thrown fire at
my feet and the fire was soon licking my legs, caressing my chest, searing my
soul.
My skin melted and dripped onto my bones, I was screaming bloody murder as the
snow all dropped away and was replaced by hot flames and volcanoes. My eyeballs
burst from the heat and my bones started charring.
Johanna slides the ring she chose for me onto the third finger of my left hand.
I hold both of her hands in mine and whisper, "You look beautiful." So only she
can hear.
"Do you, Gabriel, take Johanna to be your wedded wife for as long as you both
shall live? In sickness and in health? For richer or poorer? Until death do you
part?"
"I do." And I was never more sure of anything in my entire life.
"Do you, Johanna, take Gabriel to be your wedded husband for as long as you both
shall live? In sickness and in health? For richer or poorer? Until death do you
part?"
It seemed that she took forever to answer, even though she took no longer than I
did:
"I do."
"Then, by the power invested by me, I pronounce you husband and wife. I think
you know what to do next." He says happily.
"I know what I want to do next." I whisper to Johanna.
She smiles against my lips and invites my tongue in quickly before pushing it
away.
The crowd cheers and I wish we didn't have to pull away from each other. Johanna
grabs her bouquet from Darla and we happily walk down the aisle as man and wife.
Just outside the edge of the forest is a white horse drawn carriage. I help her
inside and then climb in as well. We wave goodbye as the horse trots away from
the forrest.
"Well, Mrs.Ryan," I smile at her happily, "What's next?"
She snuggles up to me and pulls my arm around her shoulders.
She gets this very happy, relieved look and then gazes far off into the sky,
"Take me to the stars?" She asks me in a dreamy voice.
"Oh trust me, tonight I will." I say with a goofy grin spreeding across my face.
She hits me playfully, "Cocky fellow, aren't you?"
We let the conversation die off for a couple minutes until I gingerly grab her
chin and make her look at me.
"Anything you want, I'll give it to you. Anywhere you want to go, I'll take you
there. All you have to do is ask and I'll give you the world."
She searched my eyes, let a tear slide down her cheek, and then places my hand
over her heart.
"Just like you said two nights ago, 'do you feel that? My heart beats for you
and only you.' All I want is your heart, to know its mine and no one else's."
She was crying softly and I wished I could cry too.
In a choked voice, I reply, "My heart was yours from the moment I first saw you.
And it always will be. Its yours to protect, to love and hold or to throw away.
Do anything you please with it. Its yours."
There we are, the human and vampire, a seemingly horrible match, bound until
death takes us away from each other. One is crying and the other is forced to
choke on sobs that can never come out.
Johanna ends her sobs and smiles, "You called me 'Mrs.Ryan'. I love it, and I
love you. I've never been more happy than now, when I can finally call you my
husband."
I lean in and kiss her, whispering the word 'wife' into her lips, her mind, and
her soul.
About 30 minutes later, the carriage coasts to a stop in front of a large
building. I help Johanna out and take her, hand-in-hand, inside. We are told
which door to go to, and when we open it all of our friends shout and cheer for
us. They form an arch leading to our wedding table where we sit happily and
observe the party. I decided that I would experience the party as a human, the
food, the dancing, everything! Johanna was a little annoyed that I was trying to
fit in with everyone but given the circumstances she let it slide without an
argument.
I danced with Vera, I dance with Sophia, I dance with Susan and I dance with my
family.
It was time for Johanna's dance with her father, we all surrounded the dance
floor to watch.
"'And you'll be in my heart
Yes, you'll be in my heart
From this day on
Now and forever more
Don't listen to them
'Cause what do they know
We need each other,
to have, to hold
They'll see in time
I know
When destiny calls you
You must be strong
I may not be with you
But you've got to hold on
They'll see in time
I know
We'll show them together
'Cause you'll be in my heart
Yes, you'll be in my heart
From this day on,
Now and forever more
Oh, you'll be in my heart
No matter what they say
You'll be in my heart, always
Always '"
Richard leaned forward and pressed a kiss to Johanna's forehead before she held
him tightly and whispered, "I love you, daddy."
My human body thought of Catia. I could even still feel her warmth as she clung
to my legs.
Half way through the song I asked Susan for the dance and was gliding across the
floor with her.
"Hello, hello friends and family of Mr and Mrs.Ryan! If we all clear the dance
floor its time for the first dance for our married couple." The DJ says.
I pass Vera over to Lottie and then take my place in the center of the dance
floor. We start out with my hand on her waist and holding her other hand in the
air.
"'Look at the sky tell me what do you see
Just close your eyes and describe it to me
The heavens are sparkling with starlight tonight
That's what I see through your eyes
I see the heavens each time that you smile
I hear your heartbeat just go on for miles
And suddenly I know why life is worthwhile
That's what I see through your eyes
That's what I see through your eyes
Here in the night, I see the sun
Here in the dark, our two hearts are one
Its out of our hands, we can't stop what we have begun
And love just took me by surprise, looking through your eyes,'" by this time her
hands were resting behind my neck while my hands were on her hips, "'I see a
night I wish could last forever
I see a world we're meant to see together
And it is so much more than I remember
More than I remember
More than I have known
Here in the night, I see the sun
Here in the dark, our two hearts are one
Its out of our hands, we can't stop what we have begun
And love just took me by surprise, looking through your eyes
Looking through your eyes'"
Our dance existed of fairy tale like twirls and dips, slow and romantic. The
magical thing is that this song seems to have been created just for us. The
crowd melted away behind us and we were alone in our own world where only each
other mattered. The world could have been set on fire, there could have been an
earthquake, I wouldn't have noticed.
The dance ended too soon, we were applauded, and Johanna went to change. When
she came back she was wearing a strapless off white dress with golden designs on
an empire waist, this dress was very slim, not too big, I could tell that she
felt more comfortable in it and then it was time for dinner. Johanna had
requested a varity of foods. She wanted Greek food and native Russian dishes,
but she also had steak and chicken for the younger kids.
Before we knew it, it was time for the toast.
Darla cleared her throat, took the microphone and stood up.
"Good evening, friends and family of Johanna and Gabriel," People clapped, "I
just want my little sister to know how proud I am of her. Johanna, I've watched
you grow up all your life. I was there when you were first brought home, I
helped you take your first steps, I even helped you with your first crush. I'm
really happy and proud to be standing up here as your maid of honor, your
sister, and your friend. You look beautiful, and you've grown into a very
special young woman. So for a special woman, we have a special man as well.
Gabriel, I wish I could have met you sooner. Your nice and funny, your perfect
for Johanna. Welcome to the family."
Johanna stands up and hugs her sister.
Everyone toasts us and sips their champagne.
Next its Rhoan's turn.
"Hey everyone, thanks so much for being here and celebrating this special
occassion. I know that Gabriel and Johanna agree that you all have made it
magical and special for them. Although I didn't know Gabriel when he was
younger, I've watched him grow up in these past years. Meeting Johanna really
changed him. Because of her, Gabriel has more patience, he's more accepting and,
well, he's just an overall nice guy. But you know what they say, if you are
around someone enough then you pick up on their traits and habits. Johanna, you
make Gabriel smile more, and laugh, you taught him to take a step back and love
the world for its beauty. You make him happy. Thank you. Johanna, welcome to the
family, even though we've considered you family since we met you."
My wife...gosh I love that!...smiled sincerly and blushed a little too.
I stood up and hugged my friend. I know he had his doubts about Johanna in the
beginning, and he even still might hate her, but it means so much to me that he
said those things.
"To the bride and groom." Darla and Rhoan raise their glasses and so does
everyone else in the room.
"To Gabriel and Johanna." They reply.
Everyone sips their champagne before Darla takes the microphone from Rhoan,
"Rhoan and I have put together a slide show of Johanna and Gabriel. Please enjoy
it."
Darla was really smiling....like an abnormal amount of smiling for her. She sat
next to Rhoan as the slideshow started playing. They couldn't have it from when
we were both children to the present day because I don't have pictures from my
childhood, and if I did they would be black and white and painted portraits. So
it was just pictures of Johanna from the year I first saw her and then a few
pictures of me, like the one with the family and the Cullens. And then their
were pictures of me and Johanna that I didn't even know we had. There was a
picture of me at The Seven Deadly Sins (when the hell was that picture taken?!
Those vampires don't do pictures!) And there was one of Johanna working at her
bar. There were halloween parties and New Years parties spent with our human
friends. There were pictures of Johanna "camping" outside the house (that was
when we had our fight), and at the end there was a video of us baking cookies
and stuff. Well, okay, Johanna did the baking. I tried to help but I almost
burned the house down, so Johanna told me to kind of watch instead.
At the end, I was amazed how far we had come... and how many times their were
cameras around and I didn't even notice because of how interested I am in
Johanna.
The video was truly brilliant! And when it was over, we wanted to thank Rhoan
and Darla but they weren't anywhere in sight.
Johanna and I decided to get up and dance with our friends to continue the
party. But when we got to the middle of the dance floor, all I noticed was six
pairs of red eyes glowing from the darkness near the bar. I left Johanna on the
dance floor and wandered over.
I was out of sight when I rounded the corner and as soon as I did, I felt an icy
hand slide along my shoulder.
I spun around fast, my eyes widened even faster.
It was Brielle.
She was wearing a sparkly blue cocktail dress and tall skinny heels. And if it
wasn't short enough anyway, well it had a slit going up the side of her leg.
Around her neck was a choker necklace of the same color.
"Do you like it?" She bats her long eyelashes which are also covered in
sparkles.
I push her hand off my shoulder, "How dare you come to my wedding dressed like
that and try to seduce me."
The others stepped out of the shadows behind me.
"My mate is not trying to seduce you, mate. She's with me." Ripper growls.
I turn on him and growl back. We bare our fangs at each other.
Reaper growls at Ripper, Brielle growls at Reaper, Stormy growls at Brielle, and
Lara growls at Stormy.
Reaper was wearing a peculiar cotton tank top and his usual bow tie around his
neck, Stormy was in a deep purple pants suit and Lara was in a bright pink skirt
and top.
Ripper turns around to take Brielle away.
"Well if she's with you then tell her to stop being a little slut." I say to
Ripper.
The growling starts again.
Ripper growls at me, I growl at him, Brielle purrs at me, Reaper growls at
Brielle, Ripper growls at Reaper, I growl at Ripper, Reaper growls at me, Stormy
growls at Reaper, Lara growls at Stormy.
"Why don't you say that to my face?" Ripper yells.
"How about I say it to your body while its 6-feet under for good, youngster?" I
threaten as I shove him up against the wall.
"Children, children," Rodrick steps from behind the corner pulling a black
jacket over his bare arms, he blinks his red eyes and makes a dissaproving
clicking sound with his tongue, "Aren't we better than this?" He asks
sarcastically.
I step away from Ripper. Brielle looks down at her feet.
'What is this about?' He asks me in my mind.
I look at Brielle, what kind of vampire am I if I can't deal with such a small
problem on my own?
"Nothing," I say.
'Are you sure?' He prompts.
No one says anything.
Rodrick is giving his usual, dissaproving, downwards glare at us. Slowly, his
eyes shift to Brielle, she looks up at him, straight in the eye.
"Now, Brielle," he backs her straight into the wall and presses his body close
against hers, "Brielle, look," he commands and her bright red eyes stare at his
lips as Rodrick let's his fangs slide down, "Brielle." He whispers twice as he
breathes on her neck, lightly dragging his fangs over her skin. The joy and
elation it causes has Brielle breathing heavy in anticipation and even has her
fangs out when Rodrick places his fangs over his wrist to give her his blood.
As soon as her fangs were out, Rodrick grabbed both of them and tore them out of
her jaw. She gripped her bleeding mouth and wailed in pain. Ripper snarled which
is all it took for Rodrick to decide to make an example of him. Rodrick took his
hand and grabbed the right side of Ripper's face, forcing him to the wall and
not long after, the smell of burning flesh filled the air. Ripper howled in pain
as Rodrick removed his hand to expose the hand print of fire scar on his face.
Reaper looked like he wanted to do something but was then discouraged when
Rodrick's fierce red eyes became fixed on him...of course it didn't hurt that
Rodrick was snarling with his fangs out and blood dripping from them.
Once Lara, Stormy and Reaper backed away and Ripper and Brielle were cowering in
pain against the wall, Rodrick turned to me. He took four quick steps before he
was pearing down at me, standing close. He takes his closed hand and sticks it
into my pants pocket before he opens his fist and pulls his hand back out.
I feel the blood from Brielle's fangs seeping into the liner of my pants pocket.
Rodrick keeps his eyes on me as he wipes the blood from his mouth and closes his
eyes, sending his fangs deep into his skull.
Brielle scowls and storms off into the crowd. Ripper heads towards the bar and
Reaper follows after him. Lara and Stormy leave and go anywhere just so Rodrick
and I can be alone.
"I am sorry for the interruption and for the embarrassment Brielle has caused
you." He says.
"Thank you." I reply.
"She is too determined for her own good. Once my Brielle has her eyes on
something," Rodrick is looking me in the eye, "she never let's it get away."
I had taken my human form again after the others had gone and it was just me and
Rodrick. I blink my human eyes and when they open Rodrick is holding two glasses
of champagne.
I take one.
"Its amazing how little human eyes perceive." His hand gripped my jaw and was
looking deep into my eyes. I actually felt like he was entering my body,
learning every twist and turn of my insides.
"Yes," I state.
"And how much the human body feels." He trails his icy fingers along my neck, I
shiver.
"And how easy it is to make the body feel,"
I start to feel warmth spreading through me, its delicious whispers tug on my
heart strings and fog my mind. I began to realize how perfect Rodrick is. He is
tall with thick blonde hair, a luscious face like an angels, his ab muscles form
a perfect six pack visible beneath his black coat. My king is wearing leather
pants ,like usual, that show me the strength of his thighs and the power of his
legs. His strong hands move over my face, memorizing each and every line and
then down my chest, and then down to my.....
"Its astonishing how easy it is to corrupt a human body."
The feeling stops. I feel empty at first and then realize what he had did to me.
He had made me love him.
'I didn't make you feel anything that you already didn't.' He whispers in my
mind.
"I know so much of you, but so little of your human body." Rodricks fingers
trailed over my chest to discover that my scars were no longer there.
"Ah, well. Such a shame that my son uses his talents to pretend to be a human.
Living in that filthy body, unable to take what you want."
"What do you mean?" I ask my fearless leader.
From behind his back he pulls what looks like a bottle of wine, but I knew
better. The bottle was wrapped in gold with jewels incrested in the gold. It was
his blood inside.
Rodrick gripped the neck of the bottle and strolled into the crowd of dancers,
specifically he strolled over to Johanna. The song changed to something erotic
and sexual, a low heavy beat was causing heads to snap back and forth.
Rodrick grabbed Johanna's waist and pulled her close, pressing her against his
groin. I was glued to the spot, unable to protect her. I shouted her name but
over the music I probably wasn't audible. Johanna gave me a smirk as she took
the uncorked bottle from Rodrick and swallowed some of the blood.
"Johanna!!!!" I yelled across the room, "Don't!"
But she couldn't hear me.
Rodrick bent down to her chest and licked her skin all the way up her throat.
While she was distracted by his strange pleasures, Rodrick tore open her dress,
leaving my Johanna in her under garments.
I yelled again, it seemed that my voice had dissapeared. I couldn't run to her,
save her, and I couldn't turn away either. I was forced to watch Rodrick posess
her.
The people around them seemed to have dissappeared, Rodrick grabbed Johanna's
long golden hair and yanked her head back causing her to fall. Instead of
falling to the floor though, she fell on top of a bed. The people were gone, we
weren't at the party anymore, I was in a small bedroom watching Johanna's naked
flesh melt into the large bed with many pillows.
'I'm taking what I want...' He says in my mind.
Rodrick dived on top of her. She twisted her arms around his neck, he didn't
like that. Rodrick grabbed her wrists and pinned them above her head. He left a
trail of kisses down her neck, down her chest, over her stomach...
The deadly whiteness of Rodrick's stark naked body blended with Johanna's tanned
body. She sipped the blood that Rodrick had given her and screamed a mixture of
pain and pleasure...
'...and living in Johanna's dirty body...naughty girl...'
Time sped up and stopped then sped up again a few times. Each time, Johanna had
her back to me but was still gripping the bottle of Rodrick's blood, and each
time her hips seemed a little wider than I remembered. Time stopped. The bottle
was less than half full. Johanna had her back to me still.
"Johanna?" I called out.
To my surprise she turned her head to look at me, she had heard me.
"Johanna thank God you are alright!" My voice sounded different, it was getting
distant. I didn't realize that it was because I hadn't spoken the truth. She
wasn't alright.
Johanna turned her body towards me. My eyes widened in shock and horror! My
words caught in my throat! My heart ripped in half and then in half again until
it was nothing more than little shreds.
....Johanna was pregnant! Very much pregnant! And I wanted to cry.
"Johanna? How did this happen?" I whisper.
She gets a very pleased look on her face as Rodrick appears behind her and
places his hand on her shoulder.
No. This is simply impossible! I wanted to scream at myself. How could Rodrick
do this to me?! I was his friend! I wanted to convince myself.
Rodrick grabbed the scarf around Johanna's neck and ripped it away to expose her
neck which was covered with fang marks. Rodrick had gotten her pregnant AND used
her as his own personal blood bank.
All the sudden pain had Johanna gripping her pregnant stomach and withering on
the floor. Rodrick bent down in front of her, obscurring my vision of her. All
was silent...until a shrill cry pierced the air. Rodrick turned around, holding
a baby in his blood covered arms. A baby boy. A smile played on his blood
covered face. Johanna rose up behind him. She was pale, her eyes were red, her
nails were sharp. She was a vampire.
I noticed that the bottle was now empty. She looked at it, then at me and threw
the bottle. But instead of the bottle breaking into millions of pieces, the
image of Johanna and Rodrick and the baby shaddered. The pieces fall away as if
I had seen that frightful image in a mirror...
I shuddered at the foul memory that had clouded my mind.
"-You had invited us out of friendship, and I am sorry that Brielle has put our
friendship in this position. If you so wish then we shall leave." Rodrick is
explaining to me.
I felt some relief, I had imagined that whole horrible thing, but I had to know
for sure. I had to see Johanna.
"Its fine. You are forgiven." I took a step forward to go to Johanna then
thought about something else, "You didn't by chance get her a wedding gift, did
you?"
"What kind of gift does one give to a human?" He answered with a question to my
question.
The answer was no. I nodded and walked away. I found Johanna with Sophia and
Vera in the middle of the dance floor. I placed my hands around her waist and
spun her around to face me. Her hips were as narrow as I remembered and her neck
was clean from any imperfections. I placed my palm on her cheek and she held it
there as we kissed.
"Can we talk?" I ask her after pulling away.
"It sounds important, and like something I really don't wanna hear."
"Its both," I reply.
She gives a solemn nod and sends Sophia and Vera over towards Lottie and Jordan.
Johanna grabs my hand and leads me out into the empty hall.
"I don't know what is happening to me." I say as we sit on a stone bench.
She's silent for a couple minutes as my face lays in my hands.
"Tell me what happened." She commands.
So I do. Only, I don't elaborate on all the details. Just that I seem to be
haunted by death and people from my past and that I had a strange...vision?...in
which she became pregnant by Rodrick.
"Its like I keep imagining alternative ways that these events can go. I feel
confused and scared."
She leaves me to think for another minute. And I love how wonderful of a
listener she is.
"You don't have to worry about Rodrick, I married you. I choose you, not him,
not anyone else." I smiled, "And as for me being pregnant by another man;
impossible. I can't become pregnant...ever."
My head snapped up to look at her beautiful green eyes. Its not that I wanted
kids at all, I wouldn't dream of putting her through that kind of torture...its
just...I wish I had known.
"What do you mean?" I ask her slowly.
"Because I was sick all the time...something...happened. And because of that
something, I can't ever be pregnant. I consider it a never ending disease."
We're both silent.
"Are you upset?" She asks.
"No, I care. I'm worried that you didn't tell me. And I feel like a jerk for
showing off my nieces to you when they children, I had no idea."
"Don't be sorry. It doesn't really bother me. And don't worry, I didn't tell you
because I don't think a relationship should be based upon those kinds of
things."
She's right...but relationships, definitely marriages, ARE based on those
things.
We let the news seep in and let the bad mood leave, there would be plenty of
time to worry about this stuff after the honeymoon.
So Johanna pulled me back to the dance floor and settled against my chest for a
slow dance.
"I can't believe Rhoan and Darla." She smiles.
"What about them?" I ask.
"Your best man is making out with my maid of honor." She tells me.
I pull back a little to look her in the eyes, "Rhoan?!?... And Darla?!? Rhoan
AND Darla?!?"
She's nodding, "If you had listened to me, I was trying to tell you before.
Look." She points to the hall where we just were and I see Rhoan kissing Darla
before both were coming back to the party. The DJ takes my lovely Johanna and
sits her in a chair in the middles of the dance floor.
"Alright, alright. Gabriel, do you think you could go get Johanna's garter for
us?" He asks me.
Oh, its that thing! I nod my head and make my way to Johanna. I hope that I
didn't look too serious about what I was supposed to be doing. I knelt to the
ground and reached inside her dress, trailing my fingers up her smooth leg. At
last, I found the garter and slid it off from around her ankle.
I tossed it into the crowd and guess who got it? Haha, Rhoan was very shocked
when it landed in his hands.
"Alright, friend, don't go anywhere, we're goona need you," the DJ tells Rhoan,
"Now, Johanna, do you think you can get all your single ladies up her so you can
throw your bouquet?"
"Of course!" Johanna smiles.
She gathers all her girls into a group, turns her back and tosses the bouquet
into the air. One guess who got it? Darla. She seemed kind of shocked.
"What does this mean?" She asks the DJ.
He laughs, "This means that you have to take a seat right in this chair." She
does, "Alright, where is that guy that caught the brides garter?"
Rhoan steps forward.
"Okay, now, depending on how much you love the bride and groom, your going to
slip that garter as high up on our maid of honors leg as you want. Keep in mind
that the higher up you place it, the more years of happy marriage you wish our
couple. Ready, go!"
I'm not diving into details, but I will say that Rhoan loves Johanna and I a
lot. Haha!
When that as done, as soon as they can, Rhoan and Darla sneak away back into the
hall. Darla is kissing Rhoan and pulling him into the coat closet....
....The coat closet!
Yeah, buddy!
"Who knew? Your sister and my best guy friend. That'll take some getting used
to."
Johanna laughs, "I saw it coming."
For the rest of the party, I couldn't help but grin every time I saw the coat
closet!
But, like all good things do, this party came to an end. Johanna and I snuck
away at the last five minutes to change. We both dressed in jeans but while I
wore a nice button down shirt, she wore a black tank top that said 'Just
Married' on the front.
Hand in hand, we ran through the hall shouting our goodbyes, to the white
limosine waiting out front. We waved until we couldn't see our friends any
longer.
"Where too?" The driver asks.
"The airport. We have a honeymoon to start on." I tell him.
-Gabriel