hey rockstar

ninety six ; we'll be a dream

It takes me a few hours to decide how to word the news to TEnley, i sit mostly in silence at dinner and while watching a movie. I watch as her eyes drift open and close she tries to keep herself awake after what is now considered a long day for us. It's not until we're getting ready for bed that I can think of what to say.

I sit on the edge of the bed watching as she washes her face and applies all her creams and serums that she likes to use. She sighs, turning to look at her with her soft eyes, curls tied up into a ponytail that is long enough to brush her shoulders already.

"What's up? You look like you;re thinking hard, did you mum say something that's on your mind?"

"Yeah actually," I purse my lips looking at her, "so mum said that Australian citizens are actually allowed to return to the country now, if they follow testing and quarantine rules. I was thinking..."

"You want to go back?"

"I do, I kind of do."

"And you've thought all about the fact you'll probably be away from the guys while trying to work?"

"Yes but, I was also thinking about you getting to work again for another month and then being able to see everyone and kinda decide if you wanna actually move to the states - cause you know you don't have to right?"

"I know but-"

"Sleep on it we'll just sleep on it and think I mean we have lots of time to go if we want to."

"Alright," she laughs slightly, climbing onto the bed with a sigh. "Alright I'll sleep on it."

She curls up into herself, as Butterscotch and Duke lay themselves against her cuddling up tightly in the dark. I shake my head turning on some stupid movie so i can do something before i fall asleep.

TENLEY

I open my eyes and look around the unfamiliar room. Something is different...

All of the girls are huddled around the room, hanging out in different spots with glasses of champagne in their hands. Their hair is done and their makeup is flawless. My reflection in the mirror looks identical to someone standing just behind me fiddling with my hair - I look like me only...brighter.

I get pushed out of the chair, everyone's mouths are moving but I can't hear what they're saying so I just follow to where I'm pushed. Hanging in front of a bright picture window, overlooking some forest, is a beautiful white dress and suddenly I know what's happening. I turn and the girls are suddenly in beautiful deep green silk dresses.

I blink and suddenly everyone is crying looking at me with smiles. I look down at the dress feeling the soft sleeves and the fabric covering my chest. Small tattoos that I had planned on getting when Cal's artist could come to the house are there, and they're beautiful. I look up and see doors opening wide, my dad's hand on the crook of my arm. I can see the tears rolling down his cheeks out of the corner of my eye. We move slowly into the sunlight and I smile seeing so many different faces. I love sitting along an aisle.

Calum and the boys are standing side by side at the front, the girls across from them. At first he's not looking, he's staring at his feet but Mikey elbows him in he rib to get his attention. His eyes turn to me and suddenly his expression changes.

His jaw drops slightly when he looks at me, hand raised to his mouth when suddenly tears start to trickle down his round cheeks. Mikey passes off a tissue and laughs visibly at him but nods his head understanding. The usually loud, and moving boys are standing silently watching me with soft looks on their face. Gazes switch between me and their best friend before a tear falls from each of their eyes. I don't think I could ever imagine the boys reacting this way but...I know they would.

When we finally reach the top of the aisle I can see Joy and David smiling happily, tears falling down their faces as well. Calum talks my hand softly, kissing it carefully as he holds it to his chest. I can see the officiant speaking, inaudible but with each word everyone seems to get more emotional. A different feeling washes over me, warmth but not like the sunlight it's something different.

Behind Calum's shoulder I can see my mom, smiling softly with a small butterfly on her shoulder. She nods her head and starts talking:

"You're not looking for a sign, and I'm not here to give you one. Your heart knows you better than yourself and for once your heart is truly doing what is good for you. I know you were discouraged with the past and the experiences you have, but without any of that behind you there is no way you would be ready for a step like this. You are a strong girl, and Calum is a strong boy but together you create something soft and open for one another. Allowing each other to be who they are, and who they need to be without suffocating them out of fear for growing apart. There is no better man for you to take as your husband and I want you to know that no matter what you think this is right. For you, for him, and for your future."

She disappears suddenly, I look around at the guests and she is nowhere, just butterflies weaving between flower arrangements and different friends or family. Calums hand is gentle on my face as he turns my head to look at him, sincerely i can hear him say:

"I love you with everything that I am. You are a dream come true."