Costa Crew 3: Make or Break

Chapter 27 - (Sort of) Normality

"Lisa Kleinman," Maya began, sliding the ring onto Lisa's hand. They were in a small botanical garden, hired out for the day. A small, beautiful wedding with just a few close family and friends. "I never imagined this day would ever come for me. For a while my life was the same day on a loop - wake up, go to work and come home. I was surviving. Then all of a sudden you walked into my life and I started living. You asked if I could fix your life and instead you fixed mine. You told me I couldn't love you after hearing your past but that is the past. The Lisa I know is kind, funny, supportive and the greatest woman I have ever known. We can't change the past but we can control the future. And one thing is for certain - my future is gonna be amazing with you in it. I love you, Lisa."

Lisa smiled at Maya, tearing up slightly as Alex passed her a ring. "Everyone here knows about my past in some capacity. I couldn't go on with life back home so Australia was my way of running away. I expected to start a new life but I didn't expect to meet someone as amazing as you. You taught me not to judge people by their worst mistakes, because even after hearing what I'd done you still chose to love me for the person I am now. Thank you, Maya Smith, for giving me a second chance. For understanding. For having my back. I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you. I love you, Maya."

The officiant smiled. "Do you, Lisa Kleinman, take Maya Smith to be your wife?"

Lisa smiled. "I do."

"And do you, Maya Smith, take Lisa Kleinman to be your wife?"

Maya nodded, a single tear rolling down her cheek. "I do."

"Then by the power vested in me, I now pronounce you wife and wife," the officiant finished, nodding to Lisa and Maya. "You may now kiss the bride."

As Lisa and Maya kissed, everyone smiled and started clapping - the group travelling from London, the Kleinman family, the Smith family, and all of Lisa and Maya's friends.

"That's gay," Ted whispered as they clapped.

Bruce laughed slightly as he rolled his eyes. "That's the point, Ted," he said, smiling.

Becky glanced over at Ted and Bruce and grinned, knowing exactly the comment that had been made. Some things never change, she thought to herself with a smile.

***

"Wine, Becky?" asked Maya, holding out a glass.

Becky smiled and shook her head, no desire to ever drink again. "No thanks," she said politely, sipping her lemonade.

Paul laughed. "I should have known. Becky Hidgens with the lemonade."

Becky shrugged. "I have simple tastes."

"Don't blame you there," Paul said. "After all the weird and confusing stuff there's nothing like a simple glass of lemonade."

Becky nodded. "How are you coping?" she asked. "Mentally, I mean."

Paul sighed. "I'm just glad nobody else got hurt," he said. "That the Costa Crew are okay. Bruce and Clark are okay. Lisa and Maya. The kids, Alex, everyone who's still here. The fact that they're safe is a blessing. Even if it was horrible losing everyone that we lost. What about you?"

Becky sighed. "It's been a lot. John Goodman contacted me last week and put me in touch with the MI5 counseling services. There's a lot going on in my head and he thought I could benefit from regular appointments. Even though I'm not an agent he made an exception. I made my first appointment yesterday. It'll be over video call to save me travelling, but I think it could be a great help."

"That's good," said Paul. "You've been through a lot and nobody's gonna expect you to feel better immediately. But making that appointment was a step in the right direction. And you know that if you ever need to talk, or vent, or play Mario Kart, we're all here for you."