Teen-Adulthood 101

Chapter Eleven

The next day after school, Jake and Kyle picked up Amanda, Rain, and me from home and we went to Starkville Hospital for Sara and Austin's wedding, which was held in the chapel.

"I can't believe this is finally happening!" Sara smiled, putting on her dress. "Am I dreaming?"

Jana shook her head. "No, sweetheart! You are not dreaming! This is really happening!"

"I know! I've been dreaming of this moment since he proposed and now that it's happening, I'm nervous and excited at the same time! I can't breathe!"

Hearing that, I just laughed. "I know the feeling, Sara. Ever since I met Jake, I was dreaming of our wedding and before I was pregnant, I was planning on marrying him after I finished college and established in a career. However, when the date was sooner than expected, I was hyperventilating, but my mom and friends told me it was to be expected. Now, I am happy that I married Jake because I do love him and he loves me. What about you?"

"I do love Austin," Sara smiled, "and I know he loves me! You're right, Hales. I will be happy marrying him because not only we're meant for each other, but we have a bond that will never break!"

Smiling at her response, Jana opened the door. "Shall we?"

We all nodded and walked to the chapel.

The ceremony started with the wedding march and we walked to our designated spots, waiting for the chaplain to speak.

"We are gathered here today to witness the union of Austin Scott Hall and Sara Renee Kennedy, who have come together in the House of God, in Holy Matrimony. If anyone has reason as to why they should not be married, speak now or forever hold their peace."

No one objected.

He continued. "Do you, Austin, take Sara, to be your wife?"

"I do." Austin replied.

Then he turned to Sara. "Do you, Sara, take Austin, to be your husband?"

"I do!"

"Then, the power invested in me, I now pronounce you to be husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride!"

Instantly, they kissed passionately and everyone cheered.

After the ceremony, we had the reception in the lobby and everyone from the teen mom support group was there, including Dr. Lancaster.

"I can't believe everyone came." Sara said. "This is amazing!"

"Of course we came, Sara!" a redhead hugged her. "We love you!"

Introducing Rain, Amanda, and me, Sara replied. "Guys, this is Dr. Lancaster's daughter, Annabeth; Annabeth, meet Haley Richardson, Rain Hale, and Amanda Morgan."

Hugging each of us, Annabeth told us about herself. "I'm twenty and a senior at State, majoring in Social Work and Psychology. My dream is to one day open up a home for teens that have no place to go and help them to succeed in their goals."

"That is awesome!" I replied. "Does this include pregnant teenagers?"

"Of course, sweetie! I have learned a lot from my mother, including helping pregnant teens. She had me at sixteen, worked waitressing jobs while going to college, and made sure I had everything I needed and wanted. So Haley and Rain, are you coming to my mom's support group, tomorrow? We'll be happy to have you."

I nodded. "We'll be there, Annabeth! Do you have a kid?"

"No," she shook her head, "but there are mothers at school who attend the meetings and I transport some of them. So, I am at all the meetings."