Error Number: 505

25 - worth it

Eden's POV:

-1 month later-

I'm my mother's maid of honor at her wedding.

But I also get the honor of walking her down the fucking aisle.

The way I've seen my mother smile today is like no other. The way her eyes sparkle when she sees Kila walk down the aisle makes my heart full.

There's something about seeing your mother so happy that makes you so blissful.

I stand next to CeCe and watch as I see two people who are crazy in love stare at each other for 45 minutes. And then they kiss. That's pretty much how it goes down.

And then I have to give a speech at the reception, which is scary but totally worth it.

"When I was little," I start. "I used to talk my mom's ear off about love. And my five-year-old perception of it, which really stemmed from how I perceived her and my father's relationship. Which, at the time, was my only real idea of what love was."

"And when I talked to her, she always told me, "Buttercup, you can love a man, but you can also love women! Mommy loves women along with men!" Well, why aren't you with a woman then?"

They laugh. I smile.

"Whenever I saw my mom and Kila together, even when I was little, it felt different. More genuine. Like they weren't just best friends, but it was... deeper."

"And I loved it when she came around because my mom would smile more, and she'd be like this buzz ball of sunshine all because of a human. So, of course, I planned many girls' days at five years old! She was in a good mood, and I could get Barbies!"

They laugh again.

"Whenever my mom was upset or stressed out, Kila would be the first to get a call. And I always wondered why. And then I realized why. They're in love."

"And from the sidelines, I always rooted for them. Because when they're together, I see both of them smile and laugh and relax in a way that only happens when you've found your person!"

"I'm so happy my mom found her's. And I'm so happy that Kila can be a part of our life forever now because I've never seen them so happy."

"So! I have the honor to make the toast, and my sweet mommy let me drink real champagne, and I'm really excited!! To Kila and Maria!"

"TO KILA AND MARIA!!" They cheer. My mom comes up to me and hugs me. She pulls away and puts her hands on my face.

"I love you so much, Buttercup." She kisses my forehead.

"I love you more." She smiles and shakes her head. I go and sit down next to Ellie, who's already had a little bit too much to drink.

"Hi, beautiful!" She says, looking at me. She leans in and kisses me. "You're so fucking hot I'm in love with you. I want to have sex with you."

"You're drunk, Ellie."

"I am so drunk! I'm so fucking excited to be with you all of the time. We're going back to New York for college!" She lays on my lap.

"We are going to New York for college." I stroke her hair back.

"And you're gonna be a nursing major like your mom! Cause you wanna help people!"

"Yeah," I say, rubbing her forehead with my thumb.

"And I'm gonna be a social worker."

"Yeah, you are." She smiles. I kiss her forehead and take a large sip of champagne. She sits up and puts her head on my shoulder.

"Yeah, I am!" She giggles and takes a shot.

"I'm so fucking drunk!" She stands up and starts to dance with CeCe on the dance floor.

"That's your girl," my mom says sitting next to me. She tucks my hair behind my ear. "I'm so proud of you. Did you know that?"

"You've come such a long way buttercup. And I'm so happy for you. And so proud. I'm so glad I get to be your mother. It's the biggest blessing of my life."

I look at her and hug her.

"What about CeCe?"

"This is your talk, not her's!" I laugh.

"You're doing amazing. And I know you will go off and do amazing things." I smile.

"I hope to, mommy," I whisper.

"You will. And know that I will always have your back. No matter what happens." I hug her again. She holds my head and kisses it.

"I love you," she whispers. "I have to go make out with Kila in the bathroom now so I have to go." I laugh.

"Okay, mom!" I say laughing. She stands up and walks away. I laugh and tuck my hair behind my ears.

"Hey. How are you doin'?" Joan asks, sitting next to me. She grabs my hand. I look at her and smile.

"Not- what Ellie tells me, actually. How are you?" I smile.

"I'm good, Joan really I am. I'm in an amazing place. With Ellie, with my friends, with everyone. Even Jessica." She chuckles and shakes her head.

"Are you nervous about college?"

"Yeah," I say. "Very."

"You'll be okay. I know you got it. You've been alone before in New York! You got it a second time!" We laugh.

"I do! I do I do."

"Just remember what we talked about. Remind her that these behaviors aren't healthy and reassure her. And if that doesn't work it's okay to take a break. That's what saved your relationship last time."

"Thank you, Joan."

"Don't thank me. Ever. I'm always here if you need anything at all. K?"

"K." I smile at her. She rubs my back before walking away.

I look at my lover and my sister dancing to Love Story by Taylor Swift. Ellie is so wasted it's hilarious.

I'm an adult. Going to college soon. K. I didn't need this level of sentimentality right now, but. It hits you like a bag of bricks.

My life has changed for the worse and better since the beginning of the school year in September. What started with a girl napping in the back of my car turned into a girl sleeping in my arms every night.

She says it's because I feel like home. I make her feel safe.

"Come on Edennnnn! Dance with me! Dance with me c'mon!" She pulls me up and takes me out to the dance floor. We start slow dancing to a Lana Del Rey song.

She rests her head on my chest. I kiss her head.

"I love you," I say softly.

"I love you more." I shake my head and hold her tight. She closes her eyes.

"I do love you more, Eden," she whispers. "I'm so grateful for you. You saved my life. I can't repay you for that," she whispers. "I showed you every single flaw of mine and you love me anyway."

"Of course, I love you anyway. You're everything I've ever wanted and more."

She smiles and looks up at me. She locks her lips with mine.

I hear the photographer's camera shutter.

A/N - AWWWWW.

I love you guys forever!!💖