Humanity 6 "The Change"

Chapter 22

***3 Months Later***

ASHLEY'S POV

Dear Ashley,
If you're reading this, then that means that I didn't make it to your wedding day. After your grandmother passed away, I found a box off things that she wanted to give me on my wedding day and it tore me apart because she was never able to give it to me. I was never a martyr but I did want to be sure that when I left, I left you with something important to me. Today might be your wedding day or it might just be a day when you felt like going through my things. Either way, I want you to have this necklace. It's a simple heart shaped pendant because I know that you aren't a fan of flashy jewelry. It was your grandmother's and I wanted you to have it. I wish I could be there to give it to you, but I'm never really gone. I love you, sweetie.
-Mom

My mother's words echo through my head as I stand in front of the mirror in Damon's bedroom, twirling the heart pendant around with my fingers. Thinking about everything that has happened since Ryan first found this necklace for me.

I didn't even know that vampires existed. I had no idea that the necklace actually contained vervain, an herb that weakened vampires.

I never fathomed the possibility that my mother gave it to me to protect me from what she was. A vampire.

Over the past five years, I met new people. I fell in love. I fell out of love. I died. I came back to life...as a vampire. I lost myself. I found myself.

And now I'm human again. Back to where I started.

But this time, it's different. This time, he's doing it with me. The man that I've loved since I met him in his driveway is going to be right beside me to go through the rest of my life with me.

I smile at the memories, bringing my hand down to my increasingly noticeable baby bump. As I rub my stomach, I look in the reflection of the mirror at the long white gown hanging behind me.

I can't believe this is all happening. Five years ago, I never would have thought that I would be at this point. I never imagined that my life would have turned out this way...but it did. And I'm so thankful that I made it.

A soft tap on the door interrupts my thoughts as Elena peaks her head inside. I pull my bathrobe tightly around my waist and tie the string before adjusting the towel on my head.

"Can I come in?" She asks with a smile, and I nod, turning to face her. She walks inside and closes the door behind her.

I am so grateful for these amazing friends that I've made. They've been with me through everything since I moved to town, and they could not have been more supportive during the past three months.

Thanks to the perks of her vampirism, Caroline was able to compel her way through planning most of my wedding. Most catering companies or DJs would have never agreed to my wedding on such short notice, but she made it work.

We decided to have the wedding at the boarding house because it was easier that way. Cocktail hour starts in the parlor, and the ceremony will be held in the Salvatore's backyard. The reception will follow in the garden in the front yard. Caroline completely transformed the whole place, and it looks amazing.

Elena and Bonnie even contacted some of my distant relatives to be here. I know that I haven't seen most of them in awhile, but this is a time for friends and family so I'm glad they're coming.

"Have you heard from Stefan?" I ask Elena as we both sit on Damon's bed.

I haven't seen Damon since last night, and Caroline has strict rules against me seeing him today. I know that he's with Stefan, but I have no idea where.