Saving Jasper: Unbroken | ✓ [COMPLETE]

Chapter 7 | part two

deds to northbynorth for being my current inspiration and idol and all that fun stuff :*

{warning: reference to adult content near the end of the chapter}

chapter 7, part two

From the corner of my eye, I could see a butterfly. With ease, it fluttered through the silent air. Its silver and violet colored wings shimmered beneath the sunlight, casting sparkling rays over everything in its path.

Turning, it veered over the guests’ heads, heading towards the trees behind the church.

Father Neeson turned a page. "Now, we all know what love is. Love is many things. Love is physical, emotional, even spiritual. Today, before we begin, I have a special announcement."

I knew he was going to read aloud, what he and I had discussed months ago.

“Five months ago, Charlotte lost a close friend to cancer. As I have said, love is spiritual as well. Though she cannot be here with us physically, I know her memory resides in our hearts and minds, especially Charlotte’s. If we could have a moment of silence, please.” With that, he closed the book momentarily and bowed his head. Silently, we followed his actions.

The moment passed fluidly, and peacefully. Father Neeson proceeded with his sermon. Through the godly words, and many blessings, I stared up at Jasper. Strangely, I was at peace. The nervous butterflies ceased their flight, settling into a comfortable silence.

Jasper’s hands cradled my own. Father Neeson peeled another page back, clearing his throat once more.

“And now,” he began. “The bride and groom will read their vows aloud.” I waited for Jasper to remove a piece of paper from his suit pocket, but he didn’t. He simply gave a small smile and lifted his chin a bit, looking out over the audience. They sat, watching with curious eyes.

A while back, during the wedding planning, I could remember reciting my vows with Juliet.

She had said, “don’t forget them. That is the key thing to remember. Because, oh Jesus, if you forget them...” She mumbled off, rummaging through a box nearby. I’d frowned at her, though she wasn’t looking.

“So? I’d just make em’ up on the spot,” I smiled at my sudden logic. Strategically, she straightened up and slapped a book into my hands. It contained fake cake samples. She then jabbed her finger in my direction, nearly beheading me with an acrylic nail.

“Make them up? Are you serious, Char? Vows are basically everything you’ve been keeping in your head!”

I scrunched up my nose, genuinely confused. “What?”

She then grinned at me. “You know, don’t you remember pretending to get married when you were little? While growing up, you’d discuss with your friends how you would treat your husband. Those are your vows, things you’ve been discovering years before you even met that special someone.” She’d nudged my ribs with her elbow, indicating the fact that Jasper was my ‘special someone’. I realized she was right.

We do spend a good bit of time telling ourselves we’ll do this, do that, or act this way around our husband or wife. Which, later on, become your said vows. Biting down on my lip, at that time, I’d taken a moment to take a trip down memory lane. Had I ever pretended to get married? Of course I did. As a child, my ‘vows’ were silly and immature, but the more I learned, the more they’d made sense.

I’d vowed to love and cherish that special someone for as long as I’d lived. I had also vowed to be faithful, loyal and respectful towards him. I would take care of him on his weakest days, and allow him to pick me up on my weakest days.