Open Water - (Beau Bokan fanfiction)

CHAPTER 27

Only three months ago, Beau Bokan, front man for Blessthefall, had asked me to be his wife and now I was standing in front of this mirror staring at myself engulfed in beading and lace. The dress was nice, renaissance style with quarter sleeves and a big skirt. The lace was so intricately woven, it reminded me of my own story so far, put together chaotically but from a distance looked picture perfect. Little Clarity wobbled over to me, mumbling as most one-year-olds do. Kendall swooped in behind her, scooping Clarity up into her arms and tickling her.

"God, you're so cute!" Kendall giggled, continuing to receive outbursts of laughter and squirming from her captive. Kendall turned her attention to me now.

"And you, Perry, look beautiful."

I smiled faintly.

"Thanks," I said, looking at Clarity; She had been lucky to get Beau's blue eyes and dark hair.

"Are you nervous?" Kendall asked, interrupting my train of thought. I looked up at her, then back to the mirror.

"More than I expected to be," I replied softly, taking a deep breath. "Who isn't nervous on their wedding day?" I smirked.

"It'll be alright." She said, turning her attention back to her niece who had managed to wriggle out of her grip and down her waist.

"Well," I said, with another deep breath, picking and prodding at my appearance. "Let's get on with it, then."

~

Beau and I had chosen a small chapel to wed in, closer to the more mountainous regions of California. Our wedding part was small, consisting mostly of Beau's family and friends, although a few of my relatives did show up, including my Uncle Rodney and his family. Uncle Rodney had accepted the honor of walking me down the isle in place of his brother, since both of my parents had refused to  show up to my ceremony. As I faced the chapel door, I decided to stand on my tippy toes and peak into the small window on the wooden door. From there, I could see the medium sized crowd, observing familiar figures such as Drew who sat towards the back of the sanctuary; Yes, I had invited him despite Beau's general dislike to the idea. A small string quartet was positioned to the right of the alter. Almost too soon, the quartet began playing and the ceremony started. The bridesmaids and groomsmen lurched forward in pairs, followed by Beau, who was helping guide a wobbly footed Clarity disperse flower petals. I stepped down and away from the small window and took a full gulping breaths of air, I could feel the butterflies flutter vigorously and my palms turn into tiny seas of their own. It was now time.

"Perry, I just want to let you know that your aunt and I couldn't be more proud of you," Uncle Rodney smiled, "And if you or your family ever need anything, our house is always open."

I laughed a small nervous laugh, "Thank you so much," I replied to him, already beginning to feel the heat reaching for my face and the tears swell around my vision.

"You're welcome, my dear." He said and sighed, and as if by some secret code or clockwork, the ushers swung open the chapel doors and I was swallowed whole by the organ and string quartet. It was now time.

~

The reception had started about an hour ago and I was now seated next to Beau whom was observing my incredible eating capabilities. I looked at him, mouth half full with a mixture of mashed potatoes and tilapia.

"What?" I said suppressing a smile while swallowing my food.

"I'm just so happy we did this. Perry, I love you and I can't imagine spending my life with anyone else." He said, looking down at Clarity who was cradled in this lap, dozing away to the sounds of dancing. Suddenly, Beau's sister  tugged at his sleeve.

"Come on,Beau! Let's dance!" She yelled, laughing and attempting to regain her balance. Beau looked between her and I, struggling to decide and finally with a burst of laughter, scooped Clarity into my lap and stood up.

"I'll be back, Per." He said laughing and following after his tipsy sister. I laughed and watched him morph into the crowd of dancers. I fiddled with the dramatically sized bow on top of Clarity's head while swaying her into sleep, She was big enough now that I couldn't hold her entirety in my cradled arms. I looked up to find Drew headed my way and when he finally got close enough, the bowed sarcastically and spoke sincerely.

"Congratulations." He said, smiling.

"Thank you," I said smiling back. It became awkward for a moment and I watched his eyes fall onto the, now soundly sleeping, Clarity. I couldn't help but think about how he only speaks to me fully when Beau isn't around. I attempted to break the awkward silence.

"How are you enjoying the reception?" I asked.

"Well enough." He replied, slightly shrugging.

"Well enough?" I questioned, "Sorry my wedding doesn't meet your expectation." I remarked, dismissing him immediately. I paid my attention back to Clarity.

"I didn't mean it like that, Perry, it's nothing like our-" He switched focus, trying to regain ground he had so quickly lost. "Everything is perfect. The ceremony was beautiful, the food was good and the drinks are free." He said rushing through his sentence. "I just don't know anyone here but you and Kendall."

"Hm," I grunted, looking over the crowd for my sister. "All caught up, are you?" I asked almost sarcastically. Drew followed my gaze and found Kendall, as I had, dancing with one of our cousins, Anthony. She seemed content, actually pretty happy.

"She looks a lot better, Per." Drew said keeping his focus on her. I continued to watch her smile and laugh.

"Yeah, she does." I agreed, the mood instantly becoming sober. We both watched and smiled as Elliot snuck up behind her, grabbing her around the waist and picking her up off the ground, jostling her around playfully. I was glad too see them back together  after the had briefly parted for a few weeks so Kendall could battle some of her demons on her own. I finally turned back to drew.

"So, how's Ashley?" I asked, retrieving our conversation from the focus of the dance floor.

"Eh, she's fine," He said instantly bored with conversation of his sister and my ex-best friend. "She's got a new boyfriend and moved in with him." He said, shoving his hands into his slacks pockets roughly.

"Huh." I replied, waiting for him to go on.

"He's not any better than the last one, but I've decided to stay out of it. She doesn't pay me much mind anymore anyway because I've been talking to you more and more often." He said looking around for anything to grasp his attention.

"That's petty." I said matter-of-factly. Ashley had always been that way though.

"well, life's a bitch." He said with a smirk. Beau came up behind him suddenly, giving him a hefty pat on the shoulder as men often did in greeting.

"Hey drew, how are you?" Beau said politely.

~

The wedding was finally over and Beau, Clarity and I had arrived home around ten o' clock. With Clarity in bed and Kendall away at Elliot's house, Beau and I took solace in the peace.

"I love you," He spoke softly into the dark. I could feel him next to me, the heat radiating from him to me.

"I love you more," I replied, hiding a smirk. He rolled over almost onto me. I could barley distinguish his features in the dark of the room.

"Not possible, I love you more." He replied, starting to kiss at my neck and playfully bite my earlobe.

"Prove it." I whispered. Our lips collided, as if two stars had been fused together, uniting to make one. As we came together, I couldn't help but be pleased with my first night as Mrs. Bokan.