Never Looking Back

Saying "I Do"

   The Chantels, Anthony, and I are now at the chapel, and we are putting some last minute touch-ups on my makeup. As Arlene puts some more eye shadow on me, I hear a knock at the door. "Hey! It's Herman!" I hear Herman say. I nod and say "Come on in, Herman!" Herman walks into the room where the Chantels are doing my makeup, and he says "Wow, Alyssa! You look so beautiful!" "Aww, Herman! Thank you! You've been such a good friend to me," I say, grinning. Nodding his head, Herman looks at me and asks "Hey, so who's walking you down the aisle?" "Oh, Dion will be walking me down the aisle," I reply. Anthony says "Hey, Herman, get some pics of us, please!" "Will do," Herman responds as he starts to snap pictures of me and the other people in the room. Slowly, I turn to face Herman. "It'll be time to walk down the aisle soon, Alyssa," Herman says as he takes some pictures of me. Slowly, I nod, feeling the pure happiness surge through me. Suddenly, I hear a knock at the door. Dion pokes his head into the room and says "It's time! Alyssa, are you ready for me to walk you down the aisle?" Speedily, Herman rushes out the door, saying "I have to get pictures of my best friend walking down the aisle!" Grinning, I lock arms with Dion, saying "Let's go, best friend."

   Happily, Dion and I begin the walk down the aisle. I look around at all of the people in attendance, and I grin a wide grin. Sam Cooke is here! Ooh, and there's the other members of Anthony's group, the Imperials! Ah, it's so good seeing all of our friends here! When we get to the altar, Dion nods his head and walks back over to the other Belmonts. At the altar, I briefly look back at the people in attendance, and then, I turn to face Sherman.

   The wedding officiator, who's also the pastor of the church, says "We are gathered here today to witness the joining of love forevermore. The two lovely people standing up here, Sherman Marlow Garnes and Alyssa Jennifer Houlton, have decided to join their love-filled hearts and have them become one in marriage. Sherman, do you wish to have this lady as your wife?" "Yes sir, I do," Sherman replies. Then, the officiator asks "Alyssa, do you wish to have this man as your husband?" "I do, sir," I respond. "Good. Now, would the ring bearer please bring the rings up here?" Grinning, I turn my head and notice Frankie's younger brother Louis carrying the rings up to the altar. Louis hands the rings over to the officiator and says "So, Alyssa, slide the ring onto Sherman's finger and repeat after me." Nodding, I slide the ring onto Sherman's finger and repeat the words spoken by the officiator. A minute or so later, Sherman slides a ring onto my finger and repeats what the officiator says, too. I could cry so many happy tears, but I don't wanna ruin my makeup.

   Now, for the vows. Sherman looks at me and says "Alyssa, since the day we met, I knew you were the one that I wanted to spend my entire life with. You make me feel complete. You bring so much wonderful happiness into my days, and I am so in love with you." Smiling, I respond, "Sherman, you mean the universe to me. I'm so glad that you and the other Teenagers welcomed me into the group. Through thick and thin, we have always supported each other. I promise to remember the meaning of romance, my dear." "With that, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride!" the officiator happily exclaims. Slowly and happily, Sherman and I kiss each other, which marks our first kiss as husband and wife. I'm officially Sherman's wife. Today is the greatest day of my damn life- I'm so over-the-moon happy right now!