Creep

Chapter Twenty Two

And love, what a different life. Had I not found this love with you.~ Pearl Jam

"I do."

Two simple words. Two words that change someone's life forever. Whether it for better or for worse, weak or for strong, happy or for sad...well you get the idea. It's basically code for "good luck, you're now stuck with me forever and there is absolutely nothing you can do to stop me."

It felt weird you know, seeing my mom so happy. That sounds awful, I know, but it's been a while since I've seen her cry tears of joy. Even so, the only other time I have is when she brought me to movie night with her and her girlfriends, the film was called "The Notebook". They loved it, but in my opinion, it was too corny.

"You may kiss the bride." The preacher announced.

Hal literally dipped Mom and kissed her. They had to've kissed for at least two minutes, a little long but I mean Ethan and I have had our moments. Usually not in public though. Well...except that one time on the bus when Ethan was stressed about her homework and wouldn't shut up. We kissed all the way home.

After the church ceremony it was time to hug some family members.

"Hi!" Waved a bubbly red-head around maybe thirty.

I waved.

"Do you remember me?"

I shook my head.

"It's been a while. You've gotten so tall! Last time I saw you you were this little." She lowered her hand to show me how small I was.

Most conversations were like that. People telling me I was tall and stuff. The few I did recognize commented on my conversation skills, lack of stutter, and pretty girl. Considering how awkward I felt, made me wonder just how awkward I was as a kid. Ethan also talked with them and asked them additional questions to add onto the torture.

"Well, one time when I was babysitting him. I'd say he was around ten or eleven. Anyway, he got so nervous to go to the bathroom or to ask that he just went all over the sofa!" Aunt Ashton and Ethan laughed and laughed.

"What about you Ethan? Your turn to spill something about your childish ways." I pushed a little later in the hour.

"That's my parents job." She said.

"What's our job?" Mrs. Montgomery asked, she'd come to watch the wedding along with her husband.

We started to crack up, but as soon as it died down they waited expectedly for an answer.

Ethan looked down, so I responded for her, "To tell me embarrassing things she did as a little kid."

They looked at each other and smiled, then Mr. Montgomery spoke up, "Well, she didn't start sleeping in her own bed until she was seven."

"Not uh!" I teased.

"Oh yeah, she would make up a new excuse every night just so she didn't have to sleep on her own," Mr. Montgomery frowned, "I miss it sometimes."

"Dad!" She got embarrassed.

On the other hand, I liked that side of him.

After Mom and Hal were done reuniting with their own families, and meeting some of their new family, it was time for the few in the wedding to gather in a white limousine. The group included: Me, Ethan, Julian, Bernice, Hal's three sisters and brother, my uncle, aunt, Hal's nephew and of course, the two newly weds. Since the reception house was around twenty minutes away, they got the limo that included alcoholic beverages and a high tech stereo system.

Each of the adults got a drink, and even Ethan got a bit herself since no one was paying any attention.

"Hey, can you turn up the radio!" My aunt shouted to the driver.

As the volume got louder, a rap song about big butts was on. My mom and aunt danced and rapped; Ethan too.

"Let's get this party started!" Yelled one of Hal's sisters.

Wild old people are the best!

. . .

The first thing I noticed when I walked into the reception room was lavender and white balloons surrounding the doorway. Well actually, they weren't really balloons, I mean they might be. They outlined the door, and stuck together without strings. I'm sorry if that was hard to understand, but I hope you did because it looked very fancy.

There was also a huge cake with a couple on top, a D.J, a dance floor, a buffet, and more balloons! I swear Ethan had to stop me from playing with those things like three times.

After settling down, Hal took a fork and hit it on his champagne glass, while rising from his chair, trying to gain everyone's attention. Once everybody quieted down, he spoke, "Today was the day I got to marry the love of my life," we all clapped and cheered for them, "but, now I would like to ask my beautiful bride to dance."

My mom stood up right away and gave him her hand.

"And feel free to join us with dancing on this wonderful evening." He added.

The D.J put on "Parachutes" by Pearl Jam, Hal and Mom's song.

With shaky knees I made my way over to Ethan who was looking up at the ceiling, just waiting for me to ask her onto the floor with me.

"Ethan, would you accompany me-"

She cut me off, "I thought you'd never ask."

As I pulled Ethan in my arms and started swaying, my mom shot me a smile. I gave her one right back.

It was an amazing feeling dancing with Ethan. It always was a blessing to be with her, and always will be. I'm a very lucky person to have her in my life, and I thank God every morning and night. I love her more than anyone before, more than I thought was capable to love a single person. But, here we are. I can't help but imagine that someday, maybe we'll dance together at our own wedding.