Craving Forgiveness

48

"Atarah. You look so stunning." Your mother said looking at you trying not to cry.

"Mrs. Kennedy." Raven reluctantly cut in. "It's almost time for you to walk the isle."

Jackie gave a single nod before turning back to you. She put her hands on your shoulders and gave them a light rub. "Don't be nervous. Erik loves you." She paused fighting tears,"If only Jack could see you now. Atarah. You know we loved you like one of our own. You've grown to be such a beautiful, kind, loving, intelligent woman and your father would be so proud of you. He wanted nothing more than for you to be treated like the princess you are. And I know Erik is doing just that. Jack is looking down and he is so happy for you. He loved you so much. Sometimes I think more than he loved me." She laughed, "He told me one night to make sure you never settled for what you thought you deserved because what your birth parents did to you. He wanted to give you the world. He wanted to make you so happy that you forgot about being mistreated. He wanted the best for you. For all his children. He loves you and he's so happy and so am I. So just relax, you and Erik were made for each other. " she kissed you on the cheek and squeezed you tightly before leaving the room.

You plopped on the chair and Jean and Ororo sat next to you.

"You look really nervous." Jean said.
"I am." You replied.
"Why?"
"What if I get to him and he realizes that he doesn't want me? Or he deserves better? Then what do I do?"

"That's ridiculous." Ororo interrupted. "Erik wants nothing but to be yours until he dies. He told me."

You let out a deep sigh right as Hank entered the room.
"Atarah. You look amazing!"
You smiled nervously,"thanks Hank."
"Are you ready?" He asked excitedly.
"As ready as I'll ever be."
You stood up and straightened out your dress before taking Hanks arm.

Once you left the room you heard music playing increasing your nervousness.
"Hank.." You looked up at him."You would tell me if I was making a mistake right?"

He looked back with a confused look on his face. "Of course. Why do you think I've been so quiet?" He nudged you and smiled. "You're not making a mistake. I promise."

You let out a deep breath,"okay good."

The doors opened and the wedding march began to play. Your head shot up as you looked up at Hank nervously.
"It's okay." He whispered and you took a deep breath and began to walk.

You looked up to see Raven, Ororo, and Jean at the alter opposite of Alex, Charles and..

And...

Erik.

Your palms became very sweaty.

He was looking directly at you.

His face held no expression.

You looked away not wanting to see the disappointment cross his face.

Hank let out a small laugh before leaning into you,"Look at him."

You looked up to see Erik with tears in his eyes.

He smiled so wide and so hard that you thought his face would get stuck.

Your breath hitched as you reached the end of the isle.

After Hank gave you away he stood next to Alex at the alter.

Erik took your shaky and sweaty hands, kissed them and turned to face the minister.

The ceremony began and you and Erik couldn't stop stealing glances at each other which resulted in Charles having to mentally fill you in on what the minister said because you weren't paying attention.

"And now to the vows. The lovely couple have written their own vows and are going to read them to each other now." He paused and looked between you and Erik. "Ladies first."

Raven handed you a letter and you opened it and looked at Erik. "My darling Erik. I am so grateful for you. I never thought happiness like this was possible. I make you mad and push your buttons and you know the real me with all my faults and flaws and yet you still love me. We have an interesting and difficult past and I may or may not have gotten you arrested." You paused and laughed along with the guests and Erik." But you still love me. And I am eternally grateful. Thank you for loving me and being there for me even when I push you away. I can't wait for many more arguments and maybe even getting you arrested again." You smiled. And he kissed your hand.

"Atarah. Atarah. Atarah. What am I going to do with you?" He gave a half smirk. "You are the most beautiful, ethereal creature I could ever hope to know. Your mind and soul are unlike any i have ever seen. So is your stubbornness." The crowd laughed," I couldn't have hoped for a more perfect wife. I am glad to know you and I wouldn't want to be standing here with anyone else. So I say bring on the arguments, the tears and the nights on the couch. But also bring the happiness, undeniable joy and seemingly unreal love. I love you so much my dear."

You couldn't help the tears as Erik finished his vows.

The rest of the ceremony was a blur and you and Erik ogled at each other.

"I now present to you," the minister started," Mr. and Mrs. Erik Lensherr."

The crowd erupted with applause and cheerful shouts as you and Erik made your way out of the church.

Once the doors closed and and Erik ran down the steps bursting into fits of laughter.

"Oh my gosh. We're married. I can't believe we just got married."

He pulled you into him and kissed your cheek,"I can't believe it either."

You looked up and smiled at him. "Is it bad that I don't wanna go to our reception?"

He shook his head,"Not at all. I don't want to go either."

He got a mischievous look in his eyes as he ran over to the limo and opened the door.
"Get in!"

You rushed over and hopped in the limo and he followed suit.

He closed the door and instructed the driver to drive away. "Who said the bride and groom have to attend the reception anyways?"