Existence

11. gardens

"So you think you can tell heaven from hell. Blue skies from pain. Can you tell a green field from a cold steel rail? A smile from a veil? Do you think you can tell?" - Pink Floyd

The following morning, Mandy awoke with a smile on her face. His arm was draped lazily over her waist and she snuggled closer next to him. She didn't think that she made a mistake last night, and hoped that he didn't either. It would seriously suck if he didn't want anything to do with her after that night. But, it was a possibility she couldn't help but think about. 

It wouldn't surprise her, if that were the case. Someone already left her after he got what he wanted and she didn't think that Lucifer would humiliate her like her ex did. She had her fun with him. He showed her things that she always knew, but never believed. 

Even though she could not help but enjoy whatever it was that they had going on, she knew that all good things always come to an end. That is what makes the good times so much better. They are short lived moments that one must appreciate. It's the bad times that make those moments so enjoyable. Like he told her, happiness is a mood. It is something that comes and goes, like the wind blows. It was something she has started to be at peace with. 

She didn't even know her true feelings for him. 

She wasn't sure if she liked him, or the role that he played in her life. She admitted that she liked the way he made her feel, but he was the devil. It was easy for him to make her feel what she wanted to feel. Or maybe, it was happening all over again. 

She probably tricked herself into believing that there was potential for love. It wouldn't be the first time that she had mistaken affection for love, and it probably wouldn't be the last. It pained her to think of the possibly of him not loving her, but she had to face the truth. 

she had to lower her expectations so that she wouldn't be disappointed again. 

"Good morning." His voice was thick with sleep, "You okay?"

"Never been better," She happily sighed. 

"I'm glad," He smiled, "Now get dressed. We have another adventure."

"I don't wanna go," She whined, "Let's stay in bed forever."

"We don't have forever." It came out harsher than he expected, but he didn't bother fixing it. He said what he said. It was the truth anyways. 

"Oh. Okay." She whispered as she gathered her clothes from the floor. 

He sighed in frustration, before finally caving in. "Mandy, I'm sorry okay?"

"It's fine Lucifer. We don't have the luxury of time." She muttered.

"Wait, what?" He said, almost smiling. She implied that she wasn't going to be here for long. That meant she wanted her life back right?

"Nothing. It's nothing," She shrugged as she slipped her shirt over her head, "So, where are we going?"

"Your wedding." 

"I get married?" She asked, disbelief breaking out on her features. 

"Close your eyes and see for yourself." 

She did as she was told and opened her eyes to a beautiful scene. There was flowers literally everywhere. They were intertwined over the walls of a greenhouse. Trees and curtains were mixed and matched over the venue perfectly. It was just so stunningly beautiful, that it brought tears to her eyes.

She was getting married in a garden. 

How symbolic it was, to get married in a garden of all places. It was the very place of growth. It teaches patience and consistency. It shows how the best flowers are always picked first, and how a flower must endure the rain to grow. Nature always wins. It does not rush, for everything will be cultivated. 

It was also the very epitome of hope, because seeds are planted in hopes of flowers. 

A garden is a garden, a lesson for everyone who pays attention to it. The success of a garden is reflected on how much care it was given. The flowers are mirrored by the time and patience on has given to it. 

Like marriage. Like family. 

"Wow." She breathed. 

"It really is a beautiful venue." He said looking around. 

The musicians began playing Pachelbel's Canon, and she closed her eyes. The harmonious sound between the piano and the cello caused goosebumps to arise on her skin. It was a timeless song, one that she has listened to so many times, that she swore she knew every note. 

"Open your eyes love," He smiled at the sight of her enjoying the music, "It's show time."

They stood up along with the rest of the guests, awaiting the bride. The flower girl came out first, adorable as ever. Then the maid of honor and the best man. Upon seeing the face of her maid of honor, Mandy gasped. It was the first time she had seen a member of her family since she attempted to kill herself. Seeing her sister brought back even more emotion to what she was feeling. 

The music kept on playing, making the ambience ever so calm and romantic. Her hand itched to entangle with his, and she gave in. He was quite surprised at first, but then brought her hand to his lips and gave it a small kiss. 

Then, she saw herself. 

There was a genuine smile on her face, and she was wearing a beautiful white dress. It was exactly what she had dreamed of. Every single detail, down to the flowers in the bouquet, was spot on. The shimmer in the tail of her dress and the elegant updo of her hair, it all made her look so elegant. 

Most of all, she looked happy. 

She watched herself reach the groom at the end of the aisle. He had tears in his eyes and looked at her as if she was his entire world. He looked so grateful that it was her who would become his wife. Mandy squinted a little, and then the realization struck her. He was the guy from that cafe, and she was marrying him. 

They recited their vows, each of them on the verge of tears. Their tears must have been contagious because soon enough, everyone was tearing up. 

"Do you, Thomas Johnson, take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife?"

"Yes. A million times yes."

"Do you, Mandy Adair, take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband?"

"Yes. I do." 

"If anyone has any objections to this marriage, speak now, or forever hold your peace."

Mandy didn't realize what she was doing until she was on her feet. She ignored Lucifer's attempts at getting her to sit back down, and she raised her voice. 

"Me. I object." There wasn't an ounce of uncertainty in her words, but no one batted an eye. 

"You may now kiss the bride."

"Wait what?" Mandy said as she watched a man she knew she didn't love kiss her, "No. No, this can't happen."

"Mandy, what's wrong?"

"Why can't they hear me?" Tears welled up in her eyes, but then transfigured into bursts of laughter, "Wait they can't see me either right?"

He shook his head no. 

"Good." She said as she walked over to the couple. She studied her supposed husband, wondering what it was she saw in him. 

"Mandy, what are you doing?" He said from beside her. 

"I can't stop this marriage can I?"

"Uh, well you technically can. It didn't happen yet."

"Oh right," She blinked, "I forgot."

"What's wrong?" He asked her whilst cupping her cheek and gently lifting her face up, so that her eyes met his. 

"I don't want to marry him."

"You don't even know him." He teased. 

"I don't want to get to know him," She said, looking deep into Lucifer's eyes, "Why should I want to? It's you that I want."

"Oh." Was all he had to say.