The New Beginning (Sequel to Split H.S.)

It's my wedding day. The day I've dreamed about so many times was finally coming to reality. My dress hugged my curves in all the right places, including my growing baby bump and loosened from the knees down. "Here you go honey" my mom said handing me a perfectly rounded bouquet of roses. In the dressing room across mine, Eli was getting the talk from my father who just quite wasn't ready to let me go. "Eli". My father began. "You know how much my little girl means to me". Eli's eyes pierced into my dads. He nodded exactly knowing I was my fathers pride, and possession. "I'll never hurt her," Eli assured him. "That's a promise I'm willing to keep. She means everything to me. If I lost her.." He trailed off gazing out the window at the waves crashing into the shore. The decorations waved in the breeze. It was a beautiful sight. "If I ever lost her I don't know what I would do". He finished. "Now you know how I'd feel" my dad said with a small chuckle. Eli tried to smile. "I just want you to know you have the world in your hands now, Elijah". Eli looked up at him with the bit of confidence he had, "yes sir I won't ever let you down". They shared a moment before bringing each other into a manly hug. My dad disappeared out of the room, Eli left still enjoying the view. His hands were snug in his pockets and lips parted together. As the priest came and got him he walked outside to take his place. Evelyn was going to help Alaina with the flower girl. Everything goes too fast. I'm 28 I have 1 kid, with one on the way. I'm a forensic pathologist. I'm getting married, it's a lot. I saw Evelyn and Alaina throwing the flowers down the aisle, and Elijah smiling at them. "You look beautiful". I turned around and saw my dad. I smiled "thank you, daddy". "My little baby is all grown up" he said getting teary eyed. "Stop you're gonna make me cry". He hugged me, and I heard the piano start playing, everyone stood up.

They opened the doors, and my dad and I stepped out. We walked along the aisle, until we reached the front. He turned me towards him, kissed my cheek and handed me to Elijah. He wiped a few tears from his eyes. The priest said all of his stuff, "the groom will now share his vows".

"I first laid my eyes on Madeline when we were in high school, we must have been 17 maybe. I wish I could say I fell in love with her instantly, but I was 17 I didn't know what love was. I was running around with other girls, and when I met her that all changed. Now with her by my side, she's been through everything with me, she was always there when I needed her". He pauses and smiles down at me. "I never knew how much I relied on Maddie until we were about 20 and all I wanted to do was be by her side. But who knew throughout out our whole friendship I would madly fall in love with, an amazing, beautiful, wonderful person named Madeline. Maddie, my love for you cannot be described with words, you're all I've ever wanted and I can't wait for you to be my wife. I promise to love you even when I hate you, to be your best friend and the person you rely on, and to treat you with all the love and kindness you deserve".

I wiped the corner of my eyes and tried to dry my eyes that were damp. I hear some sniffing from Evelyn behind me, as well as people on the benches.

"Now the bride will share her vows" the priest informs me. "The first time I met Elijah in school, I was in maths class. 16 years old. I never ever, saw such a handsome man before. It's weird to think besides my family he has seen me grow up. We spent our  childhood together and when I look back at all those memories I think about the time we've had together. The good and the bad. Out of millions of girls in the world he chose me to be his one and only. Being with you has made me the happiest person in the world and I'm so grateful that I get to spend the rest of my life with you. I love you so much Elijah and I can't wait for you to be my husband. I promise to always love and care for you; to be your best friend and the person you tell your heart out too, and to make everyday with me special for the rest of your life".
Eli smiles at me. He wipes his eyes and mouths I love you to me, and I do the same back. "Do you Elijah Gibson, take Madeline Styles to be your wife? Do you promise to be true to her in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, to love her and honor her all the days of your life"?

"I do" Elijah slips the gold ring on top of my engagement ring.

"Do you Madeline Styles, take Elijah Gibson to be your husband? Do you promise to be true to him in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, to love him and honor him all the days of your life"?

"I do" my shaky fingers slide in his ring. I smile at him.

"Under the love of God in this home, I now declare you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride". Elijah hugs his arms gently around my waist and pulls me into him. His lips touch mine, making shivers run up and down my spine. I can barely hear the clapping. All I'm focused on his lips on mine. We both pull away and smile at each other.