The ALMOST Wedding day

[Gaby.Lily.Kaci.Eva.Cam♥]

Well this was it, the day had finally arrived. This was the day Gaby and Justin were supposed to be married. The arrangements had been made for months and they really thought that this day would be a memorable one. Well it sure was memorable for Gaby, but not in a good way at all. She stood in the isle, envisioning how her decorations would have looked. She envisioned how her dress would look, how Justin would look standing there nervously in her tuxedo awaiting for her hand in marriage. Why did he have to go and mess it up? Why hadn't he stayed loyal after she gave birth to fruit of his loins? It seems like her loved her for a while, got involved with other things, and after Collin was born, he was no help at all. He had said that he was the way he was because of his sister, Erika, experimenting with drugs and calling on him for help, but a part of Gaby felt like there was a woman on the side.

"DA da da doom da da da doom", she hummed the traditional wedding music and attempted to walk up the isle. She pretended she was surrounded by her family and friends, and she acted like this was her moment, like this was her day, like it was supposed to be. She was so close, yet so far. How could she let it all go? She felt like she was disappointing so many people. The invitations were sent out, everything was booked, she would have been all packed up and ready to go on her honeymoon tonight. It was all so unfair. Instead of all that happiness and bliss, she got stuck sending 'un-invitations' out to everyone who received an invitation 'save the date' magnet. She was also the one who had to break all the arrangements and get a refund for her honeymoon tickets. And what did he have to do? NOTHING! All he had to do was disappear out of her life, and he did.

Slowly but surely Gaby's fantasy wedding day faded from her imagination and she was thrown back into the harsh reality. She was not getting married and she'd just have to accept that. She played back her messy break up in her head, and none of it seemed to make sense. What was her fault and what was his? It all happened so fast. As she searched through her memory, she was startled when she heard footsteps approaching from behind her. She was no longer all alone.

[Mana]

It was a quirky interest of his, visiting empty places like this. Typically the guy had no real reason for being here, but as he walked in, he noticed that he wasn't alone. Quite an odd sight he was, but seeing the woman here alone was even odder. This was a wedding chapel, wasn't it? Ayane blinked and removed his sunglasses, his blue-brown eyes wide with surprise. There were careful stencils drawn around his eyes normally, but today there was no makeup of any kind. Black hair was braided down his back, bangs still hanging in his face.

"E-Excuse me, sorry, I thought this place was empty," Out of sheer habit, Ayane bowed a little. Folding his hands behind his back, he looked up and around. Something white curled around his neck moved, turning out to be a snake. Wearing a black turtleneck and a pair of matching pants, the white snake stood out against it. "Shh, don't move around so much, you'll fall," He murmured to the snake as he lifted it from his neck. The snake hissed in reply, flicking his forked tongue at Ayane. Glancing back at the woman for a moment, he proceeded to put the snake back around his neck.

"My name is Ayane, but you may call me Riot," The boy tilted his head and smiled, really wondering why he hadn't just turned around and left? Too polite? Ayane held back a sigh, and observed the scenery quietly.

[Gaby.Lily.Kaci.Eva.Cam♥]

At the first sight of this man, Gaby's eyes were fixed on the snake. Snow white, and long, she was amazed at it's beauty, "No problem here, this place is really supposed to be empty. Don't mind me, I was just trying to gather my thoughts." she began, a polite smile approaching her lips. A bow? Not many people had the courtesy to bow at a womans sight anymore, it was very unusual, but nice at the same time. In response to his bow, she courtesied back and then giggle a bit when he talked to his snake, "Nice to meet you Riot, I'm Gaby. Is that your snake?" she asked as she lifted an eyebrow, "It's a very nice snake." she finished.

As usual, Gaby always 'mind-slapped' herself after she said such stupid questions. Of course it was his snake! Why did that question come out of her mouth? She tended to freeze when she approached so openly. It was definitely out of the ordinary, and just look at that black hair of his, she always wanted her ex-fiancee to change his hair to that color. Something about the hair color of black, made Gaby shine inside, "Cool hair." she just had to comment.

Bells in the church sounded and Gaby thought about how those were supposed to be HER wedding bells. When they had sounded, she pictured herself married, and on the way to her reception, being announced as Mr. and Mrs. Christensen. Why was the world so cruel?, "You know, this WAS supposed to be my wedding day...." she blurted out, wanting to tell someone of her troubles. Just someone, ANYONE who would be willing to listen, it would mean the world to her for someone to tell her she did the right thing.

[Mana]

Her curtsy made him smile a little, feeling less awkward somehow. Polo rested comfortably about his neck, only to be unhinged again as Ayane offered to let Gaby hold him. "His name is Polo, want to hold him?" At the sound of the bells he was awestruck at the sound. Never having heard bells like that before, other than school bells, the man closed his eyes for a moment and listened. When the girl mentioned her trouble, he blinked and shook his head. "It is a rather lovely day, I'm sorry it didn't work out," He really was at a loss for words, her comment on his hair was acknowledged with a muttering of arigatou(means thank you).

So she was supposed to be wed today? His politeness stopped him from asking more about it. If she wanted to talk, he'd listen, even if she was a stranger to him. "I normally style my hair or have some eye makeup, but today I was lazy," Ayane said, breaking the silence. Polo was curling around his arm, forked tongue flicking in and out as he moved. Ayane watched him for a moment, frowning slightly. His own troubles were few, and his last relationship had only lasted a couple months. Marriage was something he hadn't even considered, and probably wouldn't unless he could find someone he could love with all his heart.

"It's a pity he left you, you seem like a very kind person," Those were the only words he could bring himself to say, and the man didn't even look up as he spoke. Running his fingers along Polo's skin as he said it. It was simply impossible for him to lie, and though she was a stranger, he had no doubt that she had a good heart. Sometimes his gut was wrong, but not that often.

[Gaby.Lily.Kaci.Eva.Cam♥]

Gaby forgot all about her almost wedding for a moment when Ayane asked her if she wanted to hold Polo, which was apparently his snakes name, "Sure I'd love to hold him, thank you." she replied as she moved her arm toward his, preparing it for the snakes long, majestic, beautiful, shiny body. Gaby has always been awestruck by the natural beauty of the snake's skin. She noted that all snake skin had it own unique, brilliant patterns. This thought made her wonder if snakes were like cabbage patch dolls or snowflakes: No two are exactly alike. She looked down when Ayane commented on his sympathy for her for not having a wedding, she still couldn't believe she was in the right place, but not the right time. Yes, she was in the church where the ceremony would be, but she hated that she was in some jeans and a spaghetti strap shirt instead of a wedding gown. Instead of having her hair professionally dolled up in curls, it was just brushed wavy today, nothing special. This had not been her day like she wished it was.

"His name was Justin, together we brought a beautiful son into this world, but then he was overwhelmed with raising our son, and my daughters. You see, I had twins of my own before meeting him, so he was the closest thing to a father that they had. It's a pity that they still love him so much. But long story short; he left us out of the clear blue." she began, each work getting smaller and smaller in tone, "And the worst part is, I thought we were happy." she finished, her eyes filling with tears. She swallowed hard and brought her free hand to her face to wipe any escaped tears, the last thing she wanted was to cry in front of this stranger with a name.

She noticed that he murmured something after she complimented his hair but she couldn't make it out into English. Little did she know that it wasn't English, "Oh well I think I'd prefer it this way, it's more natural than having a face full of make-up. But don't get me wrong, guy liner always looks good." she replied in a hurry. Guy-liner, Gaby's definition for a guy's eyeliner. When he complimented her, she smiled sincerely, "You seem like a very nice person too. I can usually pin the good apples from the bad, and anyone who could take the time to care about someone they just met, is definitely a good apple." she responded with a playful wink, "So how about you, any kids of your own?" she asked in sake of conversation. She really didn't want to be alone on this day.

[Mana]

When Polo had moved to rest twisted around Gaby's arm, Ayane folded his arms back behind his back. Polo was a beautiful creature, and the man's companion and friend for two years. It was a wonder that he'd managed to get enough money to feed him and his kitten, but he did. "I see, so he can't handle responsibility then, or was it commitment, I wonder?" Ayane commented quietly, his expression changed briefly as he said this, still wondering what had made this Justin-guy leave like he did. At the sight of her withheld tears, for what else could it possibly be, he averted his eyes and bit his lower lip. "If he left you high and dry the way he did, no excuse in the world can make up for breaking a heart and a promise, perhaps he wasn't worth it?"

The man still hadn't looked back at her, finding that after those words he couldn't possibly. Sighing softly, Ayane combed his fingers through his bangs and glanced up again. "I've never been in a very good relationship, much less have children," He answered with a slight shrug of his shoulders. It really was something his parents would love for him to have, but he was sure they would try to arrange a marriage if he returned home. The mere idea made him frown again, fidgeting with his hair. "Actually, my parents back home in Japan would probably arrange a marriage for me if I went home," He said it aloud, wondering what she'd say to that.


"I can't stand to see anyone so distressed, to tell you the truth," Ayane smiled again, although it felt a little bit sad when he said it. Thinking on the marriage topic, Ayane couldn't help but wonder what it would be like to be in love.

[Gaby.Lily.Kaci.Eva.Cam♥]

Gabriella gently brushed her fingers over Polo's scaly skin as he twisted around her arm to rest, "Magnificent snake." she announced, eyes averted on Polo. She briefly looked up after Ayane asked her that question, "Commitment seems to be many people's problems. It's not my problem, but that doesn't mean others aren't afraid to spend long, endless days linked to one person forever. Really the concept seems harsh, but when your in love, you don't mind belonging to someone else. In fact, when your in love, you want to belong to your partner." , with each word she said, more and more emotion came through, "I'm surprised a caring guy like you hasn't experienced the joy of love....and I say 'joy' very loosely." she commented. Yes, love had it's ups and downs, but Gaby's downs overpowered her ups enormously, "Unfortunately, I've loved and lost, and it's really not better to have loved and lost then to not have loved at all. When you've loved and lost like me, you always have that scar." she informed him, a dismayed look on her face. She bit her lip and thought for a moment at his next 'question'.

Had Justin been worth it? He did leave Gaby 'high and dry', wait not just Gaby, her kids, including his son, as well were left in the dust. Gaby couldn't imagine what thoughts ran through Justin's head as he so mercilessly packed up and vanished. Looking back on it, Gaby realized that no man could ever be worth everything Gaby put up with. He'd have periods where he'd truly love her, and then disappear or go silent on her, and then he'd show up out of the blue begging for forgiveness....no man was worth that price. Gaby had forgiven him numerous times, and now nothing was left. She'd never forgive him this time, "He was definitely not worth all the crap he put me through. I was always unsure of how he'd behave day to day. Some days he'd wake up happy, and those were the days when I truly thought I meant something to him, but then he'd have even more days that weren't so pleasant. On those days, he'd avoid me and the kids at all costs. It was like, suddenly he didn't love us anymore, suddenly he just didn't care. Then there was his sister, she was always so jealous of me for 'taking' her brother. She never liked me, and likewise, I didn't like her." she explained, eyes still fixed on Polo.

After she had gathered herself back up from pouring her heart out, she heard him say 'arranged marriage'. Gaby couldn't imagine anyone ever agreeing to an arranged marriage. You wouldn't go out and make-out with some stranger on the street, so why would you ever agree to spend the rest of your lives with one? The concept was far too complex, "Arranged marriage? I'm guessing your against that?" she responded, eyes averted back on him, a smile appearing on her face again at his caring nature. He couldn't stand to see Gaby so distressed? Wasn't Gaby still a stranger to him? It warmed her heart to know someone truly cared, "Aw, thanks so much. Ya know, I'm usually not the one who is upset in these conversations, I usually take your role. I'm the one cheering the upset people up, stranger or not..." she replied with a sparkle in her eye. She then looked back down at Polo, he looked so comfortable on her arm, Gaby began thinking about whether or not she should buy a snake again.

[Mana]

There plenty of reasons he hadn't found love, the pain in rejection would be too much for him. He nodded as she spoke, looking a little glum himself. "Arranged marriage would be unimaginable, I'd only marry if I truly loved the person," Ayane said, combing his fingers through his hair as he sat on the edge of one of the seats. "Well, he was a jerk, and he didn't truly love you, from his behavior, he didn't sound too sure either," Riot commented in his quiet voice, drawing his knees up to his chest. Resting his chin on his knees, he peered at her quietly for a few minutes. This really was a strange twist of fate, meeting someone like her in a chapel. A total stranger, yet here they were discussing love and marriage. It made him feel warm inside, but Ayane didn't really pay attention to it.

"I'm normally in your position," He chuckled a little, but it didn't sound right to him. "I just didn't want to see a pretty stranger look so sad, you should be smiling, but...I guess it's kind of hard when memories have got you down," Riot sighed a little at the last bit, sitting in one of the seats, hugging his legs to his chest.

[Gaby.Lily.Kaci.Eva.Cam♥]

There goes those words again: "Arranged Marriage". Who was the sap who decided to put the words, 'arranged' and 'marriage' into the same sentence? Those words were polar opposites beforehand. A marriage isn't supposed to be arranged, that would leave nothing to celebrate. A marriage is meant to be an all strings attached, dying commitment to the only one you love. It's hard to marry your 'only love', if you just met them. It's ideal to marry someone who you've known for years, someone you know very well. You get married because you want to, not because you have to. Sure, some religions wouldn't agree with Gaby's opinion and thoughts on this subject, but a lot of other people would. After Ayane said that he'd only marry a person if he truly loved them, she just had to comment, "And you should. You shouldn't be forced to marry a stranger. That would be just like you and I walking up the isle right now without a gown or tuxedo. People just don't do it! And if your parents really want what's best for you, they wouldn't force you to have a 'fake marriage' for the rest of your life." she responded, strong emotion in every word. Anyone could tell Gaby knew what she was talking about, perhaps she should write a motivational book sometime....off topic, "My point, Riot, is that I totally, 100% agree with you and looking back on it, I'm not sure I would have been able to let myself marry Justin since I was always so unsure of him these past months. That's not a strong foundation for marriage." she began, " I promise never to marry a person if I'm unsure", she then blurted out, intending for that last thought to be kept in her head. That last sentence was really just Gaby's way of slowly moving on and accepting that this was not her wedding day.

Gaby was surprised to learn that Riot was usually in her position, "Today must be a backward day or something.", she commented with a wink and an insecure giggle. Got to love personification. She then found herself blushing when he called her a pretty stranger, and then looked away in embarrassment. Up until now, she had forgotten Polo was still on her arm, so when she turned her gaze, it was comforting to avert her eyes on the wondrous snake.

Every time he commented her, all she found herself able to do was smile, and as far as her plans went, this day was not scheduled as a happy, smile day.

[Mana]

He listened to her speak, watching her for a minute afterwards. Closing his eyes, he sighed and unfolded himself from his seat. Walking up to her, he paused hardly a foot's length away. Reaching out with one hand, he traced his fingertips along Polo's scaly back. The snake hissed pleasantly and circled further up her arm. "He likes you," Ayane smiled a bit at that, since his old friend was a bit picky with new people. "His favorite place is the neck, do you mind?" Riot waited for her to answer, keenly aware that he was pushing the personal space thing a bit. Normally it wouldn't make any difference, but he found that he couldn't keep himself from smiling since he'd walked in.

"It does seem a bit backward, but it isn't such a horrible thing, is it?" Ayane mused, putting on a cheery front. In all truth, his stomach was filled with butterflies, but the reason was unclear. "Well it's a bit traditional, but that's why I pushed for boarding school when I got to high school, but that's gone and past," He felt a little tall, looking down slightly at Gaby. His attention was mostly on Polo, but he attempted to keep eye contact despite the butterflies driving him up the wall. It wasn't necessarily a bad feeling, but he never felt this way, ever.

[Gaby.Lily.Kaci.Eva.Cam♥]

A new sensation flourished through Gaby as Ayane came closer to her, and with each word he spoke, she found herself smiling at his soothing tone, drifting back and forth to reality. When Ayane commented that Polo liked her, she wondered if that was some kind of move on his part, did he like her?, "I liked him too." she replied with a warm smile. She didn't know that she was giving him butterflies, but she did know, however, that he sure gave her butterflies from the moment she turned around and greeted him in this room. Could Gaby really move on so fast? Nobody has ever given Gaby butterflies, except for Justin. Something about Ayane just felt so right, as if fate had thrown them together on her 'almost wedding day'. When he asked if it would be alright for him to place Polo on her neck, she closed her eyes and bit her lower lip, "OK." she responded, excitement in her voice. As she waited for him to place the snake on her neck, chills illuminated her, was backward day such a bad thing? He had brought up a good point. He sure did have a way of making sense to her, "No, backward day is appearing to be an experience, and that's not bad." she replied, wondering if the sentence that just came out of her mouth made any sense.

His last question confused her a bit, "So...you didn't go to boarding school, but you wanted to? Or you did go? I'm a bit confused..." she admitted, hoping her wouldn't think she was a ditsy woman. Sometimes Gaby simply miscomprehended others, but the result always brought on a laugh. For an unknown reason, she found herself blushing, but she wasn't exactly embarrassed. She kept eye contact with them for as long as she could, but always felt as if she was 'coming on too strong', but then again, don't guys like that? Generally, Gaby liked to have friendships before relationships, but could he be an exception? Now she felt foolish and guilty thinking these thoughts with him standing right by her, good thing he couldn't read minds or else she'd be bright red.

[Mana]

When she'd said OK, Ayane unraveled the snake from her arm as gently as he could. Placing Polo about her neck, looping him around once so the snake wouldn't fall. Not really paying attention, his hands rested on her shoulders. "I went to boarding school to escape the whole arranged marriage business," Ayane answered quietly, hoping his heart wasn't beating loud enough for her to hear. Being this close to someone he'd just met would have made him feel awkward in any other situation, but this felt right somehow. Hesitating for a second, on the off chance that he was pushing his boundaries a little, before stepping an inch or two closer. The butterflies by this time had gotten worse, but he was smiling gently. Inexperienced with these feelings, Ayane hesitated again. Tilting her chin up to look her in the eyes again, wondering what was making her turn beet red. That wasn't his main curiosity, what would happen if he kissed her? It was a bit forward for him, and he decided instead to ask her.
"What is it?" If he said anymore than that he probably wouldn't kiss her. He would wait to see what she said first, but maybe speaking his mind a little would help. "Everything happens for a reason," Was all he managed to say, his mind racing at the pace of his heart.

[Gaby.Lily.Kaci.Eva.Cam♥]

She closed her eyes as he draped the snake over her, "I've never had a snake on my neck before.", she admitted with an anxious smile. It took her a few seconds to notice that Ayane was resting his hand on her shoulder, since she was preoccupied with the snake, but when she felt his touch, her body tingled. The snake's body was cold as it moved around on her neck, but she was warm for some reason. After he asked her what was wrong, she wondered if he could sense the butterflies in her stomach, "What is what?", she boldy answered as she stared deep into his eyes. She smiled inside knowing that he titled her chin up, did he want to kiss her? She didn't want to be the one to kiss, so she blushed, bit her lip, and moved closer to him, letting him know with her body language, that it was OK to kiss her. After he told her everything happens for a reason, she just knew that they had to kiss, she just knew that when they touched, something amazing would happen, "Do you believe in love at first sight?" she suddenly blurted out, nervous of his answer.

[Mana]

Love? Is that was he was feeling? Ayane felt light-headed, not even needing to speak. Closing his eyes, he leaned in, brushing own lips against her's. He hadn't hesitated when she'd moved closer, but as he broke the kiss, he wondered why now? Sure, everything happened for a reason, maybe it was love at first sight, Ayane had never experienced the feeling for someone before. "Only if it was meant to be," He murmured quietly, blushing a little himself. Soul mates really only felt that connection on sight, to his knowledge, that was how his parents had met. Yet they had wanted to force a marriage on him. Ayane wasn't even thinking about any of it, finding just a bit strange that they should meet today of all days. His hand moved from her chin to her hair, feeling the texture of it as he kissed her again.

[Gaby.Lily.Kaci.Eva.Cam♥]

At last, he kissed her and she smiled right into it, a warm sensation overcoming her body. As they kissed all she could think about was how fortunate she was to have met him on her 'almost wedding day' and turn it from a bad day to a good one. After this thought left her, she began thinking about what would happen after the kiss, how would he feel? She also thought about how he was feeling about the kiss, were there fireworks? All of this overwhelmed her and when he broke the kiss, she found herself being hypnotized by his eyes, a feeling she had never felt before. Even Justin never brought on such intense feeling before, she didn't even know she could feel this way, "And was it meant to be?", she flirted back before he resumed their tender kiss. Now she felt like she was on cloud 9, and she never wanted this moment to end. At this moment, she had nothing to worry about, at this moment she was not a mother or an almost bride, she was just Gaby.

As they kissed the second time, she felt the phone in her pocket vibrate and although she tried to ignore it, she couldn't help but wonder if something of importance had happened. Naturally, her maternal instincts jumped on her and she began imagining bad situations concerning her children and the babysitter/best friend, Lillian. She pulled back a little on the kiss and with apologetic eyes, quickly opened her phone. On the caller ID it said that she had missed a call from Lillian, "Do you mind?", she asked before she'd call Lillian back, "She's my friend and babysitter and I just want to make sure everythings OK." she explained, hoping she didn't ruin the moment. Gaby did, afterwards, feel guilty, since the two of them were in such a special moment, she hoped they could resume their feelings after she made sure everything was alright.