goner;

A small laugh left her lips as he dipped her, receiving some aw’s from the crowd that was watching them. “Yes I’ve seen dirty dancing, but we are not doing that lift thing.” Grinning a bit she continued to dance with her husband. All at once, feeling at ease. Finally calm and not being taken over by the nerves that consumed her and made her run out of air. She was finally calm about the whole situation. He was sweet and able to make her laugh, so it wasn’t so bad at all. For now at least.

Genevieve followed him to their seat and was enjoying the time watching everyone dance and chat. Though she noticed Jess move closer to her, she leaned in as well to be able to hear him before glancing over at her dad who was practically in tears, “Yeah, that’s my dad.” Then she bit her bottom lip nervously as she turned to look at him, “Do you want to meet my parents?” Even though it was an odd question, they were married now and she thought it would be best to meet her parents who were supposedly his in-laws.

Jess sat silently for a moment as she asked her question. Should he meet her parents? The answer seemed so clear yet not clear at all. He thought for a moment before nodding. If he wanted to get a better feel for this girl, there was no better way to do so than to meet the people that raised her.

As he made her way over to her, she could feel all her nerves slowly slipping away. Already hoping for the best six weeks ever. Though this was the first day, of course first impressions meant everything, but what about during the next weeks? She decided to push those thoughts aside and focus on now. This is her wedding day after all. The brunette offered a smile as she wrapped her arms around his neck as his hands were now at her hip. “Don’t worry, all you gotta do is just sway along with the music. No need for lifting or any of that jazz.” She encouraged as the two began to sway.

She could feel the stares of her family and friends right on them, but for the first time she wasn’t nervous at all. Maybe it was all the hope in her that make her believe there was a possibility of things working out. “You’re doing good.” she answered his question with a nod as they both moved with the music.

“No lifts?” He chuckled at her response. “What about dips?” He said as he placed his hand on the small of her back and began to lean her down before pulling her back up and continuing to sway. “Learned that one from Patrick Swayze. You ever seen Dirty Dancing?” He was slowly starting to feel like himself. There was something about the girl that made him feel at ease. He could definitely see himself being friends with her once this was all over. That is, if she didn’t end up hating his guts.

The pair continued to dance for a few more minutes as the music slowly started to fade away. The two made their way back to their seats as they waited to be told what to do next. He noticed sometime along the way that Genevieve seemed to know much more about weddings than he’d ever known. He found it admirable how involved she seemed with this entire process. 

Before she could even answer, the MC interrupted and announced that speeches will now be held. Of course the first one had to be one of her drunk cousin. Not surprised the other drank right away. In attempts to hide from embarrassment, she covered her face while peaking through her fingers with a hidden smile. Luckily the speech wasn’t as embarrassing, it was quite sweet and silly that made the room, filled with family and strangers, burst into laughter. After she noticed a stranger come up and direct the speech towards her new husband. A friend perhaps? While he spoke, she couldn’t help but let her hues wander off as to find his parents, wanting to introduce herself and hope that they were okay with her being his wife. A couple of more speeches went on with both sides until her father ended the speech causing the both to tear up. She knew her parents always wanted what’s best for her, which she was so greatful they were okay with her doing this. Took a lot of convincing, but here they are.

Once the speeches were over, they called for the single ladies and the bride to come to the center of the dance floor. Glancing at her husband she shrugged slightly, “I’ll be back.” Getting her dress to move with her, she walked away from the table to the center of the dance floor and were surrounded by the single women. Some her friends and family, and some were from his guests. All their excitement caused the bride to laugh as she knew what they wanted. Turning her back towards the women, she gripped her bouquet into her hand before throwing it behind her causing all the women to shriek and fight over the bouquet. To which her cousin caught it causing everyone to cheer and laugh at how frantic the woman was. Genevieve found herself laughing as well as she walked over to the group of women to take the photo.

But soon the MC called her now husband to come to the dance floor to join the bride for their first dance. She didn’t know what song the wedding planners have chosen, but either way she could feel her nerves rising up her spine once more as she waited for him to join her on the dance floor.

Jess listened to the speeches as they were given with a small smile on his lips. He was finally starting to feel more comfortable as he let out a small sigh he hadn’t realized he had been holding in. He watched as Genevieve got up and made her way out onto the dance floor. He couldn’t help but smile as he watched the bouquet get thrown and caught by someone who he assumed to be a family member. There was something about the girl’s smile that made him want to smile. It was almost poetic, really. He continued to stare intently as he watched how she interacted with her family. They seemed close. Part of him envied her for that. He wondered what it felt like.

Following her husband to the reception, she felt a little more at ease. Though she knew once she step foot into the room, it was a whole new mission. Meeting his family, hearing toasts, throwing the bouquet, first dances, and all of that reception tradition. She didn’t know what to expect with the speeches and she didn’t know if his family would like her. Hopefully this wouldn’t make her feel like a mess like it did before she walked down the aisle. She could hear the person in charge announce them as ‘Jess and Genevieve Parrish, the bride and groom’ and it literally hit her like a ton of bricks.

Walking into the room, all the cheers and laughter echoed around as the two made their way to their seats. She could see everyone meeting each other and little kids befriending and running around the area. Which by the way was decorated uniquely beautiful. The flowers held high as the center pieces of the tables screaming for attention, the colors simple yet elegant. The fact that it was still outside made it less cramped. Finding her way to her seat, she sat there watching all the family members sitting and laughing, though his voice broke her gaze as she turned to look at him. “Well.. I think some of the friends and family members are going to make some speeches. I’m not really sure how the people in charge really set this whole thing up.”

He responded once again with a simple nod. He didn’t want to ruin this all by saying the wrong thing. His eyes quickly began skimming across the area until he realized that the two faces he wanted to see most weren’t there. His parents. He shook his head to himself because he knew he shouldn’t have cared, but he did. His eyes made their way back to Genevieve. “So, if you had to guess, do you think those speeches will be starting soon?” He began to tap his foot, something he did whenever he felt anxious.

Genevieve completely forgot about the whole ‘you may now kiss the bride’ part, which brought her back to her nervous state. Luckily for her she wasn’t brand new with the whole kissing part so she wouldn’t make a fool out of herself. It didn’t stop her stomach from turning and her heart beating rapidly. She could’ve sworn a heart attack would consume her. Feeling his palm on her cheek, it made her realize this was happening. The kiss will seal the deal. She will no longer be a single woman. She could hear her mother weeping in the back and little gasps from her tiny younger cousins. Leaning in as well as he did, their lips connected and it just all new. Was it the fact that he was a stranger or now her husband? It was a sweet and simple kiss. She returned the simple smile he gave and could hear all her little cousins giggling and all their ‘cooties.’ They’re little so what could she do?

The bride followed him down the aisle and into a room where they were alone. As if they were giving them the time to fully meet before they could go to their reception where all their families will come together. He didn’t seem so bad, he seemed nervous just as she was. Though handling it much better than she ever could. “I’m Genevieve.” She replied sheepishly while fiddling with the bouquet she held. Nodding in agreement, a smile was able to form onto her facial features while her shoulders slightly relaxed. “Yeah, it was definitely an experience.” The small talk was making the smaller girl nervous, but all the crazy walking down the aisle part was over so she was put at ease for a little bit. But she knew once they entered the reception together, it was an all new ball game. Meeting his family. “Ready for the reception?”

Jess smiled at his new wife. She seemed sweet enough and was definitely easy on the eyes. He could easily make this work for the next six weeks. When she asked him about the reception, he responded with a simple nod as they were then led toward the event. Jess had no idea what to expect. He knew in order to make this all look legitimate, he had to invite a few family members. He had sent out invitations to his mother and father, but didn’t expect to get as much as a response from either. His relationship with them was rocky to say the least. They divorced when he was only eight years old and they both seemed to move on to new people fairly quickly for his liking. His mom, on to a sleazebag construction worker and his dad, on to a millionaire executive. He lived with his mom until the age of fourteen before realizing that she seemed to care more about her boyfriend than she did him. He quickly moved in with his dad and his new wife along with her two children until he was old enough to leave and move out. His dad was always the hardest on him, but he knew that was just his way of showing that he cared. He tried to never take it too personally. 

Her throat went completely dry as she walked down the aisle with her dad. She could feel his grip, as if he was trying to soothe her. How couldn’t she not be nervous? This was a complete stranger that she was giving herself too, but the matchmakers seem to believe that they’re the perfect match so might as well try to believe it’s true. But she wasn’t sure how his personality was like. Especially if he was an asshole or not. By the time she reached to the end, Genevieve was able to get a better view of her now new husband. He wasn’t bad to look at, he was pretty good looking actually, but what was he like beneath the surface? Hugging her father as he gave her away, she made her way in front of the taller male and returned the nervous smile.

Feeling all the stares was nearly making her feel as if she was their prey. But her thoughts were interrupted once she heard the priest speak up, practically introducing them to each other, receiving small chuckles from the crowd. She could feel the jitters running up her spine. This was definitely new territory and she had no idea what to expect now. Their life is now in their own hands.

Standing there in front of her new husband, she was curious. She wanted to know what was his story and what it will be like living with him. How will this marriage work out? Will he use her like her ex has before? All these questions with no answers, it made her anxious. It was as if she would find herself at ease then nervous all over again. But the priest’s word broke through her again, breaking all her nervous thoughts. Already asking for their I do’s. Waiting for his reply she answered right after as well with her “I do.” And little did she know, they were exchanging rings and ready to kiss the bride. The part she completely forgot about.

Jess continued to remain quiet as he half listened to the priest’s words. He couldn’t believe that he was actually going through with this. He slightly turned his head toward the crowd of mostly strangers and felt part of his heart drop as he noticed the one person he wanted there most was missing. He knew when he invited his mother that it was going to be a long shot, but part of him hoped she would prove his thoughts wrong. 

As he quickly turned his attention back to his new partner, he felt the eyes of the crowd on him. It was time to seal the deal with a kiss. He slowly leaned in to the girl as his hand found it’s way up to her cheek. His lips connected with hers in what to him was just a sweet and simple kiss. He pulled away as he offered up a smile to his new bride. His eyes wandered down while he slipped his hand into hers and the priest announced them as husband and wife. 

Thinking back, Genevieve was more than nervous. In panic really. The brunette nearly peed in her pants on the way to the venue to get ready. She didn’t know where they were getting married nor did she know to who. Normally she’s the one taking photos at the weddings, or even baking the cake. Sometimes even both, but not today. No, today it was her turn to get married and for once she isn’t the one hiding behind the camera or in the corner. Almost every five minutes she would ask the driver if she was there and all she would receive is a chuckle and ‘almost.’ Her lips nearly went dry as her gaze met up with a tall building. The tallest one in fact. She could’ve sworn even a bird could fly and bump into the building. “We’re here.” The driver told her, causing the smaller girl to nearly want to cling onto her seat, refusing to go. But of course she followed the help into the building and straight into the elevator.

The elevator ride up made the day go by even slower. The awkward tension and the small space making it even harder to breathe. Desperately needing air as if she were drowning in the ocean and there was no one to help her. It didn’t take long till they led her down the hall and into a room where her feet stuck to the ground at the sight of her wedding dress. It wasn’t too fancy nor under dressed. It was simple yet elegant. Something she would’ve chosen for herself. Then it finally hit her. She was getting married to a total stranger. No longer will she be single or able to date, she is giving herself to someone who could possibly be the one for her. Though she has six weeks for that to be proven. Finally finding the strength to move, she allowed the others to help her in her gown. They refused to let her look considering how jittery she was, and they wanted her to be surprised. She already was. Makeup done and simple, hair put up into a nice bun with a simple headband. No vail needed since the dress could stand out on it’s own. Hesitantly turning to the mirror, her jaw nearly dropped to the floor. “That’s me?” She choked out causing the help to laugh. Never would she imagine herself being the bride and wearing the most beautiful dress she has ever seen. But then a voice has interrupted her thoughts and brought all the nerves back into her spine, “Time to go.”

In the elevator once again, she couldn’t breathe. It came to the point where she had to shut her eyes and count to a hundred before she made it to the top. What if this guy didn’t want this? What if he pictured someone else? Would he walk out? Would he be an asshole? These negative thoughts wouldn’t leave her alone and all she wanted to was just go back down and run. Once the elevator doors opened, the walked down the hall and made it to a staircase. And there she was. At the rooftop where she could see the whole city that surrounded her. It was breathtakingly beautiful. The weather was perfect as well, so no one will be sweating their butts off nor freezing to death. She could hear the guests chatting and meeting each other. Then it went silent. She was at the start of the aisle. Gasps coming from one side and mumbles coming from the other. Her heart nearly jumped out of her chest at the sight of the guests. Seeing her friends and family didn’t really help, especially having strangers staring at her. Then she noticed a man in a suit right at the end of aisle. That was when her fingers started to tremble as she held onto the bouquet of white flowers in her palms. “You look beautiful.” She heard her father say as he held onto her arm and began to walk down the aisle. Walking down the path where her life will change forever.

Jess had never been a fan of weddings. All of the relationships he had experienced in his twenty five years had been nothing but toxic and bleak. Love in general was a fairly foreign concept to the boy. He had always had the hardest time processing the heartache and grief that inevitably came of all relationships. He never completely understood why all of the relationships in his life seemed to fall apart - they just somehow always did. Needless to say, he was no more thrilled to be partaking in his own wedding.

The drive to the venue felt unbearably lengthy. Jess sat soundlessly in the back of the limo he was provided with and did the only thing he knew of to do in his moments of fear - write. He didn’t know exactly what he was writing about, but to him, that wasn’t the point. He just needed to put his emotions to paper. Those were the only times he ever felt true peace.

Jess didn’t understand why he was so nervous. After all, he wasn’t there to find love, he was there to work. His request for his wife wasn’t too demanding. He simply wanted someone that was nice to look at... and that’s really it. Now, he wasn’t an arrogant person. He wasn’t a hateful person. He was just a damaged person. 

When the limo finally came to an abrupt halt, a shiver went down the brunette’s scalp. It was too late to turn back now. If he wanted to keep his job, he had to do this. It wasn’t a big request, really. All his boss had asked of him was that he join the program, make it through the first six weeks, come home, and write about it. It was simple.