Haivan takes a breath in, the fresh ocean smell tingling his nose.
He looks down at the sand from where he sat, rubbing his hands on his lap as the wedding goes on.
He didn't know why he showed up. Maybe it was a last desperate attempt to see her again? Maybe he just wanted to be a part of something big in her life, even if he wasn't involved in it.
He looks over at the other side of the alter, seeing the chairs being slowly filled with family members as they walk down the aisle.
He looks at his side. It was barely filled. While the other side needed more seats to fit everyone, there were more empty seats here than the guest. No family member even walked on this side.
He wonders why they set up the wedding like this. There were two aisles, separated by the alter in the middle, each side having chairs for the guest to sit.
Now, don't get him wrong. The ocean was beautiful from where they were located. It felt nice, like you're at peace. And this was a creative idea for a wedding
But he wonders where the groom was. He worries that something bad might be happening, he doesn't know who the groom is. She never mentions anyone in the letter he had received.
Haivan looks back to when he received the letter.
He was making plans, for something important before Charlotte had barged in to his office to drop off the letter.
He scolded her to learn how to knock before freezing at what the letter was a about
A wedding invite from her
He remembers staring at the letter till the bell rang, dropping it on his desk and leaving to go to class.
He was off the whole day, the kids noticed it, and Jo had told him to take a break for a day.
Once he was back at his office, the letter was still there. Telling Haivan this was not a dream. That she was getting married, and he had gotten an invitation.
Music starts playing, the music that Haivan has seen her listen to so fondly off.
A small smile came to his face as he imagined what it would be like if this was playing at his wedding. He would be standing at the altar, grinning like an idiot while holding back his tears as she walked down the aisle. They would exchange vows, say "I do" and they would live happily ever after.
But alas. This wasn't his wedding. But he hopes that she can be happy with this gu-
His eyes widen, looking up at the other side. A girl with ginger hair and wearing a white wedding dress appeared, arms on what he can assume to her dad right by her side.
Was he in the wrong wedding? Should he just leave now!?
Haivan panicked, not knowing what to do.
"Haivan?" He hears behind him.
He looked up, and there she was.
Loose hair with some tied by a golden flower clip behind her, her blonde now only being at the tips of her brown hair. Her dress is litered with golden accents.
Haivan takes a breath in. She was gorgeous.
Ashley smiles at him. "Thank you so much for coming. I- I didn't think you'd come after I left like that..."
"No problem I just-! Uh..."
He looks at the altar, seeing the ginger giving Ashley an encouraging smile.
Ashley takes breath in, fingers clutching on her flowers. "C-could you walk me down the aisle? I don't want to do it alone..."
Haivan smiles, standing up from his seat and offering his arm out for her.
She brightens up, giving him a thankful look and hooking her arm on Haivan.
The two brides walked down the aisle at the same time. Both looking at each other with so much love in their eyes.
Haivan was happy to see Ashley look at someone so fondly like that.
They walk up the altar, the two brides instantly grab onto each other, their smile sbright and fukl of affection.
Haivan felt bad for envying it.
"Antara, will you take Ashley as your wife, to make her happy, be her reason to keep going forward, to keep her inspired, to grow old together, to make her free, and to always stand by her through whatever may come?
"Ashey, will you keep Antara your most favorite person. To love her, respect her, go on a lot of adventures together, and find more reason to love her every day?"
"By the power invested in me, I now pronounce you married."
The crowd claps and celebrates as the two brides kiss each other. Both smiling at each other like idiots. Saying I love you many times to each other.
Haivan claps with the crowd, a stray tear leaving his eye. He was so happy for Ashley. Whether it involve him or not, she deserved to be happy.
The wedding settles, everyone going to the reception to eat and congratulating the newlyweds.
"Haivan!" Ashley runs over to Haivan, alibiet it was a little hard because of the sand. "Thank you so much for walking me down the aisle. It means a lot to me."
"No problem, Ashley! Congratulations on getting married! I'm really happy for you." Haivan smiles, though a little sting made itself known in his chest.
"You must be Haivan." The ginger girl said, walking up to them. "Thank you for attending the wedding! And for walking Ashley down the aisle."
Haivan waves his hand. "It was no problem, really! Antara, right? It's nice to meet you." Haivan said, offering his hand out.
Antara takes it. "Really though, Ashley was so scared to walk on her own, and she said you were the only person she trusted. Thank you for taking care of her back then."
"Antara! Go back to the reception!" Ashley yelled, face a little red from embarrassment. Pushing her beloved wife away.
Antara giggles. Kissing Ashley on the forehead. "Alright, I'll see you later milseán, I love you."
Antara and Ashley share one more kiss before parting.
Ashley looks back at Haivan. "I want... to apologize to what I did back then. I was stupid. And closeted as it seems... can you forgive me?" Ashley says, staring at the ground nervously.
Haivan grabs her hand, grabbing her chin to look up at him. "Of course I forgive you, Ashley. I know you had it rough back then. And even if you stealing all my stuff was kind of a bad move, I guess you were desperate, and I don't blame you for wanting to live comfortably."
Ashley sighs. "You're too kind, Haivan. I wouldidnt have fogaven myself so easily."
This will as close as Haivan can get to her now.
"It's alright, Ashley. I want you to enjoy your life. Be happy with the things you've achieved and have. We all do stupid stuff, and all we can do it learn from it, move on, and try to use what we learned to live a happier life." Haivan said, bringing Ashley into a hug.
Haivan let's go at Ashely. "Now go and be with your wife, and live happily and honestly."
Ashley smiles at him, small tears threatening to fall. "Thank you Haivan, This means alot to me"
Ashley takes off brighter and lighter in her chest. Before suddenly stopping and looking back. "Do you wanna go to the reception?"
"DAD! Are you done yet!? We might miss our reservation!"
Haivan looks back to see his daughter waiting at his car. A smile speading onto his face.
"No thanks, Ashley. I already have plans." He said waving Ashley goodbye.
Ashley waves back. "Thank you again, Haivan! You being here...forgiving me... this means the world to me."
You were my world, my everything.
He walks over to his car, seeing Raziel looking at him impatiently.
"That was a really long wedding. I though we might miss our reservation."
"Sorry about that Raziel. I think we still have time to go to Hmm..." Haivan places a finger on his chin, humming like his thinking hard. "a candy store?" Haivan smirked, knowing Raziel would love that.
"You're forgiven." Raziel smiled, closing the windshield.
Haivan laughs, walking to the driver side.
When Haivan opens the door he sis a small cake and a ticket to what seems to be a music competition.
"Happy Father's Day, Dad!" Raziel said.
Haivan takes a moment to look at the gifts before picking them up. "Woah, thank you, Raziel. You didn't have to do this. We already have a restaurant reservation."
"Have a bite of the cake! Avalene helped me make it!" Raziel says, eagerly giving Haivan a fork. "It took a while, but I hope you like it!"
"You made it?" Haivan asked, supriced. Taking the fork.
Taking a small bite, Haivan was surprised at how good it was. "This is delicious, Raziel! Thank you so much."
Haivan then looks at the ticket. "Are we going on a competition? What's this about?"
"Oh uh- well..." Raziel twiddled with her thumbs. "I actually joined a competition. I got in and wanted you to come with me this Wednesday."
Haivans eyes widen. "Seriously!? Raziel, I'm so proud of you!" Haivan said, placing the cake down and hugging Raziel.
Raziel returns the hug back, her wings wrapping around her Dad.
"Was this a good first Father's day?"
But now, I don't need everything. I've got all I need.