growing up is an endless process of me looking back at younger versions of myself and being likeâŚ. wow she was so young. but look how well she did with what she knew
âI went outside and watched the birds fly by. I watched as they soared through the air like it was effortless. I watched as they flew off into the horizon and I thought to myself, Life really can be beautiful.â
â In all itâs little things.
As long as you stop and look.
Ollie was not hungover (he was) but that wasnât why he didnât want to get out of bed this morning. He was a married man, curled up with his wife while the sun lazed through the windows.
It had seemed like such a good idea to book the flights after the wedding, all the goodbyes happened in one place, it was an epic celebration but now they needed to grab the last bags that hadnât been shipped already, the final touches.
And with the alarm already going off, that meant he couldnât keep lazing about, and yet he just curled more into Pacifica. âMorning, Wife.â
PACIFICA
Pacifica was genuinely not hungover, but her whole body was one delightful ache. Last night she had danced more than she had in years, possibly ever, sheâd talked to everyone who had come to the wedding, and then she had fallen into Ollieâs bed to spend their first night as a married couple together.Â
Now it was their first morning, and she could already feel a mixture of amusement and fond annoyance building. She had a feeling this wouldnât be the last time.Â
âOllie, I love you, but you have to turn that alarm off.âÂ
OLLIE
âBut if I do that, that means we need to get up and do all the things.â Ollie complained slightly tilting his head to look up at Pacifica with a grin though his eyes were still closed as if he could fall back asleep even with the alarm going off.
âDonât you want to stay in bed, just a little longer.â
PACIFICA
âBut if we get up and do things now, that means weâll be able to spend all day tomorrow in bed in our new home.â The words âour homeâ hadnât lost the power to thrill her, and right now it was hard to believe that they ever would.Â
She leaned up on one arm and brushed his lips with hers. âBesides, if you donât shut it off, Iâm crawling over you to shut it off myself.âÂ
OLLIE
âYou know threatening to crawl over me isnât much of a threat?â Ollie teased though he flopped onto his back to reach out and grab his phone to turn off the alarm. A huge yawn coming from him nonetheless.
âBut all day tomorrow in our new home does kind of work.â They should be able to settle in right away and they could sleep in, have some more fun as a newly married couple. Wink wink, nudge nudge.
PACIFICA
Pacifica smiled at him even as she felt her cheeks warm slightly. As tempting as it was, they certainly didnât have time for that. Probably. Even if he was looking particularly adorable with his sleep rumpled curls and his skin warm under her fingertips.Â
âKitchen is supposed to be stocked with basics for us so weâll have food in the house once we get there. And I think even I can wait on unpacking for a day.â She would feel compelled to start unpacking the day after, checking on all her clothes and settling in so that all of their belongings had a place. It was what would make the place feel like theirs too. But she could take a moment to bask.Â
OLLIE
Ollie let out another groan. A small Acknowledgement that she was right. It wasn't like this place had much food stocked.
Empty closets, empty walls. Even Tilly wasn't here. Ollie had gotten her situated and boarded in Italy ahead of time to make sure the transition wasn't too jarring for her. That they wouldn't deal with any unforeseen complications now.
Pushing himself into a seated position he took her hand gently and kissed it. âWell then my wife. Would you like to get up and finish the last things.â
PACIFICA
As he kissed her hand, she could see the ring on her finger sparkle in the early morning light coming through the window. She knew if she looked, she would be able to see the simple gold band on his. It was enough to make her wish she could just laze in bed here to bask in it.Â
Instead, she smiled up at him. âI scheduled breakfast to be delivered in half an hour, along with coffee. And since I did that, that means Iâm stealing first shower while you finish whatever it is you need to finish.âÂ
She sat up and brushed his lips with hers before sliding out of the bed.Â
OLLIE
Ollie Laughed as Pacifica pulled away to take her shower and get ready for the day. Watching her go he lazed about for a few more moments before getting up himself.Â
This was it.
Their last moments here. There wasn't much else to do. Everything packed up and gone or to be donated if they were taking it.
But this place still had memories and ghosts that hung at every corner. Eric and Henry.
He was the last one left and with him would go those memories too. Neither of them would come back here.
Shaking his head he pulled their suitcases to the front door and headed back to the washroom to switch with Pacifica to get ready himself.
PACIFICA
Feeling the countdown clock in her head to when they would need to leave for the airport, she didnât follow her next impulse and suggest he join her in the shower. As tempting as it was, it would take far too much time. She would much rather be waiting at the airport for the flight than running any risk of cutting it close.Â
There wasnât anything left for her here but the people, and sheâd already said her goodbyes to the ones who mattered. They would see them again, of course, but as the new people they were becoming. She was ready to let go of who theyâd been.Â
She had chosen her outfit for today carefully, combining style and comfort so that she would be confident as they set foot in Italy.Â
But as Ollie started to head past her to take his turn, she paused and brushed his cheek with a kiss. There was something sad in his eyes. She didnât want to pressure him, heâd talk when he was ready, but she wanted to remind him she was here.Â
Then she let him go and started her own final checks, double and triple checking their flight tickets, their passports, tucking away the last few belongings. Checking it all again. Right as she finished the last check, she heard the knock that signaled breakfast had arrived and was able to get everything set up on the table by the time Ollie came back out.Â
OLLIE
It felt better to be clean and dressed for the day, it felt like he could move forward, he had to move forward. If he stayed he would never be able to move forward, to continue to stand on his own.
He did it when he moved out and this was just his next chapter.
Especially when he spotted Paz and a breakfast all laid out. She was right this was a fresh start they both needed.
âThat smells so good.â Ollie mused walking over and snaking his arms around her before stealing a quick bite.
PACIFICA
âThe food smells pretty good too,â she teased, leaning back against him for that moment as she took the all important first sip of coffee.Â
Glancing over at their suitcases, she felt the flutters of nerves, anxiety, and excitement swirling together so that she wasnât particularly hungry, even knowing that she should eat. She let out a small sigh.
âIt feels strange to be leaving. Even though I know weâll come back, itâll be different when we do. I donât regret it, but itâs strange.â
OLLIE
Ollie nodded the place was empty and that dread built again, like he was leaving a piece of him here. Mainly the piece of Eric more than anything.
âIâm going to miss this place. I never realized it. The second place Iâve lived on my own. Or with Eric and Henry. It had some really good memories.â At least his family would all be in the same homes most likely that wouldnât change. Just the kids growing up.
PACIFICA
Pacifica rubbed at his arm, wishing she had something wise and profound she could say to that. She couldnât help the pinch of guilt at his words, especially since they were leaving for her.Â
But she tried to remind herself that they would have left eventually. This was a nice place, but it wasnât big enough to build a future in. Or to have guests to stay when people did come to visit as she hoped they would eventually. All this meant was that they were leaving a little earlier than they might have otherwise.Â
âThe memories will still be with you. But I think itâs okay to be sad this is ending.âÂ
OLLIE
âA little sad, a bunch happy and more excited.â The more he stayed the more antsy he was ready to leave too. To not fall into this feelings too much. He didnât want to be sad, he didnât want to start this adventure mourning the old one.
âIâll be okay. I have you and Iâm making more memories.â He will be more than happy with that.
PACIFICA
She turned towards him to pull him into a hug, resting her head on his shoulder. âIf it helps, I cried on Thursday. I didnât expect I would. But suddenly the room was empty, and Rose is talking to a new potential roommate who will be there instead and I justâŚitâs harder than I thought to leave.âÂ
Looking up at him, she smiled. âBut youâre right. Thereâs a lot of happy and excited in there too. There will be new memories. I want those.âÂ
OLLIE
Honestly that made Ollie feel better, not that she was hurting but that he wasnât the only one that was missing things and people from this place. âWe will just have to make sure they visit. Iâm sure no one would fight a trip out to Italy.â Ollie teased holding her tightly.
âI love you. I love that weâre on our way to a new adventure.â A deep breath looking around the apartment. He was ready, he really was.
âLast bites and we should go?â
PACIFICA
âExactly. Besides, now that weâve finished our wedding, I can start to become a true terror in helping Ren and Martin plan theirs,â she grinned. It was only a partial joke as she said it. But it was another of those reminders of their many ties here. They would be back.Â
Stepping back, she finished of the last of her coffee and set it neatly back in the back so they could throw out the bag on their way out the door.
âIâm ready.âÂ
OLLIE
Ollie laughed at that nodding, Pacifica had planned theirs in such a short time period he knew she would be right there helping Ren and Martin with theirs as much as possible. They people here were never going to get rid of them.
Pulling away Ollie grabbed the keys to lock up pulling their suitcases and bags out into the hall. This apartment, this town had been good to him and he would miss it.
Shutting and locking the door to an empty apartment he turned to face his wife and his new future.
Ollie's hands felt sweaty, constantly running them along his pants as everyone moved around him.
Tito and Dodger shooting the shit. The kids running around despite the formal clothes they were in. Rita fussing over his suit, Roscoe watching all of it happen, setting a hand on Ollie's shoulder in support.
His heart might be racing but the people surrounding him helped.
They had paid other people to fuss about making sure everything was in place. To tell them when to go.Â
And the knock on the door a signal.
Ollie was getting married.
Roscoe and Rita dispersed to get to their seats with the kids until it was their moment to walk down the aisles with the rings and flowers but not without a final hug and shoulder pat.
Dodger and Tito lined up with him and they looked once more at each other.Â
Long gone were the days of living on the streets. Stealing whatever they needed to survive.
The days of beat up clothes though all three still preferred those and yet they cleaned up nice.
A final nod before the music started Dodger and then Tito walked out taking their spots before Ollie did.
The ceremony wasn't filled, that hadn't been the point. Close friends and family. His grandparents who flew in. Family he had gotten to know. Though his bio parents hadn't been invited.Â
Smiling at each of them. The people that had stepped up in his life.Â
His shoulders squared back with their confidence as he took his place at the top waiting for his bride.
PACIFICA
Pacifica could hardly believe that it was here. Months of planning and preparation, days of packing, hours of getting ready, and now it was down to the last minutes before she walked down the aisle and everything changed.Â
Pacifica was getting married.Â
Candace was still exhausted and jetlagged from the flight, but sheâd slid back into that circle with Rose like sheâd never left. The three of them had spent the afternoon laughing and reminiscing as the hair and makeup people came through and made sure they looked perfect. Glasses of champagne had made it feel like a celebration, although sheâd kept herself to one. She wanted to remember everything.Â
Marie had arrived with the finished gown, and Pacifica had nearly cried. It was only the knowledge that she would ruin her makeup that stopped her, although it was a close thing. It was gorgeous. Something out of a dream. Something that was hers.Â
As her friends helped her into the dress, she looked in the mirror and was stunned. She found herself glancing over her right shoulder to see -Â
Right. Her mother wasnât here to give her opinion. There was a small ache at the fact and the reasons for it, before she deliberately looked back at herself. This was her day. This was her day and her life, and nothing could take that away now.Â
The florist handed her the bouquet, and she felt that tremble again. While it did have roses and it was in her colors, sheâd asked for her secret favorite flower of gerbera daisies to be featured. They were so gentle and friendly. Something simple when her life rarely was. The florist had done a beautiful job. As she looked back at herself, she smiled - the princess with her daisies, the glamorous expectation and the simple surprise. It felt like her.Â
As she heard the knock at the door, she let out a long slow breath. It was time to go.Â
Pacifica was getting married.Â
As the music started up, she looped her arm through Renâs and gave it a small squeeze. Whatever she thought, whatever she felt, she wasnât alone. She had people here who cared about her. Friends sheâd made all on her own, who loved her for who she was and not the advantage she could give them.Â
At the end of the aisle was the love of her life. She could do this. She was ready for her life to begin.Â
Mason walked down the aisle first, carefully carrying the rings. Vivi followed him, scattering rose petals from the little basket that she carried, as a crown of flowers rested in her hair. Candace followed. Rose gave her one last grin before walking down the aisle.Â
The music changed. She gave Renâs arm one final squeeze, took a deep breath, and stepped forward herself.Â
OLLIE
Ollie thought he had been ready for Pacifica to walk down the aisle, he had built this moment up in his head, Thought about all the moments. The practice the night before. He thought he knew how this would go.
And yet the moment Pacifica appeared Ollie couldnât breath.
If it wasnât for a swift smack from Dodger he might have just stopped breathing right then and there.
Instead he was able to focus on her, the glow of her hair, the fall of her dress, the smile on her face and Ollie couldnât help his own smile that quickly got bigger and bigger.
This was it. This was his future.
She was his future.
Stepping forward Ollie reached out a hand to take hers once she got close.
âYou look stunning.â
PACIFICA
Pacifica could feel all the eyes on her as she began her walk down the aisle. The gasps of delighted amazement was wonderful for her ego, and she knew that she would treasure all the compliments that would likely come later.Â
But all of that was background to the most important part of this.Â
Ollie was looking at her. And he was looking at her exactly the way sheâd always hoped.Â
Radiant with joy, she progressed smoothly down the aisle. At the end, she leaned over to kiss Renâs cheek and walked those last few steps alone to take Ollieâs hand. At his words, she gave his hand a small squeeze. She couldnât look away.
Next to them, the officiant they had found began the speech to welcome everyone here. To mark their union.Â
OLLIE
Ollie barely listened to the officiant, all the legal mumbo jumbo. He was glad they had rushed the wedding because at this point he would have willingly just signed the papers and been off.
He didnât need any of this. Not as he was lost in her eyes. In her smile.
If he could rush the man along he would.
âOliver you have elected to say your own vows. Would you like to speak them now.â
Ollie nodded, taking a deep breath as he smiled at Pacifica.
âFor the longest time I never could have pictured this as my life but every day I canât be more grateful that you came into my life that this is the journey we took on together and I canât wait to see where our journey takes us in our future. You are my home Pacifica. My future, my wife, my only want. As long as Iâm with you we can take on any challenge and experience everything.â
PACIFICA
They had elected to keep their vows a surprise for each other, one of their little gifts among the larger celebration of the wedding day. They had talked over the decision with the officiant, and it had seemed so obvious at the time.Â
As she heard Ollieâs promises to her, she couldnât help wondering if that might have been a misstep. Only because the words made her breath catch, and she could feel the beginnings of tears that she had to hold back through sheer will power.Â
She was not going to sound watery through her own! Let alone what that would do to her mascara.Â
âPacifica, you have elected to say your own vows. Would you like to speak them now.â
âWhen I came to Swynlake, I knew that my life would change. I had a vision for what that change would be - and then I met you. You were nothing like any of my dreams or my plans. It didnât take me long to realize you were better than those, although it took me a little longer to admit it.Â
You are my best friend, my anchor, my respite. You are fiercely loyal, trustworthy, generous and selfless to a fault. You make me laugh, challenge me, support me and never let me forget how beautiful and amazing you think I am. You've helped me blossom into the woman that I am today, and have shown me a love that is fun, wonderful, and everlasting.
I promise that I will always support your dreams. I promise that we will build a future together that is better than where weâve come from. I promise we can do anything, as long as we are together.âÂ
OLLIE
Ollie didnât bother hiding the tears as they built up, he had no make up to worry about and while he wasnât a crier on most days, he wasnât sure how he was supposed to hold back those tears as they promised their love to one another.
Briefly lifting one of his hands to wipe a couple stray tears he smiled at her. They could do anything, they would do anything.
With the rings in hand, Ollie only allowed one sniffle before he took Pacificaâs hand gently to slide the ring on her finger with one whisper.
âMan, I canât wait till we get to the point I can just kiss you already.â
PACIFICA
âOllie!â she whispered, torn between amusement and exasperation.Â
She could hear the chuckles from their friends in front of them, and she caught the hint of the smile from their officiant. But that small moment steadied her as well. This was important - but this was also merely a symbol. They would always still be themselves.Â
Her hand was steady and her eyes were dry as she took the ring and slid it onto Ollieâs finger, guiding it over the knuckle so it slid into place.Â
âI now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride.âÂ
Pacifica barely waited for him to finish speaking before she leaned in to kiss her new husband, gripping his hand tightly.Â
OLLIE
Ollie shrugged at the whisper of his name, he was smiling now though, a happy moment filled with joy and laughter. Surrounded by the people they cared about most.
Wrapping one arm around her waist Ollie met her halfway for the kiss before spinning her and dipping her just slightly. You know for the pictures and what not.
Maybe even a little laugh from his bride- his wife.
âHello Mrs. Saluki.â Ollie grinned as he pulled away from the kiss and steadied them.
PACIFICA
The bride did laugh as she suddenly felt herself spun into the air, gripping tightly to his shoulders. Years of dance training meant she didnât stumble or step on her dress - currently her favorite reason sheâd taken those years of classes.Â
Their friends applauded around them, and she thought Dodger or Tito might have whistled at them.
None of it came close to the glow that filled her at the words Mrs. Saluki.Â
âHello husband,â she responded, beaming and not caring at all about how it might look to anyone else. Unable to resist, she leaned in for one more quick kiss before they turned to head down the aisle. Together.
Trixie raised an eyebrow. She hadn't been expecting it to be so large but that wasn't a problem for her. She had more years under her belt than a lot of the bakers people went to for cakes.
"No that would be fine. These are one of the sturdier cakes that can handle the weight." Pulling out her notebook she took a seat already doing a basic sketch.
"Colours? Designs?"
"We would like to keep it white for the most part. Traditional but maybe some decorative elements. Something that cascades maybe? To bring it all together?"
"I think that means we have a wedding cake?" Ollie at this point just took another bite to take a bite. They might as well just eat cake. "We just need to design it I guess. "
"Sounds like that's where I come in." Trixie stated simply as she poked her head in. "How was everything?"
"Yeah those were two I liked. The others were just too rich and I would like to enjoy a giant cake slice personally." Ollie teased before reaching out to taste a bite of both again.