Chapter 7/ Ending

Lines of Love; Chapter Seven end

Astra/

What we all agreed to was forming our tradition that was made on our terms, a way to know we are still in love. It wouldn't be as binding as legalizing our bond by strangers and a good most don't believe in. This was our moment to remind us that we had a choice to walk away if we no longer felt the love between us and our partners. Perhaps this is wrong in the eyes of the world but our lives are decided by the actions we make. However if at any time we decided to be legalized in the eyes of a stranger and a good then it just means the love is true.

My mother was surprisingly helpful and did everything she could to contribute. The way she interacted with Abigail made me feel a longing of jealousy, but I was happy to see it. Abigail didn't seem to like Percy as much but she tolerated him enough. Everyone else split up to do different things since we had a nice little event planned before heading home and such. We had some decorations to use for the coming wedding and much more things to purchase going forward.

My mother found the time to talk to me about my father and his progress but I didn't care. Perhaps it's cruel of me but what matters to me is right here not those who I don't acknowledge. My mother and brother were once on that list but now they are making an effort at least. Abigail seems to enjoy their company just as much as Joy or Cait so it works out enough. Everything feels like it's on the other side of a glass that I can't reach past though.

"Hey, darling why do you look so lost in space, Miss cadet?"

"Sorry, Gina. How is everything going so far?"

"Good but I'm worried about you like always... Thinking about the life we have and how fast we put everything together. How we overcame difficulties and challenges... When I look at Abigail I know that she's the reason we keep going now."

"Yeah, we went through so much together... If you hadn't stopped me that night, I would never have made it this far. You took a broken mirror and pieced it back together while ignoring the cuts and pain... Even though we made mistakes we found ourselves back at square one with each other. Every single time you know."

"We do love each other and it's not like we forget that and I think that's why we always end up back in the same spot... Mistakes happen but we know where our hearts belong and that is what matters most to me."

"I'm just a broken tomboy that fell in love with a star I believed out of my reach, Gina. Thank you for staying."

The kiss was something like a promise between us a simple reminder that we will stay. The more I think about myself the more I realize how broken I am. But it doesn't matter I just need my hands to crawl forward for the both of them. This wedding will be the greatest milestone of our lives going forward.

In the days leading up to our date for this traditional wedding, we decorated everything. We only planned to keep it to family and close friends we decided on letting in. Everyone took time trying on clothing that suited them best and taste testing the food. Gina and Victoria had made countless snacks and cakes for us to try. These days may have gone by so quickly but they are some of the best memories we can all hold onto. My mother went back to visit my father while he was still in recovery and Percy just vanished which I understood. He didn't feel like he belonged but the invitation was open either way.

We had the walls painted and decorated to fit everyone's taste, which was fun. It was like a sisterhood of sorts between us which made it feel even more like family. Abigail, unfortunately, ended up trying on hundreds of dresses and outfits for the wedding but she loved it. The day was approaching when we could bring a close to this chapter of our lives and go into the future.

" Hey, Astra... Are we raising her properly or have we made mistakes. Abigail is so young so I don't want her to think this is how the world works "

"That's true the world is not as simple as we make it seem. But that's because we shut the world out and fell into a world we created for ourselves. We may have to venture into that world but we don't live in it and that may seem like a bad thing. But she's a smart kid and has a brilliant mother like you to guide her."

"Don't cut yourself out, you are just as brilliant."

"Gina, we both know I'm not. I will teach her how to fight and how to make mistakes but also grow from them. When she's old enough I will tell her my story and she will either hate me or pity me. But as her mother, I will do what is in my power to prepare her for the world... I can safely leave the brilliant guiding to you, Gina. Because you will always be the voice of reason to me. I'm just a tomboy that fell in love with a miracle."

"Jesus Astra, keep saying things like that you won't have any vows left to say at the wedding."

"Who needs Vows when my heart speaks volumes my words don't match."

When I kiss her I felt the tears trailing down her cheeks, I felt the way she smiled into my lips. It was the truth either way and she understood that. We both were ready for the big day and the excitement was overflowing for such a day.

Lines of Love; Ending Sidepiece

Vows~

Joy~

"I'm terrible at words Cassie and you know this better than anyone. Even trying to make a vow right here in front of everyone seems like a dream. What vow could I make worth a lifetime of love you and I will experience. Because you and I will return to this same place at the same time to once more declare we are one right.?"

Cassie~

"That's not something I could easily follow Joy but you have always held my hand to make sure I never fell behind. It was your actions I loved more than words because your words simply confirmed your actions. None of the vows today will have words we never spoke to another but that's fine. None of us needs vows when we could just listen to the heartbeat of the one we love to know."

Victoria~

"I'm incredibly embarrassed now that we are here, Cait. But I'm glad we agreed to do this even if we are not ready for such a step. This is like another stepping stone in our journey of loving each other. A step we will take every year side by side knowing that we have conquered the harshest of challenges already. "

Cait~

"I love you so much, Victoria. I am speechless beyond expectations honestly. I never imagined I would be standing here in front of you dressed like this. I don't have fancy words so... Thank you for choosing me."

Gina~

"Astra, we met in a strange place didn't we. The gym of all places to fall in love or even find the one you are destined for. It wasn't romantic or sweet but it was real between us and we both could feel that. Our journey has been fast but practiced in its own way. I found a way through your walls and found a way to calm your heart. This moment and all of the past and future are ours. We made a family from strangers and have a beautiful child, life is complete for us both."

Astra~

"Giving up was easy for me even when I didn't want to, just an out ultimately. When I could run I was chasing after all the wrong things in life and never the right things. When I met you I felt myself still needing to chase after you just because I was afraid to be left behind. I think when I lost the ability to run like I use to I realized I never needed to chase after you because you had never left my side. I'm not ashamed of being a broken mess of glass that made mistakes because I found you. A stranger at one point, that reached down to pick up the pieces and put every sharp piece back together. I'm a difficult person who was often a coward but you and I never forgot how to love one another. "

End-

Lines of Love/Devotion Authors Words

This story and Devotion are powerful to me and maybe a little messy. For the time being, I have concluded this entire story but do have plans for future stories. This last piece would have been far too long if I added the whole detailing of the wedding and such ( 3k or so words most likely.) So I didn't want to drag this out any longer. All comments will be appreciated in your thoughts, ideas you may have, or questions.

I am not a perfectionist writer as you can clearly see and that's because I prefer reality versus fiction. While I do use a keyboard to help me type and write it's not perfect and still gets things wrong. I do my best but ultimately everything is raw and this story particularly drained me emotionally to write. I do apologize for the length of time it took to finish this though.

Thank you for giving this story a chance.