That night Justin and Isaiah walked into the large empty house in the late hours of the night. Justin dropped the bags in his hands instantly and stood there for a moment. Everything looked so dark and cold... not at all the warm home he'd invisioned coming home to. He had also invisioned Emerald standing to his left; maybe her absence had something to do with it. He looked down at Isaiah who was standing to his right. The little boys' eyes were pretty much closed and he was wobbling back and forth trying to keep his balance as he slept standing up. Justin picked him up and headed towards the stairs. It'd been a long week, and they were both overdue for some serious sleeping time.
He headed to the Isaiah's room, just down the hall from his own. It'd been done up when Emerald moved back to Orlando. That way--when he slept at Justin's--he'd have his own space. Pulling back the dinosaur sheets, Justin gently laid Isaiah down and proceeded to get him ready for bed. He pulled off his socks and shoes, pants and shirt, and the pulled the sheets up to cover him. He sat down on the bed next to him and looked down at his son. His son... once in a while the words would still shock him. He actually had a kid, a little boy that looked up to him and would one day grow up to look and act just like him. Unfortunately (for the kid). Emerald was the one with the good looks as far as he was concerned.
Something silver caught his eye and he picked up Isaiah's hand and gently pulled his fingers apart. His brow crinkled when he realised it was one of Emerald's bracelets. Why did Isaiah have Emerald's bracelete? He turned on the small light by the bed and looked it over, he remembered when she bought it. It was in Seattle and they came in a pack for 10 or 11. She'd worn it for 2 weeks straight because she liked the noise they made when she moved her arm. The only reason she took it off was because her wrist started to turn green.
"Daddy mine," Isaiah said softly reaching for it.
"Did Mommy give you that?" he asked handing it back to him.
Isaiah nodded in responce.
"She say squeeze it and she come back,"
"She'll come home?"
He nodded again.
"But only in heart, no really," he added.
"What else did Mommy say?"
"She be back lato. She sorry and she love me,"
Justin sighed and nodded after a moment.
"Well, gimme a hug and kiss goodnight," he stretched his arms out.
Isaiah sat up and leaned into him.
"This hugs from me. This hugs from Mommy," he said before releasing him.
"This kiss is from me," he kissed his cheek. "This kiss is from Mommy,"
Isaiah giggled when his father's facial hair tickled his face.
"And we both love you very much,"
"Love too, Daddy,"
"Alright. Now go back to sleep,"
Justin stood and turned off the light while Isaiah slouched back down and pulled the blankets up to his head.
"Goodnight Isaiah," Justin said from the doorway.
"Night Daddy,"
Justin retired to his own room and passed out on the bed. He didn't even bother to get undressed or even get under the covers, just collapsed onto the plush pillows.
He opened his eyes and stared straight ahead. Eleven days... today was the eleventh day since his Emerald had left him. Usually when Justin awoke in the morning he'd stretch his body out, untangling muscle after muscle like a lion. However, for the past week and a half all he'd do was wake up and roll over. Isaiah was passed out next to him. He didn't want to sleep alone, and neither did Justin. His son was all he had left now.
The cordless rang beside him and Justin jumped to answer it before it disturbed Isaiah.
"Emerald?" he asked instead of the usual 'hello'.
"Try again,"
"Hi Mom," he said dryly.
"Don't get too excited, Justin. It's only me,"
"Sorry Mom. It's just that--honestly--you're not who I was hoping to talk to," he got up and headed downstairs.
He didn't want to wake Isaiah with his talking, and he was kinda hungry.
"I could tell by the way you answered. Still no word from Emerald?"
"Nope. I dunno Mom, I think she may be gone for good this time," he opened the fridge and pulled out a carton of orange juice.
"Give her a chance,"
"It's been 3 days. If she were gonna come back she'd be back by now,"
"Flights have been crazy lately. I'm sure she's on her way right now,"
Justin leaned against the counter and sighed.
"I hope you're right Mom. God, this is hell. I feel like I'm... like I can't breathe, ya know? Like I'm dying. I don't want to eat. I don't want to sleep. I don't want to do anything... except hold her,"
"I know, Justin, I know. Just have faith. Love will find a way,"
"Mom, you're too old fashioned for your own good,"
"Don't call me old, young man,"
"I didn't call you old. I called you old-fashioned,"
"Same difference,"
"Whatever, Mom. Listen, I gotta go. Isaiah will be up any minute. He's gonna want breakfast and then cry for an hour,"
"Well give him a hug and kiss 'hello' for me. And if you need any help, let me know,"
"I will, Mom. Bye,"
"Bye sweety,"
Justin set the cordless on the counter and looked at the orange juice container. He hadn't even opened it during the conversation, just held it. Truthfully he wasn't thirsty at all, but he knew he should drink something anyway. He pulled away the seal and opened it. Just before he took a sip the doorbell sounded throughout the house. Setting the juice down he headed to the door. Looking through the peephole he saw no one. He waited a moment and then looked again to be sure. No one. He turned to go back to the kitchen and didn't get more than two feet before the doorbell sounded again. This time he quickly threw himself against the door and looked out the peephole hoping to catch who ever it was. Once again no one was there.
Justn pulled open the door and stepped out on to the porch. Not a soul was in sight. He huffed and turned to go back into the house, slamming the door behind him.
"Stupid ding-dong-ditch kids," he muttered to himself.
He opened his mouth to say more as he entered the kitchen, but lost his voice and all strength when he saw who was standing there. Emerald pulled the orange juice carton from her lips and wipped her mouth before speaking.
"Hey Just,"
The room was silent for a minute while Justin found his voice.
"Em-Emerald?
Well, he'd almost found his voice anyway.
"You really need to get some groceries Justin," she had turned around and was now inspecting the fridge.
"It was on my list. Emerald, how did you get in here?"
He took a step or two towards her, but he was still several feet away and the island was between them.
"The door was open,"
"That was you with the doorbell?"
"Yeah. I dunno why I did that. Seemed like a good idea at the time,"
Justin continued to stare at her so Emerald moved around the island and stood in front of him.
"Justin, I know when I left I hurt you. I know I hurt our son deeply. But you have to believe me when I say it nearly killed me-,"
"Why are you here?" he interrupted.
Emerald gave him a confused look.
"What do you mean? I saw the awards show. I heard what you and the guys said and I heard the song. I--It made me decide to come back,"
"Come back? You want to come back after you abandoned us both?"
This wasn't how she'd invisioned the conversation going. She lowered her head to look at her hands and whispered the only words she could think to say.
"I'm sorry,"
"You're sorry? Are you really sorry, or are you just saying it cause you think that's what I wanna hear?"
"I'm so unbelievably sorry Justin. I'll never do that again. It wiil not happen again. If you'll have me back that is,"
She looked up at him with hopeful eyes. Justin could see insecurity and uncertainty hidden inside of her. But there was hope, just the same. He reached out, grabbing a hold of her arms and pulled her to him. Her arms wrapped around his waist and his around her shoulders in an embrace that felt almost heavenly.
Wait, no: not almost. He was holding his Em. This was heaven.
"You have to stop this running away thing, Em. You have to knock that shit off. You're gonna put me in a casket one of these days," he said.
"I know. I'm sorry. I was running from my problems and I was afraid, but I'm done now," her voice was muffled because her face was burried agsinst his chest.
She lifted her head and smiled up at him. She looked utterly adorable at the moment. Her lips were slightly parted and they looked soft as silk. They were screaming to be kissed and he wanted so much to be the one to put out that fire. He leaned down and let his face hover above hers while he ran a finger down her cheek. He gently placed a kiss on her nose before covering her lips with his.
When Emerald placed a hand on his cheek, and tilted her head to the right. Justin couldn't think of a better place on Earth. After so long, after wanting and needing this so bad, he was finally in this moment. This tender, passionate, amazing moment. This could possibly be more pleasurable than sex. It was definitely hitting him on a higher level. He wanted that moment to go on forever, but alas, they had to breathe sometime.
Emerald pulled back and gave him a satisfied smile. He responded by placing butterfly kisses all over her face. She giggled wildly and playfully pushed him away before becoming serious.
"Justin I-," he placed his finger over her lips.
He knew what she was going to say, and it didn't need to be said. He knew what was on her mind and in her heart. He shook his head and she nodded. She understood that he already knew. It was that connection that kept bringing them together.
"I should probably go get Isaiah. He'll flip when he sees you,"
"Is he awake?" she asked.
"No. He's asleep upstairs,"
"Let's let him sleep then. I'll be here when he wakes up. Let's just be... What's the word?... together,"
Emerald leaned her head on his shoulder and hugged him tightly. Justin buried his face in the crook of her neck and breathed in her scent deeply.
Be together.
He really liked the sound of that.
Emerald stood in front of the mirror looking at her onsomble. The eggshell white wedding dress hugged her body perfectly. She'd always wanted this dress but never dreamed she'd actually have it.
"Emerald, take that off. Your gonna ruin it if you keep playing in it," Bree walked in followed by the rest of the female wedding party: Ajay, Julie, and Marcella.
"I'm not going to ruin it, Mom. And even if I do, it's my wedding, and I can ruin anything I want to. Plus, it's my dress, I'll be wearing it the rest of today so why can't I put it on now?"
"You have to get hair and make-up done first, Ms.Thang. Now come on. Bobbie's here to do it,"
Ajay unzipped the dress, allowing Emerald to step out of it. Bree then put it on the hanger and hid it so Emerald would no longer be tempted to put it on. Emerald sat on the stool and waited for Bobbie and her assistant Kim to begin making her over into the goddess she'd always dreamt of herself being on this day. When she felt a spongue brush across her skin she let her mind wander back to all the things that had happened over the past year and a half.
About a month after she came back she--with Justin's coaxing--found the courage to call up the girls. They flew down to Orlando, made up, and after a day or two put their friendship back on track. Two months after returning she moved in with Justin and sold her apartment. Obviously, she forgave Lance and JC. How could she not, after the way they apologised? After another 4 months of courting Justin got down on one knee after Thanksgiving dinner and popped the question, saying it'd make sure she never left him again. Emerald had accepted with tears in her eyes. Life couldn't have gotten much grander. They hadn't heard a peep from Britney at all. Thank God.
She smiled to herself as she decided to forget the past and instead focused on the future. Her wonderfully bright future with Justin. She'd be married to who, according to her, is the most amazing man in the world. She was finally going to have that picture-perfect family she'd always dreamed of. Maybe in a year or two they'd make an addition to their family and give Isaiah a younger brother or sister. Maybe they'd move off to the Bahamas and grow old. Maybe they'd become the most high-profile couple you've ever seen. Who knew! The world was their oyster, as far as she was concerned. Letting out a soft sigh, she smiled to herself and began to count down the minutes.
~*~*~
Justin tied his tie for the 12th time before cursing at it and tossing it to the floor.
"Having alittle trouble?" JC asked from the doorway.
"Who? Me? No, none at all. Why do you ask?"
His actions were quick and edgy.
"No reason. You normally act like you've been doing caffine shots,"
"All right, so maybe I'm a little nervous. I just wanna be sure. I don't want to rush her into anything," he rubbed his hands together and began to pace the small room in the church.
"What do you mean? You're not rushing her,"
"How do you know? We're not her. I don't wanna scare her away, I don't wanna make her run again,"
"Trust me. She wants to marry you as much as you wanna marry her,"
JC shook his head and chuckled at his friend's nervous actions. Justin sat on the couch, but not a second later his leg began to bounce up and down at 800 miles an hour. One minute later, he jumped back up and began to pace again, chewing on his nail.
"I need to talk to her. I need to be sure,"
Justin headed towards the door. JC beat him to it.
"No, I am under strict orders from Julie to make sure that you do NOT see the bride before the wedding,"
"What bull-,"
"Yeah yeah yeah. You're in a church so watch your language,"
Justin ran a hand over his head and sighed.
"Fine. Hey, can you do me a favor and go get Isaiah? I think he wandered out there looking for my Mom."
"Sure, I'll be back in a minute,"
Justin counted 15 Mississippi's after the door closed behind JC before he pulled it open and stepped through himself. He headed down the hall in search of his blushing bride. He didn't care about what JC or Julie said, he needed to speak with her. He needed to hear her voice and know that she was there, and that she was ready for this. He found her door and knocked, hoping she'd swing it open and stand in front of him smiling, wrapped in all her beauty. But he knew such wouldn't be the case, and he was right. The door was pulled open barely more than three inches and Ajay's head stuck out.
"Justin? What are you doing here?"
"I need to see Emerald,"
"Are you crazy?! No. You're not supposed to see the bride before the wedding,"
"No, I'm not supposed to see the bride in her dress,"
"Same difference. No Justin,"
"Alecia just move,"
Emerald's voice echoed out into the hall. Justin smiled at the thought that she was near, so incredibly close. But that smile faded when he realized she was still so far away.
"No Emerald you're-,"
"I'll stay behind the door Alecia. Just chill,"
"Quit calling me Alecia," she whined as she stepped away.
Justin smiled in anticipation and grabbed a hold of the door. Someone on the other side touched his fingers gently. It wasn't a surprise or a mystery to him. He knew the feel of her skin well.
"Hey Em,"
"Justin what are you doing here? Do you have cold feet?"
"No! No, I just... I dunno... wanted to talk to you first,"
"Oh,"
No one spoke for a moment.
"How's Isaiah? Is he nervous?"
"Nope, he's normal him. I'm not totally positive where he is,"
"Yep, that's our Isaiah," Emerald giggled.
"Justin?! What are you doing?!"
The couple winced when Lance's voice boomed behind Justin.
"Me? Oh uh... nothing," he smiled innocently.
"Uh-huh. Back to the room buddy,"
Justin stuck his tounge out at Lance in responce and Emerald giggled.
"What are you laughing at?" he turned back to the door curiously.
"Nothing,"
She was not only lying, but she was smiling as she did it. He could tell by her voice.
"Can you see me?"
"Um, no,"
"Liar," Justin mouthed. Emerald immediatly jumped to her own defense.
"Am not!"
"Ah-ha! You can!"
"No, I heard you say it,"
"I didn't say anything. Admit it, your looking at me. Is there a mirror in there somewhere?"
"No, honey. I have x-ray vision," she joked.
"This isn't fair, you know. If I can't see you, then you shouldn't see me,"
"They say you can't see the bride before the wedding. I've never heard anything about the bride not being able to see the groom,"
"Well, I have. You're not supposed to see me in my... uh... tux,"
"Okay, but you're not in your tux. You have the shirt on but you're still in the jeans you came here in,"
"Came here in? You weren't with me when I got here. Just how long have you been watching me?"
"Since you got here," she replied matter-of-factly.
"All right, you two. Break it up,"
Lance pulled on Justin's arm.
"I'm being paged,"
Justin rolled his eyes. Emerald pulled his hand off the door and intertwined their fingers.
"I love you," she said.
"I love you, too,"
"Break up the love fest,"
Ajay and Lance pulled the two away. The door clicked shut a moment later, and, while to some that click would have marked re-enteration into the land of insecurity, Justin and Emerald had never felt more empowered.
Justin sighed nervously and checked his cuff links again. He'd never been so uneasy in his life. Not that he was nervous about marrying Em. No, she was the love of his life. He'd wanted to marry her since the day he was born. No, he was just... uneasy. Marriage is a big step; anyone in their right mind would be nervous about it. The music began to play and the wedding party began to file out. He nodded to his groomsmen as they took they're places beside him and waited for his bride.
Emerald smiled brightly and watched the wedding party as they headed couple by couple out the double doors. Once everyone was gone and the doors closed Emerald took her place next to her father and waited.
"Em hunny, are you sure you wanna do this? I mean, I've barely met the guy,"
"Well Daddy, since I'm the one marrying him, I think it's important that I know him well, not you,"
"I know that, but I can detect things in people that you can't. You're too giving,"
"Everything will be okay, Daddy," she patted his arm.
"Sweetheart, are you sure you wanna marry him? I have a car out back if-,"
"Daddy, calm down," she giggled at him. "Yes, I wanna marry him. I've wanted to marry him since the moment I met him. He's a good man, and a good father. And he really loves me,"
Her father looked her over and nodded. He was no stranger to the glow on her face and the sparkle in her eyes. He'd been in love once before as well.
"Okay, as long as you're happy, pumpkin,"
"I am," she leaned her head on his shoulder.
With her fathers nerves eased Emerald turned her attention to the man waiting for her on the other side of the doors. Her Justin was there, hopefully, waiting to spend the rest of his life with her. She didn't know what she was worried about: he was there. At least as far as she knew. She hadn't gotten the chance to see him go out there. Ever since he'd shown up at her dressing room door. He said he didn't have cold feet and only wanted to talk, but she couldn't be sure.
The wedding march began to play and she squeezed her fathers hand as the doors opened. Everyone was standing and the church looked so beautiful. Roses painted baby blue and lime green were pinned everywhere. Blue and green silk fabric was drapped over anything that would stand still. But Emerald wasn't focused on any of this, she was looking at the tall smiling man a few feet away. She couldn't help but admire him as he stood there perfectly tanned and wearing his tie and vest under his jacket.
The walk to the altar finally ended and the smiles on both of their faces were surely bright enough to light Candlestick park at midnight. Justin had nearly fallen over when the doors opened and revealed Emerald. Not only was she the most beautiful woman he'd ever seen, but this was the most beautiful he'd ever seen her. Her eyes were dark and smoky and mysterious, her cheeks rosy pink, and her lips glossy and utterly kissable. Had it not been for the guest he would have shouted 'I do' and taken her right there on the floor. Shame on himself for having such thoughts, in a church of all places. She stopped in front of him and continued to smile. He felt his heart swell with love for her.
"And who gives this woman to this man?"
For the first time the minister's voice registered in both their minds.
"Her mother and I do," her father spoke.
After answering, Justin and her Dad shared a hug. He then kissed Emerald's cheek and handed her hand to Justin. When his fingers touched hers he took a strong hold on them. Never wanting to let go.
"We are gathered here today to join these two souls together...,"
Looking over at eachother they began to tune out the minister's voice once again. Their greatest fears were put to rest: they'd both shown up.
Life had to be smooth sailing from here.
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