Catch Me

The rest of the day went slightly better which kept me at ease since Zack made me feel better when we got back to his place. Now, it’s the following day and I’m at my apartment, getting ready to go meet up with the rest of the guests for breakfast. My parents’ vow renewal would be this evening and people would have the opportunity to meet Zack. He’s going to come pick me up this morning to head to the resort my family is staying at. I finished getting ready with ten minutes to spare, so I decided on listening to some music before he gets here.

Everybody
Rock your body
Everybody
Rock your body right
Backstreet's back alright

Oh my God we're back again
Brothers, sisters, everybody sing
We're gonna bring the flavor show you how
I've gotta question for ya
Better answer now

Am I original? (yeah)
Am I the only one? (yeah)
Am I sexual? (yeah)
Am I everything you need?
You better rock you body now

Everybody
Rock your body
Everybody
Rock your body right
Backstreet's back alright

Now, throw your hands up in the air
And wave 'em around like you just don't care
If you wanna party let me hear you yell
'Cause we've got it goin' on again

Am I original? (yeah)
Am I the only one? (yeah)
Am I sexual? (yeah)
Am I everything you need?
You better rock you body now

Everybody
Rock your body
Everybody
Rock your body right
Backstreet's back alright

Everybody
Rock your body
Everybody
Rock your body right
Backstreet's back alright

Everybody
Rock your body
Everybody
Rock your body right
Backstreet's back alright

I was dancing and singing so terribly that I didn’t even hear the knock on the door, but I did hear a familiar voice and feel a hand on my shoulder.

“Riley.”

I practically jumped out of my skin as I turned around.

“Jeez. You scared the crap out of me.” I said smacking his shoulder.

“Sorry, but you weren’t answering the door, so I tried the doorknob... you know, you’re pretty damn cute and entertaining.”

I blushed. I was embarrassed.

“I can’t believe you saw that.”

“I loved it.”

“Well, it’s not happening ever again.”

“Ever?”

“Ever.”

“How about the dancing part tonight?”

“Maybe.”

“Only maybe?”

“Probably.”

He smiled and kissed me. I melted into the kiss as I wrapped my arms around his neck.

“Are you ready for breakfast?” I asked.

It's eight in the morning.

“Absolutely.”

“Good. I’m starving.”

The trip to the resort was a rather short but joyous one. I prayed walking in there that my dad would be in a much better mood than he was yesterday; he should be anyway. It’s the day of my parents’ vow renewal for goodness sake. I saw several of my cousins’, aunts and uncles as well as great friends of my parents causing me to have a huge smile on my face; Zack noticed.

“This is the happiest I’ve seen you since well... you know.” he said smirking.

“Thank you again for that. I really did feel better after that.” I said smiling up at him.

“My pleasure. Let’s go eat.”

When I saw my dad, he seemed to be in a good mood and it had better stay that way.

“Riley!” he said embracing me.

“Daddy!”

Just because I’m still a bit upset about how he acted yesterday, I still love him and it’s going to take a lot more than how he was yesterday for me to cut him out of my life.

“How ya feeling this morning?”

Glad he can pick up on people’s moods.

“Fantastic. You?”

“Amazing. It’s beautiful this morning.”

When isn’t it? This is one of my main reasons why I live here, after all.

“It is. I love it.”

I looked over to see my mom and Zack talking. Well, he clearly has a bond with someone already and I love that; I nudged him.

“Good morning, Zack.” my dad greeted him.

“Good morning, sir.” he said with a smile.

This was the complete opposite of yesterday and I couldn’t have been happier about it.

“Morning, Mom.” I said, hugging her.

“Morning, Rye.”

“How ya feelin’?”

“Very happy. I am so excited about tonight. How are you? I know yesterday wasn’t actually the kind of day you wanted to have.”

She had one of the biggest smiles I’ve ever seen.

“Amazing. I’m looking so forward to today.”

“Is part of it having Zack see you in that beautiful dress of yours?”

“Yeah and me seeing him in a tux.” I said biting my lip.

“Well, I’m sure he’s gonna look very handsome in it.”

“Yeah. I have no doubts about that, either.”

After another couple minutes, I heard my name being called. I looked behind me to see Myra with Krissy not too far behind. I walked just a handful of steps when I was bombarded with hugs.

“Good morning, Rye.” Myra said.

“Morning, Riley.” Krissy said.

“Good morning. How are you guys?”

I got similar responses from them.

"...how are you? How'd yesterday go?" Myra asked.

I began to laugh.

"Yesterday. Okay. Picked up my family at the airport where my dad said the faster that he meets Zack, the faster he can interrogate him..."

I was shaking my head.

"Why am I getting the feeling that things went downhill because of your dad?"

"Because it did. He wasn't thrilled when Zack was waiting for us before lunch and there was a look of terror in Zack's eyes that I never wanna see again."

"Terror? Zack? I didn't think that was possible." Krissy said.

"Yeah. Me either. The greeting wasn't great and lunch was worse. He pressed my boyfriend when he saw how uncomfortable after we talked about our origin story."

"Minus the cheating... that came up?"

"Unfortunately. I urged my dad to stop, but he wouldn't listen, so my parents know that Zack was already in a relationship..."

I went on to tell them about the rest of lunch up until I met Zack at his place. I sighed and shook my head.

"I love your dad, but jeez..." Myra said.

"Well, my date helped me feel better shortly after I met back up with him." I said, biting my lip.

"I bet he did."

I looked over to see him talking to my sisters who have given him their seal of approval.

"Wanna go talk to Pearl and Alyssa?"

"Of course!" I heard simultaneously.

"I'm gonna do something crazy."

"And what's that?" Myra asked.

"Jump onto his back."

"You'll scare the shit out of him."

"He can handle it."

"Please don't."

I made it five steps when he turned around and faced me. I looked back at my friends who were trying not to laugh.

Fuck.

I walked over and hoped he didn't realize what I was about to do, but I wasn't too optimistic about it.

"Why are they laughing?" he asked.

"It doesn't matter."

"You sure?"

"Yeah."

"I don't believe you."

"She was gonna run and jump on your back, but you turned around." Krissy said.

I glared at her. Zack began to laugh.

"Shut up."

"You can go ahead."

"I don't want to anymore."

"I know when you're lying. Now, come on.”

“Fine. I need a running start.”

“I was right.”

I gave him a look. I was able to get enough room and I dashed toward him and onto his back where he quickly took hold of my legs.

“Are you good?” he asked.

“Yes.” I said, kissing his cheek.

“Where’d you get this idea from?”

“It was just of the blue.”

“It’s a very good idea.”

If I could’ve kissed him, I definitely would have.

“Hey Riley.” Alyssa said.

“Hey.”

“Are you enjoying yourself, Rye?” Pearl asked.

“Yes.” I said giggling.

“You two could not be any cuter.”

“I’m totally taking a photo of you guys, right now.” Alyssa said.

I laughed.

“Say cheese.”

I had a huge grin on my face as she took a photo.

"How's it look?" I asked.

Zack took the phone from her.

"Very cute."

"You are so photogenic, babe."

I blushed.

"Aww... she's blushing." Pearl said.

"Guys, could you just stop?"

I was seriously getting annoyed.

"Let's get breakfast. I can hear my stomach." I said.

"I can hear it too." he said.

I laughed.

Zack walked inside and we went to get something to eat at the buffet, noticing amused looks on people’s faces. I carefully jumped off his back and stood behind him near the buffet table.

“Thanks for the ride.”

“Anytime. That was fun.”

“I agree.” I said, wrapping my arms around his torso.

"You're silly."

We walked back outside with food and sat near my friends.

“How was your ride?” Myra asked.

My mind went straight to the gutter although I knew what she was referring to... that kind of ride sounds great right now.

“Very fun.”

“How are you feeling about tonight?”

“I’m excited. I’ve never seen two people more in love than my parents. I don’t think I ever felt the same way when I was supposedly in love with Mike.” I said smiling only slightly.

I obviously haven’t reached that point with Zack, so who knows if I’ll ever experience that type of love my parents have. However, I do know that nobody has ever cared for me the way that he has; I would love for it to reach that level, but only time will tell. Zack must’ve known how I was feeling because he wrapped an arm around my waist, pulling me closer. I took another bite of my waffle before looking up at him; he was smiling.

“I’m definitely excited for them. They’ve been together for forty years, but married for thirty-five years.”

Time passed rather quickly and now, I was in my beautiful yellow dress and ready to head outside for the ceremony. Zack has not yet seen me in it yet while I haven’t seen him in his tux. He was sitting toward the front when I began walking out. The weather was perfect as I walked down the aisle and so was my boyfriend. I smiled at him as he smiled at me while I stood at the front with my sisters and my best friends. It wasn't that long at all when I saw my parents walk down the aisle together which melted my heart.

“Brian and Irene, it is a pleasure to share today’s very special occasion with you.

Many people believe entering marriage is the final step in a romantic relationship. As they see it, a couple meets, gets to know each other, fall in love, decides they want to go through life together and then take the final step, marriage.

But marriage is not meant to be the final step in a couple’s relationship. It is really just the beginning of a grand adventure that hopefully will be long and fruitful for each couple.

You have shared the joys, blessings, and yes, the challenge of married life of 35 years. And today, you wish to reconfirm your commitment to working together to make your marriage grow and blossom for years to come.

May this ceremony, renewing the vows you took to become husband and wife on your wedding day, remind you that despite the stresses inevitable in every life, your love, respect and understanding of each other will continue to increase your contentment and heighten your joy in living.

Please join hands.

“Brian, will you continue to have Irene as your wife and continue to live in this marriage?”

“I will.”

“Do you reaffirm your love for her, and will you love, honor and cherish him in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, for better, for worse and forsaking all others, be faithful to her as long as you both shall live?”

“I do.”

“Irene, will you continue to have Irene as your wife and continue to live in this marriage?”

“I will.”

“Do you reaffirm your love for her, and will you love, honor and cherish him in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, for better, for worse and forsaking all others, be faithful to her as long as you both shall live?”

“I do.”

“On your wedding day, you exchanged rings as a symbol of the never ending circle of love! Rings serves as a reminder of your wedding vows to each other and your commitment to live in unity, love and happiness. At this time, it is appropriate to reconfirm the meaning of the rings you wear.”

“Please join your left hands together, so that Brian’s is on top. Brian, please repeat after me....

“Irene, I wear this ring you placed on my hand as a symbol of my love and commitment to you.”

Then, it was my mom’s turn.

“Brian, I wear this ring you placed on my hand as a symbol of my love and commitment to you.”

“I ask that you each remember to continue to cherish each other as special and unique individuals and that you each respect the thoughts and ideas of one another. And, most of all, to be able to forgive each other and not hold grudges against one another. Live each day in love with each other, always being there to give love, comfort, refuge to each other, in good times and bad.

Brian and Irene, today you have renewed the promises and vows you made to each other on your wedding day. You have symbolized the renewal of the marriage union by the joining of hands, the taking of vows and by the wearing of your wedding rings.

It is with pleasure that I conclude the ceremony of renewing the vows of marriage that joined you and binds you as husband and wife. Please celebrate this renewal of vows with a kiss.”

Once they kissed, I continued to smile and clapped. It was such a beautiful ceremony and my parents looked so in love like it was them getting married for the first time.

“That was a wonderful ceremony.” Zack said from beside me.

“It was. Wasn’t it?” I said, turning to him.

“And you look as beautiful as ever.”

I blushed and stood on my toes to kiss him, wrapping my arms around his neck while his wrapped around my waist.

"Ready to dance?" he asked after a moment.

"Yep. Are you?"

"Yeah."

I took his hand and we walked the short distance where the reception would be.

"They should play what you were dancing and singing to earlier." Zack said.

"No. They shouldn't. Besides, my parents are in their late fifties."

"A boy can dream."

I laughed.

“And that’s all it’s going to be. A dream.”

He laughed and kissed my cheek.

“Hi honey. What’d you think of the ceremony?” my mom said, hugging me.

“It was absolutely perfect. I know I said it before, but you looked so beautiful out there, Mom.”

“I don’t mind hearing it more than once, Rye. I love you.”

“I love you, too.”

It wasn’t too long until we were able to eat which was such a relief because my stomach would not shut up. The smell of beef infiltrated my nostrils as we went to the buffet table.

“You know I can hear your stomach.” Zack said.

“What’s your point?” I asked, filling my plate.

“It’s loud.”

I shook my head and started walking to my table.

“How is everything?” Pearl asked across from me.

“Delicious. I was starving.”

“Clearly.” Zack added.

I jabbed him in the gut. She laughed.

“Shut up.”

“What if I don’t?”

“I think you know the answer to that question.” I said, sliding my hand up his thigh.

“I’ll shut up.”

“You two are hilarious.” Pearl said.

Soon after we were done eating, I heard music play and felt my hand being tugged on; apparently, someone’s eager to see me dance.

“Why do you wanna see me dance so badly? Music isn’t my strong suit whatsoever.”

“Because you’re my girlfriend. That’s why.”

I groaned and got out of my chair.

“You know, if I didn’t like you as much as I do, I wouldn’t dance in front of you."

What started it all off was Pour Some Sugar on Me and thus began my sad attempt at dancing. Maybe ten songs in, a slow song began to play and I smiled, knowing how much I loved this song.

Make You Feel My Love

As much as I’m disinterested in dancing in front of Zack, there’s just something about slow dancing that gets me into that kind of mood.

“Would you care to have this dance?” I asked him.

“Aren’t I supposed to ask you?”

“Our relationship hasn’t exactly been conventional. Now, would you care to dance with me?”

“It’d be my pleasure.”

Make You Feel My LovebyBob Dylancame pouring through the PA system.

When the rain is blowing in your face
And the whole world is on your case
I could offer a warm embrace
To make you feel my love

When evening shadows and the stars appear
And there is no one there to dry your tears
I could hold you for a million years
To make you feel my love

I know you haven't made your mind up yet
But I would never do you wrong
I've known it from the moment that we met
No doubt in my mind where you belong

I'd go hungry, I'd go black and blue
I'd go crawling down the avenue
And oh, there's nothing that I wouldn't do
To make you feel my love

The storms are raging on the rolling sea
And on the highway of regret
The winds of change are blowing wild and free
You ain't seen nothing like me yet

I could make you happy, make your dreams come true
Nothing that I wouldn't do
Go to the ends of the earth for you
To make you feel my love

He placed his hands on my hips while I wrapped my arms around his neck and looked deeply into his eyes. He truly has no idea how much he means to me. I stood slightly on my toes and kissed him.

“I honestly don’t know what I would do without you.” I said.

Notes