G IV: Chapter 2

The morning of Johanna's birthday party dawned finding Daphne in the garden taking care of her plants and Brian in the back setting up the decorations. Johanna was inside preppeing herself for her birthday. The guests were planned to arrive at about 3, it was to be a pool party. Swimming and water sliding were a few of Johanna's favorite things to do so that made the decision of needing swimming gear to attend.

The guests arrived just on time - many many guests. It seemed like the whole neighborhood was invited. Mostly teenagers, people Johanna had met at school.

Brian gazed wide eyed at the people filing into the backyard. "Jo-Jo! I didn't know you were so popular!"

"Well when you look as good as I do," She fluffed at her hair and bat her eyes, "you can't help but be noticed!" She giggled then started greeting her guests.

Johanna made the call that she was going to blow her candles out and everyone gathered around. The cheers and noisemakers were deafening.

Johanna made her wish and blew out the small flames in one breath. More shouts erupted from the excitable crowd. Johanna sprouted into a beautiful young woman. She looked down at herself and sighed.

"I was kind of hoping for some bigger..."

"Time for cake!" Dylan interrupted.

After eating their fill, everyone gathered around for some ghost stories. The tales were thrilling, many teens flocked around to listen. If they got too scared the got up and left, leaving with some kind of excuse about wanting to swim - or use the bathroom.

Johanna wasn't interested in the stories, she wanted a good kicking match. Dylan was the man to go to for that. Brian knew a little but he was not as experienced as Dylan and Johanna wanted a challenge. She offered a sparring match that he gladly accepted.

"Don't go easy on me because it's my birthday either! I'm a big girl now, gimme your best shot." She teased.

The went at it, and Dylan won. He didn't hold back.

"Geesh. I guess I still need some practice huh?" She said, sounding slightly defeated.

"Eh, don't worry sis, you are a lot better than you used to be," Dylan grinned, "But so am I."

After that the party ended. It was pretty late and getting to dark to see.

The very next morning was spent setting up for Rachel and Brian's wedding. The decorating took most of the morning, Daphne and Johanna doing most of the work. Brian went home with Dylan the night before - since he was not allowed to see Rachel before she was walking down that aisle. Rachel busied herself getting pretty for her big day.

The guests arrived promptly at noon, when the sun was at it's highest. Brian arrived with Dylan and by one o'clock everyone was gathered around the wedding arch, awaiting the bride.

When she made her appearence, murmurs of appreciation spread through the crowd.

Brian chanced a glance her way. When he saw her he got nervous. He wasn't actually scared or shakey until that very moment when she approached him.

His nervousness wasn't because he was unsure, or getting sudden cold feet, it was more fear of not being good enough for her. When she got up to him she smiled and his fears turned into hope. He hoped more than anything that he would be good enough for her.

Rachel brought her ring out and readied it to place on his finger.

"Brian, I stand with you today ready to start a new life and family. Something I never really knew I wanted until I met you. I promise to be there for you always. To be the best wife and friend to you, and the best mother to your children that I can be, for as long as I live." She slid the ring onto his finger and smiled.

"Rachel, nothing I say is going to express exactly how I feel about you. There wouldn't be enough words, or time, to do that. I can tell you that I want us to be together for as long as time will allow. Forever is a very long time, and I promise I'll be there the whole time - I'll never leave your side. I love you Rachel, always and forever." He put the ring on her finger.

They kissed to seal the bond, a kiss that lasted longer than it probably should have. A couple of guests giggled at them.

Rachel looked at Brian. "Yeah, I'm yours forever now. I love you." She kissed him again, but this one was a short kiss. "Time for cutting the cake? I need to settle some butterflies."

Brian laughed and nodded. "Me too."

Rachel left the cutting up to her new husband. She didn't trust herself to do it straight.

Brian cut two pieces, and he and Rachel took them and sat down to eat. The guests took that as a 'go ahead' for them to get their own pieces.

Pretty soon the picnic tables and chairs were full, and so were the guests. The cake was wonderful, and the buffet table plentiful. After an hour or two of mingling, the newlywed couple sat on the back porch by a fire.

Daphne, Johanna and Dylan joined them soon and each family member sat in silence. From their chairs they bid farewell to any guests that were leaving and smiled at people that were staying a little longer.

A glance into any of the family's eyes would tell you what they were thinking. Each wished that James could be here to see this beautiful moment but knew it was impossible. They sent their best wishes to him - wherever he may be - and poked at the fire some more.

By 7pm everyone had left and the party was over. Even Dylan and Johanna went home. Daphne left as well to give the newlyweds some time alone. A trip to the park is always nice.

That time alone was well spent. Hardly a word was spoken between the two, but none were really needed.