Reality Bites: In Real Life Sequel

Reality Bites: Chapter 23 (Epilogue)

EPILOGUE

ONE YEAR LATER

NICOLE’S POV

I fingered the white silk fabric of the dress that hung on the hanger. It was a breathtaking wedding dress. He was going to love it. I closed my eyes picturing the dress on me as I walked down the aisle. Nick’s eyes would fall on me from where he stood next to the minister. Then he would smile a smile meant for only me.

“No, you can’t see her before the wedding!” I heard Selena exclaiming from the other side of the door.

“Relax Sel,” I heard Nick say as the door opened. “That superstition only applies to the bride and groom; not the bridesmaid and her boyfriend. [AN: Dude, they’re in high school. They aren’t getting married that young! ;)] “Are you in here imagining your own wedding day?”

“Now why would I do that?” I asked as I stood up and went willingly into his arms.

“Usually attending a wedding makes a girl think of her own wedding day.”

“Maybe one day, but not right now. I like where we are now.” I kissed him gently reveling in how comfortable I felt with him. Over a year ago Nick was my twin and unrequited crush. Now he was no longer my brother, but my boyfriend.

Oh,” Nick said fiddling with something in his pocket. “Then I suppose you don’t want this then?” My jaw dropped as he pulled out and opened a small velvet box. Inside was a simple silver ring with the word “forever” engraved into it.

“Nick?” I asked still shocked. “Is that what I think it is?” Nick smiled before sliding the ring onto my left ring finger. “Nick?”

“We’re still young so it’s only a promise ring, but I will replace it with a real engagement ring in the future. I know you’re Nicole Anderson now. Heck, we’re at your brother’s wedding after all, but one day I want you to marry me and become Nicole Jonas again. So, I’m asking you now. You get to choose this time. Who do you want to be?”

“I want to be Nicole. A young woman with family and friends who care about her. A woman who is loved by a man like you.” Nick leaned in and kissed me sealing the promise without words.

“Do you suppose I could have the room back to change now?” Chelsea asked forcing us to break apart. I waved goodbye to Nick as he exited the room to go sit with our family and friends. “I wonder what David will say about that ring.” I laughed knowing that David’s protectiveness of me would never quite go away. He told me that he approved of Nick, but he always found a way to interrupt our dates.

“He’ll love it because it makes me happy,” I said confidently. Chelsea nodded as she slipped on her wedding gown. Today I was gaining a sister. I helped Chelsea straighten her hair and then make her way out to the procession. I winked at Nick as I walked down the aisle ahead of Chelsea . I would be standing up as maid of honor and best woman for both Chelsea and David. Once I reached my brother’s side the wedding march began and everyone turned to watch her make her way towards David.

I smiled as Papa Jonas welcomed the crowd here to celebrate David and Chelsea’s wedding. As far as I was concerned Mama and Papa Jonas were still my parents in every way that counted. David had asked Papa Jonas to stand up as their minister for the ceremony, which he had gratefully accepted. As they exchanged their vows I let my eyes wander among the pews in the church. On one side Kevin and Selena sat next to each other. The normally stoic Selena was bawling her eyes out while Kevin tended to her. It seemed that a wedding really did get Selena emotional.

On the other side of the church near the back Demi sat next to Joe. It had taken two dye jobs to cover up the colorful streaks that I had dyed into Joe’s hair. Over the past year we had worked to repair our relationship with one another. Having each other to lean on had made Demi and Joe infinitely more forgiving of the past. Demi looked up catching my eye and waved enthusiastically from her seat. I waved back quickly making her smile. Joe leaned in and whispered something into her ear causing her to blush. Demi and Joe exchanged a quick kiss before turning their attention back onto the ceremony.

As Papa Jonas declared David and Chelsea man and wife I looked at Nick who sat in the front row. He mouthed the words “I love you” which I mouthed back to him. Hours later during the reception I played with the small silver ring on my finger. David had started to ask questions about it, but Chelsea had distracted him swiftly with a kiss. Chelsea called out all of the single girls to gather around for the bouquet toss. I sidled up to Selena and Demi eager and nervous at the same time. Chelsea tossed the bouquet over her shoulder, and we watched as it sailed through the air. The bouquet landed on the ground in front of my, Demi, and Selena’s feet.

“Who caught it?” Chelsea shouted out into the crowd. All three of us stared nervously at the bouquet on the ground.

“It’s totally Selena’s,” Kevin said walking up next to her.

“No way,” Joe said walking up to Demi. “It’s rightfully Demi’s.”

“They’re acting so foolish,” Nick said walking up and grasping my hand in his. I felt him stroke the finger that was wearing his ring. He leaned in and whispered his next words in my ear. “It has to be yours because I’m never letting you go.”

[AN: I like the idea of the boys fighting over the wedding bouquet. XD I hope you enjoyed it!]