This is the final chapter. Hope you all enjoy.
I own nothing and no one, feedback is appreciated but not expected for this dismal effort. And yes, I'm well aware Lilian doesn't have a middle name, but now she does. Anything else that isn't correct feel free to take up with me too. I apologize now for any mistakes but I couldn't be bothered editing. I might change a couple of things and repost later if need be.
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"White."
Trish shook her head in disgust. "Far too plain. Pink."
Lilian crinkled up her nose in distaste. "Too you."
"Lilian!"
Lilian smiled apologetically at her friend. "I'm sorry! But pink is more your thing ... light blue?"
Trish flopped on the bed beside the petite ring announcer, grabbing the swatches of fabric out of her hands. "Light blue? It's a little 'garden party' don't you think?"
"We're getting married in a garden," Lilian said pointedly.
"Which I don't really get," Trish said rolling her eyes. "You're getting married in winter, and you're getting married in a garden?! What about getting married in Madrid? You love Spain, I thought you'd want to married there."
"We only have the weekend to do it," Lilian explained softly. The sparkle in her eyes dimmed a fraction, but she continued on. "The shows on either side of the weekend are in Jersey ... so a garden in New York is the best way to go ... Until Mike gives Vince his notice, then we just have work around ... well, work around work."
Automatically noticing the change in Lilian's voice, Trish sat up and pulled both of Lilian's hands into her own. "Lil, you don't really want to get married in a garden do you?"
"It's a beautiful place ..." Lilian offered.
"Lilian Garcia, tell me the truth!"
Sighing, Lilian looked away before turning back to face her. "If I give you my honest answer, you won't tell Mike will you?"
"What?" Trish asked aghast. "No way. You come first with me Lil, Mike maybe your fiancée, but anything you tell me in confidence stays here, okay? You know that."
Reaching forward to hug her friend, Lilian smiled. "Then no, I don't want to get married in the New York Botanical Gardens, I can't think of anything worse!"
"Then why Lil?"Trish asked quietly. "Your wedding day is supposed to be the happiest day of your life, you shouldn't be getting married somewhere you don't want to. Everything should be perfect."
"I know that, I do. It's just ... things haven't been easy for us at all up until now, I don't want to take my luck for granted. I just want to marry him. As it is, you and our families are the only ones who know .. we haven't even had the chance to tell everyone else yet ..."
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"How did the date go last night?" Trish asked eagerly, bouncing up and down on her heels. "Did you and Carlos hit it off? He's a really nice guy Lil, honest."
"It was okay," Lilian said tiredly. In all actuality, last night had been one of the worst experiences of her life. As good looking as he was, Carlos made watching paint dry an exhilarating experience. "I don't think he's the one for me though." Because I'm already in love, she finished silently.
Trish's face fell. Why did Lilian never seem to have any luck when it came to dating?"Oh okay .."
Deciding that now was as good a time as any, Lilian interrupted her friend. "But that's only because I've already found the one for me," she said gently, watching Trish's eyes go wide.
"What?! When?! Who?!"
Rubbing her neck guiltily, Lilian bit down on her bottom lip. "For a while, to be honest. I haven't been able to tell you because of ... well, because of this ridiculous fraternization policy Vince is insisting upon enforcing."
The mouth of the current Women's Champion just about hit the floor. "You're dating a wrestler?? But, you barely even talk to half of the guys! Not the ones outside of our friends anyway!"
Shaking her head, she corrected her friend. "He's not a wrestler."
"Is he an announcer? A suit? Part of the ring crew?" Trish demanded, her face showing her disappointment.
Lilian blushed. "He's a referee."
"Oh. My. God." Trish whispered. "You're getting it on with Earl Hebner? Lil, he's old enough to be your father!!"
"No!" Lilian squealed with laughter, holding her sides because they hurt from laughing so much. "It's not Earl Hebner!"
"Jack Doan."
"Nope."
"Brian Hebner."
"No!! Trish, give me some credit."
"I'm running out of options," Trish pouted.
"It's Mike," Lilian sighed dreamily. "Mike Chioda."
Trish gasped. "You rat! I should have known! You two are always eyeing each other up!" She accused hotly. "But he only just returned from Smackdown ... how serious is this?"
"You might want to sit down, Trish". Lilian said cryptically, pulling her hand out from behind her back and flashing a beautiful ring before her friend.
Only two words were spoken as a thump was heard, Trish's body hitting the floor. "Holy. Shit."
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"You do plan on telling everyone, right?" Trish asked curiously.
"Of course we do ... we're just ... waiting for the right moment." A knock sounded on the hotel rooms door, and both girls looked toward it expectantly.
"Is someone coming by?"
Lilian smiled widely, the sparkle returning to her eyes. "It's Mike."
"But this is his hotel room, why is he knocking?" Trish said incredulously. "He knows he can just come in, right?"
"Of course he does. He just doesn't want to interrupt us, so he's doing the polite thing and waiting." She answered swatting Trish on the arm. "Come in, Mike." The door opened slowly and her fiancée stepped in, a bunch of lilies in his arms. Glancing shyly at Trish he stepped up to the bed and knelt beside Lilian, kissing her lightly.
"These are for you," he said clearing his throat and offering her the flowers.
"Mike, you shouldn't have!" Lilian exclaimed. "They're beautiful, thank you."
Trish groaned inwardly. God these two were sickening. Sweet yes, but sickening. "Hi Mike!"
Not even taking his eyes off of Lilian for a second he replied. "Hi Trish, how have you been?"
"Good, I've been good," she enthused, a thought popping into her head. Maybe Lilian didn't want to push Mike so she could have her perfect wedding .. but she had never said Trish couldn't try and give her one ... Trish grinned widely, a plan formulating in her head. "Hey Lil, maybe you should go and find some water for those flowers." Peering suspiciously at her friend Lilian nodded slowly, climbing off the bed. The flowers weren't going to die right this instant without water ...
"I should, shouldn't I? I'll be right back." Kissing Mike again, Lilian picked up the flowers and headed out of the room. Mike stood and looked at his feet, unsure of what to do. Anyone could see Trish was up too something, but what?
"So .. how are the wedding plans coming along?" He asked finally, thinking that by bringing up the topic Trish would have enough to rave about until Lilian got back. It wasn't that he didn't like Trish, she was a fantastic person, and she was great for Lil, she was just a bit .. what was the word? Over bearing at times.
"Weeeell," Trish began. "Great, apart from one small thing .. And that's where you come in!" She finished, beaming.
"What do you mean?!" Mikes skin paled. "She hasn't changed her mind has she??!"
"Um, not entirely..." Trish fibbed, figuring if she stretched the truth a little more she'd maintain his attention. "But I have an idea .. and I need you to help me."
"Uh, Trish," he said nervously. "I don't know if I like the sound of this ..."
"Of course you do. We're going to give Lilian the perfect wedding!"
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Later that evening, Mike was lying on their bed with Lilian in his arms. Trish's words were running through his head. Was she right? Was Lilian really unhappy with the prospect of marrying him? Lilian's breath was shallow and even, and she was barely moving as he simply stroked her hair. Curtains open, the moonlight shone into the room dancing across the floor, the sparkling lights of Vegas close by yet far enough away to give them some peace. "Lily?"
"Yeah Mike?" Almost asleep as she lay there, his voice roused her out of a daydream full of wedding gowns and invitations. "Is everything okay?"
Deciding not to mince words, he dived right in with his question. "Is everything okay with the wedding plans?"
Hearing the hesitance in his voice she rolled over to face him, her head lying next to his on the pillow. "Of course it is .. why wouldn't it be??!"
"It's just .. I was talking to Trish, and she mentioned that the Garden's were a funny place to get married, especially in the winter." Lilian rolled her eyes, knowing that Trish couldn't keep a secret to save her life. His voice dropped and he continued on, skepticism evident in his tone. "I kind of got the impression that she meant you didn't want to get married at all ... does this mean you're having second thoughts?" Trish had better be right, he thought to himself. With that comment alone I'm making myself susceptible to a beating from a Latina half my size ...
"What?!" Lilian exclaimed in disbelief. Eyes wide, she sat up in distress."Mike, no!"
"Are you sure?" He queried, smoothing back her hair again. "I got the feeling you were upset Lil ..."
"Mike, that's not it ... The problem is with the location, not with you." A question in his eyes, she took a deep breath. "Trish and I were talking about how nice it would be to get married in Madrid, and make it a whole big affair. But I don't care where we get married, whether it's the Garden's, or Madrid, or right here!!" Poising herself to suck in another big breath of air she continued, shoulders shaking. "I just want to get married!!"
"Lily .. honey, you're rambling." Mike smiled as he lifted her hand to his mouth, kissing it lightly.
Tears welled in her eyes as she tried fervently to keep them back. "I want ... I just want to marry you."
Smiling tightly he brushed away a stray tear as it drifted down her cheek. Relief flooded across his face as he gently pulled her closer."Good," he whispered. "Because I want to marry you, so much."
Kissing her lips now, he accentuated each word with a kiss. "I want you to know that."
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As Lilian lay sleeping, Mike reached for her cell on the bedside table. Punching in a number, he waited for the person on the other end to pick up.
"Ello?" A voice thick with sleep mumbled. "Lilian?"
"Trish, it's Mike."
Blinking, Trish rubbed the sleep out of her eyes. "Mike, it's 2am, what couldn't wait til the morning?"
"I've been thinking," he replied softly, a little excited, albeit a little ashamed about what he was about to get involved in. "I want to do this for Lil, I'm in."
Without missing a beat Trish piped back. "We'll get started immediately. We only have a week to plan this, and it has to be perfect!"
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Lilian awoke the next morning to the sound of her fiancée on her phone. Rolling over, she rested her head on his chest, enjoying the closeness. "Nothing too big ... two each? That sounds fine." Glancing at Lilian he cast a wide smile, lifting her hand to his mouth for a kiss. "She's right next to me."
Lilian smiled back, not having to ask who was on the phone. Trish's rambunctious voice could be heard underwater. "Morning Trish!" Without waiting for a reply, Lilian slipped out of bed and padded off to the bathroom, causing Mike to lower his voice.
"Chad and Jack I guess ... and Steph? Dahlia, of course." Listening to Trish prattle on he tuned out slightly, refocusing as Lilian reentered the room. "Can you tell Steph today? I'll tell the others ... no, just the two. Make sure she doesn't tell her father."
Lilian slipped back into bed, rolling on her side to look at Mike. "What are you talking about?" She mouthed silently. Grinning, he simply held a finger to her lips to signal her to be quiet. "I've got to go, Trish, I'll talk to you later. See you then." Flipping the phone shut, Mike turned to his fiancée. "Stop being so nosy," he teased her, leaning down for a kiss. Lilian obliged, but soon pulled back in disgust.
"Gross, Mike, brush your teeth!" She jokingly protested, swatting him away. "What were you and Trish talking about?"
"Uh .. nothing," he fibbed.
"It didn't sound like nothing," Lilian replied, arching an eyebrow.
"Just an angle that Stephanie wants to take with the Women's Championship," he shrugged. "Steph and Trish just doesn't want Vince to know about it yet." C'mon Lil, just run with it. His eyes pleaded with her to trust him, for fear he might say something she wasn't supposed to hear.. Lilian studied him carefully, knowing that he wasn't telling her the complete truth. Jeez Lilian, she scolded herself. Mike would never lie to you. He has no reason too, right? Nonchalant, she shrugged it off, and climbed out of bed once again.
"Okay," she shrugged. "Well, did you want to go and get some breakfast?"
Guilt flooded Mike's eyes as he turned to quickly look at the clock on the nightstand. "Uh, I'm sorry Lil, but I have to meet with Jack and Chad this morning, there's some new process for referees Vince wants us to go through ..."
Please believe me, please believe me, he prayed desperately. As much as he wanted to go along with this plan, he couldn't help but feel uncomfortable lying to her. For a brief moment he thought he say something, but his head got the better of him. Turning toward her now, he smiled lightly, and he was met with a terse glance. Lilian sighed inwardly, it was care she wasn't going to the alone time with Mike that she craved. Her eyes lost their sparkle slightly, but she continued on bravely. He isn't himself this morning, Lilian thought to herself. I wonder what's wrong ...
"Okay then. Uh ... will I at least see you before the show?"
"Well, I'll see if I can fit you in," Mike frowned, half teasing yet being completely serious. Between meetings with various Superstars, running around in circles for Vince and meeting up with Trish .. he just didn't have time for Lilian today.
"Oh ... alright."
Shoving on his pants, Mike finally noticed the mundane tone of her voice. She was disappointed he realised. Coming to stand before her, he wrapped her in his arms before letting go. "I'm sorry Lil, I know that Vince has been keeping me busy lately ..."
"Mike, it's okay," Lilian broke in, forcing a smile. "It's work," she rationalized, "Go and do your thing." Shooting her a grateful smile, Mike kissed her again before flying out the door."
"I'll ring you, I promise."
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The sound of Lilian's theme rang out across the office, Mike barely glancing down at his phone as it continued to ring. "What about the dress?" he fretted anxiously. "I don't know what sort of dress Lilian wants!!"
Trish held back a snort, her eyes lighting up. "I'd be worried if you did, Mike, it's okay," she laughed as he sighed in relief. "I'll organise the dress, you just worry about your tux."
His skin automatically turned a pasty white. "Oh no. A tux."
"What now?" Trish asked, raising her eyebrows.
"I don't have a tux," he confessed. "I got rid of the old one when Lilian moved in and never thought about getting another until just before the wedding."
"You're kidding."
Mike shook his head. "Sorry Trish."
Groaning in exasperation, Trish chucked Mike her keys and grabbed her bag."Alright, I saw a place near the hotel, we'll just have to buy one."
"Thanks," he said gratefully. "I couldn't have done this without you."
"Damn straight," she muttered under her breath. "I swear Chioda, I think you need a keeper." Picking up his phone, Trish glanced at the caller ID. "Your phone's ringing."
"Just leave it."
"It's Lil."
Halfway out the door, Mike barely gave her a second glance. "I'll call her later."
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Dropping her bags in Trish's locker room, Lilian looked at her watch in confusion. It was going on 3pm, Trish should have been here by now. Her rental hadn't been in the car park, she realised. Come to think of it, neither had Mike's. Picking up her phone, she hit speed dial, and glanced at her watch again.
"Hi, this is Mike, I'm not here, leave me a message."
Groaning in frustration Lilian slammed her phone down. Remembering his strange behaviour earlier, she frowned. He'd said he would ring ...
Where the hell were they?
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It was Monday morning and Trish was struggling through her third cup of coffee. They'd finally found a tux that Trish had deemed acceptable, and made it to last nights house show with an hour to spare. It was only before heading out to the ring that Trish had checked her phone to see thirteen missed calls on the display, all from Lilian, no doubt trying to find out where she was. At the end of her match she'd seen the relief in her friends eyes, yet she also saw anger. Wincing, she'd left the arena as soon as she could and left Mike to face her friends wrath. It wasn't that she was avoiding her, she just wanted to pull this off, and make it as perfect as possible.
"Trish!" Lilian exclaimed, bouncing into catering. "I've been looking for you everywhere, where have you been??"
Without even batting an eye Trish shoved her notebook full of wedding arrangements under her tray. "Sitting here," she said smoothly, smiling widely. Lil is going to love this, she thought to herself wickedly. When she finds out what we're up too ... "I haven't seen you for a while," she commented.
Lilian rolled her eyes playfully. "That's because every time I try and find you, you're never around! You don't answer your phone half the time, you spaced during your match last night ... who is he?"
Trish spat out the orange juice she was drinking. "Excuse me?!"
Shrugging, the smaller blonde replied. "Well, whenever you become this ... preoccupied, it's usually a guy."
Oh, it's a guy all right, Trish thought feebly. Your fiancée Lil, is the only guy I've seen recently. Pushing back her chair, she grabbed her things and made to leave.
"Wait, Trish, where are you going?" Lilian protested. "I just got here .."
"Um .. I have to go and find Mike .. talk about my match," she muttered, flushing red. Lilian sighed as she watched her go. First Mike, then Trish. Always on the phone together, always running off to see each other she realised awkwardly. What is going on???
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"Come in," a foreboding voice called gruffly.
Swallowing, Mike grabbed his folder and stepped in Vince's office. The Chairman coolly raised an eyebrow in the referee's direction, otherwise ignoring him as he continued upon his business. Mike was sweating, the next ten minutes would make or break his career.
"Mr. McMahon, I have a proposition for you."
The Chairman merely grunted. "Proceed."
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Lilian slammed down her phone in frustration. Trish wasn't answering her phone, and neither was Mike ... it scared her more than she liked to admit. They had been spending an awful lot of time together, so much so that Lilian hadn't even seen her fiancée since they'd woken up this morning and he'd raced off to meet someone. "I'm going to see Trish," she snarled, mimicking Mike."Just have to go and see Mike," she said in a syrupy voice, now imitating Trish. "I'll ring you ..."
Stalking across the room, Lilian hit the wall before collapsing in a sobbing heap. "It's always Mike and Trish, Trish and Mike," she sobbed to the empty room. "Well, what about Lilian?" Head in her hands, she started to shake uncontrollably, her nerves getting the better of her. "It's like they're having an ... ," she whispered brokenly, Her mind was processing the idea, yet her mouth refused to form the words. "An ... "
Desperately she tried to quell the unspoken notion, but the word wouldn't go away. Standing unsteadily now, she stared into the mirror, blood shot eyes and pale skin being her reflection. It was far from the healthy glow she'd maintained just days before. Am I being rash? Lilian wondered to herself. Am I imagining things? Sinking back to the floor, she closed her eyes. Instantly, she was met with images of Mike running out the door, talking on the phone to Trish, his eyes smiling. She saw Trish leaving to see Mike, nervous, like she had something to hide.
"Could they be ... " Days of unanswered phone calls and a despondent Mike flashed through her head, only confirming her suspicion in her mind. They were having an affair ... right in front of her eyes! Fire flashed in her eyes, her temper fulled by rage but the immediate pain was too much to bare. Her heart felt like it was breaking, her mind chastising her heart for not realising earlier. He loved Trish ... he wanted to be with her ... Commonsense eluded her as she curled up in a fetal position, rocking back and forward on the floor. "Mike ... "
Where could he be?
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On the opposite side of the arena, Trish had gathered Stephanie McMahon, Jack Doan and Chad Patton into her locker room. In her hands sat a small stack of envelopes, white with an engraved gold setting on the front. Laughing inwardly, she looked at the small rag tag group she had brought together. Not in a million years had it occurred to her that she would be saying this.
"Trish, I hate to be a pain," Stephanie started. "But I have a meeting with my mother in twenty minutes. What's going on?"
"Well," Trish said mysteriously. "What is everyone doing on the weekend of the 25th?"
"The 25th?" Chad muttered. "That's next weekend ..."
Jack scratched his head. "Well, we're working ... In Spain, if I'm not mistaken."
Grinning, Trish began to hand out the envelopes. "Exactly!"
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Monday Night Raw had just finished, and for once Lilian couldn't have been happier. Mike, not to mention Trish and Steph, had been distant all weekend. Ducking her questions, always rushing off to do something that she wasn't involved in, she felt like she was being ignored, and honestly, it hurt. It wasn't that they were being rude or flat out dismissing her, there had just been a noticeable change in their behaviour, and Lilian didn't understand why. Sitting now in the locker room she shared with Trish, she quickly pulled her cell out of pocket. Double checking to make sure there was no one around who might hear her call, she dialed a number and hoped that the phone would pick up.
"Hello?" Answered a cheery voice on the other end.
"Hey, Dahl, it's me," Lilian said softly.
"Lil? Honey, what's wrong?" Dahlia frowned, noticing the stress in her sisters voice.
"Um .." Lilian choked back tears. In that moment, she'd never felt more confused and utterly alone. "Can I come home?"
"What?! Why? What happened, did you have a fight with Mike?"
"They're .. " Squeezing her eyes shut, Lilian held on to her cell like a vice. "I think they're having an affair ..."
"What?!" Dahlia exclaimed. "Who? Mike? And Trish?"
"I don't want to talk about it," Lilian whispered. "Can I just come home?"
Dahlia closed her eyes. She had a sneaking suspicion of what had transpired, but she knew better than to say anything. Damn Trish and her plans, she cursed inwardly. God only knows how she got Mike to go along with this, but jeez, didn't they realise the possible ramifications of their actions? Spending all their time together organizing a wedding that the bride to be knew nothing about! Anyone could see that Lilian was bound to get suspicious of what was going on!! "Of course you can sweetie. Let me know when your plane gets in, and I'll come and pick you up, okay?"
Saying goodbye and hanging up the phone, Lilian quickly gathered her things and slipped into the hall. She knew she had to get to the airport before Mike or Trish noticed she was gone. But how ? Inspiration hitting her, she knocked on the door of the Referee's locker room. The door opened, and Jack popped his head outside.
"Lilian!" He smiled broadly, but his face fell as he saw the unshed tears in her eyes, and the worry across her face. "What's wrong?"
"Can you drive me to the airport? I want to go home."
Back in Texas, a glass flew across the room and smashed into the wall. Nobody, absolutely nobody, messed with her sister. Cursing out loud now she knew Lilian couldn't hear her, Dahlia rang her sister's fiancée. He was going to get a piece of her mind, that's for sure.
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Leaving Vince's office Mike's phone rang, but he ignored it. Lilian had taken a slight bump that evening, and his first priority was making sure she was alright. He was halfway there when he slammed straight into Trish, a stricken look on her face. Alarmed, he grabbed her by the shoulders. "Trish? What's wrong?"
"It's Lil. She's gone."
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Taking the airport exit, Jack glanced over at Lilian, seeing the tears now dripping down her face. Pulling the vehicle over to the shoulder of the road, he put his hand on her arm, hoping to calm her. "You want to talk about it?" He asked softly. He liked Lilian, she was such a nice person unlike some of the other Diva's in the locker room. Sure, he'd been shocked to find out that she and Mike were engaged to be married, but the more he thought about it, the more it made sense.
"It's Mike," she explained dully. Jack raised his eyebrows, unsure if she realised just what she was talking about. As far as he was concerned, Lilian didn't know that he and Chad knew about their relationship, let alone their impending nuptials ... . Then again, Lilian was being kept in the dark about that as well. A little uneasy now, he realised he was going to have to tread carefully.
"What about Mike? Mike Chioda?"
Lilian nodded, still staring out the window. "He's been ... this past week, it just seems like he's been ignoring me," she said brokenly. "He's so tired when we get to the hotel room all he does is fall asleep right away! He always distracted, his kisses, his touch, everything!" She was sobbing now, harsh cries echoing through the car. "He's always so busy, it's like he doesn't have time for me anymore!"
Yep, Jack thought wryly. That will happen when you decide to plan a wedding in just two weeks, especially without the knowledge of the bride. "Vince has been on his back a lot lately Lil, it's not his fault."
Drying her eyes, Lilian nodded. 'I know. It's just ... it seems like he has more time for Trish than he does for me! He's always on the phone to her, or saying that he has to meet up with her for some new Women's Championship storyline ... do you think he's decided he wants to be with her instead?"
Jack's heart fell at that statement. Was Lilian kidding herself?! Mike ... and Trish .. shuddering, he shook his head. "Lilian, no! Mike only wants to be with you! Why else would he be putting all his time into this weekend ..." He trailed off, realising he'd said too much. Luckily for him, the small Diva wasn't even paying attention.
"It doesn't feel like it ..." She said quietly, toying with her engagement ring. "I should have seen it all along, he wants Trish, he just didn't know how to tell me. He doesn't love me anymore."
Desperately, Jack tried to think of a way to distract her, knowing that there was no way he could convince her otherwise. Just then, Lilian's phone began to ring. Staring blankly at the caller ID, she thrust her phone at Jack, eyes pleading with him to take care of it. Sighing, he answered the phone.
"Hello?"
"What are you doing answering my fiancées phone?" An angry voice demanded. "Who the hell do you think you are??!! Wait .. Jack, is that you??!! Where are you?! Why have you got Lilian's phone?!"
A quick glance at Lilian told him to lie, say something to Mike that wouldn't give him any idea of where they were. But he just couldn't do that. "We're on our way to the airport," Jack said stiffly, knowing that he would have the wrath of a hot tempered Latina to face when he hung up. Lilian might have been his friend, but God, he was supposed to be one of Mike's groomsmen on the weekend ... where did his loyalty lie?
"What? Where are you going?!"
"Lilian isn't well," Jack intercepted smoothly. "She's going home."
"But ..." All of the air deflated out of Mike. Home? Why hadn't she waited for him? Wait, was she even going to their home? She wasn't going home home was she? "Why didn't she say something? Is she okay?? Did I .. have I done something wrong?" His skin paled, scared out of his wits about what this might mean. For Lilian, one of the strongest people he knew to just get up and leave, without even telling him or Trish where she was going ... "Can I talk to her?"
Jack gestured for Lilian to take the phone, but she shook her hands wildly, refusing. "Um ... Sorry Mike, she's asleep right now. Maybe you should just let her rest and wait until she rings you, okay?"
"Uh .. " For the first time Jack could recall, his friend was lost for words. "Okay, Jack. Thanks." He said finally.
"Don't worry about it. Want me to tell her anything?"
"Just ... " Mike closed his eyes, for the first time recalling the events of the past week. Lilian's hopeful expression when he'd entered their hotel room, then the sad smile she'd tried so hard to hide when he'd left only moments later. When he'd slipped into bed, Lilian trying to nuzzle against him, only to have him fall asleep. Her passionate kiss, mirrored by his lackluster effort ... the list went on. Apart from sleeping in the same bed, they'd barely spent an hour alone together all week. This is my fault, he thought chillingly. "Just ... just tell her that I love her."
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She was asleep again.
From the moment she'd arrived in Texas, to the morning she was due to leave for Spain, she slept. Dahlia tried to talk to her, reason with her, make her listen to what she had to say. But nothing. Mike had rung a countless amount of times, only to reach Lilian's voice mail. He rang the house at least twice a day, but Dahlia told him to stop calling. She'd ring him, if and when she was ready.
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She couldn't believe Lilian had thought they were having an affair.
Trish missed her best friend. She was getting the same treatment Mike was, and she couldn't help but feel this was all her fault. Spain had been her idea, the perfect fairytale in Trish's mind needing the perfect wedding. She couldn't believe Lilian thought Mike was leaving her. Then again, when she thought about it, their behaviour had been rather suspect. Trish and Mike had both just gotten so carried away with planning that they had forgotten about her. Now they didn't even know if their plan was going to work ...
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Stephanie McMahon was used to getting what she wanted. But try as she might, she couldn't get in touch with Lilian Garcia. Again, she rang Dahlia, to the same response. If Lilian showed up, then she would show up. If not ... well, who needed the WWE? In Lilian's mind, without Mike, work wasn't even a possibility. Nothing really ... had a point anymore.
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"Lil? It's time to go to the airport."
Pushing open the bedroom door, Lilian was a picture of strength. Her makeup was perfect, her hair pulled back. She was determined to not show any emotion, let any weakness slip. To her surprise, Dahlia stood before her, carry all in hand. "What's in the bag?"
Wordlessly Dahlia pulled out a white spaghetti strapped satin gown. It had a fine cut, the back dipping down to just above the tail bone. Flowing sheer mesh ties hung delicately behind, the front of the dress accentuated with a simple design of teardrop crystals. Attached to it was a simple card.
To my beautiful bride on her wedding day.
Blinking, Lilian rubbed her eyes in disbelief. "Huh?"
Dahlia pulled out an envelope. "This is from Mike." At the look on Lilian's face, Dahlia held up a finger to silence her. "Now, just a second. You need to read this."
The Garcia stubbornness streak chose that moment to rear its ugly head.. "Why?"
"Because for the last two weeks, Mike has been spending all of his time with Trish," Lilian's face crumpled, and Dahlia continued. " For good reason, might I add. They've been organizing a wedding."
"Whose?" Lilian asked curiously.
Flipping open an invitation Dahlia shoved it in her sisters face.
"Yours. And it's set to take place tonight."
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Madrid wasn't the same without her. Painstakingly, he remembered the last time he'd been here. They'd drunk margaritas on the beach, seen the sun rise and set. It was here that he'd said he loved her for the first time. But now it held nothing but hurt.
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Everything was in place.
The tent overlooking the beach was up, the thousands of fairy lights adorning it twinkling like fireflies in the night air. It had just gone dusk, the streaky rays of a setting sun painting a brilliant backdrop for the ceremony. Small bouquets of flowers littered the tent, strung together with a small musical note, the silver charm representing both the passion Lilian had for her music and the love that Mike had for his fiancée, music being the catalyst of their relationship No chairs were needed; all the guests had arrived apart from the bride and the maid of honor. There was an eerie silence hanging over the cliff top on which they were, the only sound to be heard emanating from the beach below where an entire roster set about organizing a reception.
"She'll be here."
Mike turned to see Jack and Chad behind him, both decked out in matching black suits. "She's cutting it close."
Chad rolled his eyes. "Mike, it's her wedding. Do you expect her to be on time?"
"I don't expect anything of her right now. Not after what I've done."
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"Why are we doing this?" Amy Dumas grumbled to her boyfriend Matt Hardy. "It's our one night off and we're done here, on the beach, organizing some big party for Vince! You think he could have paid people to do this."
Matt shrugged, placing another log down around the fire. "Beats me."
Stacy Keibler strutted over to the pair, almost falling over in her heels. "I hear someone's getting married," she informed excitedly. "Two someones."
"No, really," Amy said, voice dripping with sarcasm. "You usually do need two people to get married Stace."
Matt craned his head around, looking at what seemed to be the entire Raw roster before him. "Who?"
"Ahem."
The trio turned to see Vince McMahon standing on a podium erected on the dunes. Dutifully, the Superstars turned to hear what he had to say. "I want to firstly thank you all," he began. "For being here tonight to make this all possible."
"Make what possible?" Jericho called from the crowd. "C'mon Vince, tell us why we're here!" The others murmured their agreement, nodding and looking at the Chairman expectantly.
"Jericho, shut it." Vince said warningly, a little upset at being interrupted.. Clearing his throat, he moved to start again. "We're here to celebrate the end of an era."
"You're retiring?" Paul Levesque perked up considerably, envisaging the Chairman leaving, increasing his chances of being able to move in on Stephanie.
"No Paul I am not retiring!" Vince boomed. "I'm talking about the end of the non-fraternization policy," he snapped.
"We're here celebrating that?" Christian asked incredulously. "That's it??!! I could be sleeping right now!"
Standing back from them all Stephanie rolled her eyes. "No, you idiots. You're here because, yes, the policy is gone, but also to take part in a landmark ceremony to mark its passing."
"Tonight, you will all attend the wedding reception of Lilian Garcia and Mike Chioda."
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Trish cursed under her breath. Lilian's phone was still ringing out which could only mean one of two things. One, she was home and still screening her calls, or two, Dahlia had managed to drag her to the airport. For the sake of everyone involved, Trish hoped it was the latter. Breathing in deeply, she shivered slightly. This hadn't been her smartest idea she realised. All she'd wanted was for her best friend to have the wedding she was so sorely deserved. She'd never meant for this to happen.
"Of all the pathetic schemes you've come up with over the years, Stratus, this is by far the worst."
Trish snapped her head up and exhaled sharply as a shadow fell over her.
"I didn't mean for it to turn out like this," she whispered pleadingly "I only wanted the best for you, I thought this was what you wanted! Spain, Mike ... we spent hours on this, the dresses, the hotel, convincing Vince ..."
"It is what I wanted," Lilian said ruefully, sitting down beside her friend. "I wanted the fairy tale, I want to live happily ever after."
"I'm sorry Lilian."
Lilian shook her head, dismissing her friends apology. "Don't be."
"I swear to you, nothing, NOTHING, happened between us."
"I know," the small Diva said simply."I know that now." Leaning over to Trish she wrapped an arm around her. "I'm sorry I even thought there was a possibility ..."
Turning to her friend fully, Trish embraced her friend, tears running down her cheeks. "Are we going to be okay?"
"Yeah." Lilian nodded, her eyes softening. "Of course we will be. You worked so hard to make this happen, and that means so much to me Trish, thank you so much."
"I didn't do it alone," Trish reminded her gently."Have you spoken to him?"
"No."
"Lil ..."
"What do you want me to do?" Lilian shrugged earnestly, desperation etched on her face.
"Talk to him, ring him, anything!!" Trish begged. "You can't let this come between you two .."
"He lied to me."
"No!" The Women's Champion blurted out. "He didn't lie to you Lil, not intentionally." Tears built up in Trish's eyes smudging her eye make up. Why couldn't Lilian see the truth?! "If you're going to blame someone, blame me Lilian. Mike would sell his soul for you, you know that! You're his world sweetie ..."
.Lilian sighed. "I'm not going to blame you Trish, you had my best interests at heart, I know that."
"It's not Mike's fault either," Trish insisted. "Give him one more chance ..."
"It took us so long to get this right," Lilian whispered mournfully."I don't know if I can go through with this right now, it's just too ..."
"Overwhelming?" Lilian nodded slowly as Trish helped her stand. "I'm going to give you a few minutes to think," Trish said finally. "Please, Lil, I know how much he loves you ... All of last week, I've never seem him so alive. He was so excited at the prospect of marrying you ... this week, he's been nothing but a mess trying to function without you ... He ran straight into Glen Jacobs in full costume last night because he wasn't thinking straight. He almost wet himself, I've never seen him so scared," she joked.
Her words fell on deaf ears as Lilian closed her eyes and played with her ring. Her head was pounding, her small hands trembling at the thought of getting married tonight, even though she knew it was entirely what she wanted. For years now, Mike had been the only secure thing in her life, the only thing that seemed worth it some days. Was she prepared to lose him over something as trivial as this? Gazing around at the starry sky, Lilian knew what she had to do. "It's bad luck for a bride to see her groom before the wedding, isn't it?'
Trish squealed with joy, grasping Lilian's hands in her own. "You're still getting married?!!"
"I love him." Those three words were testament enough.
Their gaze fell past the clearing they were in to see a despondent Mike staring out over the ocean. Chad and Jack exchanged glances as Stephanie reappeared shaking her head, placing a small hand on Mike's shoulder. "He misses you."
"I know."
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Without looking at the call display he answered his phone. "Hello?" He said hollowly. If it wasn't Lil, he didn't want to talk to them. There was a pause, and Mike swallowed heavily. "Lil?" He dared to whisper. "Honey, is that you?"
"Hi," she said back softly. "How have you been?"
"Stupid," he admitted. "I am so sorry .."
Lilian interrupted him before he had the chance to continue. "I believe the correct response is supposed to be 'I miss you like hell Lilian, forgive me for getting caught up in one of Trish's dumb schemes."
From where she was standing she saw a small smile light up his face. "Okay then," he said quietly. "'I miss you like hell Lilian, forgive me for getting caught up in one of Trish's dumb schemes."
"That's better," she teased lightly, her tone still serious. She opened to mouth to speak again, but fell silent. "Mike ..."
"I am honestly so sorry for everything Lilian," Mike choked out. "There is nothing between Trish and I, I just wanted you to be happy. I got carried away ..."
"No one has bothered to go to this much effort for me before," she replied truthfully. "I know you wanted what was best, but ... when it comes down to it, I don't care where we get married, I just want to get married."
"You still want to get married?" he asked tentatively.
"Well, since you and Trish put so much effort into it, I guess I have too," she joked, with a trace of indignation in her voice. "I want to get married, I'm ready to get married. But don't think this is over, we'll be discussing this after the wedding."
There was dead silence before Mike could be heard sighing with relief. "Lil?"
"Yeah?"
"I love you. Please, whatever you do, don't forget that."
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"Dearly Beloved, we are gathered here today in the presence of these witnesses, to join Lilian Anne Garcia and Micheal Jason Chioda in matrimony, which is commended to be honorable among all men; and therefore – is not by any – to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly – but reverently, discreetly, advisedly and solemnly. Into this holy estate these two persons present now come to be joined. If any person can show just cause why they may not be joined together – let them speak now or forever hold their peace."
Lilian held her breath, as if she expected someone to jump into the tent and object. Reaching out quietly, Mike gently took her hand in his, rubbing it in comfort. She was still shaking, but the warmth radiating off her fiancée was enough to keep her standing. The wedding party stood in a small circle, Dahlia next to Lilian as her maid of honor with Steph and Trish as her bridesmaids. To the other side of Mike were Chad and Jack, the Priest closing off the little huddle. This is perfect, Lilian decided now, tears forming in her eyes. The moon was full, its shadow creating splashes of light across the small platform they stood on. In all honesty, she couldn't have planned it better herself. Mike glanced across at her, seeing the discomfort in her eyes.
"Are you okay?" He whispered, not escaping the attention of the Priest and everyone around them. Lilian nodded, for her part suddenly feeling full of contentment.
"I am now that you're here."
Smiling now, the Priest stepped back slightly. "Will Patricia and Stephanie please step forward?"
Mike looked at Trish questioningly. "Hey, if the bride didn't know about the wedding, then we have to have at least one surprise for the groom too," she joked. Jack reached into his jacket and pulled out a slip of paper handing it to Steph. Wiping her eyes, she turned to the couple and began to read.
"A soul mate is someone who has locks that fit our keys, and keys to fit our locks. When we feel safe enough to open the locks, our truest selves step out and we can be completely and honestly who we are; we can be loved for who we are and not for who we're pretending to be. Each unveils the best part of the other. " As Stephanie finished, Chad stepped forward and placed a silver locket around Lilian's neck. Blushing, Lilian lowered her head as Chad kissed her on the cheek.
"This locket symbolizes your past," he told her quietly. "Having to hide your relationship, keeping it a secret from everyone and locking yourselves away so no one would get hurt. Oh yeah, and all those cleaning closets that I saw you sneaking into at Pay Per Views," he teased, winking at her mortified expression. "Don't think I didn't see you Garcia!" Slipping his arm into Stephanie's they stepped moved back now as Trish and Jack moved forward.
"No matter what else goes wrong around us, with that one person we're safe in our own paradise. Our soul mate is someone who shares our deepest longings, our sense of direction. When we're two balloons, and together our direction is up, chances are we've found the right person. Our soul mate is the one who makes life come to life." As Trish struggled to contain her tears, Jack moved toward Mike now, giving him a delicate silver key.
"This week, you have both demonstrated a commitment to each other," he said seriously. "Although you weren't together, you were both inevitably drawn back to each other. Without your devotion, neither of you would be here tonight. By opening this locket, you make a commitment to each other to lock away the past and remember it fondly, while opening yourselves both up to new experiences, a new life, and to each other." Shaking Mike's hand firmly he kissed Lilian on the cheek. "Congratulations," he whispered to her. "I told you I was right." Lilian smiled widely, throwing her arms around Jack impulsively as she recalled their conversation on the way to the airport.
"I'll listen to you next time," she promised laughing."Sorry Jack."
"I now ask Mike to unlock Lilian's locket, therefore recognizing the commitment they have just made to their friends, family and each other. This locket is an expression of their love and devotion to each other, a symbol of unity, and a promise to those present today," the Priest read from a sheet of paper. "That they will love each other unconditionally, pledging themselves to this love before the eyes of Christ and ... let Trish win every Championship match that Mike referees?!"
The Priest looked up in confusion as everyone present laughed. "It was worth a try," Trish laughed sheepishly.
"Remind me not to let you near my wedding if I ever get married Stratus," Steph said sternly. "I'll probably end up signing my life away."
Wisely choosing to ignore her remark, the Priest continued. "Will Dahlia please present the rings?"
Standing before Micheal, Dahlia presented a small cushion with two rings to her future brother-in-law. Mike gently lifted one of the rings and placed it on Lilian's finger, a tear forming in his eye. This is it, he realised. This beautiful women is all mine."I Micheal, give you Lilian, this ring, as an eternal symbol of my love and commitment to you"
Hesitant;y picking up the second ring, Lilian closed her eyes. This is what I want, she reassured herself. I love Mike, and I want to marry him. Taking a deep breath, she opened her eyes and smiled at her fiancée. "I Lilian, give you Micheal, this ring as an eternal symbol of my love and commitment to you."
"Lilian and Micheal have both written their own vows, and I ask them now to repeat them before their friends baring witness, and before the eyes of God."
Grasping Mike's hands firmly, Lilian smiled widely. This is it ... Finally, my fairytale becomes a reality ... The air was still, the only sound to be heard the buzz of insects in the trees. The fairy lights twinkled lightly against the dark tent, creating a warm glow.
"I, Lilian Anne Garcia, take you Micheal Jason Chioda to be my husband, my partner in life and my one true love. I will cherish our union and love you more each day than I did the day before. I will trust you and respect you, laugh with you and cry with you, loving you faithfully through good times and bad, regardless of the obstacles we may face together. I give you my hand, my heart, and my love, from this day forward for as long as we both shall live." As their eyes met, Lilian mouthed the words she longed to say aloud. "I love you."
Tears falling down both of his cheeks now, Mike struggled to bring himself to say his vows."I, Micheal Jason Chioda, take you, Lilian Anne Garcia, to be my friend, my lover, the future mother of my children and my wife. I will be yours in times of plenty and in times of want, in times of sickness and in times of health, in times of joy and in times of sorrow, in times of failure and in times of triumph. I promise to cherish and respect you, to care and protect you, to comfort and encourage you, and stay with you, for all eternity." He finished quietly. "I love you too"
The Priest smiled, taking in the scene before him. Friends, lovers, yet more importantly family. If the sanctity of marriage was ever under threat, it was to be preserved here. "By the power vested in me, before I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride"
Eyes wide, Lilian turned to her husband. Opening her mouth to speak, she froze as Mike pulled her toward him, forcing her body to meld against his as he crushed his lips against hers. Relaxing with his kiss, she wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer. Minutes passed as they stayed together, Lilian only moving away to draw breath before bringing Mike toward her again, this time allowing herself to grip his shoulder tightly, running her other hand through his short hair. Lips swollen, she stepped back to look him directly in the eyes.
"I missed you," she whispered. "I thought you'd left me."
Moving forward she captured his lips with hers this time, catching him by surprise. He moaned against her mouth, savoring the sudden contact between them and the taste of her kiss. Knowing that she now had his full attention, she chose that moment to gently massage his lower lip with her tongue, seeking entry. Tilting her head to the side to grant him better access, Lilian gripped his forearms firmly, yet he suddenly pulled back.
"I would never you," he insisted." I love you."
For the first time in over a week, she felt a wash of love spill over her, a sense of nostalgia almost. In that moment, she knew that she would never find solace in the arms of anyone else.
"I love you too."
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