The stony path of life (20/20)
Today’s the day. I can’t believe it. In a few hours I’m gonna stand in the church and Calliope will walk towards me and she’ll become my wife. Oh my god! This doesn’t feel real! It’s like a wonderful dream and I’m afraid to wake up. I’ll get to spend the rest of my life with her. I look at my watch. Two hours to go. I’m already dressed and my hair and make-up are finished. I’m wearing a dark blue dress with a bare backside. My hair falls in curls around my face. I cut it so it’s just tickling my shoulders. It kinda looked the same way the time we started dating. Calliope will wear a white dress. That’s all I know. A knock on the door breaks through my thoughts.
,,Come in!’’ I call. My mom steps in.
,,Hey sweety!’’ she says. ,,How do you feel?’’
,,Excited, happy, scared, …’’ I answer. My mom laughs.
,,I know what you mean. I nearly died from excitement the day I married your father.’’ She says. ,,But as soon as you look into Callie’s eyes everything will be alright!’’
,,I know.’’ I smile. ,,I always feel better when she’s around. She does that to me.’’
,,You know, I’m really happy for you both! I mean, nothing against Charlott, she’s a nice woman and she’s always been good to you, but you two are perfect for each other. I was so surprised when you two broke up. To be honest, I thought you’d be back together after a few weeks.’’ She chuckles. ,,I know you’d be back together one day, though you really took much time to realise you had to fight, honey!’’
I laugh. ,,I know! Sometimes I’m a bit dense!’’ I shrug.
My mom smiles. ,,Yes, you are! You have that from your father.’’ She whispers. ,,But seriously, you two are made for each other!’’
I’m a bit surprised to hear that. My mother seems to never even thought about giving up on us. Even though we’ve been apart for one terrible year!
,,Your father and I even bet about how long it would take you to realise you’re soulmates. I lost, by the way! I thought you’d be faster.’’ We both laugh.
,,I always knew that Calliope and I belong together, mom! But I didn’t dare to destroy her new relationship. I thought she’d be totally over me. And with the kids thing … But that’s all in the past now! Today my, OUR future begins!’’
My mom smiles. ,,Yes, it does. So, are you ready to leave or what?’’
I nod and grab my purse. We make our way to the car.
From this moment life has begun,
From this moment you are the one.
Right beside you is where I belong
From this moment on.
When we arrive at the church my mom shuffles me into my room immediately. When I open my mouth to protest she silences me.
,,You know you’re not allowed to see Callie before the wedding!’’ I sigh and sit down on a chair.
,,I’ll be back in a minute, honey.’’ She says and leaves but as soon as she’s gone someone’s knocking.
,,Come in!’’ I call and Mr Torres peeks inside. ,,Hello, Mr Torres.’’ I greet.
,,Arizona, I think it’s time for you to call me Carlos!’’ he smiles and pulls me into a hug. ,,You look absolutely beautiful, dear!’’
,,Thank you, Carlos.’’ I say. ,,How’s Calliope?’’
,,She’s fine! Excited and happy! Actually she sent me to you. I shall look if you’re ok.’’ I smile. That’s my Calliope.
,,I’m super!’’ I say. ,,I can’t wait to make her my wife!’’
,,She can’t wait either!’’ Carlos replies. ,,I need to get back now. Calliope told me to hurry up.’’ He winks at me. Before he leaves he kisses me on the cheek.
,,Welcome to our family, Arizona!’’
From this moment I have been blessed,
I live only for your happiness
And for your love I’d give my last breath
From this moment on.
I feel like I’ll explode any minute! I’m standing in front of the priest. Teddy and Charlott at my side. I’m so happy Charlott and I became friends after all that happened. I felt so guilty about how I hurt her feelings, but she quickly accepted it and moved on. She’s here today with her new girlfriend. I’m really happy for her. We grew pretty close the last months. I think she and Teddy are besides my family and Calliope, of course, the most important people in my life. And I’m really relieved to have them next to me on the most important day of my life. They smile at me encouragingly. I smile back nervously and turn my attention back to the door at the other end of the church as the music begins to play. The door opens. First I see Addison and Mark. They start to walk down the aisle and take their place smiling at me. Right after that Calliope and her father appear at the door. Wow! She looks tunning! My eyes fill with tears. Her white dress has a long trail and accentuates curves perfectly. Her long black curls fall losely around her bare shoulders. I can barely make out her face from here because of the veil hanging before it. A lone tear escapes my eye and I quickly wipe it away while I watch my Calliope walk towards me with a smile on my face. When they reach me Carlos lifts her veil and kisses her on the cheek. Then he takes my hand and lays hers in it. We intertwin our fingers and smile at each other while Carlos takes his seat and we turn to the priest.
,,Dear beloved! We are gathered here in the sight of God …’’ the priest begins but I don’t listen. Everything’s just a blur around us. I just see her.
,,You look beautiful.’’ I mouth. She smiles.
,,You too.’’ She whispers. The few seconds we stand there smiling at each other feel like an eternity to me.
,,Now it’s time for Calliope and Arizona to say there vows.’’ The priest bursts our little bubble. I clear my throat and start.
,,Calliope Iphigenia Torres, the night I first kissed you I’d never had thought we would end up here though I fell in love with you the moment I laid eyes on you. I knew immediately that you are something special. We lived through every problem that passed our way. Even after being apart for more than one year we talked and got back together. That day was like a second birthday for me. You are my life, Calliope, my air, the reason why I live. I can’t wait to spend forever with you, my love!’’ I finish with tears in my eyes. Calliope sniffs just loud enough for me to hear and wipes away a few tears from her beautiful face.
,,Arizona Elisabeth Robbins, when you kissed me in that dirty bar bathroom I was so startled I couldn’t say or do anything. But I wanted nothing more than to get to know that strange woman. I wanted to kiss those lips again, look into those beautiful blue eyes. And only after a few dates I knew you were it for me. And when we were apart I never felt complete again. Until you came back into my life and confessed your love to me again. When we got back together I knew you’d been the missing piece in my life and in my heart. I am complete again and I don’t want to lose this feeling ever again! I don’t want to lose you ever again!’’ Calliope beams at me and I would like to do nothing more but kiss her right now, but I know I’ll have to wait a few more seconds.
I give my hand to you with all my heart,
I can’t wait to live my life with you, I can’t wait to start!
You and I will never be apart!
My dreams came true because of you!
,,Calliope Iphigenia Torres, do you promise to love Arizona in good times and in bad times, through weakness and strength, happiness and sorrow, for better, for worse till death will part you?’’
,,I do!’’ Calliope says looking deeply into my eyes.
,,Arizona Eliabeth Robbins, do you promise to love Calliope in good times and in bad times, through weakness and strength, happiness and sorrow, for better, for worse till death will part you?’’
,,I do!’’ I answer with a big smile on my face.
,,By the power given to me by god and the state of Washington I now pronounce you a married couple. You may now kiss your bride.’’
And that I do! I lean forward and capture her lips in a soft but still passionate kiss. Our first kiss as a married couple. The first one of many.
From this moment as long as I live
I will love you, I promise you this.
There is nothing I wouldn’t give
From this moment on.
I take her hand and we make our way outside to the limo all the way smiling at each other. I just can’t stop. We get into the car and the driver starts the motor. Addison, Teddy, Charly and Mark follow us into the limo. Calliope and I are cuddled up against each other holding hands. Our friends congratulate us and give us their best wishes but to be honest, I don’t really get anything they’re saying. I can only stare at my beautiful wife. She’s glowing. Her smile is even wider than normally. She turns to me and looks me in the eyes. I can read so much in them. Love. Happiness. Passion. Desire. And so much more. If it weren’t for our friends I’d kiss her senseless right here. And maybe even …
,,Earth to Arizona!’’ a voice breaks through my thoughts. I turn around to face the owner of said voice. Charly smiles at me. Everybody else is laughing, including Calliope.
,,What?’’ I ask them.
,,I asked you to stop taking off Callie’s clothes with your eyes!’’ Charly chuckles.
,,I am NOT taking off her clothes!’’ I say with a pout crossing my arms over my chest. That only sends the others in another fit of giggles.
,,Yes, you are!’’ they say in unision. I punch Charly’s shoulder lightly. But by now I can’t hold back my laughter anymore.
,,Yes, I am! But you can’t blame me! I mean, look at her!’’ I laugh.
I see Calliope blush a bit. It’s so cute! The rest of the drive we talk, drink champagne and laugh together. When we arrive at the reception we all get out one after the other. I get out right before Calliope. I hold out my hand to help her out of the car. She smiles up to me and takes it. We walk inside hand in hand. Once we’re inside a crowd forms aroud us. Our family, friends and collegues are congratulating us, wishing us the best, hugging us. Eerybody seems to be genuinly happy for us. They’re all smiling and laughing and cheering. After we’d talked to everyone Calliope and I sit down. But not for long The band leader grabd the microphone and announces or first dance as a married couple. I get up and take Calliope’s hand as we make our way towards the dancefloor. As the music starts to play we begin to slowly sway to the rhythm.
You're the reason I believe in love
And you’re the answer to my prayers from up above!
All we need is just the two of us!
My dream came true because of you!
Calliope pulls me impossibly closer to her by wrapping her arms aroud my waist. I respond by wrapping my arms around her neck. I get totally lost in her eyes. It’s like nothing else matters anymore. For a short moment there’s no music, no people, no time. It’s just us.
,,I love you, Mrs Torres!’’ I whisper softly.
,,I love you, too, Mrs Torres!’’ she replies and leans down to kiss me.
From this moment as long as I live
I will love you, I promise you this!
There is nothing I wouldn’t give
From this moment,
I will love you as long as I live
From this moment on!
,,Come in!’’ I call. My mom steps in.
,,Hey sweety!’’ she says. ,,How do you feel?’’
,,Excited, happy, scared, …’’ I answer. My mom laughs.
,,I know what you mean. I nearly died from excitement the day I married your father.’’ She says. ,,But as soon as you look into Callie’s eyes everything will be alright!’’
,,I know.’’ I smile. ,,I always feel better when she’s around. She does that to me.’’
,,You know, I’m really happy for you both! I mean, nothing against Charlott, she’s a nice woman and she’s always been good to you, but you two are perfect for each other. I was so surprised when you two broke up. To be honest, I thought you’d be back together after a few weeks.’’ She chuckles. ,,I know you’d be back together one day, though you really took much time to realise you had to fight, honey!’’
I laugh. ,,I know! Sometimes I’m a bit dense!’’ I shrug.
My mom smiles. ,,Yes, you are! You have that from your father.’’ She whispers. ,,But seriously, you two are made for each other!’’
I’m a bit surprised to hear that. My mother seems to never even thought about giving up on us. Even though we’ve been apart for one terrible year!
,,Your father and I even bet about how long it would take you to realise you’re soulmates. I lost, by the way! I thought you’d be faster.’’ We both laugh.
,,I always knew that Calliope and I belong together, mom! But I didn’t dare to destroy her new relationship. I thought she’d be totally over me. And with the kids thing … But that’s all in the past now! Today my, OUR future begins!’’
My mom smiles. ,,Yes, it does. So, are you ready to leave or what?’’
I nod and grab my purse. We make our way to the car.
From this moment life has begun,
From this moment you are the one.
Right beside you is where I belong
From this moment on.
When we arrive at the church my mom shuffles me into my room immediately. When I open my mouth to protest she silences me.
,,You know you’re not allowed to see Callie before the wedding!’’ I sigh and sit down on a chair.
,,I’ll be back in a minute, honey.’’ She says and leaves but as soon as she’s gone someone’s knocking.
,,Come in!’’ I call and Mr Torres peeks inside. ,,Hello, Mr Torres.’’ I greet.
,,Arizona, I think it’s time for you to call me Carlos!’’ he smiles and pulls me into a hug. ,,You look absolutely beautiful, dear!’’
,,Thank you, Carlos.’’ I say. ,,How’s Calliope?’’
,,She’s fine! Excited and happy! Actually she sent me to you. I shall look if you’re ok.’’ I smile. That’s my Calliope.
,,I’m super!’’ I say. ,,I can’t wait to make her my wife!’’
,,She can’t wait either!’’ Carlos replies. ,,I need to get back now. Calliope told me to hurry up.’’ He winks at me. Before he leaves he kisses me on the cheek.
,,Welcome to our family, Arizona!’’
From this moment I have been blessed,
I live only for your happiness
And for your love I’d give my last breath
From this moment on.
I feel like I’ll explode any minute! I’m standing in front of the priest. Teddy and Charlott at my side. I’m so happy Charlott and I became friends after all that happened. I felt so guilty about how I hurt her feelings, but she quickly accepted it and moved on. She’s here today with her new girlfriend. I’m really happy for her. We grew pretty close the last months. I think she and Teddy are besides my family and Calliope, of course, the most important people in my life. And I’m really relieved to have them next to me on the most important day of my life. They smile at me encouragingly. I smile back nervously and turn my attention back to the door at the other end of the church as the music begins to play. The door opens. First I see Addison and Mark. They start to walk down the aisle and take their place smiling at me. Right after that Calliope and her father appear at the door. Wow! She looks tunning! My eyes fill with tears. Her white dress has a long trail and accentuates curves perfectly. Her long black curls fall losely around her bare shoulders. I can barely make out her face from here because of the veil hanging before it. A lone tear escapes my eye and I quickly wipe it away while I watch my Calliope walk towards me with a smile on my face. When they reach me Carlos lifts her veil and kisses her on the cheek. Then he takes my hand and lays hers in it. We intertwin our fingers and smile at each other while Carlos takes his seat and we turn to the priest.
,,Dear beloved! We are gathered here in the sight of God …’’ the priest begins but I don’t listen. Everything’s just a blur around us. I just see her.
,,You look beautiful.’’ I mouth. She smiles.
,,You too.’’ She whispers. The few seconds we stand there smiling at each other feel like an eternity to me.
,,Now it’s time for Calliope and Arizona to say there vows.’’ The priest bursts our little bubble. I clear my throat and start.
,,Calliope Iphigenia Torres, the night I first kissed you I’d never had thought we would end up here though I fell in love with you the moment I laid eyes on you. I knew immediately that you are something special. We lived through every problem that passed our way. Even after being apart for more than one year we talked and got back together. That day was like a second birthday for me. You are my life, Calliope, my air, the reason why I live. I can’t wait to spend forever with you, my love!’’ I finish with tears in my eyes. Calliope sniffs just loud enough for me to hear and wipes away a few tears from her beautiful face.
,,Arizona Elisabeth Robbins, when you kissed me in that dirty bar bathroom I was so startled I couldn’t say or do anything. But I wanted nothing more than to get to know that strange woman. I wanted to kiss those lips again, look into those beautiful blue eyes. And only after a few dates I knew you were it for me. And when we were apart I never felt complete again. Until you came back into my life and confessed your love to me again. When we got back together I knew you’d been the missing piece in my life and in my heart. I am complete again and I don’t want to lose this feeling ever again! I don’t want to lose you ever again!’’ Calliope beams at me and I would like to do nothing more but kiss her right now, but I know I’ll have to wait a few more seconds.
I give my hand to you with all my heart,
I can’t wait to live my life with you, I can’t wait to start!
You and I will never be apart!
My dreams came true because of you!
,,Calliope Iphigenia Torres, do you promise to love Arizona in good times and in bad times, through weakness and strength, happiness and sorrow, for better, for worse till death will part you?’’
,,I do!’’ Calliope says looking deeply into my eyes.
,,Arizona Eliabeth Robbins, do you promise to love Calliope in good times and in bad times, through weakness and strength, happiness and sorrow, for better, for worse till death will part you?’’
,,I do!’’ I answer with a big smile on my face.
,,By the power given to me by god and the state of Washington I now pronounce you a married couple. You may now kiss your bride.’’
And that I do! I lean forward and capture her lips in a soft but still passionate kiss. Our first kiss as a married couple. The first one of many.
From this moment as long as I live
I will love you, I promise you this.
There is nothing I wouldn’t give
From this moment on.
I take her hand and we make our way outside to the limo all the way smiling at each other. I just can’t stop. We get into the car and the driver starts the motor. Addison, Teddy, Charly and Mark follow us into the limo. Calliope and I are cuddled up against each other holding hands. Our friends congratulate us and give us their best wishes but to be honest, I don’t really get anything they’re saying. I can only stare at my beautiful wife. She’s glowing. Her smile is even wider than normally. She turns to me and looks me in the eyes. I can read so much in them. Love. Happiness. Passion. Desire. And so much more. If it weren’t for our friends I’d kiss her senseless right here. And maybe even …
,,Earth to Arizona!’’ a voice breaks through my thoughts. I turn around to face the owner of said voice. Charly smiles at me. Everybody else is laughing, including Calliope.
,,What?’’ I ask them.
,,I asked you to stop taking off Callie’s clothes with your eyes!’’ Charly chuckles.
,,I am NOT taking off her clothes!’’ I say with a pout crossing my arms over my chest. That only sends the others in another fit of giggles.
,,Yes, you are!’’ they say in unision. I punch Charly’s shoulder lightly. But by now I can’t hold back my laughter anymore.
,,Yes, I am! But you can’t blame me! I mean, look at her!’’ I laugh.
I see Calliope blush a bit. It’s so cute! The rest of the drive we talk, drink champagne and laugh together. When we arrive at the reception we all get out one after the other. I get out right before Calliope. I hold out my hand to help her out of the car. She smiles up to me and takes it. We walk inside hand in hand. Once we’re inside a crowd forms aroud us. Our family, friends and collegues are congratulating us, wishing us the best, hugging us. Eerybody seems to be genuinly happy for us. They’re all smiling and laughing and cheering. After we’d talked to everyone Calliope and I sit down. But not for long The band leader grabd the microphone and announces or first dance as a married couple. I get up and take Calliope’s hand as we make our way towards the dancefloor. As the music starts to play we begin to slowly sway to the rhythm.
You're the reason I believe in love
And you’re the answer to my prayers from up above!
All we need is just the two of us!
My dream came true because of you!
Calliope pulls me impossibly closer to her by wrapping her arms aroud my waist. I respond by wrapping my arms around her neck. I get totally lost in her eyes. It’s like nothing else matters anymore. For a short moment there’s no music, no people, no time. It’s just us.
,,I love you, Mrs Torres!’’ I whisper softly.
,,I love you, too, Mrs Torres!’’ she replies and leans down to kiss me.
From this moment as long as I live
I will love you, I promise you this!
There is nothing I wouldn’t give
From this moment,
I will love you as long as I live
From this moment on!