Maximus Sixteen: Wedding Bells

Guest Starring: Alexander Hunt by mrsoogieboogie

It's about 7am in the morning. Helena and I came early to the church and are in the bridal room getting ready.  I'm going to help her with her hair and makeup. The boys will arrive here at 9am so that Helena wouldn't run into Dustin before the wedding because she was really adamant about that. They were given instructions to stay downstairs until the wedding. Helena's sitting on the chair looking into the mirror, like she should be, when all of a sudden, she hangs her head and looks depressed.

"Helena? What's the matter?"

"I wish I knew my father, Soleil. I wish he was here to see me get married, but instead, my slutty mother just had a one night stand with him and dumped him."

Helena's never gotten along with her mother because of their lifestyle differences. I know that's why Helena has such strict morals, she never wanted to become like her mother. I always thought her mother was a very kind person, but Helena couldn't get over her mother's behavior long enough to see past it and get to know her at all.

"Well, Helena, you have a bunch of people today who are here to see you get married, and we all support you. Besides, Alex is walking you down the aisle, so it's not like you'll have to walk the aisle all alone."

"Yeah, I guess. It's just hitting me hard today cause it's like my father probably doesn't even know he has a daughter. My mother never told the guys she slept with that she was pregnant, she just raised us herself, depriving us of our fathers."

"I don't know, Helena, your mother sounds like a strong lady. It's not an easy task raising a child, even with a partner. I think you should give her more credit."

"She brings it on herself though!"

I try not to laugh out loud at Helena since more than half of the time, Helena is bringing things on herself, and it is so ironic that she would say that sentence. I finish styling Helena's hair, putting some jeweled hair clips in her hair, and the tiara she had bought.

"Helena, you look gorgeous. I just need to do your makeup now."

"Thank you so much, Soleil. You really made my hair pretty, but it's still modest and not too out there."

"You're welcome. I picked up some tips from the stylists who do my hair for photo shoots. Did Dustin tell you where your honeymoon will be?"

"Yeah, he's taking me to Hawaii. I'm excited."

The sanctuary of the Silicon Shores Cathedral was decorated with some candles and flowers up towards the front, and a long aisle runner in yellow ran down the middle. Helena had picked white and yellow for her wedding colors. There weren't very many guests, mainly because Helena didn't have very many friends. Dustin had invited Luther and Noelle, whom Helena surprisingly approved to be on the guest list, I'm guessing because she didn't have many friends.

When the time came to start the wedding, I called Max to check on Dustin's whereabouts to see if it was safe to bring Helena downstairs just outside the sanctuary doors. Max gave me the all clear, so I brought Helena downstairs where Max, Alex, and Patrick were waiting in the foyer of the cathedral.

"Helena, you look beautiful."

"Thank you, Alex. Thanks so much for walking me down the aisle."

"Of course. I'm happy to help."

"Max, where's Dustin? He won't see me before, right?"

"Don't worry, Helena, Dustin's in the sanctuary already. You look amazing today. Just stand off to the side by that fireplace when the doors open."

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When Soleil and Helena came into the room, I couldn't get over how hot Soleil looked. I also don't think I'd ever seen Helena look so nice. The old organ music started playing, so Soleil and I knew that was our cue to go in and join Dustin at the front of the cathedral.

After we made our way to the front, Patrick came in. He looked so adorable in his tiny tuxedo. He came over and stood by me.

Bridal music started playing and Helena was led into the cathedral by Dad. I was in awe of him and his willingness to be a part of my life. Just because Helena was my sister, Dad didn't hesitate to help her out in a time of need.

Dad walked up to the front with Helena, and took his seat after handing her off to Dustin. They chose not to write their own vows, opting for the traditional church vows since Helena is deeply religious. After the exchanging of the rings, they shared their first kiss as husband and wife.

The wedding was sweet and I was happy for my best friend and my sister. Helena had wanted to get married and have her own family for as long as I can remember, so I was glad that she was finally getting to fulfill that dream. The reception was held out on the back part of the cathedral, and it consisted of dinner and dessert.

The view from the patio was gorgeous. The cathedral towered over the entire city, and I felt like I was on top of the world. After dinner was over, and the cake had been cut, I noticed Soleil over by the railing, probably admiring the skyline. I walked up behind her and hugged her around her waist.

"Soleil, are you all right?"

"Yeah I guess. I'm just tired. I've been up since like 6:00 this morning. It's been a long day."

Soleil tucks a strand of hair behind her ear and turns around to face me. We wrap our arms around each other and just look out at the city.

"We have a great life, don't we, Maximus?"

"Yeah, I think so. Soleil, are you sure you're all right? You seem sad."

"I feel old. Patrick's already in school, and I guess I just feel like before I know it, he'll be sixteen, and I'll be old."

"Oh baby, it's okay. I know what you mean, people who have children sometimes seem older than those who don't. We were really young when we had him, though, so we've still got the rest of our lives ahead of us."

"Max, I love you so much."

"I love you too."

Someone taps me on my shoulder, and I turn around to see Helena. She wants to do wedding photos now while all the city lights are vibrant and she can get the best view. I hug Soleil tight and kiss her cheek, then we walk hand in hand to finish our duties as best man and maid of honor.

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Since this is a wedding chapter, I thought I'd end it with a bunch of wedding photos. I hope you enjoy them.

Mr. and Mrs. Dustin and Helena Xavier

Best Man and Maid of Honor

Whole Wedding Party

Bride and Maid of Honor

Best Man and Groom

Groom, Best Man, and Ring Bearer