Finally, all the guests got up. It was time to start the real party! Everyone grabbed their drink, getting more refills, and moving around. I am really surprised that everything is going to smooth so far. I would have expected at least a throw up to occur thus far.

While the caterers and workers were clearing the tables and dance floor it was time for cake and pictures. You could see all the girls whip out their phones at the word of pictures to check their hair and makeup. The guys couldn't have cared less. The kids tried so hard to stay still till the pictures. Get at least one good picture then run wild kid.

We did the group shot first. It was hard to get a good one. Somebody kept on doing something silly or else doing something extremely noticeable that ruined the picture. Finally, everyone settled down for a second and got the good one. Then just for fun we all are acting stupid again as they kissed in the middle. Then we got to the solo ones done. I got mine done first. As the daughter of the newlyweds, I had to be the first one to get it. You could tell none of us wanted to do pictures, so we made do with what we have. They ended up tickling me to get a genuine smile out of me.

When I got done, I had to stop two cake thieves from ruining it.

"Joshua Ryderdale, you put one finger on that cake and imma kill you!" Greyson was doing a weak job as a lookout while Joshua was trying to get just a taste of the cake. Every opportunity these two get they just stuff their faces with sweets. Their digestive hates them at this point. And for as proud as they are for watching '21 Jump Street' they are horrible McQuaid brothers. Not even Greyson can compare to Officer Tom Hanson.

The four of us watched everyone get their pictures taken. Some people talked and goofed around before taking their picture, and even while they got it done it certainly was not done with a straight face. Then there were those who meant business. They came in, even talked to the photographer, and make the most ridiculous face for the camera. You would have thought these were going to Vogue for their January cover.

Finally, it was time for the cake. The real fun part of the wedding in our case. Greyson took the honor of bringing out the cake. It was a small 8-inch round cake from Walmart. Everyone got their phones out and started to record. Some people were so confused as to how that little cake was supposed to feed 35 of us. They made the first cut and everyone cheering. Then tragedy struck! Dad pushed Victor's face in the cake. And it was made with whipped cream, with rainbow sprinkles on the edges, so it got messy and everywhere! Some people were shocked while other people started laughing so hard.

Victor rose from cake, and it was a sight. Every inch of Victor's face was covered, but you could still see his smile underneath all that. He then started putting some Dad's face and it was war. And even though they just got married they showed each other no mercy. 

Then they put some on his parents faces then on Shelby's family then the other 3. When they got to me I just kind of accepted it. I just put my up in the air and said, "I know you wanted this to do this." I felt two very cold pieces of cake on my face then felt two kisses on top of my head. Everyone was hearted by the gesture but I kind of ruined it by putting a little bit of cake in their hair. Yes, I dared going into No Man's Land.

Finally, after all the messing around, and a bit of clean up, then we cut the real cake. It was a coffee flavored, 3-tier cake covered in white fondant and detailing in red- an homage to their first bouquet and how this all this happened.

While we were serving everyone the music started. Dancing Queen by ABBA; you don't have to be 17 to love this song. Everyone who had a drink in their hand raised their glass in the air and shuffled to the dance floor and those who didn't were waiting on cake. I start to think that we all are playing the same game here.

I'm glad that everyone here, except the four of us and some kids, were over the age of 30 otherwise they would have hated our playlist. I don't think a normal 12-year-old would have liked Tupac or Mariah Carey or even Aretha Franklin. Imagine not trying to horribly sing to "Respect" while also trying to simultaneously breathe. When we got too 'Footloose' all the people wearing heels had to kick them off. 

We would have danced through the night if we didn't have flights to catch. Despite us liking old music there was still some modern song, but not too modern. For the last song of the night, it was this song Dani just found out called "Until I Found You" by Stephen Sanchez. It is such a beautiful song about falling in actual love with the right person (I think). It was a slow dance. Though there were only a few people dancing, everyone else was tired out from all the dancing. I was paired with none other than Greyson, finally. We haven't had much time to talk since the conversation we had earlier.

"Something on your mind?" I asked as we danced. He was staring at the floor, his eyebrows knitted together. His eyes were unfocused yet focused on a spot past me. Strange.

He snapped out of his trance and said, "What makes you say that?"

"You're quiet and kind of out it."

"Sorry," he said quickly. He put his head down and was watching his feet, making sure that he wasn't stepping on mine.

"Don't sweat about it."

"Sorry, it's just my thoughts are just kind of jumbled up right now." He waved his hand to further explain his brain right now.

"It's okay," I said as I squeezed his shoulder. "Do you want to talk about it? Two minds are better than one."

He snapped back into his trance, thinking again. I don't want to push him. I pulled myself closer to him and let the song play out. Meanwhile I was just watched Dad and Victor. Though Dad was calmer than he was an hour ago he was still on edge. Victor was joking around and twirling Dad around to lighten the mood. Though he understood what is going through his mind.

The song ended and Victor led the last round of applause for the night. Some people still wanted the party to go on, but others were ready to turn in for the night. Though the DJ had to make the "It's time to go home" speech as everyone was cheering for the party to go on.

It took about 30 minutes to get the majority of the guest out. Victor's family was coming inside for one last toast. The kids were already knocked out though. It was time for the adults to really party!

When the 5th person said that those gift bags were hefty and was shocked at the amount in there, I took Greyson by the hand and went upstairs.

We had about 15 minutes till the 4 of us had to leave for the airport. Our flight leaves before the newlyweds. It was already 11:50.

Greyson and I changed and sat on the bed. Thank goodness that I am in pants again. I am still in love with the dress and will cherish it forever but pants, especially sweatpants and pajama pants, will always have a special place in my heart.

We chilled on the bed silently. He sat on the edge and was lost again. I handed him a pillow to see if he was still there. He did take it, so almost halfway there.

"You got your thoughts together?" I asked as he left his body again. He took a deep breath and stare at the trim on the opposite wall. When he didn't respond I just held his hand, running my thumb over his hand.

11:56

"I'm scared," he finally said. I realized what he was thinking about, now that we are alone together. As the time comes nearer it does seem scarier. My nerves were all up again at the thought of it.

I took a deep breath and said "Greyson, we don't have to do anything till you are ready."

He looked at me. I couldn't read his face. It was a lot at once. Every second something it was changing into something else. When he spoke, his voice sounded like how he face looked. "You're not-"

"Why would I be mad?" I asked. I was smiling, hoping to wash away some worries. "I can't, won't, and don't want to force you to do anything until you are completely and 100 percent ready. And if you are worried that you're letting me down or whatever you're not. I actually respect this a lot."

He looked relieved. There were small tears beaded in the corner of his eyes. I scooted over to him and wiped his eyes. I opened my arms and he fell into it. He was shaking a bit, like a toddler during a thunderstorm.

"I'm just scared I am going to hurt you," he said.

"You're not going to hurt me," I said gently. He sat up and looked bewildered, like how he was in the car before the dinner on Christmas Eve.

He shot up, looking completely bewildered. He was grasping the edge of the bed, trying not to lash out again. "Yes, I could!" he quietly shouted into the air. "There are things that can happen that could be... you know... permanent!"

He didn't say exact things, but you can piece together what he is saying if you know.

I grabbed him by the shoulders and shook him a little. Sometimes when you are going crazy you need you need to be gentle and sometimes a little push can help you. 

"Greyson listen to me. We have been through over everything. We know what we are going to do if anything happens. We did everything beforehand too, so we know everything too. And I already said, you don't have to do anything until you are ready."

He stared past me for a second then he hugged me very tight. I heard the shuttered breathing coming out of him. I don't know if that was him calmer down or getting worked up.

"I don't know what to do. I am just so scared that I'm going to hurt you..."

11:59

I planted a kiss on his forehead and said "You have time. Sit on it for a bit then let me know. I will support whatever decision you make."

"Happy Birthday!"

Everyone came bursting through the door. I looked at the time. It was already a minute pass 12. He has been 20 for a whole minute. Greyson straightened up again and fixed himself. Until there were no more tears in his eyes did, he face everyone else. 

"Happy Birthday," I whisper to him as he wiped his nose. I smiled and lifted his chin up.

"Thank you," he said. He gave me a kiss then we got up to meet the entourage.

Everyone was wishing him and hugging him and slapping him across the back. Dad and Victor even brought a cupcake with a candle to celebrate with him.

"Hey guys we are getting late," Joshua said looking at his watch.

"Can everyone step out for a second, I want to talk to talk to Greyson alone," Dad said. I looked at him and he nods his head. Parent's instinct.

I grabbed my bag which Joshua took from my hand. We all started to get out and head downstairs. Naïve Victor started to walk out with us, but Dad grabbed him by the collar holding him back. They both are very smart, bless them, but only one of them gets to use their brain at a time.

We headed downstairs and started to load the car. When things got too much between Dani and Joshua I left. Didn't know that loading luggage could be done so flirtatiously. This is going to be a very interesting trip for all of us.

I went to the kitchen and finally got to enjoy the cake. If you are part of the wedding party, you don't get to enjoy the party as much everyone else does.

Finally, Greyson came downstairs. He looked a bit like himself again. He hugged me and I mouthed a "Thank you" to Dad and Victor. They were standing on the bottom step, arms crossed, and simultaneously mouthed a "You're welcome" to me.

Greyson let go of me and stood next to me, wrapping an arm around my waist.

"Now, you kids enjoy your vacation," Greyson said to them, sounding like himself again.

"Yes sir," Victor said.

"Make sure you keep your passport with you on all times and keep your phones on at all times," I said.

"Yes ma'am," Dad said.

"And make sure-"

"Oh my god! Mom and Dad are so annoying!" Victor said.

"I know right!" Dad said.

I went to both of them and hugged them.

"Come on!" Joshua yelled from outside. He honked the horn just to yell to the entire neighborhood too.

"Have fun, stay safe," I said to them as I hugged them tighter.

"You too," Victor said.

"I love you," Dad said.

Greyson tugged on my arm, and we headed out. We got outside and found Joshua was sitting in the front with Dani in the passenger's seat. Oh, how the tables have turned.

"Hop in," Joshua said.

"Hop out," Greyson said. "I'm driving."

"Not tonight, Birthday Boy! It's your birthday, I haven't taken anything tonight, and it's been a while since I drove. It's a win-win-win; now get in the car or I am leaving without you guys."

Greyson looked suspiciously at him. Joshua knew what he was thinking. He jumped out from the car and started doing those impromptu drug test police pull on people who looked drugged up where you have to walk in a straight line and touch your nose. Greyson slowly nodded his head as to affirm he was not under any influence then tried getting in the car. Joshua only had a seconds notice to stop him from getting in the car. It was a failed mission.

Greyson looked at me for some support, but I was on Joshua's side right now. "One ride won't kill you." We got in the back, he did so unwillingly, and settled down. Joshua finally got in the car and pulled on a bright smile.

"Now whatever you kids do in the back do it quietly." He put the car in drive and sped off. He was starting to speed up, so we weren't able to retort in any way.

...

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