•| ⊱✿⊰ |•
𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐑𝐓𝐘

𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐘𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐖𝐀𝐒 𝐆𝐎𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐀𝐂𝐂𝐎𝐑𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆 to the schedule.

The caterers were back at the community center setting everything up as well as Vivian Fitzgerald who had flown in last night and given specific instructions from her youngest granddaughter to make sure everything was set up exactly to the chart she had drawn up. The DJ they fired will be there in an hour, about sometime before the ceremony to set up.

Now normally on the wedding day it is usually the bride who goes all bridezilla and crazy. A lot of people were prepared for Ester Chambers to be stressing out, it was a given. But no one was prepared for the harsh orders that came from the maid of honor/wedding planner. Liz Chambers was not throwing anyone a bone, and had already yelled at a few random pedestrians for walking through the altar.

This might be a public beach but one look at the chaotic blonde was enough to send people running.

Liz has been up since before six this morning, mainly because her nightmares were still hitting her pretty hard. She had woken up drenched in sweat, breathing heavily and trembling. Thankfully they weren't as bad as her night terrors, but they were still affecting her sleep. Her nightmares were mixed with the accident and what she had seen a couple weeks ago during the bachelorette party.

Liz isn't a hundred percent sure if that was even Victoria. She was very dizzy and in a lot of pain, she could have just been seeing things. Victoria is still out there, yes, but she basically went into hiding after James' death. There is no way she could know that the Cullens were no longer around. Unless she's been watching them.

No. Liz was in denial. She refused to believe it was Victoria and is choosing to believe it was all in her head. There was no reason to alarm Danny or Ester with this, even though they don't really know the whole situation with James and Victoria. Ester has been very good at keeping her questions about the Cullens to herself out of respect for Liz's wishes since the last time she pried. If Ester and Danny had managed to link the night Liz came home demanding she needed to go with Bella to Phoenix to the vampire situation, they were keeping it to themselves.

So because Liz was up before the sun was, she has been making sure everything was perfect. She woke Ester up at seven o'clock sharp, who did not appreciate that at all seeing how she was tossing and turning most of the night out of nerves. Danny had spent the night at his father's under Liz's strict order, seeing how he is not allowed to see Ester the day of their wedding until she is walking down the aisle.

As if mother nature herself blessed the day, the sun was peeking through the clouds in the sky and the temperature wasn't as cold as Ester feared it would be. Mitch had arrived personally with the van of delilah's and had stayed to help out. He was basically Liz's muscles, as well as Sam and Jared who Danny had sent when she refused his help. She doesn't want the bride or groom to see everything until it is all ready. Paul had chosen to stay back on patrol seeing as how he thinks he wouldn't really be welcomed, according to Jared.

Liz tried hard not to agree that that was a good idea on his part and simply put the boys to work. Sam and Jared were setting up the chairs and Mitch was hanging the vines over the white altar, weaving them through the wickered holes. Liz was on the phone with Ester, who had called her about five times already and making this the sixth.

"Ester, I can't really get everything done if you are calling me every five minutes."

"I know, I'm sorry. But this is very important and none of the girls can make a decision." The bride basically wined on the phone, sounding actually frustrated.

Liz sighed and pitched the bridge of her nose. "What is it?"

"I wanted to wear mom's old pearls but Lola and Bianca think they clash with the dress."

Liz froze immediately. "What do you mean mom's pearls? We buried her with them."

There was a silent pause before Ester explained. "No we didn't. Remember we agreed not to put any jewelry on mom because we wanted to save it?"

Liz felt her heart sink immediately. "We never agreed to that. Mom was wearing those when we-" She couldn't finish the words and cleared her throat to stop herself from finishing the sentence.

Those pearls were very special to their mother because it was the first gift their father ever truly got for her and had spent months saving to buy for her. She hardly ever took them off. And it wasn't because they were real pearls or that they were so expensive. It was because Robert Chambers worked harder than ever to make sure she had something special to give to her on her twenty-fifth birthday because he has never been able to get her anything nice before. Lori wore them everyday, despite the fact that she wasn't a big fan of jewelry. She cherished them so much and the effort the love of her life put in to make sure she had something special.

Liz took a deep breath before she was able to finish. "Why aren't they buried with her, Ester?"

Ester was silent on the other end for a long while before she finally answered. "I didn't have the heart to part with them, Liz. I'm sorry, I did tell you."

Liz faltered. "When exactly did you tell me?"

"When you were in the hospital, the day before the funeral." Ester explained, sounding a bit guilty. "Maybe you forgot, you weren't really yourself. But I just... really wanted something special of mom and dad's."

Liz understood that. Of course she understood that. But those pearls... they had so many memories. And Liz knows she has no claim on them. They weren't just Liz's parents, they were Ester's too and despite whatever was going on between them, Ester misses them too. It was completely understandable that Ester would want a part of them there with her, especially on this big day.

But Liz does not remember Ester ever asking her if she could take the pearls for herself. She has never seen them in Ester's possession before nor has she ever seen her wear them before. Ester says she told Liz when she was still in the hospital, pumped full of pain meds and mourning the loss of her parents. Liz wasn't in the right headspace then. She wasn't in the right headspace for long after the funeral either. Not until some time after she got to California was when she able to truly think straight again.

Did Ester... Did Ester do that on purpose? Did she know I wouldn't argue because I couldn't really function enough to understand what she was really asking me?

No. No, she wouldn't do that. Liz knows that Ester would never manipulate her like that. And at the time, when everything was crashing down around her, Liz would have said no. She would have argued against it. But now, the thought of Ester wearing them on her wedding day, she knows their mom would have been so happy. And that is all that matters... right?

So Liz decided not to dwell on that matter and focus on what's important. "They are mom's pearls, Ester. You and I know perfectly well she would have given them to you on this day herself if she could. Wear them. They will not clash with the dress. If only it will make the dress shine even more."

"Thanks, Lizzie." Ester expresses warmly. "The girls and I are on our way there, we have your dress and shoes as well as make up."

"Perfect. Mitch and the guys are about to set up the tents. I'll see you soon."

The two sisters hung up and Liz tried hard not to let anger consume her and took long deep breaths. After a moment, Liz felt a gentle hand on her back and turned to see Mitch standing there with a raised brow. "Everything alright?"

Liz smiled at her friend and swallowed. "Yeah everythings fine. Thanks again for helping. You are an invited guest and I put you to work."

Mitch only smirked. "Are you kidding? This is the most fun I've had in months. I've actually never been to a wedding before. Kind of lame that I'm showing up without a date, but since Pete, it's hard to put myself out there."

Liz rubbed his arm sympathetically. "Don't feel too bad. There are a lot of people there without dates. Including myself." Liz froze, an idea forming in her head. "Hey, I'll be your date."

"Oh, Lizzie, I know I'm irresistible but you aren't exactly my type." Mitch jokes, before looking over her shoulder. "Now if you want to hook me up with one of those yummy groomsmen, then we can talk."

The younger blonde rolled her eyes and slapped his hand off her shoulder. "Too bad, they are both in serious relationships. And I meant, let's go as friends."

Mitch sighed dramatically. "Alright, I guess you will do."

Liz's phone started ringing right after she almost slapped him and was grateful to see her Nana was calling. "Go get Sam and Jared and start working on the tents."

"Wow, you are a bossy date." Mitch comments, which only resulted in Liz raising her hand to whack him but he was already making a break for it and yelling over his shoulder, "Next time invest in a headset!"

Liz rolled her eyes and answered the call, realizing a headset would have been such a great idea and kicked herself for not thinking of it sooner.

><><><

𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐓𝐒 𝐖𝐄𝐑𝐄 𝐅𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐄𝐃 𝐀𝐍𝐃 the wind was only blowing gently against the drape over the altar. The wedding party was all paired up, Sam and Bianca leading the ceremony by walking gracefully down the aisle together first, followed by Paul and Lola, then Jared and Kaylie. Rebecca was paired with Terrance, Danny's friend from the shop, followed by Billy being pushed in his chair by Rachel. Then the best man and maid of honor last. Liz did not hesitate linking her arms with Jacob's as the young boy smiled brightly at her as they headed down.

Liz's maid of honor dress was more beautiful than she remembered and fitted her so much better. The baby pink dress flowed behind as she walked, holding the beautiful bouquet to her chest. The girls decided not to wear their shoes until they got to the reception because of the sand, even the bride.

Once Liz and Jacob got to the front, they both separated and went to stand respectfully in their positions in front of the others. Liz looked out at the crowd and couldn't help the heart warming smile when she saw her friends sitting there, smiling fondly. Mitch seemed to have joined them and they welcomed him warmly. She noticed Charlie Swan in the crowd but immediately became saddened when she did not see Bella anywhere.

Liz tried not to let that bother her as Danny started making his way down the aisle, looking very handsome and clean shaven. His hair was combed back and he looked very handsome in his tux.

When the music started and everyone stood, Liz couldn't stop the emotion she felt when she saw her beautiful sister walk out of the tent with their Nana close to her side. The two made their way down and Liz couldn't stop herself from looking over at Danny, who did his best to keep a straight face but his eyes started to gloss over.

Ester's dress was even more stunning than when Liz remembered it. There wasn't a long train, but it was so beautiful as it glided along the light pink carpet Liz put down to make it easier for the wedding party to walk down on without the risk of falling. Vivian was wearing a pretty dark gray dress that reached the middle of her calve, a small slit at the front left leg.

Once they were at the end, Vivian kissed her granddaughter's cheek before handing her off to Danny and quickly going to take her seat in the front.

When everyone took their seat, Pastor Phil began the beautiful ceremony and there was definitely more than one person crying by the end, other than the groom who struggled through his written vows. Liz may or may not be one of those people.

><><><

𝐋𝐈𝐙 𝐍𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐑, 𝐈𝐍 𝐇𝐄𝐑 wildest imagination, thought that she would witness Mike Newton, Eric Yorkie and Tyler Crowley doing the electric slide with the groom and his brother. Danny and Jacob were both a lot smoother on the dance floor, while Mike, Eric and Tyler looked like they were inventing moves to the iconic dance that were too laughable.

The reception was small, filled with family and close friends. Liz couldn't stop the fact that she was insanely proud of herself for how amazing the wedding turned out. It was all so beautiful and breathtaking. Ester and Danny have already had their first dance, Ester being bold and allowing Danny to surprise her with his song choice, which Liz had thought was absurd at the time but surprisingly, Danny managed to find the perfect one. 'Back At One' by Brian McKnight.

Apparently that song came on in the car right after their first date when he was driving Ester home. He knew it was a sign then and said over the mic that has always been their song to him. It was honestly the best song choice for the two of them. Liz can't remember the last time she has been this happy. Seeing them together, knowing they made it, despite everything that has happened in the past... they all needed this wedding.

Ester was currently in Billy's lap as he spun her around on his chair for a dance. She was smiling and laughing, as a few of her friends were dancing on the floor. Mitch was flirting with the DJ, and Liz is starting to realize he is a shameless flirt, which fits his personality greatly. There were guests enjoying the food being served and soon, the cake will be cut by the now married couple. Jessica was laughing at all of the guys' horrible dance moves and Angela was currently on the phone in the back of the room, looking worried and drained.

Liz's worry for her friend was reaching its limit. She knows something is wrong and she wants nothing more than to go help, but she doesn't want to push too hard. She knows what it's like to be constantly asked if you are alright or pressured into talking about something you really don't want to talk about. She really does not want to do that to Angela. She just prays her friend will realize that whatever she is dealing with, whatever is wrong, she doesn't have to go through it alone.

"There's my girl," a calming voice said and Liz looked over to see her Nana coming to take a seat at the nearly empty table she was at. "You did such an amazing job with everything, Lizzie-bear. I still can't believe you managed to pull this off in less than three months."

Liz smiled warmly at the older woman. "Thanks, Nana. But I had help."

"Don't be so modest and take the credit where credits due," Vivian scolded with a kind expression. "You are just like your mother when you do that."

Liz felt her heart sink as her gaze looked to Ester, more to the necklace wrapped around her neck. Liz tried not to let seeing the pearls in the tent for the first time in a year affect her too much, but her heart still aches looking at the piece of jewelry. She thought she'd never see them again. They were supposed to be buried with her mother. But Ester had other plans...

Stop. No, she can't think like this. Ester did not keep them to be malicious, she knows this. Liz is grateful she had something of their parents with her. She just wished Ester was a bit more sensitive to the fact that Liz had no idea she had them. She said she told her, but why would she tell her when she wasn't exactly in the right mind set? She was in and out of consciousness because of the pain meds she was on and she was trying to get a hold of someone who wanted nothing to do with her anymore.

Liz's eyes then drifted to said person who was a few tables away, watching as his pack were dancing with their partners on the dance floor to what was now a slower song. He was currently devouring a big plate of food from the buffet, brooding and sulking. Liz has not spoken a word to him since earlier today when she instructed he would be walking down the aisle with Lola. It was barely a conversation because she didn't even let him say anything in response.

Forcing herself to look away, Liz turned back to her Nana with a small smile. "They both should be here."

Vivian reached out and took her granddaughter's hand in her own. "Oh sweetie, they are here. They will always live inside you and Ester's hearts."

Liz turned her eyes back to Ester who had her arms wrapped around Danny's neck again, eyeing the pearls before looking down at her fidgeting fingers. "Nana, did-did Ester ask me if I was okay with her taking mom's pearls for herself?"

Vivian tilted her head slightly. "What are you talking about? We buried those pearls with your mother."

Liz straightened in her seat. "No. Ester told me today she asked me when I was in the hospital if it was alright if she kept them and said I agreed but I don't remember doing so."

Vivian looked at Ester and frowned at the pearls around her neck. "Huh..."

"What?"

Vivian looked very confused and a bit upset, but she shook her head and turned back to her youngest granddaughter. "You know, honey, it was a very stressful time. I'm sure Ester did talk to us about it. None of us were in the right state of mind."

Even though Liz was skeptical, she found herself nodding in agreement. It was odd because her Nana was the one who organized and planned the funeral for both her parents. It was a closed casket because the burns were pretty bad from the accident. But her Nana did not remember Ester asking to keep the pearls raised too many questions. Questions she did not like to think about.

Vivian tried to change the subject. "Well, I can tell you this right now, I am not getting back on that dance floor unless you are my next partner." She got up and tugged her youngest granddaughter up from the chair. "Stop worrying about all the details. Everything is wonderful. Now it's time for you to enjoy yourself."

Liz didn't protest much as the older woman dragged her towards the dance floor where the DJ was currently playing 'Love Story' by Taylor Swift where basically every female on the floor was singing at the top of their lungs, including Vivian who surprised both her grandchildren by knowing all the words.

Mitch came out on the dance floor two songs later to dance with Liz, seeing as he was technically her date and all that. Despite everything, Liz pushed all her worries and stress to the back of her head and managed to enjoy herself. She even danced with Ester, the two sisters hugging and swaying, Liz trying not to ruin this day by demanding the raising questions she has towards Ester and if she had lied about the pearls.

She let all that escape her mind and had the best night of her life.

When it came time for the speeches, Liz thought Jacob gave the best one. It was funny, sincere and heartfelt. He expressed how Danny was someone who he always looked up to and said he hopes he can find a love as strong as the one the Danny and Ester share with each other.

Billy's was lovely and short, basically claiming that he would off his own son if he ever hurt Ester in any way, which earned a lot of laughter. Vivian went on to say she doesn't think there is anyone good enough for both her grandbabies and she still doesn't believe that. She then went on to say the same thing as Billy, but more gruesome. Something about the police wouldn't be able to identify his body if he ever hurt her baby girl.

Liz doesn't think she's ever seen anyone break out into sweat so quickly before. It was hilarious.

Now it was her turn. The maid of honor's speech was saved for last, and Liz was holding the speech she spent a full two days writing on paper and grinned at her sister and new brother. "The first time I met Danny, I was fourteen years old. And to be honest, Danny, I hated you."

A few people laughed while Danny's eyes widened, clearly surprised by this but Ester was not. "I'm sorry, but I did. It wasn't anything you did personally, but were taking up all of Ester time and I was a bit jealous. Suddenly my sister was not only ditching me to hang with her friends, she was ditching me to hang out with her new boyfriend. I've always looked up to Ester and the little time she made for me suddenly stopped when she met you."

"I mean, I get it now. I was the annoying baby sister. I know Ester wanted her own life, she was older and smarter. But I didn't understand love at the time or the power it held over you." Liz tried not to let her mind wander to a certain curly blonde male as she cleared her throat. "But that hate didn't last long when you invited me to go bowling with you two, something that was supposed to be a special date between the two of you until you saw how upset I was when I learned Ester had another date with you You regretted it immediately when I beat your ass in three seperate rounds because Ester neglected to tell you how competitive I can be.."

Danny rolled his eyes as Ester chuckled, kissing him on the cheek. Liz grinned from ear to ear. "From then on, I was happy you were in Ester's life. You made her happy in ways I've never seen before and I admired that."

Liz looked at her sister and her eyes softened. "You are the most beautiful bride I've ever seen, Ester. The honor you have given me by not only making me maid of honor but allowing me to plan everything and trusting me to take care of what is supposed to be the most magical day of your life... I can't tell you what it means to me."

Ester put a hand over her heart to try to stop herself from crying. Liz smiled in return, clearing her throat before continuing. "I have never seen two people more right for each then. I wish you both nothing but happiness and wonders life has to offer. To Ester and Danny!"

"To Ester and Danny!" The crowd joins, taking a sip of their champagne and clapping at the end of Liz's speech.

Ester went to hug her baby sister and Liz quickly folded up the paper that held her speech and tucked it under her plate as quickly as she could before returning the embrace. Thankfully, Ester did not notice the moment of panic or question that Liz was trying to hide her speech and thank Liz for everything.

Liz did not want Ester to see her speech because at the last minute, she decided to cut it short. She had a longer one prepared, one where she mentions their parents and how they would have been so happy for Ester, but she decided against it last minute and she isn't a hundred percent certain as to why.

She just knew she didn't have the guts to mention them, not without thinking about the fact that even if they were still with them, they most likely wouldn't be at this wedding to begin with and Liz couldn't let that past anger towards her sister that she fought so hard to bury deep down get in the way.

Today was supposed to be a perfect, drama free day and Liz will be damned if she doesn't keep true to her heart.

><><><

𝐁𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐓𝐈𝐌𝐄 𝐍𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓 rolled around, Liz was tucked under her quilted blanket on the sofa, her Nana having excused herself to make popcorn before they watched a movie. Ester and Danny had left after the reception to get changed and then head to their honeymoon, where they will be taking a flight to Miami for the week, something Vivian helped pay for.

This left Liz to stay at the house alone, which Vivian couldn't allow and took it as an excuse to stay the week. Liz did not mind, spending time with her Nana is something she missed dearly since coming back to Forks. They were inseparable in California. This week was going to be so much fun now that she was here.

They were about to watch the third Child's Play movie seeing as how Liz never got to show her Nana this movie, but they watched the first two together. Despite being very exhausted and was pretty sure she wasn't even going to make it through this movie, Liz was not ready to go to bed just yet, knowing what was waiting for her the moment she let unconsciousness take her into a deep slumber. She was not ready for another nightmare. She couldn't handle it right now.

She could hear the popcorn popping from the kitchen just as her phone startled her with its obnoxious ringtone. She looked down, only to see 'unknown' flashing over the screen of her blackberry. Confused as to who could be calling her so late at night, Liz answered it after the third ring.

"Hello?"

Silence. Liz waited for someone to start talking on the other end but after a couple seconds, she spoke again. "Hello?"

Again, nothing but silence. She looked at her phone to see if they had been disconnected, but they hadn't. Liz put the phone back to her ear and raised her brow. "Is anyone there?"

Once again, silence. Vivian chose then to rejoin the living room. "Who's on the phone?"

"I don't know, I think it might have been misdial." Liz waited to see if she could hear anything before removing the phone from her ear and hanging up. "Weird."

"Happens all the time," Vivian dismisses before placing the bowl of popcorn in the middle and grabbing her own blanket to throw over her lap. "Alright, play the movie, since you are so intent on giving me nightmares."

Liz scoffed. "You are the one who wanted to watch it!"

"Yes, well if you hadn't insisted on me watching the first two I never would have been curious about this one, would I?" The older woman resorted, causing Liz to just chuckle and hit play on the remote. Putting an end to an almost perfect day.

____________________________

I know I keep saying this but this chapter wasn't my best! Honestly? I just can't wait until next chapter! Next chapter we are back into the New Moon plot and I have things plans!

Let me know what everyone though!