literature

KeroseneHearts11:Million Dollar Houses/The Painter

Deviation Actions

SunsetAcid's avatar
By
Published:
207 Views

Literature Text

Over the summer, Vic and I moved in together. Since neither of us was going to college, we were able to combine our funds and buy a small house on the same street as our parents. Neither of us really wanted to be too far away from Mike and Alice. Since we were relying on ourselves now, Vic had given Mike his old Camry and we were now using my old ute to get around. Pierce the Veil continued to practice, but they weren’t going to be able to perform any gigs, record or find a label that would sign them until Mike had graduated. The guys had had to get other jobs in the meantime. Vic was painting houses on the richer side of town. Tony had a job at the local KFC. Jaime was interning at Shock Records. His job was rather strategic. He was hoping that after Mike had graduated, he’d be able to pull a few strings and get PTV signed next summer. Erica and I had jobs, too. She was working as a journalist for the local paper and I was working at the local record store.

Today was graduation for Alice, Mike and Alicia. Vic and I were in the ute, driving to school. Both of us were excited, but I could sense some kind of edge to Vic’s mood. I’d parked in what used to be my usual spot and was just getting out when Vic finally spoke. ‘Would you leave me?’ he blurted out. I shut the open door and looked at him in confusion. ‘What are you talking about?’ I asked. ‘I’m just a painter, Rin. You deserve so much better than me. I used to cut and –’ I cut him off by kissing him. ‘I love you, Vic and I don’t ever want to hear you say that again. I don’t care about any of that. I could care less if you’re a rock star, a painter or we’re homeless, so long as you’re right beside me. You’re my best friend and the love of my life. I never want to lose you and I couldn’t live without you. I’m the one who doesn’t deserve you.’ I said. I kissed him again. He sighed, defeated. ‘I suppose. I still don’t deserve you.’ He disagreed.

Before I could argue back, Alice had flung Vic’s door open and yanked him out of the car. ‘Hey!’ he shouted in protest. ‘Hurry up!’ my sister whined. ‘We’re gonna be late.’ She added. I rolled my eyes. I loved her dearly, but she had the worst timing. I jumped out of the ute. Alice was wearing a short, strapless mauve dress with black lace around the waist. Her natural black hair had been piled on top of her head in a bun. I noticed she had a nose ring now, too. Mike stood next to her, holding her hand, already in the black grad cap and gown. I had on a short black dress with spaghetti straps and a matching pair of high heels. My hair flowed down my back, unrestrained. Vic had on a black suit and tie.

My sister and Mike headed off in front of us and Vic took my hand again. As we followed them, I decided we should conclude our argument now. ‘How about this? We don’t deserve each other?’ I murmured. He nodded. ‘Which means we do.’ He said, deciphering my suggestion immediately. ‘Exactly,’ I agreed. ‘Sounds good,’ He conceded. He gave me one last kiss. ‘Enough with the mushy stuff! Are you guys coming or not?’ Alice shouted to us from the doorway of the gym. We broke apart, chuckling and found our seats. Our parents, and my little brother Brandon, were on either side of us. Alicia’s parents, along with Tony, sat on the other side of my mom and Jaime and Erica were on the other side of Vic and Mike’s parents.

Principal Bennet took the stage again. It was hard to believe that this time last year, we’d been up there. She greeted us and called the first name. Alice was the fourth to receive her diploma. ‘Miss Allison Black: most likely to live happily ever after,’ Bennet announced. We clapped and cheered loudly while Mom and Dad took a photo of her receiving her diploma. A few more students were called, then it was Mike’s turn. ‘Mr. Michael Fuentes: most likely to become a rock star,’ We cheered again and Mr. Fuentes snapped a photo of Mike and Alice sharing a kiss. Alicia was the last called of the three. ‘Alicia-Rose Pope: most likely to marry a rock star,’ As she handed Alicia her diploma, she found Tony in the audience and smiled at him. The rest of the students were called and then the Class Valedictorian made their speech. Bennet congratulated everyone and they threw their caps in the air. Dad and Mr. Fuentes took one last photo of Alice and Mike before we headed back to the house Vic and I shared for their celebrations.

PTV

‘Where are we going?’ I complained. It had been three years since Alice, Mike and Alicia had graduated. Vic, Tony, Jaime, Erica and I were now twenty-two and Mike, Alicia and Alice were twenty-one. Alicia and Tony were still going strong. They had two children, twins in fact; a boy, Antony Jacob Perry, and a girl, Rose Antonia Perry. They were engaged and were getting married in three months. Mike and Alice had a daughter, Angel Isabelle Fuentes. Mike had confided in Vic and me that he had a ring for Alice, he was just waiting for the right moment to pop the question. Erica and Jaime had been married for a few months. They had two girls; Amber Ashley Preciado and Evaline Belle Preciado. Vic and I weren’t married or engaged yet. I was ready to settle down and I was hoping he’d ask me soon.

Slightly, annoyed by the lack of response from Vic, I began to pull the black scarf that was acting as a blindfold off. One of Vic’s hands covered mine. ‘Only a little longer,’ He insisted, trying to be reassuring. I sighed, slumping back in my seat. I hated not being able to see where we were. Vic and I were both wearing the same outfits we’d been wearing the night we’d confessed our love for each other. It had been exactly four years to the day. He’d insisted that we were in the exact same clothes because it “would ruin it” otherwise. We finally came to a stop.

Vic helped me out of the car and locked it. ‘Okay, you can look now.’ He informed me, one hand in mine. I slid the scarf down onto my neck and gasped at the sight in front of me. We were standing in a secluded forest clearing. It had been set up the same way my backyard had been exactly four years ago, right down to the fairy lights strung from the trees. It must’ve taken ages to set up. ‘Do you like it?’ Vic asked, dragging me back from my memories to the present moment. His tone was nervous. I turned my head to smile at him. ‘It’s perfect.’ I told him. He breathed a sigh of relief and he grabbed a picnic basket and blanket from the back. They were the same as the ones we’d used before.

We lay down on the blanket, side by side, surrounded by the grass and the trees. We ate the food that Vic had packed, then we stargazed together, listening as the crickets sang to us. I leant against Vic, his arms around my waist as he held me to him. He released me, standing up. ‘What’s going on?’ I asked, suddenly confused. Vic looked me in the eye and took a deep breath. ‘Corin, I’ve been in love with you since the day I met you. You’ve been there for me through everything; from my first day in Clairemont and through my self-harm and our disastrous prom, our shit senior year and graduation. You were right beside me through everything. Even when I was just a painter. I know I want to spend the rest of my life with you. So; Corin Lillian Black, will you marry me?’

I was speechless for a moment. Vic looked more nervous than I’d ever seen him. More so than when I’d caught him with that razor or when he told me he loved me for the first time or on his first day at Clairemont High. But I felt happier than when he’d told me how much he loved me or when he kissed me for the first time at prom or when he told me he’d written a song for me. I smile broke out on my face. ‘Yes,’ I breathed. ‘Yes, yes, yes!’ I shouted, getting louder every time. I jumped up and he kissed me with more passion than ever. He swung me around, our lips never breaking contact. When he set me down on my feet again, a little dizzy, he slid the ring on my finger. It was silver, embedded with sapphires. After a few minutes, we lay down again, hands entwined. ‘I love you Vic.’ I told him. ‘I love you too, Corin. I’d kiss you even if you were dead.’ He added, leaning over to plant a soft kiss on my lips.

PTV

I looked in the mirror, nervously smoothing out non-existent creases in my dress. I paced the room, feeling sick from nerves. Today was the day; the day I stopped being Corin Black and became Mrs Corin Fuentes. I was wearing a white strapless dress and matching heels. I was just waiting on my bridesmaids. The door to my room opened and my head snapped up. I was currently standing in Jaime and Erica’s bedroom. Erica was standing in the doorway. She, Alice and Alicia were my bridesmaids. Angel, Rose, Evaline and Ember were my flower girls and Antony was the ring bearer. Tony, Mike, Brandon and Jaime were the best men.

Erica came up behind me, placing a hand on my shoulder. I jumped in surprise. I’d momentarily forgotten she was there and my nerves were making me jumpy. ‘You okay? Not nervous?’ she checked. I nodded, nervously, afraid to speak. She shook her head and spun me around to face her. ‘Corin Lillian Black, listen to me. There is a man out there who loves you wind is waiting to marry you. You are not chickening out. You are going to go out there and have the best day of your life, got it?’ she instructed, shaking some of my ringlets into my face. ‘Alright,’ I agreed, hesitantly. ‘But what if I trip when I’m walking? What if I forget my vows? Or my name?’ I asked, terrified. She rolled her eyes again. ‘Everyone will have a giggle and then you’ll remember. If you don’t, I’m sure Vic can remind you.’ she insisted. I sighed. ‘Fine,’ I agreed, reluctantly. ‘You’d better be right.’ I said, half-joking, half-threatening.

The door opened again and Dad walked in. ‘Ready?’ he checked. I nodded. He sighed and pulled me into a hug, trying not to mess up my hair. ‘My little girl’s all grown up.’ He whispered. He pulled out and looked at me a final time. ‘Let’s go.’ He decided. We arrived at the church, the wedding party all waiting in the wings. Alice, Alicia and Erica were wearing matching light blue silk dress. My flower girls were wearing white dresses with blue ribbons in their hair and around their waists. My ring bearer wore a black tuxedo with a blue bow-tie. I took a deep breath as a recording of Bulletproof Love started. Dad linked arms with me and the doors opened. Angel, Rose, Evaline and Ember walked out first. Erica, Alicia and Alice followed them. Finally Antony walked out. It was my turn now.

Dad and I walked out into the chapel of the church. My eyes locked onto Tony, Mike, Jaime and Brandon first, at the front of the altar. They were wearing black tuxedos with blue ties and white roses in their lapels. I gripped my matching bouquet tighter. It was currently hiding the tattoo of Vic’s name on my wrist. Then my eyes caught sight of him. He was dressed identically to the others, except for a red rose in his lapel. My breath caught in my throat and my nerves disappeared. I suddenly knew everything would be perfect today.

Dad led me to the altar and the priest gave his sermon. It came time for the vows. We’d written them ourselves. Vic started. ‘Corin, you’ve been my best friend ever since I met you. You were there for me through my first day at a new school. You were my first friend here. It only took me a month to fall completely in love with you. You were right beside me through all the bullying, cheating and self-harm. You helped me through it. Even after you found out my darkest secret, you were still there for me. You still loved me and encouraged me. I love you, Corin Lillian Black. We already have so many memories together and I can’t wait to make so many more with you as husband and wife.’ He concluded. I smiled at him, blinking back tears. Now it was my turn.

‘Vic, you came into my life only seven years ago. Before we met, there was something missing, I just never knew what. From the moment we first kissed, I knew I never wanted to let you go. I don’t know what I’d do if I ever lost you. The first time you told me you loved me; I knew everything would always be okay, as long as I had you. You have made me happier than I ever could’ve been without you and I can’t wait to be your wife.’ I said. Vic beamed at me and the priest declared us husband and wife. Vic pulled me in for a deep, passionate kiss. We got quite a few wolf-whistles; the loudest from Ashley Purdy, who was sitting a few rows away. When we pulled away, Vic whispered in my ear ‘I love you, Mrs Fuentes.’ My response was easy. ‘I love you too, Mr. Fuentes.’
Only one chapter left after this! I hope you've enjoyed reading this as much as I've enjoyed writing it.
© 2014 - 2024 SunsetAcid
Comments0
Join the community to add your comment. Already a deviant? Log In