Graduation

[pe_gay89]

Oh wow... What a great chapter. I'm glad they've made up, it's just a shame it took a fire to do it... I really hope Chase is okay.

 

[harry113]

Thanks ITC, a wonderful & dramatic chapter.
Looking forward to the ending.
Harry

 

[bigass]

Thanks ITC,That was a great chapter keep them coming.Btw you are a really good writer.

 

[DonQuixote]

Guys, If you haven't already, please take a moment to RATE this Thread -- at the top of the page. Let's Post the "Grade" This piece deserves for IntheCloset, so it is displayed boldly for all to see.

Thanks.

 

[inthecloset]

Awe thanks you guys! I'm totally blushing over here haha.

I'm working really hard on this chapter. I want to make every part of this chapter worth the wait and worth the read. I'm just doing some intense tweaking right now and making certain parts perfect.

 

[inthecloset]

Update: I've finished this chapter, but I'm going to wait till morning to post it. I wanna go over it a couple more times before I put it up. Look for it around 10 or 11 am Pacific Time.

 

[kiwi2399]

Yay i cant wait! i LOVE THIS STORY! i cant believe its finishing tho super happy your writing another one sweet az man YUS! oh wait i have an exam at that time tomorrow! NOOOOOOOOO! i will be thinking about your update instead of concertrating on my diversity paper now lol.

 

[asdf]

inthecloset, your story is absolutely phenomenal. love is a difficult emotion to describe enough already, and you've done an incredible job doing so. i'm really sad that this story is ending but it's been such a great one. thank you so much, and i'm sure that's coming from all of us readers.

 

[King08]

So when do we get the next chapter?

 

[inthecloset]

So when do we get the next chapter?

I apologize for the delay. I decided to change the ending of this chapter a little bit to give room for the final chapter. I promise you guys that I'm going to give this last chapter everything I've got. But before we get into that, here is the chapter everyone has been waiting for.

---------------------------------------

The sunlight was blocked by the clouds all day. It didn’t rain at all, but the weatherman said it was almost certain to start at any second. I didn’t care though. All I cared about was that by the end of this day, Cameron and I would be together. After today, nothing and no one could keep us apart. After today, we would be married.

I walked down that isle with my parents at my side. When I took my place under the makeshift arch that Brooke and Mark set up, I looked down the isle to see him. He walked down the isle with such grace; it was as if he were floating. When he got up to the arch, he said something, but I couldn’t hear his voice. It was really strange, but it was like some other sound was drowning him out.

Then, a loud, repetitive beeping started blaring. I couldn’t see where it was coming from. I looked at Cameron and he just smiled at me. I closed my eyes and opened them up again. When I opened them, I just saw my alarm clock displaying 8:00 a.m. I sat up and saw that the bed was empty, and realized that the day was just beginning.

I got out of bed, put on some sweat pants and a t-shirt, and walked out into the kitchen where a plate of eggs, sausage, and waffles was sitting on the counter. Next to the plate was a folded piece of paper with my name written in Cameron’s hand writing.

“Josh,

I wish we didn’t have to be apart all day, but I promise you that this day will be perfect. After today, only death can part us. I love you and I can’t wait until I can call you my husband.

Love always (and forever)
-Cam”

I smiled as I read the note over a few more times. With a smile on my face I ate my breakfast. After my stomach was full I grabbed a cup of coffee and with Chase bouncing at my side I went out into the backyard. I walked through the sliding glass door and saw that Brooke was directing a bunch of people who were setting up the chairs and tables outside.

“Hey sleepyhead,” she said when she saw me.
“Hey wedding nazi,” I said jokingly.
“On that note, you need to go start getting ready,” she said.
“Brooke, it’s 8. The wedding isn’t until 4,” I said.
“Well then go find something else to do, you can’t be out here yet,” she said.
“Why can’t I help you?” I asked.
“I’ve got everything under control. You just relax, get ready, and practice your vows,” she said, “But before you do, are you sure you wanna do this outside? It looks like it’s gonna rain pretty heavy.”
“Yes, I want it outside Brooke,” I said.
“Alright, it’s your wedding,” she said.

I smiled and walked back into the house and sat down on the couch with Chase. He jumped up onto the couch as I sat down and plopped his head on my leg. I gently stroked his fur as I went over my vows in my head. I came across the spot on Chase’s body where his fur was still a little short after narrowly escaping the fire. I looked down at him and saw him drifting off to sleep, and I let out a soft sigh. Mark was the hero that day. He never told us he did it, but the fire department said that there was a man who told them about the back door being wide open. We knew it was him, but he never admitted it.

He also got Chase out of the way and pretty much saved his life. For that, I will always consider Mark my hero, even though Cameron’s my savior. I got up and walked over to my desk and pulled out the only thing we were able to save from the fire. I opened the box I kept it in and stared at the singed cover of my book. I’m still not sure how it survived the fire, but I like to believe that it was a symbol of who Cameron and I were, both together and apart. We were inseparable by time and not even the forces of nature could tear us from the binding we were about to make.

I looked at the clock and saw it was noon. People should be arriving soon so I decided to go get dressed. I found my tux hanging in my closet where Brooke left it for me. Taped to the jacket’s front pocket was another note with my name written on it in Cameron’s handwriting. I smiled as I pulled it off and read it.

“Josh,

When you put this on, I want you to think of two things.

• Think of the first time we kissed
• Imagine me taking it off of you tonight.

You’re going to look so amazing. I love you…husband.

Love,
Cameron”

I quickly showered and put on my tux. Doing as Cam asked, I thought back on the day of our graduation. It was so long ago, it felt like another lifetime. I remembered how soft his lips felt against my cheek, and how scared he was about my reaction. I remembered pulling up to his house in my old Mustang that night. I remembered his face being distorted with fear. Lastly, I remembered the fear on his face being immediately washed away as our lips met in our very first kiss.

Unprovoked, I remembered a day that was so long ago; I often wonder if it really happened. It was that day two months after Alexis’ funeral. We were standing outside with the rain pouring on our heads and Cam told me that he would be willing to drive a thousand miles in one day even if he could only see me for five minutes. It was the first time I ever truly believed that God was in the rain. It was the first time I ever felt at peace with myself, and it was the first time I knew that I would be with Cam for the rest of my life.

I tied my bowtie as best as I could and walked out into the living room where people were already arriving. My parents were standing in the kitchen with a couple of my friends from work. I saw Cameron’s parents standing in the dining room talking to Mark who was holding Brianna. I was hoping to see Cam, but he believed heavily that we shouldn’t see each other all day.

Brooke came inside promptly at 4:00 p.m. and started barking orders at people to get outside. I stepped outside with my parents and saw the most amazing setup I had ever seen. The pathway to the arch was covered in white and red roses. There were candles leading up the sides of the aisle and the arch itself was decorated with dozens of white roses with one red rose at the very center on the ground.

I looked at it in awe as I lost myself in the scene. That was the moment it finally hit me. That moment, gazing upon the arch, I finally realized that it was actually happening. My dream of being with Cameron forever was about to begin. The clouds overhead seemed to be bursting at the seams with rain, but it didn’t fall on us.

The stereo began playing my favorite song and Mark took his place at the arch to be our minister for the ceremony. I took my mother’s arm in my left arm and my father’s in my right. They guided me down the aisle and released me underneath the arch. My dad patted me on the back and my mom kissed my cheek. As the song “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” was reaching its second verse, I saw Cameron walk through the sliding glass door with his parents at his side.

He looked absolutely amazing. His tux fit his body perfectly and his bright green eyes shone out in comparison to the dark colors covering him. He smiled brightly at me as he met my gaze. I smiled back at him and watched him walk up to me. Brooke stood at my side as I had promised her about 4 years ago, and Brianna stood on the opposite side waiting for Cameron.

When he finally reached us, he gave his mother a kiss on the cheek and his father a big hug. He finally took his position and looked directly into my eyes. I could have kissed him right then and there, but I knew it would have messed everything up. I stuck out my hands and he grabbed them and held tightly. I could feel how anxious he was, and how happy this moment was making him (and me).

“Please sit,” Mark said.

Everyone took their seats. I would have looked out at all the people that were there, but I couldn’t take my eyes off of Cameron. His amazing smile, his glowing eyes, his bronze hair being tossed by the wind; everything drew my attention.

“Nothing in this world makes God happier than seeing two people, any two people, come together in love,” Mark began, “Today, we are gathered here to witness the love that these two people come together in. As a dear friend of both Cameron and Josh, I can honestly say that their love is pure. It’s transcending and inspiring. They share a bond that most people dream about having. Their love gives me hope for a better future, where no one is judged for who they love, for no one can choose who they fall in love with.”

I smiled a big smile at Cameron. At this moment, our minds and our hearts were in sync; thinking and beating together as one.

“All of us were invited here today to witness the bond between Josh and Cameron. They wish to share this moment with each and every one of you. They’ve proven over the years that nothing and no one will be able to shake their love from them. Their love has conquered many trials, and they have put their love for each other into words to share with us, themselves, and with God.”

Cameron took a deep breath as Mark signaled us to recite our vows.

“Josh…You are the best thing that has ever happened to me. I would not have been able to face anything in the last eight years without you. Your love gives me strength I never thought possible. It gives me courage in times where I should be crippled by fear. And it gives me hope; hope for a better future and for a long and happy life...with you. For that alone, you deserve more than I can ever hope to be able to give you. But with this ring, and these words, I promise that I will spend the rest of my life trying my best to give you everything that you deserve. I love you for giving me the strength to face everything that has come my way, and I promise to cherish and adore you for the rest of our lives.”

Tears were rolling down his face as he put the ring on my finger. I took in a deep breath for myself and said the only thing my heart could let me say.

“Cameron…We have been through so much together. High school, Graduation, funerals, psychos, bullet wounds, fires…you name it. We’ve been through it all. But here we are today…still standing, and still together. We have knocked down every ordeal that has been thrown at us, and we stand here today to tell the world that we will not be torn apart. Your love has lifted me so high that this was the only result. You said that my love gives you strength, courage, and hope. Well, with this ring, and these words, I promise to be everything for you that you deserve to have. I swear in front of all of our family and friends, that I will always give you the strength to fight off any challenge, the courage to face any fear, and the hope that nothing can tear us apart. I love you with all my heart Cameron Davis and I promise that will never change.”

I put the ring on his finger as he let out a small laugh. He smiled at me with a few tears rolling down his face. Looking at him, I realized that I was crying as well. I held his hand tightly in mine and we turned to look at Mark.

“By the power vested in me by the state of California, I now pronounce you Man and Man,” he said with a smile, “Now kiss your man!”

We both laughed as I wrapped my arms around Cameron’s torso and pulled him in to kiss him. As our lips locked, the world fell away beneath our feet. Everyone disappeared as we fell into our own little world. Our kiss never broke as the sounds of the crowd were drowned out by each other. It was pure bliss.

The music started playing again and we returned to Earth from our kiss. He pulled away from me and smiled at me. I smiled back as we pushed our foreheads together. We laughed again as we turned to walk back down the aisle and into the house. I never let go of him, and he never let go of me.

Brooke came inside and waved us back out after everyone had moved to the tables that were set up on the other side of the yard. There was a small stage and a little dance floor that Brooke set up with a tarp over the stage to keep the equipment dry in case it rained. We walked outside and everyone clapped and cheered for us. We walked over to the dance floor and my second favorite song started playing for our dance. The lyrics of Skillet’s “Yours to Hold” (the acoustic slow version) started playing from the speakers as I wrapped my arms around Cameron and danced with him.

Every single day
I find it hard to say I
Could be yours to hold
You will see some day
That all along the way I
Was yours to hold
I was yours to hold.

“I can’t believe we finally did it,” he said.
“You better believe it Superman,” I said.
He looked up at me and said, “You haven’t called me that in years.”
“I know, I just thought since you’re my hero and all I should start calling you that again,” I said.
“I’d really like that…husband,” he said.
“I like that one too,” I said.
“I meant what I said,” he said.
“What?” I asked.
“About you deserving more than I can give you,”he said.
“Cam, you know that’s not true,” I said.
“No, it is. But I also meant it when I said I promise to do my best to give you what you deserve,” he said.
“The only thing I deserve is you babe,” I said.

A brief moment of silence passed between us. He squeezed me a little tighter as we danced and buried his face back into my chest.

“I love you,” I said.
“I love you more,” he said.
“Always…”
“…and forever.”

He wrapped his arm around my neck and pulled me in to kiss me. When our lips touched, the clouds let out a crash as the rain finally fell on us. Everyone else scattered and ran for cover, but Cameron and I stayed and finished our dance in the rain.

“God is in the rain,” I whispered.
“What?” he asked.
“Nothing,” I said.
“No, what is it?” he asked
“It was just…something Alexis once told me,” I said.
“What did she say?” he asked.
“She told me that God was with us in the rain. I never really believed it until I found you,” I said.
“Do you think about her a lot?” he asked.
I kissed his forehead and said, “Every day.”
“I’m sorry Josh. If I had one wish, it would be to have her here today,” he said.

The rain pelted our heads and after a minute or two we were soaked, but I didn’t care. All I cared about was being with Cameron. After 4 years of wishing, and 4 more of hoping, I could finally call him my husband.

“It’s ok Cam. I have you now. I’m sure Alexis was here in her own way,” I said.
“We should probably get out of the rain,” he said.
“Just a few more minutes,” I said, “The song isn’t over yet.”

We stood there in each others’ arms as the music finished. We let the rain fall on us as we finished our first dance together. When we were done, we turned to walk inside. We were soaked to the bone, but I was happier now than I’ve ever been before. I finally felt like life was perfect.

We got some towels and dried off so we could cut the cake that Brooke designed herself. After we finished shoving cake into each others’ faces, Cameron took my hand and dragged me outside. There was a limo waiting in the driveway. He pulled me into it after we hugged our parents and Brooke and Mark. We got in and took off to Cameron’s last surprise for me.

“So you never told me where we’re going for the honeymoon,” I said.
“I know, I want it to be a surprise,” he said.

We arrived at the airport after about twenty minutes and he took my hand and guided me directly to our gate. We got on the plane and held each others’ hands as the plane took off into the sunset. I had no idea where we were going, but anywhere would be perfect as long as I was with Cameron. Over eight years of waiting, and I finally had what I wanted. I drifted off to sleep with Cam’s arm around my shoulders and a smile on my face.

 

[DonQuixote]

Dear IntheCloset:
I'm a sucker for a good wedding, and this was a Great One!

You write so well -- the love and caring pours out of your words and into our hearts.

I can feel the love the boys feel for each other as I think back to my own wedding.
I can still picture bits and pieces of it - 31 years later.

It was a fun filled day with family and friends.
We were the center of attention, but that's not what it was about.

You captured the love they share for each other and their friends, perfectly.

Thank you for sharing your talents with us. We all need a good happy cry now and again. There's too much pain in the world.


Thank you.

 

[pe_gay89]

I'm glad they did it. A great chapter. In one way I'm sad the story is finishing so soon, but in another I'm glad, cos it'll mean Josh and Cam's lives will turn to some semblance of normality, and they'll just be able to get on with it.

Thanks for a great story!

 

[King08]

Yes!!!!!!! It was worth the extra wait. Now I'm ready for the next chapter.......... err well it is the last chapter so maybe it can wait so the story won't end.

Oh well all good things must end and this is a great thing. I'd call this story a work of art.

 

[upyrkilt469]

That was beautiful, ITC. Sorry there is only one more chapter to go, but will be waiting for the new story.
H&K
Vic

 

[bigass]

That was so beautiful,ITC it was well worth the wait thanks.But i can't wait to read the next chapter.

 

[polarnyc]

That was sooo BEAUTIFUL! The wedding scene was so emotional. After all the dramas and suspenses they had been through together, they really deserved this particular day and be happy. I'm really happy for them and sad that this wonderful story is coming to an end... I hope the finale chapter will be a beautiful happy endling and NO psychos to kill anyone!

 

[inthecloset]

That was sooo BEAUTIFUL! The wedding scene was so emotional. After all the dramas and suspenses they had been through together, they really deserved this particular day and be happy. I'm really happy for them and sad that this wonderful story is coming to an end... I hope the finale chapter will be a beautiful happy endling and NO psychos to kill anyone!

Haha.
No psychos, I promise.
I'm pretty much at a loss of what to write for the final chapter, but I know how I want it to end. It's going to take a few days to get the ideas down and to make the ending perfect. I promise not to take super long to finish it, but I also promise you guys are gonna love it.

 

[lonejack72]

wonderful story man! Thanks so much for sharing!

 

[miketlow]

The count down has begun...368 days til I get married and will know how Josh and Cameron feels in this chapter!!!....I hope I can make it through my vows..I joke with my fiance that he will be a mess at the wedding because he's very emotional but I think I might be the one who barely makes it through the vowels!!....lol...

 

[littletosay]

Awwwww. That chapter was so beautifully written. It was perfect. What an amazing story, thanks ITC.

Also want to echo DonQuixote's sentiment and encourage everyone to rate this wonderful story.