Introductions

“Oh my God, Justin,” Daphne exclaims as they exit the taxi, “This is gorgeous!” Justin smiles, agreeing, “It’s one of the world’s oldest botanical gardens,” Walking through the entrance, he continues, “The museum café is beautiful… that’s where the ceremony is going to take place… let me show you the view!” Walking into the reserved café, Molly and her friends are already there. “Hi!” she greets happily, running over to give her brother and Daphne a hug. “This place is awesome, Justin.” “Obviously: we have good taste.” Justin replies with a smile. Smiling as well, Molly gently bumps up against him. “What’s with all the flowers?” He asks. “It’s a Dutch wedding tradition to be showered by flower petals as you’re walking down the aisle, and again when you’re pronounced married,” Christy, one of Molly’s friends, explains. “Oh,” Justin states, looking at the baskets. He was glad he took his allergy medicine. “But no one is walking down an aisle.” “How come?” Joanne asks. “For starters, my knee is busted. I don’t need anyone staring at the guy with a cane walking down an aisle. Secondly, Brian would rather watch a hetero-porn than walk down an aisle, and lastly, there is no aisle.” Molly frowns, “You’re so weird.” “Who’s the one with pink hair?” He counters with a smile. “It’s wonderful that you and Brian are getting married,” Joanne’s mother begins, “But I’m a bit confused. It was under my impression that at least one of you needed to be a citizen of this country?” “Brian became a permanent resident,” Justin explains. Now it’s Emily’s turn to frown, “Doesn’t that mean he has to have a house here or something?” Justin opens his mouth to speak, but then closes it again. She was right, and he had no idea. He’s about to say something when suddenly a familiar voice booms through-out the room. “Sunshine!!” Startled, Justin quickly turns around, his jaw dropping at the sight of Debbie, Vic, Michael and Ben entering the museum café. The four immediately give him hugs and between Debbie’s cheek grabbing, Vic’s hair tussling and Michael’s back rubbing, Justin finally manages to push free. “Wow, I can’t believe you’re all here!” He states in disbelief. “Like we’d miss this?” Debbie asks with a laugh. Grinning, Justin is glad that they are here with him. Turning to Daphne, he winks. She smiles, nodding. He didn’t need to say anything. She knew he was happy. “Brian is talking with Carl,” Michael explains before Justin can ask. Chuckling, Justin nods. He felt giddy. Today he was marrying the love of his life, and he didn’t care how incredibly corny that sounded. “I’m glad you’re okay,” Michael’s voice brings Justin back into the moment. Turning to Brian’s best friend, he smiles softly, “Thanks.” “I mean it, you know. I mean, I know before everything happened… what I mean…” he sighs, “Look, I know I wasn’t the nicest to you when you and Brian split up.” Justin’s smile widens, “Its okay, Michael. You’re Brian’s best friend. It was kind of expected.” “But I was worried about you… we all were,” Michael continues. Justin nods. “ I know, and I appreciate that…. I’m okay, really. Thank you.” “You’re like a kid brother to me… an annoying kid brother.” Justin laughs, “I can relate to having an annoying younger sibling.” “Justin!” Molly pouts. He laughs, pulling her into a hug, “I’m teasing.” Michael stops and stares at Justin’s younger sister, and Justin realizes that none of his ‘Liberty’ family had ever met her before. With a wide grin, he announces, “Everyone, this is my sister, Molly.” “She has pink hair,” Michael whispers to Ben. Molly, having incredible hearing, turns to her brother and asks, “Can I get a nose ring while you guys are honeymooning?” Justin chuckles, knowing she was doing this for entertainment purposes. “I thought you were going to get your eyebrow pierced?” She shrugs, “I think I’m going to do them both at the same time.” Christy nods, “Yeah, we were thinking about having the studs be connected by a chain.” Justin frowns, “Is that safe? I mean, Molly, you can get a little crazy when you dance…. What if your hair gets caught on the chain?” Molly is thoughtful, “Hmmm… I might have to give this some more thought.” Justin nods, “Perhaps.” “Excuse me,” Michael has to ask, “But how old are you” “I turned thirteen two days ago,” Molly announces proudly. “I’m officially a teen-ager.” “Scary, isn’t it?” Justin relates to the group with a satirical smirk. Before anymore comments can be made, Brian and Carl enter the room. Debbie pulls Molly into a hug, “Welcome to the family, Sweetheart.” Surprised; Molly smiles shyly, “Thanks.” Brian walks over to Justin, lightly kissing his lips, “Hey.” “Hey,” Justin answers back. “Last chance,” He remarks with a smile. “Same goes for you, Brian.” Brian leans forward for another kiss. Frowning, eyes still closed. Brian asks, “Is someone throwing shit on us?” Justin smiles, kissing Brian once more, “They’re rose petals.” “Same difference.” The marriage official walks in with a smile, “Goede ochtend,” he greets. “Ready to begin?” Justin looks at Brian with his trademark smile. Brian smiles back, turning to Arnout, the wedding official, and nodding his head, “We’re ready.” Molly claps her hands excitedly and quickly joins her friends. Everyone stands around the couple, and Debbie immediately starts handing out the tissues.