Trashed and Scattered

After Melissa and I said our vows we walked back down the aisle and waited by the beach house for pictures and hugs from family and friends. Past the hundreds of security guards lined up at one of the many beach entrances, I saw thousands of screaming fans, absolutely frantic about the wedding, seeing us all suited up and formal for a ceremony least expected. God, something had to be done about the fans. I feared Melissa and I wouldn’t be able to leave in our limo for the wedding photoshoot.
Melissa…god, my head was spinning so fast I’d almost forgotten what this whole day was even about. Call me a ditzy prick, but when I saw her for the first time in that dress with the enormous belly, words couldn’t even describe what I felt. She was the most beautiful woman in the world, and she was mine to keep until the end of time. Honestly, I couldn’t bear to imagine what was going through her head. The crowd came down on us pretty hard; I wasn’t sure if she was stressed or overwhelmed or basking in her own glow. It was blissful watching the woman whom I’d grown to love with every fibre of my being, be so happy on any day, much less her own wedding.
We united with our bride and groom parties at the beach house and lined up for several pictures. I suspected one or two photographers were photos, but I wanted our wedding to be seen by the whole world. I wanted Melissa to experience the excitement of being at the centre of attention for once, since it was our band who’d been in the spotlight for far too long.
The first to come over to us was Max, who shook my hand quite strongly. I could see that he was crying throughout the ceremony, as most of the crowd was, but it shook me a little differently than it would with everyone else. Max and I were never that close. I wasn’t sure if it was because Melissa’s family didn’t accept me or that they didn’t know how to deal with a guy whose name was known worldwide. Either way, I was thrilled. Yet I regret that I didn’t try to reach out more.
The next bunch were my family, starting with pops. He shook my hand without saying a word and pulled me close into his chest. The smell of home filled my memories with nostalgia, and like I’d been doing all day, I became slightly teary-eyed. Nothing to be embarrassed about, but I knew that since my band became what we are today, my dad and I grew distant. Another regret. Christ, if this day was going to be about regrets, I’d have done without it. Next was mom. She was no different. Melissa and my sister grew to be distant friends, what you’d expect with in-laws, how nerve-racking it could be.
I knew I’d see more of my family later, so I shooed them away to let everyone else come through. There seemed to be so many more heads in the audience than there was at the present moment. Perhaps I’d finally gotten used to being at the attentions of millions of people. I could pick out every face. Might have taken a few minutes to match names, but everyone that I loved and cared about was here. And that meant everything to me; almost as much as giving the woman of my dreams my name to carry on.
Distant relatives came next. Their wishes and blessings were far quicker, much like that of our friends. Old friends we hadn’t spoken to in years, and friends who accompanied us on our trips, like the Maddens and the Berry twins. Those little fuckers. We roughed with each other a bit and Melissa gave them shit for fucking up my hair. I didn’t expect to see Phil or our producers. With all the bullshit that recently came to light, I didn’t want Phil here to say the least. Surely neither did Melissa.
Some family belonging to my brothers showed up: Matt’s mother, Jimmy’s parents. I didn’t expect to see anyone else belonging to Zack or Johnny, but I wasn’t let down. For a relatively small ceremony, it was a fantastic turnout. Nice to have a small crowd for a change.
When things began to quiet down, Melissa and I, as well as our parties, climbed into a limo to head off to a private venue for a photoshoot. We’d arranged to have everyone meet up again at our place later for dinner, as the beach cooled down quick at night in the autumn months. Melissa could change out of her dress and be comfortable. We had more than enough room for everyone, more than enough food. Big barbecue hosted by Zack and Alyshia. Their kids went to Alyshia’s parents after the ceremony.
As planned, we got back to the house around five, got out of our uptight wedding clothes. I made sure Melissa was okay, as she’d been complaining about cramps and pain in her belly for the last few days. Baby’s been kicking wildly, mild contractions. Things she told me not to worry about, but still, like a typical expecting father and husband, I did worry. It was only eight months that day that she’d been pregnant, and surely from all those baby books she forced me to read, I thoroughly understood that Braxton-Hicks wasn’t what would be causing it. That baby was bound to be fussy, just like his old dad.
When we got to the privacy of our bedroom, Melissa immersed herself in my arms. “I love you, Mr. Haner.” She whispered. I could hear the faint flicker of emotion hitching in her voice. “This day has been perfect.”
“Well, I love you more, Mrs. Haner.” I began grinning like an idiot. “I’m glad this day was everything you wanted it to be.”
She sighed and pulled away from me, bringing her arms to her belly. My concern deepened and I dropped to my knees in front of her, cradling the swell of life in my own hands. I could feel his strong pulse, his unceasing kicks and frantic spasms. “He’s becoming really feisty today. I’m scared, Brian.”
“I know. Maybe we ought to get you to a doctor. I’ll call the obstetrician tomorrow and see if he can squeeze you in.”
She sighed. “Okay, my love.” Her smile resumed and she bent over to plant a kiss on my sweaty forehead. “Or shall I call you Mr. Gates?” Oh, I recognized that little adorably devilish grin. “My Synyster Gates?”
I raised one eyebrow and half-grinned, climbing up to my feet to cover her with kisses. “Well, that would only make you Mrs. Synyster Gates, the baddest cat in the land.” My hands found her rear, squeezed firmly. I always loved her ass. “God, I can’t wait ‘til that baby is out. I’m going to take you on the floor again like I did that one time backstage. Remember that night? All that sweat, the fear of getting caught?”
She laughed and stuck her forehead on my chest, burying her face in the collar of my suit. “I remember all of our nights together. If you asked me to pick a night I considered my favourite, I’d probably go mad.” After a moment or two of silence, she stared up at me with her best puppy-eyed expression I never saw before. “You think Matt’s gonna slip something out about that one time?”
I shrugged. “Well, he doesn’t talk about that much. Not even when he’s drunk. I’ll be shocked if he’s drunk at a dry wedding.”
“Well, you know Matt better than I do and even I wouldn’t be shocked if he was. I’m just wondering what my reaction would be if he started on about it.”
“I’d probably punch him out.”
She rolled her eyes. “I can see it.”
I loosened my grip around her and turned around to the closet full of clothes, none of which seemed appropriate to wear to our wedding reception. “I don’t even think he’s planning on taking the mike tonight. Whatever, let’s get back out there. Enjoy the crowd. Folks are showing up wanting to see the newlyweds and we’re hanging around in here.”
“Oh, alright.” I helped her put on a nice white outfit that seemed like a cropped version of her dress, just not as vibrant and nowhere near expensive enough to waste ketchup on. I just removed my jacket and kept the shirt on underneath, and traded out the hot dress pants for a pair of black jeans. “I’m starving.”
“Me too.” When we got back out to the living room most of the attendees were standing in between there and the kitchen. I slightly underestimated the size of our house and how much room each of our guests took up. Our back yard was big enough for all of us.
While we were away at the ceremony I had a team design a whole dinner setup including a small stage with a pedestal and microphone. A big canopy of flowers covered the stage and a large portion of the guest tables. On the side, like a typical reception dinner setup, was a table for all ten of us in the bride and groom party. My mother, who had some to do with the design and organization of the reception—all without Melissa knowing, thankfully—had it set in stone that Melissa and I would spend the majority of time attached at the mouth. All just by singing a song.
I had in mind that singing would make up for most of my portion in this reception too. Regardless if Melissa and I were married, I’d still strive to knock her off her feet.
Once everyone had taken seats and dinner was on the barbecue, the reception was well on its way. As a performer I never had stage fright. I took my place on the stage, contributed to the music what I did, and rode out the show in style. Traditional Synyster Gates style. Though, tonight when I would have to give my speech, I knew I’d freeze.
And so my horror began when Max took to the stage with Sadie by his side.
He cleared his throat and pulled out a wad of paper that might have been thrown together last minute. Who was I to judge? The kid looked way off his rocker, my new little brother. Melissa squeezed my hand tightly in anticipation of hearing what his little papers had to dictate. Pardon my attitude, but I was a little bitter about scripts. “Good…good evening, all.” He was nervous. Okay, I don’t blame him. “Before I actually get into it, I would like to introduce myself and my sister. For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Max, and this is Sadie, Melissa’s younger siblings. Unfortunately we are the only members of our immediate family to be able to attend the wedding.” Melissa squeezed my hand even harder. I could feel the tremors starting.
He coughed and tugged at his tie. “On behalf of our late father and our mother, who although is ill, is here with us in spirit, we’d like to welcome Brian and his wonderful family to ours. And to celebrate their harmony on a beautiful day like today is almost, if not entirely, a blessing itself. Sadie and I travelled from Indiana, from a little town called Linton. All the way across the country. We grew up in that small town. Everyone was so devastated when Lissa left, absolutely terrified about what was in store for her here all the way out west. And through all the fear we had, all the prayers we sent, my sister found something none of us from a small town in the Midwest would find: real, authentic love.”
I looked over to my wife and watched her stifle her tears. I couldn’t take my eyes off her. Still, Max continued. “Call it luck, call it faith, destiny, chance, what have you. But what two people, two very opposite people managed to create is something that my sister and I would give everything to have. You two have made a life together, and in lieu of that, we give you both our utmost benediction and wish for you the best in the future with your child. Be good to one another all your lives. Brian and family, welcome to ours.”
Applaud erupted as the kid left the stage in his sister’s hands. Next, my father got up there and beamed. With him I was never sure what to expect, but greatness. “Hello, everyone.” He started. Oh, boy. “Gosh, you know, it’s been ages since I’ve been on a stage talking to a crowd, and might I add, it all seems way too familiar. ‘Course you’d know it better than me by now, my boy. I’m Brian Haner Sr., but some of you might know me as Papa Gates. Guess I could say I’ve always been a proud father. You know, Brian Jr., he started young. Played a whole shwack of instruments, like the piano, harmonica. Always excelled in music. Never had time for nothing else. Guess I was the same. Might not have been the greatest hit with your mom, Brian, but surely your wife can relate.” Laughter erupted from around us again.
Dad’s eyes wouldn’t leave us. In all twenty-eight years of my life I never saw such a range of emotion in the man. Then again, quite a few of those years I never spent with him either. “Melissa, darling, you are the only girl brave enough to have the patience to put up with Brian’s shenanigans. You guys made a risky go of it, only to show everyone around you that what you have is gold. And I’m damn glad to have Melissa take our name. I wish only the best for you both, as a father. Take care of each other forever. Love each other always. Stay true and strong, and regardless what may come your way, you will both persist. I know recent times have been hard.” He grew silent, solemn before the crowd, breaking his stare with ours. I heard the weeping, felt it for myself.
Melissa bowed her head and hugged her belly. “Times have been dark, indeed. But disregard my inapt ramblings, but always remember that we love you both, Melissa like our own. You both give me reasons to be proud today.” Mom pulled him from the pedestal and sat him down before he keeled over.
About then my anxiety came back. But I was still too worried about Melissa to address it. “Are you sure you’re okay?” I whispered.
“Yeah, it’s just the baby being a restless little shit. Not sure how long I can take this, Brian.”
“Hang in there. Just let me know if you need something.” I grasped her hand tightly and waited for Jimmy to take the stage. I knew his speech would be short, but it was something I was most excited for. I knew it wouldn’t risk exposing a dark secret to my family who really didn’t need to hear it.
Jimmy was always fucking awkward, but his height in comparison to the stage meant that he was towering over everyone. He, like my father, didn’t have a paper to go off of. I knew it would come from his heart. And it was most aesthetically pleasing. “Hey, everyone. I’m Jimmy, or The Rev, as these freaks call me. I don’t need to say much but I do want to express what it meant to me to be asked to stand as Brian’s best man. We’ve been the best of friends since high school. I mean, yeah, we’re all close. Like brothers. But after high school, that was when I met the rest of the guys, so the history really isn’t there.” He cleared his throat and carried on. Goofy fucker. “When Brian came to the studio for production of City of Evil, he was beaming this one day, and I remember it so clearly because he had the stupidest grin on his face all day. And so some of us, I mean Johnny and I, began to question it.”
I shook my head, raging laughter coming from virtually nowhere. I knew this was gonna be embarrassing. “You sure you wanna go there, Jim?”
“Oh, fuck yeah I do, Bri. So anyways, we’re all sitting there in a meeting and he’s got this goofy look on his face, so Johnny and I make a comment about him finally catching some tail. Well, the comment was a little more vulgar, but he wouldn’t tell us about it. No matter how much liquor we gave him, razzed him, no it wasn’t coming out. But he brought her to Matt’s one night and we were all just…blown away. I’d never seen Brian that way about anyone before. We all knew, right boys. Yeah, we knew that these two were going to be couple of the century. Brian, you’re like my brother. I fucking love you, man. And Melissa, you’re definitely one of the boys. You’ve come together with us years ago and we fucking love you too, girl. Keep him happy. We know where you live.” Melissa cackled and gave him the finger. I guessed her pain was receding.
When Jamie did her speech, Melissa was in utter tears. I wasn’t sure if she was able to stand and present her own, so I decided to grow a pair and head on up myself. I wanted to surprise her with something a little more special than a few minutes’ worth of chatter. It wouldn’t mean much to her, doing what everyone else did. I was never like that; anyone in that crowd would say the same. I strove for better. So on the way up, I grabbed one of my guitars from the wall display, a few details of my own I manipulated and added to the theme. It was my old Schechter; wasn’t sure that it would cough out any more sound. But I needed it for a minute. That was it.
Melissa didn’t take her eyes off me. Once I hit the stage, it was the same as any old show. Environment was a little different, but it wasn’t anything I couldn’t soon adapt to. “To my beautiful wife who showed me beauty and love in my life. You’ve been an inspiration from day one, a person I’d wholly give my life for. You’re the one who keeps me grounded, who knows me better than I know myself. I’ve got one for you, Melissa.” The boys at our table hooted and slammed their fists rhythmically on the table, causing me to falter. “Do you fuckers mind?” a little more laughter came from the ensemble. “Well, here goes.” I swallowed hard. I don’t usually sing without Matt in the lead. Felt my face burn.
Fingers found the chords, and strummed. It was something thrown together, certainly not a masterpiece. But eventually I found the right tune, the right sound. Stuck with it. By the time I was done I was ready to faint. That was a little harder than I thought, but it aroused the emotion I was looking for from her, which made it all worthwhile. And yes, I broke down in tears and watched her jump into my arms, big pregnant belly bouncing all over. Okay, not bouncing. But she still sprinted on up there. I got a standing ovation and didn’t break glass, so today after all was a great fucking day.
Melissa’s speech was short. I knew it would be as short as it was because of her discomfort, and it was truly the perfect end to the reception. The last rounds of dinner were served just as I was helping her down off the pedestal. Music that softly played in the background now completely shut off and we both knew that it was time for our first dance as a married couple. The songs chosen for this were out of both of our hands. It could have been anything, and for a moment I wasn’t sure if my body had the right knowledge for a combination of passable dance moves, especially some that I could compensate a huge pregnant belly.

Notes

Brian's POV again. Seems a little long, very cheesy. But with all the content beforehand, I'm sure a little cheese will lighten the mood. What does everyone say?