Book of the Hidden (24 page)

     
"It was a beautiful wedding," she looked back up at Seth.

     
"Hope our wedding is as great as this."

     
Vivian's mouth dropped slightly, but recovered from her momentary shock, and grinned. "You think so?"

     
"I know so," he gave her a small kiss on her lips as they danced in the middle of the circular room.

     
A moment later, a voice echoed above everyone's. "Everyone gather around please!" A man with a thick mustache, and a fake toupee stood behind his tripod.

     
The party closely gathered around in front of the camera.

     
"How does it feel to be a married old woman?" Vivian teased, nudging Jean's arm with her elbow.

     
"You will know someday. In the meantime this old woman will tackle you to the ground if you call me that again!" Jean gave a sly grin.

     
"Okay, everyone say goat cheese!" The man yelled, the camera flashing white and blinding.

     
Vivian glanced at the crowd. Some had their arms around each other, some looked serious, some acted goofy, but every one of them wore smiles. The kind where your eyes sparkled.

     
Vivian may never be able to call most of her relative’s family again, but it did not matter. Blood did not prevail in the end. Looking around at the people and creatures, her friends who surrounded her, it was them that were family, who loved, and cared for her no matter what. She knew because they had been there for her. She could trust no one else. That was why they were there, together. In the end, it would be them that would survive.

     
Some people called them miracles, angels or fate. If any of them looked past their fear to something different, beyond the disaster, they could see them.

    
Just like Vivian did.