Lines of Devotion; The closing

Chapter 2; End

/Astra/

When Cait and Victoria had first arrived you could feel a bit of awkwardness between everyone. But it was expected considering everyone's circumstances to how we even got to this point. Before we started setting up I decided to take everyone to the barn for a chat to clear up anything awkward. We made introductions and eventually small talk turned into conversations between everyone. Since we all no longer felt awkward we decided to get everything moving before Dan and Jean had arrived. We ended up splitting into pairs and divide up the tasks but fate wasn't done intervening. When we drew straws I ended up with Victoria and Gina ended up with Cait. I thought let's draw straws because it be fun was totally my idea and it really was fun. Victoria was really sweet she had a straightforward kind of personality which I always respected in people.

As me and Victoria had spoken she asked if I was okay with everything. It brought a smile to my lips because I could tell she really cared for Cait. So I explained how I am in love with Cait because of everything that happened between us. But she is forever my best friend and my closest family out of everyone. But Gina holds my heart so she had nothing to worry about that's when I had to make sure she understood. I didn't know how to word it but I told her to never give up on her no matter how hard it gets, and don't ever hurt her. Cait apparently told her the story from another lifetime of mine which would scare anyone I guess but not Victoria. She just smiled and told me I didn't need to worry she said she was really falling in love with Cait. With our conversation turning to a more chit chat over serious we managed to get more work done.

/Cait/

Surprise wouldn't begin to describe my shock to Gina dating Ash. I mean I was hoping to set her up with someone but one of the instructor's is a nice catch. And now Ash with a fun idea landed me and Gina as partner's while we got things ready. It was really awkward for me to work beside her, but she didn't seem to feel it as much or she just hid it well. She started talking about Astra which was expected I am the girl who was loved by her the most. I was prepared for any of the possible talks she had. But she just said Astra is safe with me Cait and we are really falling in love. She must have noticed how worried I was but hearing her say that made me smile. I asked her if everything's going good if Ash was adjusting well, but I didn't have to even ask I could see it clear as day. Gina asked me if I was okay with this and at first I didn't have an answer. Then I saw Victoria and I couldn't help but smile telling Gina that I would be good. Even though I love Ash I think we both found our home inside of love.

After some more idle chat with Gina I finally asked her to protect her better then I did. I wanted to cry as those words came out but Gina just gave me a hug and told me we both would be able to protect her. After that we finished up an I got introduced to Mama Rita she was really happy and loved hugging. I ended up in the kitchen with her working to prepare the meal for the day/night. We had chatted and she was really happy I was able to return to Astra. We talked a little more about me while moving variety of foods around. I couldn't help thinking that we made it Ash, to a place where people really love us even if we are a little damaged.

/Astra/

Dan and Jean had pulled up in the driveway and I couldn't hide my happiness. Finally my family was all together and even some new ones added to my family. When Jean and Dan came over to introduce themselves I just hugged Jean tightly.

Jean; "Hello to you as well Astra miss us that much."

Astra; "Of course it's hard not to miss family, I really am glad you both came."

I hugged Dan just the same and that's when Cait came out doing exactly what I did. Today's a really good day.

Jean; " And here's the little trouble maker right Dan "

Dan; "Cait I swear if you ever cause us to worry like that again ...We might not survive. Please don't do that again."

Dan took it the hardest when Cait disappeared he lost someone in a similar way. No one but Jean knows the story but he really cares about Cait and me which is all we could ask for.

Astra; "Yeah Cait don't ever do that again not one of us could survive that."

Cait; " I am sorry I really do love you all, we are a family and I promise I won't."

Just then Victoria and Gina managed to come outside to meet and greet.

Astra; " Jean and Dan this is Gina my Girlfriend."

I said it for the first time and I felt so embarrassed like I'm just a highschool girl again.

Cait; " and this is my girlfriend Victoria.. me and Astra did good right.?"

We all ended up laughing at that I couldn't believe Cait just said that in that kind of way.

Jean; " Hello again Gina and Hello Victoria. I guess it's my job to officially welcome you both to the family."

Dan; " yeah you both saved Cait and Astra I hear and that means a lot to us. So thank you for keeping them safe."

We ended up in a weird group hug which ended up in laughter till Rita called us for our lunch. We all set up a big table outside and took seats next to our loved ones. I couldn't resist anymore so I decided to stand up to make a toast.

Astra; " New faces and old we are all brought together here to enjoy a feast by Ma'Ma Rita. I am really happy to have a family as big as this that's filled with such love thank you everyone."

Everyone just smiled and agreed as we clinked our glasses together. Rita was really happy by that toast she whispered a thank you across the table. After that we all talked, laughed, and enjoyed a meal among our family. Everyone connected with one another so well it was truly a blessed day for me. After lunch we all decided to play some games and ride the horses, we filled the day till night time with games and various activities.

Jean; " hey Gina I didn't wanna say anything in front of anyone but... Truly thank you, Astra is really happy you know. At first i was sure you wouldn't be able to stick it out but you did and now....She's really happy so thank you .

Gina; " I was not sure I could handle it at first...I didn't feel strong enough but I just kept going. You don't have to thank me because I really wanted to. She's really strong ."

Jean; " Yeah she really is..

well I better catch up with Dan. He is to be my date this evening after all."

Gina; " and I have to save my girlfriend from a riding horse mishap."

/Astra/

Without wasting anytime throughout the day till night it was almost time for the final piece of a perfect day. I set up a large blanket out in the field which gave us a full view of the sky above. Tonight the stars gave us a bright lighting as we all sat on the blanket. Everyone kept asking what was planned and I told them to wait just a little longer. And then just like that.

Astra; " Make a wish everyone."

Meteor shower blanketed our sky above everyone just stared silently at what played out. Gina cuddled up closer to me whispering sweet words as we sat gazing up at the meteor shower. Near the ending I captured her lips with mine to seal the wish we both surely made that night. But we had not been the only ones to do such, this would have been really nice if Rita had Tyler here with her. This could have been really perfect but she decided to call an early night leaving us kids to enjoy the rest of the date.

Astra; " Thanks for coming everyone this was the best day ever truly."

Victoria; " Yeah this was really fun Astra thanks for planning a lot of this. It really helped me see more of Cait in a different light."

That made Cait embarrassed from the spot light but she loves it.

Jean;" yeah this was a really good day Astra thanks."

Astra; " Dan Jean come with me.."

I felt like a kid playing matchmaker, I didn't pry into the lives they had. But I know they could use this freedom from life. So I took them to the barn where I had set up everything perfectly for them on the balcony room. I told them they would be using this room tonight and with that I headed outside to everyone else.

Jean; " I wasn't expecting this "

Dan" but it's really nice she has good eye's for details."

Jean; " yeah but tonight is just us which doesn't happen often enough..."

Dan; " we have an entire night to ourselves."

/Astra/

Victoria;" I think me and Cait will retire as well for the night. But really thank you all for this wonderful night."

Astra;" Good night you two."

Me and Gina said our goodnight to them and soon it was just us two. I couldn't resist wrapping her up in my arms holding her close. With a sky full of stars this was a perfect night for us and I didn't wanna waste it a second longer. The moment my lips captured hers we got lost in that feeling of love well into the night and eventually made it to our room.