Long, Hard Road Out of Hell

Author’s Note:  ‘In case I don't see ya, good afternoon, good evening and goodnight.’ - Truman Burbank (The Truman Show)

Chapter Eighteen: Our Little Lives

    Looking up at Twiggy while he led her down the aisle, Raven did her best to keep the feelings welling in her throat at bay.  It had been a very long few months and it had taken forever to get literally anything accomplished.  From getting her the proper prenatal care, to getting her the perfect dress; it had all felt like a massive struggle.  It certainly hadn’t helped that every member of the band had an opinion for how the ceremony should be run.  Let alone how she should look.

    At a certain point she’d had to put her foot down, with the help of Johnny, Amanda, Manson and Davis of course.  This was mostly about her and Manson and she should be allowed to pick out her own dress.  Besides, no dress she chose would hide just how pregnant she was anyway.  Another hurdle she’d had to tackle for this wedding.  While the others wanted to wait until after the baby was born, she had insisted on performing the ceremony on schedule.  She really didn’t want to wait until next year.

    As she took in the sight of both Manson and Johnny in their tuxes, she couldn’t bring herself to regret her decision.  Outwardly, this ceremony would just be about her marrying the singer.  In subtext, this was a ceremony for Depp as well.  With everything he had helped them through, the thespian had more than earned his place by their sides.  Looking back at Amanda, she smiled at the woman that was her Maid of Honor; quickly losing the battle against her overwhelming happiness as the priest began to speak.

    This moment had been far too long in coming, the child inside her rolling in agreement.  It had taken three restraining orders as well as posting Jerome outside that made any of them feel safe enough to go through this in this first place.  Leaning into Manson when it came time to recite their vows, she brought out the sheet she had written hers on.  “Manson, I have loved you for many years before I met you.  Since the day you came into my life, we have worked to better eachother.  Through all the ups and downs, we have stayed by the other’s side.  All I want is to spend the rest of my life with you,” she whispered, sniffling when she saw how much her words had affected her soon to be husband.

    Swallowing thickly, his mismatched eyes welled up with tears while his tongue flicked out to lick his black painted lips.  “Raven, you really have helped me become a better man.  You helped me learn that its okay to care about something other than myself.  That its acceptable to have emotions.  If I had never met you...  I shudder to think what would have become of me,” husked out his unsteady baritone, his eyes meeting hers while the priest pronounced them man and wife.  Leaning down, the ‘Antichrist Superstar’ kissed his ebony clad bride.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~A Month Later~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

    Amanda paced while the rest of the band watched her, variations of amused worry on their painted faces.  “What’s taking so long?  Shouldn’t a doctor have been out here?” she whispered as she moved, looking ready to pounce on the first doctor that entered the lobby.

    “It takes time sweetie.  Just try to relax,” whispered in her ear while strong arms wrapped around her protectively.

    “I know.  Its just hard.  She’s my sister from another mother, you know?” she whispered, allowing Ginger to lead her to a chair.  Leaning into him as she sat down, she heaved a ragged sigh.

    “At least Johnny and Manson are with her.  We’ll know the moment something happens, I promise,” the percussionist soothed, a doctor peeking into the room as soon as he finished speaking.

    “Are you the party with Raven and Marilyn Manson?” he asked, eyes locking on the leather clad band.

    In an instant, he was swarmed; questions bombarding the unfortunate man like bullets.  “I will be glad to tell you the gender of the child as well as the condition of the mother if you all will give me some breathing room,” he suggested, waiting until they had backed off to clear his throat and adjust his tie.

    “As I was saying.  Its a little girl.  Raven came through it fine.  You can even go back to visit if you would like,” he informed, leaving the group to descend into excited chatter.

    All except Amanda.  Already, reality was pulling away from her as she absorbed the information.  With the child being a girl, it was a foregone conclusion that her worst fears would come true.  Images of the wedding rushed her brain while the group ushered her forward, a strange feeling of reluctant acceptance filling her.  Even if it happened, all it would do was make their family stronger.  So, with a smile, she went in to greet the newest member of their odd house.

The End