Atlas: You know, I’ve always been in awe of you, Dawn.
Dawn: What do you mean?
Atlas: Even after all we’ve been through, you still always choose to see the good in people. You’re open and loving and generous. You inspire me. You always have.
Dawn: Oh Atlas, that’s the kindest thing anyone’s ever said to me.
Atlas: I mean every word. I wouldn’t be where I am if it wasn’t for you. I love you so much, and I’m so proud to call you my sister.
Dawn: I love you. But you and I both know, we’re here because of you. Thank you for always being there for me.
Atlas: We take care of each other.
Dawn: Always.
Atlas: Always.
Atlas: Now, let’s get you down the aisle, huh? Everyone’s waiting.
Atlas: When Dawn asked me if I’d give a speech tonight, I told her, “Absolutely not”. I don’t do speeches, nor will I make all of you suffer while I awkwardly attempt one. So, instead, I’m going to stop talking, and I’m going to sing while Phoenix and Dawn have their first dance as husband and wife.
I’ve been lost in a love song, a memory so pure.
Beautiful as a siren tethered to the shore.
I’ve seen the lights of the city shine their shadows onto my ceiling.
I walked upon an abandoned island and felt like the first to have seen it.
But all that I could beg or steal pales compared to the feeling.
Of believing love is real
I’ve been lost in a love song I’ve known since I was young.
I can’t remember the verses and the chorus is too long.
I felt the touch of sun upon my fingers when they were frozen.
I’ve slept beside a river where it emptied into the ocean.
But all that I could beg or steal pales compared to the notion
That love has chosen me.
✨Li Xue by @ginovasims
✨Lot by CmdrWheatley on the gallery
Transcript below the cut:
Dawn: Maybe I should stay.
Phoenix: Dawn, we’re just fine. Go.
Dawn: I know, but there’s still so much to do. The flowers and the cake—
Phoenix: Megan is picking up the flowers, and you already put in the cake order, remember? Ash is picking it up Saturday morning on his way out.
Dawn: Right, right. Okay. Did you get your suit?
Phoenix: Atlas has it. He’ll drop it off later. Everything is handled, I promise.
Dawn: Okay. Ohh, I’m such a mess.
Phoenix: That’s why you need to take a day for yourself. Now, please go, relax, enjoy yourself. You deserve it.
??: It’s a beautiful view, isn’t it?
Dawn: Excuse me?
??: Sorry. I know, it’s rude to interrupt someone’s meditation, but with all your fidgeting and sighing, I thought you might prefer talking.
Dawn: [laughs softly] I’ve never been good at sitting quietly, but I’m trying to force myself to relax today.
??: If you’re forcing it, then it’s hardly relaxing, is it?
Dawn: Good point. I’m Dawn, by the way.
Li: Li. Nice to meet you.
Dawn: You too. Um, I can go, if you want to meditate without distractions.
Li: Oh no, it’s okay. I’m just taking a break, getting some fresh air. I’m the new yoga instructor here.
Dawn: Really? I love yoga. I’ve been meaning to get back into it since I had my daughter, but I’ve been so busy.
Li: How old is your daughter?
Dawn: Almost 15 months.
Li: How cute! Mine is 17 months.
Dawn: Oh, my goodness, they’re so close.
Li: Yeah. Well, look, I have to head back inside, but I’m hosting another class on Saturday. The first one is free if you’d like to give it a try.
Dawn: I’d love to, really, but I’m actually getting married on Saturday.
Li: That’s wonderful! Congratulations!
Dawn: Thank you!
Li: Well, I’ll have an official schedule posted up soon. Let me give you my card.
Dawn: Sure.
Li: Also, um, I’m actually new to the city. I don’t know many people, and you seem really nice. Maybe we could meet for coffee or get our daughters together or a playdate or something?
Dawn: Yeah, I’d love that.
Li: Great. Well, good luck with everything, and congratulations again!
Dawn: Thank you! I’ll talk to you soon.
SFX: Crickets chirping, the intermittent sound of cars driving by on the freeway, music and laughter in the distance.
SFX: Music and laughter drowning out the sounds of the night.
Dawn [offscreen]: Atlas!
Dawn: What are you guys doing out here?
Atlas: Just fucking around. What’s up?
Dawn: I finally got Aspen to sleep. Phoenix and I are getting ready to head home. Do you want to—
Atlas: Oh yeah, yeah, let’s do it.
Lex: Alright, that’s my cue, I think. I better get to sleep anyway. I’ll see you in the morning, boys.
Asher: Goodnight.
Atlas: Night, Lex.
Lex: G’night. And congratulations again, Dawn.
Dawn: Thank you. I’ll see you soon.
Phoenix: Are you ready?
Dawn: Almost. We have something for you first.
Phoenix: What’s this?
Dawn: Just open it.
[Phoenix unwraps the gift, revealing a children’s book. When he reads the title, Juju Goes to Jupiter, he is overcome with emotion and slowly sits down on the sofa.]
Phoenix: [running his hand over the cover, over his mom’s name printed along the bottom] Is this…
Dawn: Yes.
Phoenix: [looking up, tears shining in his eyes] How?
Dawn: I typed it up after you told us the story. Asher and Iris did all the artwork. And then Atlas put it together and had it made into a book.
Phoenix: I don’t know what to say. [slowly turns the pages, traces the lines of the illustrations with his fingertips and looks to Asher] You did this?
Asher: [nods] Yeah. Me and Iris worked on it together.
Phoenix: It’s perfect. Thank you so much.
Asher: You’re welcome. I was happy to, honestly, you’re like a brother to me, always listening and giving me advice. I’m just glad I could do something for you, y’know.
Phoenix: [wiping his eyes] Where’s Iris?
Asher: She’s already in bed.
Phoenix: Will you thank her for me?
Asher: Of course.
Phoenix: This is the most amazing thing anyone’s ever done for me.
Atlas: It was all Dawn’s idea, but we were happy to help. I really appreciate everything you’ve done, for us and for my sister, there’s no one else I’d rather have as my brother-in-law.
Phoenix: Me too.
Dawn: It’s a bold move, you know.
Phoenix: What?
Dawn: Cutting your hair the day of the wedding.
Phoenix: It’s the perfect time, you ask me.
Dawn: Oh really?
Phoenix: Yeah. If it looks terrible, it’s too late to back out. What are you going to do? Run back down the aisle?
Dawn: [laughs] I might.
Phoenix: Nah, if you’re gonna back out, this is your last chance. Now or never.
Dawn: Never.
Dawn: What about you? Are you ready for this?
Phoenix: I’ve never been more ready for anything.
Asher: Is that everything?
Atlas: Yeah, I think so.
Alexander: Lex, it’s good to see you.
Lex: Hey pops, how are you?
Alexander: I’m good, good. How are you?
Lex: Oh, I’m fantastic. Where’s your son at? I need to— Aha, there he is!
Lex: ASH!!!
Asher: Holy shit, look at you!!
Lex: Me? Look at you!!
Asher: Ahh
Julian: Hey kid, I’m told we’re supposed to start heading outside.
Phoenix: Okay, we’re just about ready. Thank you so much for doing this for us.
Julian: Oh, I’m honored. I’m so happy for you two.
Iris: Dawn? Just wanted to let you know, the guests have all arrived and are taking their seats outside. We’ll be ready to start soon.
Dawn: Oh goodness. Okay, thank you.
Megan: I better head down. Unless you want me to stay.
Dawn: No, no, I’m good. Will you tell Atlas to wait for me?
Megan: Of course.
Asher: Do you ever think about getting married?
Atlas: Not really, no.
Asher: No as in, you don’t want to? Or no, you don’t think about it?
Atlas: I don’t know. Growing up, I saw it all a lot differently than other people. I knew the person I loved would be different than the person I’d be expected to marry, and that left a bad taste in my mouth. And then when we left, and we lost everyone… when I lost… [sighs] I guess I came to the conclusion that things like love and marriage and family weren’t meant for me. So, I never let myself think about it.
Asher: Well, look around you. You definitely have family.
Atlas: Yeah, that’s true.
Asher: And love.
Atlas: Very true.
Asher: Maybe you get to decide what’s meant for you.
Atlas: Maybe. Do you think about it? Marriage?
Asher: Sometimes. I mean, whenever I picture the future, you’re always in it, and we’re always married. Figured I should get your thoughts on it before I get too attached to the idea.
Atlas: Hm. I think I’m open to it. Under one condition.
Asher: What’s that?
Atlas: If we ever do get married, we elope.
Asher: Oh absolutely.
Asher: You ready to get back to the party?
Atlas: Yeah. We probably should.
Dawn: I just sent it over. Are you two still free to meet for lunch?
Dawn: Did you read it?
Atlas: Yeah, it’s really cute. How can we help?
Dawn: Well, so, Ash, you’re an artist, right? You like to draw?
Asher: Yeah.
Dawn: Do you think you could illustrate it for me?
Asher: Sure. It’s a lot different from what I usually do, but it could be fun. How much time do I have?
Dawn: Um, a month? Maybe six weeks?
Asher: Okay. Actually, Iris could really get into a project like this. Do mind if I have her help me?
Dawn: No. I mean, if she’s willing. I’m not exactly her favorite person.
Asher: Oh, no, I’m sorry about all that. That wasn’t about you, that was all her shit, and she feels really bad about it. The only reason she hasn’t apologized yet is because I told her to leave you alone. But she’s getting help, and she’s doing better. I’m sure she’d love a way to make it up to you.
Dawn: Oh, okay, well yeah, that would mean a lot, thank you.
Dawn: Once that’s all done and ready, then Atlas and I can do the rest.
Atlas: No, you have enough of your plate, I’ll take care of it.
Dawn: Are you sure?
Atlas: Of course. I’m happy to.
Dawn: Thank you so much. Both of you. You have no idea how much this will mean to him.
