Okay…this is my first Little Women fic. It's purely movie based, as I have never read the book. Please don't hate me! I'm planning on doing so! Anyway, I love Christian Bale, and I want to help him get a little of his credibility back. A little sappy…sorry. So…here goes!
The day before the wedding came cold and grey. Jo looked out her window. It was almost just like the day she had caught up with Friedrich in the rain. Her wedding gown was beautiful. The flowers were gorgeous. All her friends and family were here to celebrate the momentous occasion. But still, something felt wrong.
Jo sighed and rested her cheek against the glass. It was cool, and the slight moisture made her feel just a little better. She thought of her sisters, of Beth. If Beth could be brave, surely she could. She felt slightly guilty thinking this and turned away, not really looking at anything in particular.
There was a slight rap at the door. Jo blanched, fearing it would be Friedrich. She didn't want him to see her looking so dejected. But no. It was Laurie. He smiled awkwardly.
"Hey." Jo smiled at him warily, hoping he wasn't going to go through one his odd moments. She looked down. He lifted up her chin so they were face to face. Jo could see he looked concerned. "What's wrong?" Jo sat down slowly, and she felt tears burn in the corner of her eyes.
"How am I going to do it, Teddy?" she cried. "How am I going to be a wife?" Laurie stared at her, surprised. Then a soft smile came to his face.
"I'm sure you'll be fine," he said softly. "After all, there was once a time I wished you would be mine." Jo looked up.
"Teddy, no…not now…" Laurie shook his head.
"Don't worry, Jo," he said with a smile. "That time is gone. I still love you dearly," he added. "But not in that way anymore. Amy is wonderful, and I love her." Laurie leaned down and put a hand on her head. "Friedrich is a good man. I'm sure he'll make you very happy." Jo smiled slightly and looked at the floor.
"But can I make him happy?" Laurie laughed out loud at this.
"Of course you will! You make everyone around you happy! Do you think he would have proposed to you if he felt any different?"
"He…he could have felt sorry for me…" Jo mumbled. Laurie looked at her.
"Is that really what you think? Do you really think he would marry you out of pity?" Jo shook her head.
"No. Friedrich would never do anything like that. He's kind, but he's honest too. He would never marry for anything but love." Laurie smiled at her.
"Exactly. So, what are you so worried about? You'll be fine." Jo looked up at him, and in that moment, she saw exactly who he was all those years ago. Her best friend, and the closest thing she had to a brother. She smiled.
"Thank you, Laurie." He looked at her, taken aback, then grinned widely.
"Well, it has been too long since you called me that," he laughed. "Maybe it's a sign that we should start up the acting troupe again."
"Oh, hush," said Jo laughing too. "Now get out. I have to get ready."
"But the wedding's not until tomorrow!" he protested.
"Which means you have a lot of work to do, young Laurence. Now go!" Laurie laughed and walked slowly to the door, but before he could get there, Jo ran up and embraced him. He stood surprised for a moment, then lifted his arms and hugged her back
"Be happy, okay?" he whispered. Jo smiled.
"With you around, I will be." They broke apart, both smiling, and Laurie left. Jo went back to staring out the window. A ray of weak sunshine was permeating the cloud bank, hitting the lower windows and glistening on the fallen rain. Tomorrow was her wedding day, and at last, Jo felt she was ready.