Mirana brushed through my hair, the thin finger-like comb moving my frizzy, brown hair around like a tornado. I pouted, my arms folded tightly across my chest and watched her in the large, crystal mirror in front of me. The white fabric of my dress poked under my arms, making me itch a bit from the uncomfortable material, but unfortunately weddings weren't supposed to be comfortable. I moved my eyes from the struggling Mirana towards the opening door. Iracebeth emerged wearing a beautiful red dress with black flowers dotting the lower half of her waist. Her hair wasn't up in that horrid bees nest; instead she decided to brush it out so it formed a short bob around her large head. It suited her to say the least, and I flashed a worried smile in her direction.
"Any luck with that wretched mess?" Iracebeth teased and waltzed up beside Mirana, whom giggled softly and continued to comb through a patch she managed to maintain. "I take that as a no."
"I'm sure I can straighten it in a few hours," Mirana commented and furrowed her brows, picking out a knot from my hair. I groaned slightly in pain, jolting my back up straight.
"We don't have a few hours," Iracebeth responded and stuck out her tongue. "The wedding is in thirty minutes. How much time have you wasted on her hair?" Sheepishly, Mirana turned towards her sister and gently placed the comb down in the vanity.
"Maybe five hours," she murmured in response. Rolling her eyes, Iracebeth shoved Mirana aside and took one of the many brushes in her hand. Determined, she began to brush through my curly hair. It hurt like hell, but I tried to stay still for her. "Iracebeth, be careful! Don't hurt her!"
"I've had to brush through my own hair, I can brush through hers," Iracebeth remarked. I laughed softly and sat my hands back onto my knees, attempting to ignore the pain deep in the roots of my head. Mirana picked up a blush brush and began to dot a light pink color upon my cheeks, making me grimace. I despised makeup.
"Is that really necessary?" I growled under my breath. Pinching my cheek, Mirana responded,
"Of course! You'll look darling." I rolled my eyes and allowed her to cake on the foreign powders. I just didn't want to look like a ghost with bright pink cheeks and heavy black eyes.
"Are you excited?" Iracebeth asked, moving over to the right side of my hair and broke the awkward silence that had befallen us. I shrugged my shoulders, a small smile appearing on my face. Unfortunately, Mirana was applying a light peach lipstick and when I smiled, it sort-of ruined it.
"I'm more nervous than anything," I responded and drew in a deep breath. "This is what I've always wanted, but I'm so scared." I looked down in my lap, sighing deeply.
"Don't be!" Mirana chirped and began to dust my freckles with another strange powder. "This is the moment you've been waiting for, and everyone is here to celebrate." I forced another smile and looked up at her.
"But what if I leave again?" I questioned. "No, I can't leave. I don't want to. I hate it back there." Carefully, Mirana slipped her fingers under my chin and smiled sweetly.
"Hate is a very strong word, Maisie," she taught. "I don't think you hate your family, do you?" No, I didn't hate my family; I just disliked them. Humoring, I shook my head and Mirana clapped her hands together. "There, see? That's one step in the right direction, but please consider this. If you do stay, you'll never see them again—or Alice."
"Alice visits," I added.
"Yes, but you won't be able to see her as often."
"She takes huge expeditions. I never get to see her anyway." Mirana paused, taking in a breath and then pinched my nose. Yelping, I grabbed it and glared at her.
"You are too stubborn," she laughed, and then gasped as if she didn't realize my hair. It was completely straightened, and not even knotted anymore. I gasped with her, holding a hand over my gaping mouth. Iracebeth stood there, looking extremely proud of herself and sat the brush back down.
"Ta-da!" she sang. Mirana giggled happily and helped me up from the cushioned seat.
"You are ready," she informed me, gripping onto the white veil next to me. Carefully, she moved the clips into my amber hair and pushed the long, clear veil against my head. "There. Now go look at yourself." Nervously, I turned around and—
Holy crap, I looked stunning.
I stared at myself in awe, a few tears building in my eyes as I came to realize that I WAS getting married. This wasn't a memory or a dream; it was happening. I held my hands up to my mouth, gulping back the emotions I felt and turned to the sisters. Quickly, I hugged each of them and thanked them almost a thousand times.
"Anytime, my dear," Iracebeth answered with a sweet smile.
"My pleasure!" Mirana chirped. I took in another breath, and then turned towards the door.
"Ready?" I asked them. Iracebeth took a hold of my left hand, giving me a nudge against my side.
"Ready!" she commented. Mirana then took my right hand, holding it delicately in hers and gently pressed a kiss against my head.
"Ready," Mirana agreed.
Breathe.
Just breathe.
Everything is going to be okay.
The three of us moved down the aisle covered with pink ribbons and beautiful roses. Our guests stood up as soon as that awful music kicked in; the organ I mean. I cringed a bit, but tried not to let them notice. I looked across the room, spotting Hatter whom wore a crooked-looking tuxedo and Mun seated sweetly on his shoulder. Bayard sat at the end of one of the rows of seats, giving me a proud look with Mally saluting me on the top of his head and even the Bandersnatch wagged its tail at the end of the room. I gave them each a smile, remembering all the moments I had with them. I truly admired every single one of them.
Then, I laid my eyes on Time…
…And nearly wanted to knock that god-awful hat off his head. I snickered at the thought as Iracebeth and Mirana let go of me. They each moved in front of me, heading towards the podium. Iracebeth tried to take the center, but was pushed gently out of the way by Mirana. I took my place next to Time, giving him a wide grin.
"Nice hat," I snickered. Rolling his eyes, Time chuckled and turned his attention back towards the sisters.
"Friends, we are gathered here to celebrate the union of Underlands heroes, Maisie Croft and Time," Mirana began, her voice ringing crystal clear and sweet like honey. "This occasion not only marks the beginning of their commitment together, but a commemoration of their undying love towards each other. Together, they will embark on a new journey together and build their trust, loyalty, respect and compassion." She moved back against the podium a bit, smiling down at us. "At this time, I would invite the couple to share their vows. Maisie, would you please deliver yours first?" I took in a deep breath, turning towards Time and shot him a wicked grin.
"I first came to Underland thinking I'd be left behind, bored and trying to find a way back to my home. I didn't realize I would find these wonderful inhabitants, especially the love of my life," I began, speaking from my heart. Honestly, if I planned this out in the slightest, I would have tripped over myself. "I love you Time, and I always will." In the silence, I heard Time's clock begin to tick faster and squeak softly. I held a hand over my mouth, holding in a giggle.
"And now, Time, will you deliver yours?" Mirana asked with a small smile. Time cleared his throat, correcting his posture.
"The moment I met you, you fell on your face and I fell in love," Time started. "You were such a strange little girl, but all the good people are strange and I admire that about you. I couldn't imagine my life without you in it—Ah, um, I love you Maisie, more than you can imagine."
God, my heart was melting.
"Maisie and Time, please join hands," Mirana ordered out of the blue. I jolted from staring at Time and quickly took his hands in mine. "Maisie Croft, do you take Time as your cherished husband, in front of these witnesses, and promise to stay by him side through sickness and health, joy and sorrow, so long as you both shall live?"
Hmmm, duh.
"I do!" I chirped happily.
"Time, will you take Maisie Croft as your cherished wife, in front of these witnesses, and promise to stay by her side through sickness and health, joy and sorrow, so long as you both shall live?" Mirana then questioned Time, moving her gaze over to him.
"I do," Time answered.
"Then by the power invested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife!" Mirana sang happily and shut the white book in front of her carefully. "Ah yes, you may now kiss the bride!" This was it; finally I could be with the one I loved most in this world. Slowly, I moved back towards Time and gave him a wide grin.
"I can't believe this is happening," I began and wrapped my arms around his neck. "Is this a dream?" I felt a sharp pain on my arm and I gasped, realizing he pinched me. "Hey!"
"You aren't dreaming," Time answered with a smile, but before I could answer, he kissed me. I heard the cheering from practically everyone, but the noise was drowned out. I could only focus on one thing, and one thing alone; Time.
