A Green Dress and a Flaming Bandana

Chapter 26- Wedding Bells

Oooooo, excited? I am, but I know what's going to happen :p Please please please review. Thank you. Enjoy, oh and remember, I don't own harvest moon.

'Knock knock.' Anissa's voice whispered as she creaked open my front door letting herself in. I opened one eye and groaned pulling the sheets over my head.

'What time is it?' I mumbled as she set a foil covered plate down on my kitchen table.

'Eight thirty. Come on honey, I brought you some freshly made pancakes,' She said removing the foil and crunching it up in a ball 'See, still warm.'

I submerged my head above my duvet, the delicious smell wafting across the room and filling my nostrils.

'Did you make them?' I asked licking my lips and struggling to get out of my blanket cocoon I had wrapped myself in.

Anissa shook her head, her dark chestnut hair swinging over her shoulder.

'Chase made them. Especially for you on your big day.'

Wow, Chase getting up early to make me pancakes. I could get used to this!

I padded across the wooden floor pulling back one of the chairs and sitting down ready to eat. Anissa set down her bag and sat across from me, watching as I stuffed my face.

'So, are you excited?' She asked folding her arms and smiling at me.

I shrugged chewing my mouthful.

'A little, but I'm more nervous right now.'

'Yea, you look nervous.' She chuckled.

Just as I was about to take another forkful, I felt a lump begin to rise in my throat. I stopped setting down my cutlery and staring worriedly at Anissa as my stomach grumbled. She frowned opening her mouth to speak as I quickly clasped my hand over my mouth and dashed for the sink. I threw up violently, my hands planted firmly on the kitchen worktop as I hunched over the basin.

'Goddess, Angela sweetie! Are you okay?' Anissa asked, her voice panicky as she ran to my side holding my bangs out of my face.

I stood up wiping my mouth and turning on the tap.

'You scared the flip out of me hon.'

I took a deep breath turning to face her concerned expression. She lifted a hand and placed it gently on my forehead.

'You're a little warm. I hope you're not coming down with anything. Maybe we should go see Jin.'

I pulled her arm away and shook my head in refusal whilst panting for air.

'N-no, I'll be fine. It's just nerves! I told you I was nervous.'

Anissa looked unconvinced.

'Kathy was pretty nervous sweetheart and she didn't puke. I would feel so much happier if Jin-'

'I'm fine Anissa! Calm down. The wedding's not until six. I have plenty of time to get better.'

I traipsed back over to fetch my plate setting it in the kitchen and wiping my slightly sweaty brow.

What are the chances of me getting sick on my wedding day? I mean come on! Really?

Anissa had perched herself on the sofa beneath the window flicking through a small diary.

'Okay so, your family's boat docks at nine am, so they should be here about quarter past. Then I have to go help the others set up the church and the Inn etcetera. Then at half past three the girls and I are coming back here to get ready and get you into shape. Then we need to be leaving here at about quarter to six in order to be there and ready on time.'

I puffed out my cheeks and exhaled.

'This all seems so surreal.' I said sitting down on a kitchen chair my eyes wide with bewilderment.

I was also surprised at how I was already beginning to feel a little better.

9.10 am

The door flung open startling Anissa and I both as I sat stretched out on the sofa with her sitting by my feet still flicking through her diary.

'How's my little sis?' Kevin yelled with a hint of sarcasm, dropping his rucksack and rushing over to me scooping me up in his arms and spinning around.

'Dizzy!' I said irritably as he set me down. Meanwhile my mother was struggling to get through the door with her rather large overnight bag.

'Jeeze mom, how long are you actually planning on staying?' I asked making my way over to help her. Her flustered little face smiled as she closed the door and planted her hands on her hips taking a deep breath.

'It's just my outfit for the wedding honey.' She said in her soft quiet tone. I smiled impishly back at her opening my arms slightly to hug her. She pulled me in close to her hooking her chin over my shoulder and stroking the back of my head. 'Oh sweetie. How are you feeling?'

'She threw up about twenty minutes ago.' Anissa piped up. Clearly she was still concerned.

My mom stepped back a little taking my face in her hands. She looked incredibly worried, her long brown fringe hanging in her eyes.

'You threw up! Oh poor baby, are you sick?'

I rolled my eyes.

'It was just nerves. I'm fine, can we just stop talking about it with risk of me puking again!'

My mom nodded understandably yet she didn't look entirely convinced, neither did Anissa, but as long as they shut up I didn't care.

'So where are all the dudes?' Kevin asked awkwardly as he clearly didn't want to hang around with us all day as we talked honeymoon etcetera.

'Oh they're all meeting at the Inn around three I think. But you could always head up to the carpenter's and check on the groom.' Anissa said gently.

Kevin thought for a moment and then shrugged.

'Might as well,' He began walking towards the door. 'I'll see ya later.' And he was gone.

12.22pm

My mother sat on the sofa, I sat cross legged on the floor in front of her as she brushed rhythmically through my hair with a comb.

'Your hair is so uncooperative, it always has been. Mine was the same all through my childhood and into my early adult years.'

I closed my eyes smiling contently.

'I don't bother much with it, but I guess I can't walk down the aisle with it sticking up like a birds nest.'

My mom chuckled.

'Do you remember when you were eleven, and you always used to talk to me about your wedding day? About what your husband would be like, about your dress.'

I nodded slowly.

'If I remember correctly I said it would be held on a quiet church high on a hill, and my husband would be tall and handsome.'

'And here you are, nine years later…'

I felt a few hot tears roll down my cheeks. I wiped them away but they kept coming.

'Oh sweetheart, don't cry.' My mom said setting down the brush and creeping down onto the floor beside me wrapping her arms around my shoulders. Without my approval I began to sob uncontrollably into her soft blue cardigan.

'Mom…' I wept, she stayed silent rocking me back and forth. 'I don't even know why I'm crying! This is so stupid.'

'Ssssshhh,' She cooed 'Just let it all out.'

3.28pm

'Ouch!' I yelped as a strand of hair was pulled from my head without warning.

'Oh, sorry Angie, it was too short fit in the ponytail, yet too long to sit with your bangs! It had to go.' Kathy said as she continued to fix at my hair. To be fair it was beautiful. She had scraped it back into a high ponytail (A small ponytail as I don't have that much to work with) and curled it leaving my rough fringe hanging around my face. Then, just as Julius had ordered, a beautiful white flower of some description slotted in on one side.

The other girls where rushing around with their dresses draped over their arms, makeup bags in hand. My mom sat on the edge of my bed applying her foundation.

3.42pm

'Are you almost done?' I whined as Maya continued to paint me with a blusher brush.

'Angela, settle! Just a few more minutes!'

'But I've been sitting here for ages! My butt's going numb.'

'Come on honey, you look beautiful. Maya's done a great job.' My mom said appearing behind Maya in the mirror and placing a hand on my shoulder.

'Oh…come on mom, don't cry.'

She sniffled a little turning and walking away.

3.50pm

My hair and makeup was finally done. I sat nervously at the kitchen table in my dressing gown nibbling on my lip.

The other girls where busy titivating and preening themselves, my mother had gone out for a walk to "get some air" after she got a little teary. I don't understand moms. I don't understand why they find weddings so emotional, I mean it's not like I'm moving far far away or anything, the only difference is that I'll be lawfully bound to Luke which won't affect her at all!

My house had been transformed into a salon, hairbrushes, curlers and shoes everywhere!

I no longer felt sick, which was weird considering I actually managed to puke earlier. Despite all my calm vibes I was a little worried. I don't usually get sick, especially not just randomly for no obvious reason…

5.36pm

'Come on girls, a little sense of urgency wouldn't go a miss!' Anissa yelled as she marched across the room in her floor length, body tight, silk bridesmaid dress.

I momentarily stopped breathing, the nerves really starting to kick in.

'Calm Angela.' Phoebe said from beside me handing me my bouquet of white lilies. Her unique green hair was in its usual beehive, rock hard with sprays and gels. For once she was wearing contact lenses instead of her old red rimmed glasses she wore down the mines. Phoebe was actually very pretty, something I only just realised being somebody I don't really take that much notice of as she's always dusty and usually quite quiet.

I took a deep breath clutching onto the flowers anxiously as I waited by the door for the others to get organised. I looked down at my crisp white dress, a surge of excitement flowing through my body.

Eventually they all started to pile out the door and finally we were on our way. Most of the girls walked at the front apart from Anissa who I was linked arms with and my mother who held my hand tightly.

The church bells rang out loudly around the island, each heavy dong making me quiver.

Luna skipped along far ahead, reeling with excitement at the fact she had been paired with Gill for the whole "Kissing in the doorway" scenario, on the way out of the church. Although if it wasn't for that tradition Luke and I wouldn't have had our first kiss.

We neared closer and closer to the church, the bells becoming more defined, the random organ music playing faintly from inside the thick walls.

The guys and Kevin could be seen standing on the hill by the entrance, Owen noticing us first and pointing all the others heads then turning.

'Agh!' I squeaked suddenly hunching over a little and clutching at the lower half of my stomach. Our parade stopped, eight worried faces staring at me as I slowly straightened out again. 'Just a cramp…I'm fine.' I choked out, my voice a little strained. The girls looked at each other and then looked away carrying on down the path. My mother held my hand a little tighter.

'It's gonna be okay.' She whispered to me reassuringly, making me feel slightly better.

By the time we reached the top of the hill, I had convinced myself that everything was fine giving myself a mental pep talk.

'You look so beautiful.' Kevin said holding out his arm for me to take. I could feel the tears coming but had to try hard to hold them back.

'Oh Kevin don't. If I start crying now I won't be able to stop and then I'll sound horrible when I'm vowing.' Kevin just rolled his eyes as we positioned ourselves behind the other pairs at the church door.

As we waited for that all important moment when the doors opened and the music changed I tried to regulate my breathing which was all over the shop.

'Angie, you're shaking like a leaf. Just relax.' Kevin whispered in my ear. I nodded a little, my gut churning.

The heavy organ music slowed down and stopped. It was time.

'Goodluck!' Everybody said quietly just before the doors swung open and 'Canon' played.

We began to move slowly Owen and Kathy, then Calvin and Phoebe, then Luna and Gill, then Candace and Julius, then Renee and Toby, then Anissa and Jin and finally it was my turn.

I took my first step onto the red velvet carpet of the aisle, one hand clutching my bouquet, the other supporting myself on Kevin's arm. My mother sat in the front row watching closely as we paced, tears flowing from her eyes. Now I understand. It must be so emotional for her to watch her only son walk her only daughter down the aisle, giving her away to another man, somebody who was taking her baby away from her…sort of.

My eyes continued to scan over the crowds, Jake, Colleen, Barbara, Simon, Perry, Irene, Hanna, Cain, Ramsey, Mira, Dale, Bo, Pascal, Ozzie, Paolo…

Shelly sat at the organ playing for all she was fit, Hamilton stood behind a small table at the altar, book in hand grinning from ear to ear, Luke…

As all the other couples began to branch off and it was just Kevin and I on the aisle, Luke turned slowly to face us, our eyes locking. He wore a pale blue suit, Luke style of course, sleeves rolled up, top button undone, but all that made him so incredibly gorgeous. For once he actually wasn't wearing his bandana, instead his azure hair sat around his shoulders, his bangs still hanging in his face, a content smile on his lips.

The music stopped, Kevin kissing me on the forehead before taking my hand and carefully placing it in Luke's.

'Congrats.' He whispered before taking a few steps backwards and sitting down next to my mom wrapping his arm around her shoulder.

Luke winked at me as we turned to face Hamilton, my heart thumping so loudly the audience could probably hear it.

'Dearly beloveds,' He began, his voice echoing around the tall walls of the church, the evening sun shining through the stained glass harvest goddess mural behind him, an array of beautiful colours reflecting onto Luke and I 'We are gathered here today, in the sight of our Goddess to wed this couple in holy matrimony.'

Luke squeezed my hand a little, butterflies dancing in my stomach.

'Luke, do you take Angela to be your lawfully wedded wife, to love and to cherish, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, forever and ever, til' death parts you?'

For a moment all eyes where on Luke, including my slightly teary ones.

'I do.' He said proudly without any hesitation.

'Wonderful. And Angela, do you take Luke to be your lawfully wedded husband, to love and to cherish, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, forever and ever, til' death parts you?'

Luke stared down at me with his smouldering golden eyes so full of love and serenity.

'I do.' I said confidently, my voice a little shaky as I held back the tears that were about to spring any second.

Hamilton sighed with relief almost, his face beaming.

'Please place the rings on your betrothed.' He said. Jake stood up with a small pillow, Luke taking a small gold band and slipping it onto my finger. I then took the slightly bigger gold band and placed it on Luke's.

'I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss your bride.'

And the tears came, from me and half the spectators, even my brother. Luke took my face in his hands, his warm breath soothing my cheeks.

'I love you so much.' He whispered, stooping down and locking his lips with mine. Tears streamed continually down my face, luckily Maya had used waterproof mascara otherwise I would've looked like a complete tramp already.

Everybody clapped and cheered, a few loud whistles coming from Owen and Calvin causing a smile to leak over both our faces as we pulled away.

The organ started up again as we walked back down the aisle hand in hand pausing traditionally in the doorway, our lips meshing together again. I threw my arms, flowers and all around his neck pulling him in closer to me. I didn't care if people stared, he was mine now.

Outside we were bombarded with confetti and petals, met with warm comforting words and engulfed in many tight embraces from the town's folk. All the girls then lined up as I turned around and flung my bouquet over my shoulder, it landing right into Anissa's arms. She blushed profusely glancing over at Jin who answered with a simple nod.

Anissa had talked about proposing to Jin for months and every time she thought she'd built up the courage, she wimped out. I guess it was just kind of luck she caught it then huh?

Everybody clapped and cheered as they shared another sweet kiss.

'I love weddings.' Luke said clapping loudly. I giggled and rolled my eyes.

'Your own isn't even over yet and you're already excited about Jin's?' I said exasperated.

He grinned at me goofily causing my heart to flutter a little.

We walked back towards town, Luke enthusing about how great it was going to be moving in with me and getting away from Bo.

'I can hear you Luke!' A distant voice called from behind us which he ignored.

'Well, I can still remember the time in the hospital when you-'

'Look! I did not cry! I was allergic to the bed linen!' I sniggered.

'Yea, you cried.'

5 minutes later…

The whole party arrived at the Inn, Maya jumping in front of us and opening the door to reveal the extravagantly decorated restaurant.

My eyes widened and my jaw literally hung open.

'Jeeze Maya, this place is totally awesome!' Luke said. Couldn't have said it better myself.

She smiled sweetly, her face a little pink.

'Oh it's nothing. But I knew I'd have to make an effort with this old place to make the cutest-couple-ever's wedding incredibly special.'

'Thank you.' I said letting go of Luke's hand to hug her.

All the tables and chairs had been pushed to the sides of the room and dressed beautifully with table cloths and lilies. Large pieces of white lace hung from the ceiling and the lights where dimmed sending out a warm glow.

Everybody else piled in behind us, mingling and congratulating and commenting and thanking. But suddenly, as if the constant mumbling of other people had been switched off, one voice echoed in my ears.

'Congratulations…sweetie.' It said in a sarcastic tone.

Both Luke and I snapped our heads around to face the couple who stood across from us. A tall man with very dark brown hair and pale skin and a woman with striking red hair and a rather large baby bump.

Nobody else apart from us seemed to notice them as they approached us slowly hand in hand. The man's face was focused on Luke's, his deep mahogany eyes burning into him. Luke held my hand a little tighter, Selena's eyes locking on our hands, her nose turning up.

Just as she opened her mouth to speak another voice spoke sharply.

'Selena!'

Samson stood just a little away from us, his arms folded across his chest, his expression a little concerned.

Selena glanced over at him and let out a little huff before turning on her heels and dragging the guy, I presume to be Kasey, away with her.

'She's got a lot of nerve coming here.' Dale's gruff voice said from behind us, startling me a little. Luke nodded.

'Let's just hope she doesn't cause a scene.'

Thanks for reading guys. So that's only the first half of the wedding, I just didn't want to make the chapter too long so I decided I'd divide it up. The next part shall be up soon. Please review. Ta.