Disclaimer: I don't own anything or anyone.
A/n: please r/r
Chapter 18 – Wedding Day ~ part one
After much hard work and effort on the part of every member of both Brian and Becky's respective families and the remaining members of 'The Breakfast Club' the wedding day had finally arrived. The ballroom looked absolutely wonderful, initially set out for the ceremony, with Allison's bright airy landscape holding centre stage. The scene, that she had expertly depicted, were that of a summer's bright sky with patches of bright royal blue seeking spots through the swirling clouds which had been painted using subtle hues of lilac, pink, beige, cream and baby blue. It had taken a lot of work considering its size; a massive twelve-foot square canvas consisting of four pieces, but once situated Allison was very pleased with the result. And as an added token, she had given it to the happy couple as a wedding present from Andy and herself.
The guest chairs were arranged in two sections, each covered in ivory silk with a dark lilac bow tied around its back. A stage was set before the painting, ready for the couple to take their vows upon. This too was draped in ivory silk and on each side tall Greek urns stood containing stems of chrysanthemums, iris, carnations and roses in varying colours of lilac and blue along with a considerable helping of ivy and other greenery. Smaller flower filled urns were placed along the outer edges of the chair rows to complete the effect.
It had been Andy and John's duty to try to keep Brian cool and up until now, they hadn't done a bad job. They, along with Becky's brother, had gone to the tailor's with him to make sure that all of the respective morning suits were going to fit properly. All were in charcoal grey pinstripe, the two ushers and John having a dark lilac long waistcoat, which was visible under their jackets. Brian, however, had a jacket made from the same material as the others waistcoats, and his own waistcoat was a shade or so lighter. The three 'club' members couldn't believe how good each of them looked but, true to form, one couldn't help making fun of the other two. And when Allison had popped in briefly to see the outcome, she was totally amazed; she would never have believed it possible for them all to look so devastatingly handsome.
Claire had spent most of her time designing, and with the aid of Jenna, her partner, fitting Becky's dress as well as her own. Becky's dress was a princess line, full-length sheath dress with a small train that floated out from the back. It was made from ivory silk with a helping of matching organza covering the skirt, and the top of the bodice had been sewn with small lilac and silver beads forming small flowers and butterflies. The top of the bodice was finished with a very small edge of the same dark lilac of Claire's dress and spaghetti string straps finished the look. Becky had wanted a more contemporary look so the outfit had been finished with ivory elbow length gloves, pearl drop earrings, Louis-heeled shoes and a tiara headdress formed using silver wires and finished with small pearls and glass beads, matching those on the bodice of her dress.
Claire had made herself a simple two-piece from the deep lilac silk, the strappy top being covered in organza in a matching shade. The suit fitted in much the same way as Becky's dress but was very understated. Mind you she looked great in it. Her look was completed with matching elbow length gloves and flat shoes, a few fresh flowers for her hair and amethyst stud earrings.
Of course, Allison had had to come and have a look at them both, as she had done with the men, and was delighted to see what Claire had achieved in such a short time. Allison had become more intrigued since she had learnt about Claire being the bridesmaid and once she had seen them both in their relevant attire she couldn't help but say, "My god, Becky, if that doesn't knock Brian off his feet then nothing will, and you missy," looking directly at Claire, "what do you think John is going to do, with you looking like that it will probably give him a coronary."
"Right" Claire had replied, "after all, neither one of us has got to get past this trust bit do we?"
"But with everything that's going to happen during the day and then with your speech later on, he will have no option but to take you back. Besides, if he doesn't he will have me to deal with."
"And me" Becky had said.
"And me" a small voice had said from the back, "mum, you look absolutely breathtaking."
"Thanks, Leila. Come here honey, I've missed you." Claire said as she opened her arms for an embrace with her daughter.
"Not as much as I've missed you, but I'm glad to be back and glad to see Brian is finally getting hitched, never thought it would happen myself" pulling away from Claire, Leila turned to face Becky, "Hi, I'm Leila. So are you ready for a fate worse than death, Becky?"
"Hi Leila. Is it really going to be that bad?" Becky said, laughing. "Am I worthy of such a man?"
"Your worthy, but is he?" Leila responded playfully.
"I think so," Becky said "I've never felt this way about anybody."
"Then, if that is truly the case, you are going to be very happy" Allison said "after all, that's exactly the same way I feel about Andy, even now."
And now the day had finally arrived. Brian and John headed out of their small room and made their way through the congregation to their respective seats at the front, ready and waiting for the ceremony to begin.
"Are you okay, Brian?"
"Yeah fine, you got the rings?"
"Yes … will you stop worrying about the rings … look their here okay."
"Okay, are you okay?"
"Yeah, been looking around and I can't see Claire, Leila is sitting a couple of rows back with Allison and the kids, but no Claire, surely she's not going to miss your big day?"
"She promised me she would be here, she may have lied to me and you, but she has never broken a promise, believe me. Anyway, why are you so interested?"
"I don't know … I guess this whole wedding thing has got me thinking about things again. I've been horrible to her, what she did to me was wrong but then I should never have told her I couldn't trust her again, she probably hates me."
"She doesn't hate you. In fact, I think she loves you more, when you said those things to her, she … well she felt like her whole world fell apart, but its only acted to make her stronger and more resolved in getting you back. How do you think your mum knew where you were? She even made up with her own mum too."
"Really?"
"Yes, really. You still love her then?"
"More than anything."
"Then today should be a good day all round."
"What do you mean by that, Brian?"
"You'll see, John, you'll see!" Brian said. The music slightly drowning out his remark as the band started to play. Getting up they both moved to their positions on the stage and looked over their own shoulder at the display that was progressing towards them. It seemed normal, at first, but then John realised something, the woman walking in front of the bride was stunning – and it was Claire.
***
Becky and Claire had spent a good two hours getting ready, the hairdresser and make-up artist had finished their work and Allison had helped with finishing touches before they had all taken their seats in the congregation. Looking each other up and down Becky and Claire had given appreciative signs to the other to reassure them that they looked okay. In five minutes they would be walking to their respective fates. Andy had popped his head around the door to make sure that everything was going well and had remarked that they both had looked gorgeous, which had help to calm nerves for a little while, and again when Becky's father had come into the room to find his daughter and escort her safely down the aisle. Finally, the vicar came into the room and suggested that they get the ceremony underway.
"Are you nervous?" Claire asked Becky as she handed her her bouquet.
"I'm fine, I'm not nervous or anything. I'm really enjoying myself."
"Good" Claire said, finding her own much smaller bouquet.
"What about you, Claire?"
"Oh, I'm fine … not. My insides are churning, like I'm going into battle, or something."
"Well, this might not be very comforting, but in a way I guess you are."
"Yeah, well don't worry I know what my responsibility is to you and Brian, I won't mess that up."
"Claire, you won't mess anything up. I have a good feeling about today … the whole of today." Becky said taking Claire's hand in her own and squeezing it.
"Thank you, Becky."
"My pleasure. Now I think its time for me to become a married woman, dad are you ready?"
Becky stood at the entrance of the ballroom arm in arm with her father, Claire standing in front, nervously fidgeting. The music began and they slowly made their way to the stage. Becky noticed Brian looking at her, transfixed. And then she saw John's look of astonishment, which meant that if she had seen it then most certainly everyone else in the room would have seen it too, she returned her gaze to her husband to be.
Claire preceded the bride and her father towards the stage, noticing the looks of wonder and approval at the assembly making its way forward. Giving herself an imaginary pat on the back for her good work, she looked up to where Brian and John were standing. She bypassed the look on Brian's face, he was obviously in awe of his bride, but when she saw John's face she couldn't believe what was upon it. He looked like he was about to keel over any minute, like Allison had suggested, his eyes were wide and his mouth was open. If his jaw hadn't been locked at that moment she was sure his chin would have been touching the floor.
By this time, they were nearly at their place and to hide her embarrassment of John's obvious intent look, she gave him a quick smile to hopefully try and snap him out of it. It worked for about two seconds, the two seconds it took him to smile back and then he was staring again. She was able to remove herself from his gaze, for a while, when she relieved Becky of her bouquet and sat down in her appointed seat. Only to have it return again when John had finished his duty as best man, giving up the two rings from within his waistcoat pocket and finding his seat on the opposite side of the congregation from her.
And unfortunately, for both of them, none of this had been lost on Allison, Andrew or Leila.
A/n: please r/r
Chapter 18 – Wedding Day ~ part one
After much hard work and effort on the part of every member of both Brian and Becky's respective families and the remaining members of 'The Breakfast Club' the wedding day had finally arrived. The ballroom looked absolutely wonderful, initially set out for the ceremony, with Allison's bright airy landscape holding centre stage. The scene, that she had expertly depicted, were that of a summer's bright sky with patches of bright royal blue seeking spots through the swirling clouds which had been painted using subtle hues of lilac, pink, beige, cream and baby blue. It had taken a lot of work considering its size; a massive twelve-foot square canvas consisting of four pieces, but once situated Allison was very pleased with the result. And as an added token, she had given it to the happy couple as a wedding present from Andy and herself.
The guest chairs were arranged in two sections, each covered in ivory silk with a dark lilac bow tied around its back. A stage was set before the painting, ready for the couple to take their vows upon. This too was draped in ivory silk and on each side tall Greek urns stood containing stems of chrysanthemums, iris, carnations and roses in varying colours of lilac and blue along with a considerable helping of ivy and other greenery. Smaller flower filled urns were placed along the outer edges of the chair rows to complete the effect.
It had been Andy and John's duty to try to keep Brian cool and up until now, they hadn't done a bad job. They, along with Becky's brother, had gone to the tailor's with him to make sure that all of the respective morning suits were going to fit properly. All were in charcoal grey pinstripe, the two ushers and John having a dark lilac long waistcoat, which was visible under their jackets. Brian, however, had a jacket made from the same material as the others waistcoats, and his own waistcoat was a shade or so lighter. The three 'club' members couldn't believe how good each of them looked but, true to form, one couldn't help making fun of the other two. And when Allison had popped in briefly to see the outcome, she was totally amazed; she would never have believed it possible for them all to look so devastatingly handsome.
Claire had spent most of her time designing, and with the aid of Jenna, her partner, fitting Becky's dress as well as her own. Becky's dress was a princess line, full-length sheath dress with a small train that floated out from the back. It was made from ivory silk with a helping of matching organza covering the skirt, and the top of the bodice had been sewn with small lilac and silver beads forming small flowers and butterflies. The top of the bodice was finished with a very small edge of the same dark lilac of Claire's dress and spaghetti string straps finished the look. Becky had wanted a more contemporary look so the outfit had been finished with ivory elbow length gloves, pearl drop earrings, Louis-heeled shoes and a tiara headdress formed using silver wires and finished with small pearls and glass beads, matching those on the bodice of her dress.
Claire had made herself a simple two-piece from the deep lilac silk, the strappy top being covered in organza in a matching shade. The suit fitted in much the same way as Becky's dress but was very understated. Mind you she looked great in it. Her look was completed with matching elbow length gloves and flat shoes, a few fresh flowers for her hair and amethyst stud earrings.
Of course, Allison had had to come and have a look at them both, as she had done with the men, and was delighted to see what Claire had achieved in such a short time. Allison had become more intrigued since she had learnt about Claire being the bridesmaid and once she had seen them both in their relevant attire she couldn't help but say, "My god, Becky, if that doesn't knock Brian off his feet then nothing will, and you missy," looking directly at Claire, "what do you think John is going to do, with you looking like that it will probably give him a coronary."
"Right" Claire had replied, "after all, neither one of us has got to get past this trust bit do we?"
"But with everything that's going to happen during the day and then with your speech later on, he will have no option but to take you back. Besides, if he doesn't he will have me to deal with."
"And me" Becky had said.
"And me" a small voice had said from the back, "mum, you look absolutely breathtaking."
"Thanks, Leila. Come here honey, I've missed you." Claire said as she opened her arms for an embrace with her daughter.
"Not as much as I've missed you, but I'm glad to be back and glad to see Brian is finally getting hitched, never thought it would happen myself" pulling away from Claire, Leila turned to face Becky, "Hi, I'm Leila. So are you ready for a fate worse than death, Becky?"
"Hi Leila. Is it really going to be that bad?" Becky said, laughing. "Am I worthy of such a man?"
"Your worthy, but is he?" Leila responded playfully.
"I think so," Becky said "I've never felt this way about anybody."
"Then, if that is truly the case, you are going to be very happy" Allison said "after all, that's exactly the same way I feel about Andy, even now."
And now the day had finally arrived. Brian and John headed out of their small room and made their way through the congregation to their respective seats at the front, ready and waiting for the ceremony to begin.
"Are you okay, Brian?"
"Yeah fine, you got the rings?"
"Yes … will you stop worrying about the rings … look their here okay."
"Okay, are you okay?"
"Yeah, been looking around and I can't see Claire, Leila is sitting a couple of rows back with Allison and the kids, but no Claire, surely she's not going to miss your big day?"
"She promised me she would be here, she may have lied to me and you, but she has never broken a promise, believe me. Anyway, why are you so interested?"
"I don't know … I guess this whole wedding thing has got me thinking about things again. I've been horrible to her, what she did to me was wrong but then I should never have told her I couldn't trust her again, she probably hates me."
"She doesn't hate you. In fact, I think she loves you more, when you said those things to her, she … well she felt like her whole world fell apart, but its only acted to make her stronger and more resolved in getting you back. How do you think your mum knew where you were? She even made up with her own mum too."
"Really?"
"Yes, really. You still love her then?"
"More than anything."
"Then today should be a good day all round."
"What do you mean by that, Brian?"
"You'll see, John, you'll see!" Brian said. The music slightly drowning out his remark as the band started to play. Getting up they both moved to their positions on the stage and looked over their own shoulder at the display that was progressing towards them. It seemed normal, at first, but then John realised something, the woman walking in front of the bride was stunning – and it was Claire.
***
Becky and Claire had spent a good two hours getting ready, the hairdresser and make-up artist had finished their work and Allison had helped with finishing touches before they had all taken their seats in the congregation. Looking each other up and down Becky and Claire had given appreciative signs to the other to reassure them that they looked okay. In five minutes they would be walking to their respective fates. Andy had popped his head around the door to make sure that everything was going well and had remarked that they both had looked gorgeous, which had help to calm nerves for a little while, and again when Becky's father had come into the room to find his daughter and escort her safely down the aisle. Finally, the vicar came into the room and suggested that they get the ceremony underway.
"Are you nervous?" Claire asked Becky as she handed her her bouquet.
"I'm fine, I'm not nervous or anything. I'm really enjoying myself."
"Good" Claire said, finding her own much smaller bouquet.
"What about you, Claire?"
"Oh, I'm fine … not. My insides are churning, like I'm going into battle, or something."
"Well, this might not be very comforting, but in a way I guess you are."
"Yeah, well don't worry I know what my responsibility is to you and Brian, I won't mess that up."
"Claire, you won't mess anything up. I have a good feeling about today … the whole of today." Becky said taking Claire's hand in her own and squeezing it.
"Thank you, Becky."
"My pleasure. Now I think its time for me to become a married woman, dad are you ready?"
Becky stood at the entrance of the ballroom arm in arm with her father, Claire standing in front, nervously fidgeting. The music began and they slowly made their way to the stage. Becky noticed Brian looking at her, transfixed. And then she saw John's look of astonishment, which meant that if she had seen it then most certainly everyone else in the room would have seen it too, she returned her gaze to her husband to be.
Claire preceded the bride and her father towards the stage, noticing the looks of wonder and approval at the assembly making its way forward. Giving herself an imaginary pat on the back for her good work, she looked up to where Brian and John were standing. She bypassed the look on Brian's face, he was obviously in awe of his bride, but when she saw John's face she couldn't believe what was upon it. He looked like he was about to keel over any minute, like Allison had suggested, his eyes were wide and his mouth was open. If his jaw hadn't been locked at that moment she was sure his chin would have been touching the floor.
By this time, they were nearly at their place and to hide her embarrassment of John's obvious intent look, she gave him a quick smile to hopefully try and snap him out of it. It worked for about two seconds, the two seconds it took him to smile back and then he was staring again. She was able to remove herself from his gaze, for a while, when she relieved Becky of her bouquet and sat down in her appointed seat. Only to have it return again when John had finished his duty as best man, giving up the two rings from within his waistcoat pocket and finding his seat on the opposite side of the congregation from her.
And unfortunately, for both of them, none of this had been lost on Allison, Andrew or Leila.