sorry, i had to delete and re-upload this chapter because i messed up. i got my timeline confused-the wedding won't be around chuck's graduation, but rather a year later, around the graduation of tommy et al.

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"First thing's first," said Susie, "You have to pick a date."

"May 21st," replied Angelica automatically, "Next year."

"Ok, excellent. That gives us plenty of time. "Ok, so we are going to do great. We are on schedule! Today is the day we move on to step two—the dress."

"Well, why don't we pick the theme and all that first?" asked Lil. "Then we could find a dress that matches."

"The dress IS the theme! The dress is the most important thing! It's all about the dress!" shrieked Susie in a rare moment of hysteria. She calmed down when she saw the way the girls were looking at her. "Er…sorry…got a little crazy there."

"No, you're absolutely right." said Angelica. "It's all about the dress! The beautiful, white, lovely….wedding dress." She sighed happily. "This is really happening, isn't it? I'm getting married! To my Chuckie!" She sighed again. Kimi made a retching noise. She shrugged somewhat apologetically at Angelica's dirty look.

Lil chuckled from the driver's seat. "How long do you think this newly engaged gaga lovesickness is going to last?"

"Pretty much the whole time. And then at least a year into the marriage. That's how it was for Alisa. But don't worry; they'll be back to their bickering selves before you know it."

"Can't wait." said Kimi.

"It's very early in the planning process, Kimi. I can easily find another bridesmaid to replace you."

"Like I care," grumbled Kimi. "Who wants to be a stupid bridesmaid anyway?" However, there wasn't a peep from her the rest of the drive.

"We're here!" sang Lil cheerfully. Angelica scrambled out of the car excitedly as soon as it rolled to a stop. She looked up at the hand painted sign above the bridal boutique as if it were a candy shop, and she a kid.

Precisely one minute later, which felt like an eternity to Angelica, they were in the cool, bright interior of the shop. An elegantly dressed dark haired woman met them. "Good morning, How can I help you ladies?" she asked with a smile.

Susie stepped forward, taking control. "We have an appointment. It's for the Pickles-Finster wedding."

"Oh, yes, we've been expecting you. She extended her hand. I'm Rebecca. First off, Miss Pickles, I just want to give you my congratulations."

Angelica pushed Susie out of the way and took her hand. "Thanks. I'm the bride, Angelica. This is Susie, my best friend, maid of honor, wedding planner, and jack of all trades."

"Oh, how nice. And are these your other bridesmaids?"

"Hi, I'm—" started Lil.

Angelica broke in. "This is Lil and Kimi. Ok, we all know each other. Now, let's see some couture!"

"Er—sure." replied Rebecca uncertainly. "If you would just follow me." She led them to a big pair of bronze colored, old fashioned doors. She took out a big key and turned it in the lock.

After the doors slid open slowly, Angelica ran ahead of everyone else. She almost fainted of joy. Inside was her dream come true. A humongous, cavernous room full of wedding dresses. The white was blinding. It occupied every space. The walls were lined with what had to be hundreds of dresses, hanging neatly from bronze hangers. The back wall was a giant mirror.

Kimi snorted. "That's it? All this protection for a bunch of dresses? I thought you had the president in there or something." She glanced around. "What, no armed guards?"

Rebecca and Angelica both glared at her. Kimi grinned, hands up. "Hey, it was a joke."

Rebecca turned toward Angelica. "So, tell me a little about your wedding plans."

"Well, it's going to be in May. Not this May, but the next one."

"Ok, early summer."

"Yes. And…well, I haven't decided much else yet."

"And what are you looking for in a dress?"

"Well—um…"

"Modern." said Kimi.

"But classic," amended Lil.

"Yes," Susie agreed. "Very elegant. White, not off white. Sleek."

"Yes. Absolutely." agreed Angelica. She smiled. She was impressed. They knew her better than she thought.

"And your budget?"

"3,000."

"Dollars?" asked Lil incredulously.

"My parents are paying for the dress. That's the budget they gave me. What, Kimi? Don't give me that spoiled little rich girl crap again. My parents are paying for some wedding stuff, and so are your parents, but Chuck and I are paying for a good chunk."

"Alright, then let's look over here." suggested Rebecca, sensing things could get out of hand. She pointed them toward a section in the back of the room.

Moments later, they were busy rummaging through the long white gowns, setting aside anything they thought Angelica would like. Angelica herself was becoming a little unnerved when half an hour had passed and she hadn't found anything she liked in the slightest. She pulled herself away from the stack of dresses on the velveteen sofa and sighed. "I can't do this anymore! I need a quick break." She dug in her purse and took out a pack of cigarettes.

Rebecca's eyed widened. "Miss Pickles, you can't do that!"

"Oh, I know I can't smoke in here, I'm going outside. I'll be back in five minutes."

"No, you can't smoke and then come back in here and try on dresses! You'll be tainted!"

"I'm sorry?"

"I absolutely can not allow it. You'll have the store and the dresses stinking!" She blushed a little. "I'm sorry, I hope I haven't offended you. It's just that smokers don't realize how much they smell. And their clothes and homes smell like it, too. You'll just have to postpone your break. These dresses are very delicate, and I can't have smoke anywhere near them. Now only does it smell terrible, it causes discoloration."

"Oh…right." She stuck the pack back into her purse and started looking through the white mountain of dresses again. A moment later, Susie appeared at her side with three more. She turned to walk away. "Susie?"

Susie turned around. "Yes?"

"Do I stink?"

She hesitated. "No…"

"Oh God, I do, don't I?"

Susie shrugged. Lil and Kimi showed up with more dresses.

"Lil, do I smell bad?"

Lil looked uncomfortable. "Well, you don't smell worse than any other smoker."

Angelica slumped against the sofa. "Do you think Chuck thinks I smell bad?"

"No, I'm sure he loves it." answered Kimi honestly. "It's almost revolting how much he loves every little thing about you. I think he even missed the smell of smoke when you guys broke up. I sure didn't."

Angelica sighed in defeat. "I'm going to try to quit smoking."

Susie gave her an incredulous look. "So you're saying that it's not the whole cancer thing that bothers you, but the smell? And, of course, the stained teeth."

Angelica got a horrified look on her face and her hand flew to her mouth. "Ok, scratch that, not trying. I am quitting. Today."

"Good." said Susie.

"Excellent." agreed Kimi, smiling for the first time all day.

"Chuck will be happy." said Lil in approval.

Angelica reached in her purse and withdrew the cigarettes and lighter. She handed them to Susie. "As your first official act as Maid of Honor, please get rid of these."

She took them. "Gladly. Now, let's find you a dress."