The big day had finally arrived, and Cassie was driving us all insane. I hadn't spoken to Ric since our confrontation two weeks ago, and I was happy to keep it that way now. How stupid had I been to think that I was still in love with him?

It was starting to get to me now, everything. I hadn't been feeling right for a couple of days now, and I had been sick as well. Last night, at the hen night, I didn't drink a thing, I was worried that I would feel bad enough this morning, and I was right.

By the sounds of it Lucas and Ric had made up for the lack of alcohol I had consumed. From my bedroom window, I heard drunken singing and uncontrollable laughing when they got in. Ric was staying here last night, allowing the girls to have some privacy in the morning, and to be here to help Lucas, whereas I had decided to just head over to Cassie's in the morning, I couldn't let her find out about how I was ill.

I dragged my heavy body out of bed and looked at myself in the mirror. My make-up from last night was smudged and my hair was a tangled mess. Underneath my eyes I found wrinkles that proved just how tired I was and my eyes shone with nothing but sadness.

But it was the best day of my two best friend's lives, and I wasn't going to let my own personal problems get in the way of that. Everything was going according to plan so far, Tony left a note on my bedside table, telling me that he was going down to the hotel where the reception was taking place, to help the caterers and florists set up. He really was a proud father. His son was marrying the girl of his dreams, and he couldn't help but smile.

A wave of nausea flew over me and I ran to the bathroom. This was going to be a long day.

-x-

I pulled on my tracksuit bottoms and a scruffy t-shirt, before making my way to Cassie's. When I arrived the room was already filled with stressed out family and friends as well as Mr. Stewart who seemed to be extremely confused by the whole thing.

"Hi Leah, where's the bride?" I asked cheerfully.

"Oh don't ask, there's been a problem with the dress. She's really stressing out. Actually, maybe you could go in and try to calm her down?" Leah spoke breathlessly.

"Sure," I replied before running towards Cassie's bedroom.

-x-

"Look at the dress, Mattie! How am I supposed to get married in this?" Cassie cried.

"Cass, it's just a stain. Sal, can you go and get me some white wine please?"

"Matilda! This is not the time to be drinking," Cassie yelled as Sally ran off to the kitchen. "I have a red wine stain on my dress, help me!"

"It's alright Cass, the white wine should help lift the stain, and then we can use some soda water to get the rest off, okay? Everything's going to be just fine." I replied, soothingly, pulling her into a hug.

-x-

The dress turned out perfectly, and Cassie looked gorgeous. She just radiated beauty, and I was so proud of her. There wasn't a dry eye in the house, and mascara was being re-applied constantly. I was now dressed in my bridesmaid's dress, which seemed a little tighter than it was before, when I was measured three weeks ago, they probably just got the measurements wrong at the shop. My worn out face had been covered in make-up and I felt much better, knowing that I looked better.

Belle had arrived home, looking well rested and relaxed. She said her and Drew had a wonderful time in Mauritius, and they were planning on going back next year. Martha was quite occupied with Christina, who looked so cute in her little summer dress

The doorbell rang and the door opened to reveal Brad, who looked very smart in his suit. He was giving Cassie away at the church, and him and the drivers of the cars that waited outside had come to pick us up.

-x-

I waited nervously behind the doors that would lead me into the church packed with well-wishing people. Cassie was a shaky mess, with Belle trying to calm her down, and Martha was on her way back from feeding Christina one last time before the ceremony started.

I tried to ignore the queasy feeling that lay in my stomach but it was getting harder. Why was I feeling so sick all of a sudden?

"We're here!" Jack shouted as him, Drew and Ric entered the room, all of them looking very smart. I couldn't bear to tear my eyes away from Ric. He looked so handsome in a suit, the turquoise shirt he was wearing brought out the colour in his eyes and the jacket gave him a polished look.

"You ready?" he asked me, flatly.

"Yeah," I replied with a straight face as I picked up my bouquet of flowers.

-x-

We walked swiftly down the aisle, with our arms looped into one. I felt our skin on our hands touch for a brief second and closed my eyes, taking in the moment, remembering how soft his skin felt, like silk and the way it was so perfect, just like him.

Belle and Drew followed, with Jack and Martha closely behind. Tony and Sal stood up at the altar, proudly smiling to themselves.

When we reached them, I was so reluctant to let go of Ric, although I couldn't do it any quicker if I tried.

Then Cassie entered with Brad, and all eyes were on her.

-x-

"Do you, Lucas Anthony Holden, take Cassandra Turner, to be your lawful wedded wife?" the priest asked a glowing Lucas.

"I do," he replied.

"And do you, Cassandra Turner, take Lucas Anthony Holden to be your lawful wedded husband?"

"I do," Cassie replied, tears were in her eyes.

I stood beside Cassie, now holding her bouquet of flowers as well. I couldn't be happier for the both of them; they deserved all of the happiness in the world. I kept exchanging glances with Ric, who stood opposite me. I could tell he was concentrating on something, probably the speech we had to make together later, at the reception. He gave me a sweet smile, something I hadn't seen since our argument, when he caught me looking at him, which I returned, shyly.

-x-

A/N: I hate to say this, and I never thought I would, but this story is becoming a bit of a chore to write, so I think I'll do a few more chapters to tie everything together and that will be it. I'm going on holiday to Florida for two weeks on the 11th, so I'll try and finish it by then. I've already got the sequel to my one-shot 'Stop Living a Lie' planned out, and I'll probably write it all on the plane! I'm just hoping I will be able to fly, with this whole fiasco that happened at the airport :(