I shook off that thought and began to help Angela into her veil and shoes. She tottered dangerously as she stepped down from the stool and Lauren caught her arm just in time.
"Oh!" cried Angela as she toppled onto Lauren. My eyes widened as she disappeared under Angela's giant dress. All 4 of us rolled a giggling Angela off Lauren who was close to tears. They both guffawed as the held their stomachs trying not to cry as they laughed insanely. I shook my head, smiling. As the minutes went on, I heard more and more commotion in the hall. People were chatting loudly as they all made their way into the main chapel. Angela took deep breaths as she tried to calm herself. She was beautiful, and for a while I was lost in her image. She looked so confidant and radiant, all the things I wished I could be. She nodded her head and smiled a bit at her image in the mirror, most likely thinking of Ben. They were the perfect couple. Her bubbliness and his humor were a perfect match from the start, and I loved being friends with the two, they never failed to amuse me. When the bells of the church began to toll, I almost jumped out of my skin. I could almost see Angela's hair standing up on her arms, her chest heaved up and down quickly and her lips were pursed. All of the other girls ran squealing into the hall and I went to stand with Angela in front of the mirror one last time.
"Bella I don't know if I can do this" she said suddenly, turning to face me.
"What? You and Ben are meant to be-"
"No, I'm sure about him, I promise, it's just…I'm getting married!" She emphasized the words, as her eyes grew wider.
And in that moment I could sympathize with her. I had been nervous all day, and it wasn't even my wedding! The prospect of walking down the aisle is what scared me, not the commitment of marriage. "Angela. You know you can do this. You are the most beautiful bride any man could ask for. You're talented, smart, you love everyone and have such a sweet heart. I know that this seems scary, and believe me, I feel it to an extent, but once you see him" I smiled shaking my head, thinking of Edward "once you see him it'll all disappear. Just imagine it's you and him in an empty room. Angela I have no doubt that you can do this, and it may seem crazy at the time, but when the ceremony begins…you'll know what I'm talking about" I said with an assuring pat on her arm. I had no idea where all of that came from, possibly the effects of reading too many romance books. But it seemed to have a profound effect on Angela, as she was tearing up again.
"Oh thank you Bella" she blubbered as she wrapped me in her embrace. I sincerely hugged her back and in burst Lauren.
"Angela! Let's go!" she cried. We both bustled out of the room and met our counterparts, our groomsmen. Edward looked brilliant, as always, and the rest of the girl's immediately matched up with their partners.
"I see you had a heartfelt talk with Angela" he whispered, tucking a stray piece of hair behind my ear.
"Yes" I whispered back. Had he heard?
"You are the sweetest" he said taking my chin and kissing me once more before we began the ceremony.
As expected, Angela glowed as she exchanged vows with Ben. We all (excluding Edward) began to tear up as Ben read his vows. As they kissed, I could almost feel the love coming off of the couple in waves, and it put me completely at peace.
Edward and I met after the ceremony as all the guests moved to the reception room. He pulled me off to the side of the crowd and we walked down a small hall.
"You looked so beautiful up there, Bella" he told me, shaking his head as a small smile graced his face. I began to sniffle a bit, and Edward looked up, alarmed. "Love?"
"I'm sorry, they're just so happy together, it was almost like I could feel the love…" I sighed "I'm sorry that sounded crazy" I said, wiping my eyes.
"Bella" he said capturing my hands. When I looked up at him, his golden eyes almost melted me from the inside out. "That's how I feel whenever I look at you. Undying, never-ending love. You complete me" he said, putting his hands over my heart.
I was overwhelmed with emotion as we walked to the reception, hand in hand. The night went well as Edward danced with me, or should I say, Edward danced with me on top of his toes and new designer shoes. I felt completely at home in his arms as we slow danced and I laid my head on his shoulder.
The trouble started around 9, though.
The bouquet toss was taking place and both Edward and Angela insisted that I take part in the age old tradition. I humored them both and went to stand with the other girls, but I was sure to be near the back to avoid the more enthusiastic girls who were intent on catching it. They were in a crazy state as they lunged and stretched to be prepared to catch the bouquet that would supposedly determine who was next to be married. I cast an exasperated glance at Edward as he tried to keep a smile back.
Before I knew what was happening, the screeches of many desperate women echoed throughout the room and it felt as if it took a year for me to shift my attention from Edward to the bouquet that was flying straight for my head. I put my arms up to catch it, or at least deflect it from my face, when the entire group jumped towards the bouquet. I distinctly heard a high heel break and a cry from one of the women as she toppled onto me. Others began to fall as they tripped on us. All I could remember after that was one of the women falling right on top of my head.