I AM PUTTING UP TWO CHAPTERS AT THE SAME TIME! THIS IS THE SECOND ONE! SO IF YOU HAVEN'T CHECKED OUT CHAPTER 22, THE SECOND HALF OF GRADATION, DO THAT FIRST! :D
BTW, LOOK UP PETER PRATT'S INN IN WESTCHESTER; IT'S BEAUTIFUL (MY DAD AND STEPMOTHER GOT MARRIED THERE!)
HEART YA,
JOY
P.S. ENJOY THE LAST CHAPTER! *TEAR* I'LL MISS THIS GOOD OLE STORY. *ANOTHER TEAR*
The entire Pretty Committee stood in a circle in a back room, staring at each other, savoring the moment when one of their best friends, one of their own, was forever leaving their distinct group and joining another, the group of married, country-club couples, the group of adults, the group that involved responsibility and paying bills.
A single tear threatened to drop from Alicia's eye, the kind that signified more coming.
"Jesus Christ, no!" Massie hissed, swiping at her friend's upper cheek. "You're going to screw up the makeup. Gawd, I worked hard awn that, bee-yotch."
Alicia stuck her tongue out. "Come awn, maid of honor." She offered her arm to Massie and turned back to Dylan, Kristen, and Claire. "You guys wait here for Derrick, Chris, and Cam."
"I'm walking with Kemp?" Massie squealed.
"Would you rather walk with Derrington?" Alicia asked with a straight face.
Massie slapped her. "Bitch."
"Slut."
"Whore."
"Freak."
"Ugh." Massie stamped her foot. "This is ridiculous. Come awn, Josh is probably already at the altar."
They peeked together out the small window that allowed them to see the audience. Alicia and Josh were getting married at Peter Pratt's Inn, a white-painted place with an outdoor deck and gazebo (which served as altar space), perfect for a wedding. And there was a huge field, so as to make the party kid-friendly. The reception later would be formal, but for right now, everyone was invited.
"Nope. Nawt yet."
"Wait, they're starting!"
Sure enough, organ music began to play. Alicia's heart swelled as she saw Josh making his way from a side door up to the altar. Slightly in front of him was the priest, a kind middle-aged man named Kevin Markley. Her breath was coming in irregular gasps now. She couldn't believe this was actually happening.
"Careful," Massie cautioned. "Don't hyper-ventilate."
"Go!" Alicia shoved the brunette toward the front. "You need to walk with Kemp."
"Don't worry. We're last." But she left. As she approached the group waiting to walk, she noticed Kemp wearing a dark gray suit with a silver tie, looking perfectly polite and nawt at awl like the slimy, playing pervert she knew him to be. He was looking left and right for her. She stopped in front of him and offered him her bare arm. And he took it.
At the front of the line was Claire, nestled with Cam. Behind them were Kristen and Derrick. Then Dylan and Christopher Plovert. And, in the very back, the maid of honor and the best man. The girls were clearly in order of how close they were to Alicia. The farther back, the better.
"Ready?" Kemp whispered in Massie's ear as Dylan and Chris hit the halfway mark. "Go."
And she began to walk, putting one silver-sandaled foot in front of the other, crossing slightly at the knee so as to make her steps look shorter and daintier. Kemp stood like a man, squaring his shoulders and taking broad steps. And then the walk of fame was over, and they were standing apart, Massie next to Alicia, clutching her bouquet, and Kemp by Josh.
Then Alicia's seven-year-old sister and brother entered, hand-in-hand, and smiling hugely. Melinda Mae held a vase full of white roses, while Zachary Blaise took special care of the pink satin pillow he'd been entrusted with. Awn it were the wedding rings.
Then all heads collectively turned, waiting for the bride. They waited. And waited. And then...
Ehmagawd. First, awl they saw was a glimpse of white. And then, suddenly, there she was. Alicia Mariana Rivera, escorted by her father, in awl her glory.
Her hair was done up in a tight, high chignon, with loose curls falling down her neck and over her high cheek-bones. Her cinnamon-brown eyes sparkled in the sunlight, and her tan skin glowed with sparkle. Her straight white teeth gleamed, and lips shimmered with dusty-rose-pink YSL lip gloss with a perfectly coordinated liner. And that was just her face. Her sun-kissed arms and legs broadcasted no unsightly dark hairs, and her fingernails and toes were painted apricot, for that was the color they'd decided awn for the bridesmaids. Her engagement ring glistened and reflected light from her left ring finger. And let's nawt forget her dress.
Alicia was attired in a stunning cream-and-ecru-colored Ralph Lauren Greek Goddess gown. Awn top, her breasts filled out the draped bodice, which led down to a subtly beaded skirt that whispered and swished around her calves. Awn her feet were strappy peach heels, which matched her custom-made diamond earrings (and engagment ring). A silver sash was also fitted around her middle. Who said angels didn't live awn Earth?
The crowd oohed and aahed at the sight as Alicia advanced and halted just to the left of Josh.
As the priest went through the oligatory motions, she and Massie turned to each other, winked, and let out silent shrieks, making Dylan and Claire gasp and snort with held-in laughter. Kristen, serious to the end, grabbed their wrists and squeezed, causing them to fall silent before too many people noticed.
But at the end, when Kevin Markley prounced them nawt man and wife, but husband and wife, and when they kissed, the girls let themselves laugh and scream, and they crowded around Alicia, herding her down the steps and awf the porch.
"Ehmagawd," Claire screeched, throwing her arms around the Latina. "You should have seen yourself!"
"Really," Kristen added. "You look so beautiful, Leesh."
"Thanks." She smiled, but her dark eyes were searching. For her brand-new husband, the girls knew.
"Oh, go hook up with Joshie," Massie urged with a grin. "We'll be waiting."
As soon as Alicia turned away, smirk-beaming, the four other Pretty Committee girls were assaulted by Allie-Rose Singer, Melissa Hawthorne, Olivia Ryan, and Skye Hamilton, of awl people.
Massie turned to the college freshman. "What are you doing here?"
"I was invited, along with Dune." She put an arm around him, pulling him closer and away from Melissa's fresh-faced beauty. "Anyway, of course I had to wish Alicia Rivera a happy wedding!" She cupped her hand around her perfect bun, which was covered with a jeweled hairnet.
"Of course." Massie nodded. "We're glad you came."
Skye was already dancing awf.
Kristen let out a "Pssh."
"What?" Dylan wanted to know.
"Dunno." Kristen shrugged a shoulder carelessly. "Isn't it beautiful out?"
"It is," Claire agreed. "Come awn, let's go!" And they linked arms and strolled into the field. Just as they were about to split awf, Alicia bounced up behind them, shimmied between Massie and Dylan, and smiled brilliantly.
It was the best wedding picture any of them ever took.
