Springtime Nerves

Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. All characters in this story are fictional. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, is merely coincidental.

Author's note: The characters are my own, and I ask that you please not steal them. If you wish to use them, please ask me before doing so. This was written after I witnessed a wedding on campus. I was feeling romantic at the time, and my imagination came up with this lovely little story.

The woman in the mirror was glowing, bathed in sunlight. The golden rays played peek a boo with the cream lace curtains that covered the large bay window. Footsteps faded in and out, like disappearing steps of a ghost as the catering crew prepared the ballroom for the reception. A heavy yet soft scent filled the room from the blue hydrangeas and pink hyacinths. It was like a mix of fragrant lavender and sweet candy sticks, reminding her of summers at her grandmother's house in western Kentucky. Soft chatter came from the three women in the background, one of them holding a little girl in her lap, all dressed in elegant gowns in a beautiful pale blue.

Michele smiled as she swayed on the pedestal. Satin caressed her skin like a champagne bath while the cream lace overlay was as the pedals of a carnation. The gown was simple and elegant while providing the vintage feeling that she loved when dressing. The sleeveless dress had wide straps over her shoulder, decorated with tiny pearls along the edge. The semi-cathedral train extended beyond her pedestal and ended on the floor several inches behind her. A chain of small creamy pearls supported a sapphire pendent, that dangled between her breasts. The deep V-neck of the gown drew attention to the pendent. Matching earrings framed her heart shaped face.

She tilted her head, watching as the sunlight hit the sapphire in her earrings. Movement and a quiet rustling behind her caused her blue eyes to lift beyond her own reflection. A silver tiara, a complex pattern of swirls and twists rested on her brown curls. It had been an heirloom in her family for years.

"Nervous?"

Michele turned and looked at her younger sister. With her own dark brown hair hanging in curls, she looked like she had stepped out of a antibellum parlor after a party. Eyes the color of clouds announcing a storm reflected happiness. Alyson was messing with the pearls around her own neck.

"No, not really. I guess it's more impatience than nerves."

"After everything you two have been though, I can only imagine. It has been two years in the making." Jimera was a beauty. Dark blue eyes, that appeared violet in the light and hair the color of a raven's wing at noon combined with her natural tanned skin. Jimera was one of the few people Michele knew who became a model and made a full-time job of it. She stood beside Alyson, peeking into the mirror. "Are you sure this dress looks fine? It looks like the front is too low." She complained.

A pale hand slapped the hand away. "You look beautiful." A redhead smiled as the brunette girl on her back smiled and waved. Denise was a photographer, Michele's best friend, and soon to be sister-in-law. Her husband was going to standing beside Jeramy at the alter. Janelle was her flower-girl and Denise's little girl. A little basket of petals was held tightly in her hand.

"I'm just glad this day has finally come. It was put on hold after the accident." Jimera was still messing with her strapless dress.

Michele frowned and fought to keep from shuttering. Michele and Jeramy had announced their engagement two years ago and planned for a wedding a year later. Just two months before the wedding, a drunk driver had hit Jeramy's car. He had been left in a coma for three weeks, and the doctors told her and his family that there was a chance he would never walk again. Months of physical therapy and several fights followed. He wanted to give up, but she kept pushing until he had no choice but fight on.

A knock on the door came before a woman walked in. She stopped as she looked at the women gathered, her grey eyes on the bride. "Oh, you are so beautiful baby girl. I only wish your father could have been here."

Denise and Jimera slipped out the door, leaving the family alone.

Michele and Alyson hugged their mother as the tears came to her eyes. Elliot Barron, their father, had died three years ago. He had a heart attack at work one morning. They had just enough time to say goodbye to him before he died. They thought about him every morning.

"He's here in spirit Momma. I know that he's got his arms around us right this moment." Michele's voice held a hint of sadness as she wiped the tears from her mother's eyes.

Their mother smiled and stood tall. "Well, it's time for you to stand before your own angel."

They all smiled as Alyson handed her a blue and pink bouquet. A golden ribbon surrounded the green stems, holding them together.

The walk to the gardens were made in silence, their footsteps echoing in the hall. Michele held onto her mother's arm, Alyson walking ahead of them. The doors opened, and the music began. One by one her friends made their way down the aisle.

She heard the beginning of the wedding march, took a deep breath, and smiled as she stepped into the light. She imagined her father's voice in her ears as a wind blew across the gardens.

'I'll always love my little girl.'