Chapter 14
"Ha, Ha, your excellence is most comical." The laughter continues on and as I approach the doorway, the man I believe to be Don Javier notices me. "Oh your Highness, you look exquisite and I have yet to work my magic on you. What a magnificent canvas I have to work with, yes?" I smile graciously.
"Thank you and I apologize for keeping you waiting."
"Oh pish posh, you are my Queen, I would wait for an eternity for you," Don Javier says as he makes his way toward me, grabbing my hand and laying the most gentlemanly of kisses.
"Thank you. I am ready when you are."
"Excellent!" Don Javier claps his hands in excitement and leads me to a chair that looks like a director's chair with the title Bride embroidered on the back. Looking around I notice the other chairs say Bridal Entourage. That is a cute touch that I suspect Vanessa had something to do with. And with that thought it dawns on me that I haven't seen Vanessa or Jessenia since I woke. Right on cue I hear the girls walk in giggling in unison.
"Hello your highness," they say in unison while bowing.
"Your highness? What are you guys doing?" I ask in shock by their greeting.
"Oh we are terribly sorry Queen Madeline. We never meant to offend," they sang together with fear in their eyes.
"I feel like I've stepped into the Twilight Zone. Exactly when did you two stop calling me Maddie?" The two girls look up at me with confusion. "I mean we are still friends, right?"
"Oh of course your highness. I mean Maddie," Jessenia stammers.
"Oh calm down Nessa," Jessenia snaps.
"Hey Maddie, how excited are you?!?" Vanessa beams trying out my name like a foreign word.
"It's okay," I say softly looking at both girls. "I'm very excited Nessa, and hey guys let's have a fun day. I mean after all it is my wedding day!"
"Please we all know this is really a political move on both their parts." I look at Jessenia wondering what she means by that statement. The silence in the room is deafening. I can see Don Javier staring at me for confirmation.
Thinking quickly I chime in, "Are you doubting my love for Bash or his love for me?" Clearly stunned by my question Jessenia quickly snaps her head in my direction. It almost look as if she is waiting for me to start laughing.
Attempting to recover Jessenia says, "neither your Highness. I was just making a joke. Clearly a poor one. I am very sorry." Jessenia put her head down, as Vanessa turns her head toward the mirror in a she told you kind of fashion.
Wanting desperately to ease the tension I beam, "Don Javier, what do you have in mind for my hair?" Taking my cue he is off explaining the hairstyle, and the reasoning behind his choice. He further goes on to describe the makeup that will accentuate my features and eyes. Soon enough both girls are chiming in. Shortly after Don Javier's crew joins us and they begin prepping my entourage. Laughter fills the room and my mother walks in with a Sofia Vergara look alike.
"Oh there's my beautiful daughter-in-law." Holy Crap, I think to myself, Sofia Vergara is my mother-in-law.
"Thank you Mrs. Cortez."
"What is it with these formalities? I mean I know you are Queen, but seriously. I insist you call me Valarie. After all your Highness we are family."
"I couldn't agree more, therefore I insist you call me Maddie," I smile sweetly. Valarie look at me with surprise, but returns the smile. My mother who shows a half smile, sits down at her designated chair. Once my glam squad is done with all of us it is time to get my dress on. Vanessa suggests I use the restroom before putting on my gown. Taking her advice I excuse myself as I leave the large walk-in-closet turned into dressing room and enter the adjoining bathroom. Upon my return, my mother has hung a gown bag behind the closed door and managed to clear the room. I take a deep breath and smile staring as I think finally a moment alone with the woman I haven't seen in over 13 years.
"I know you don't want me here, but it's tradition for the mother to help the bride. Everyone is insisting on it, so let's just get you in this gown," she says with tension.
"You know I never thought we would have this moment together." Not realizing it I unleash a tsunami of mass proportions. My mother looks up at me with tears in her eyes.
"Neither did I. Although I wish it wasn't forced."
"Mom what are you talking about?" I look at her questioningly.
"How much longer are you going to make me pay? I had to go, it wasn't my choice. And listen here Ms. Holier Than Thou, you will have to do the same to your child in the future." I could tell she wanted to continue, but the tears turn into uncontrollable sobs. I run over to her and hug her like I am never letting go. This works to calm us both down.
"Since I've been home you have yet to hug me. I hoped one day you would find it in your heart to forgive me. Honestly I never thought you would." We stayed in each other's arms holding each other tightly.
"I'm sorry mom. It was foolish of me to waste precious time being angry." So far the glimpse of what the future Maddie is like, is grating on my last nerve. Reluctantly we let go of each other. My mother walks over to my dress and un-zips the bag. My gown is amazing, with its lace embroidery and silver flecks. I walk over in awe. The sweetheart neckline and flare of the gown makes the dress look regal, vintage, and romantic. My mother opens the hooks and I step into the dress. She pulls it up and begins hooking the dress back up. Once she is done I walk over to the huge mirror situated at the center of the closet. I have the overwhelming feeling to cry. Present day Maddie may not act much like the past version, but she definitely has the same taste. This dress is perfect. My mother comes up behind me and attaches the cathedral veil, slowly making her way back as she works to spread it out. I look up at her through the mirror and we both begin tearing and laughing. She presents my shoes and holds my hand as I step into them. The look is complete and there is no denying, I am a bride.
"It's only been a few years but the Princess has grown so much and beyond expectations," says a familiar and welcoming voice.
"Grams!" I move as quickly as my gown would allow me and practically leap into her open arms.
"Hello sweet pea. Let me look at you. Wow, Maddie you make one gorgeous bride."
"Thank you Grams, I'm so happy you're here."
"Did you have doubts?"
"No, I'm just beyond happy. I have my family back together and it's just overwhelming and nice."
"I couldn't have said it better," said my mom as she approaches her mother giving her a kiss and a hug."
"Ladies, I hate to interrupt, but it's time for the first look and pictures," says my father from the door. "Oh Maddie, you are breathtakingly beautiful."
"Thanks dad, we are ready." In that moment I have a thought. If there is tension between present day Maddie and those I hold dear, what is her relationship like with Bash? All of a sudden I am a ball of nerves. Hoping all is at least cordial with Bash and I, I follow Grams and my dad out the door with my mother behind fixing my dress and veil. My father offers me his arm as we make our way down a grand staircase leading to a sitting room. Everything is covered in white, green and blue delphiniums, hyacinths, hydrangea and ranunculus. The smell is light and the view amazing. We walk past the kitchen and out the backdoor to a path leading to the beach. The path is cut short by the massive floral alter prepared for today's festivities. On the right and left of the path are satin covered chairs wrapped with blue ribbons. My father and I walk around the alter and I can see Bash standing just at the entrance to the boardwalk facing the beach. My father squeezes my trembling hand and we smile at each other. Taking a deep breath in and out I let go of my father and head toward my waiting groom. As I approach him I reach out to tap his back. He slowly turns and smiles, but I notice immediately the smile was more of a smirk.
"You clean up nice Mads," Bash says with little interest. I stare into his eyes searching for a glimmer that his feelings for me, the past me, hasn't completely cha
nged. Mads what happened to the adoring way he called me Princess or Madeline?
"You look amazing Bash," I say as he tilts his head and looks at me quizzically. "Let's take a quick walk on the boardwalk before starting pictures." I turn to the photographer who is already snapping away. "Five minutes please." He nods in acceptance and both him and his assistant put their equipment back down. Bash looking at me with suspicion extends his hand to me to lead the way.
I start up the ramp and once we were out of ear shot Bash says with venom, "Don't even think about backing out of this wedding. I don't care what the bloodsucker has said to you. We have an arrangement and you may have made it clear that he has your heart, but politically you are mine." In that short but brutal rant Bash tells me exactly what I want to know. Our relationship is nothing more than an arrangement. There is no love or mutual respect, definitely not the kind of marriage I would want to have.
I decide to take the "rip the band aid off quickly" approach and I say, "Listen, I am not the same Maddie, things have changed."
"Yea and I'm sure it has a lot to do with Lance's visit earlier today." I knew at that moment Bash was not going to listen to me. How else can I get through to him?, I think to myself. I look at him from the corner of my eye as he keeps ranting on and on. Finally I stop, which prompts him to do so as well. I grab his face, look deep into his eyes and once I can see the icy blue begin to melt, I stand on my tip toes and kiss him. He is stiff at first but in a short time he snakes his arms around me and deepens our kiss. I can barely hear the crashing of the waves as our kiss lingers on and on. Bash backs off first and looks into my eyes.
"Who are you?" He says with wonder in his voice.
"I don't know how but I'm here from the past. The last thing I remember is playing orb ball in the park before waking up here on our wedding day no less." I go on to explain the whole story to Bash in detail. He guides me to a nearby bench, out of fear of messing up my dress I opt to stand. Bash is clearly in shock and unsure how to respond.
"We are going to have to call this wedding off," he says in a whisper. At that I push him back so that there is room for me to awkwardly climb into his lap.
"No, that is the last thing we are going to do. We cannot alter events that are set to happen. It might change my time. We will go through with the wedding, and after tonight we can start trying to figure out how to get me home."
"This is going to sound terrible, but?" His voice trails off as he thinks about whether or not to tell me what is on his mind. "I don't want the other Maddie back," Bash whispers. My look of surprise makes him realize how that sounds. "I mean."
"It's okay, I know what you mean. I have an idea of the kind of person I've become from encounters with other people. I understand, but I have to go back to my time.
"I know. But what if you make different decisions based on what you know now? You can still run the risk of altering the future," Bash pleads with concern. Reading between the lines I know what he is really saying is I will choose Lance over him.
"I don't know why I chose to take this path and I have yet to see a reason to change it," I say reassuringly. I put my arms around Bash's neck and he looks up with the warmth I feared was gone.
"Come on my Queen, let's get these pictures done." I prepare to get up, but Bash pulls me down giving me an Earth shattering kiss that makes my knees go weak. He gives me that smooth, charming, irresistible smile while helping me up. We walk hand in hand back toward the entrance of the boardwalk where the photographer and our bridal party are standing in wait.
"We're ready for our close ups Mr. Deville," Bash shouts with humor. Everyone looks puzzled and unsure how to respond.
I giggle, "I'm glad I'm not the only one who makes jokes people find cheesy." Bash snickers at me, and before we knew it, the photographer is snapping away.
"I think they are reacting to how in love we appear to be."
"We appear to be?" I ask afraid of what his answer will be.
"In love we are," Bash says just as he gently grabs my chin and kisses me.
"Oh, I love the candid shots. Great smiles, happy, loving couple!" His photoshoot-esque approach causes Bash and I to laugh that much harder. After clearing the tears from our eyes I notice our bridal party and my parents looking at each other in wonder. I tug on Bash's hand and after first glancing at me to say What?, he looks over at everyone else. He clears his throat and we walk over to the railing closest to the beach entrance. He spins me so that I am standing in front of him and he has his arms wrap around my waist. "Love it!," shouts the photographer. "Okay, let's get some with the group and the parents. During the reception we can get some on the beach, what do you guys think?"
"And ruin her dress, absolutely not!" exclaims my mother. Everyone is equally surprised at her outburst and erupt in laughter. This made for one comical group shot. After an hour of candid and posed shots it was time to prepare for the ceremony.
My father's phone rings and shortly after answering, he announces the guests are beginning to arrive. Bash gives me another swift yet powerful kiss before, Jessenia, Vanessa, Hailey, and my mother whisk me away. We head back upstairs to the walk-in closet where my Grams and two other older women are having a heated discussion. As soon as I walk in and the door closes, the three women descend upon me examining me closely. "Hi," I say wearily.
"Who are you and what have you done with my granddaughter," my Grams chastises. I gulp not ever having to witness her wrath. I look over at Hailey and she is standing in a corner with her head down. Very un-Hailey like and I develop a better appreciation for the smart mouth Hailey from my time. I take the time to explain the situation to everyone. My Grams and her two comrades seem to calm down once I am done explaining the situation. "You are right to proceed with events as they come along. You do not want to do anything that could negatively impact the future. As you said you will have to go through with this wedding and we can figure out how to get you back to your time afterwards." I nod my head in acceptance just as Grams adds, "but I have to admit I like this version of my granddaughter." I smile to show her I understand. Everyone in the room makes noise to show agreement, which does not surprise me. Wow present day Maddie, is really no bueno.
A knock on the door catches our attention and Hailey walks over to open the door. "Ladies it's time," says my father. Pushing the door open dramatically is Don Javier.
"Vhere is the bride, let's do a touch up, really quick, jes?" I smile and he comes toward me with an arsenal of hair and makeup brushes as well as hairspray. After I am all set my father once again offers me his arm and we head out of my dream closet.
I can hear the instrumental of You're Mine and the bustling of guests making their way to their seats. My bridal party is lined up at the top of the stairs preparing to make their descent. We all head down the stairs in an orderly fashion and I get a glimpse of the guests and Bash standing at the altar just as Don Javier and another man are closing the door. "Alright everyone don't forget to smile and walk to the beat of the music just as we practiced." Panic once again consumes me as I realize I have no idea what song I am walking out to. Just as quickly as the anxiety sets in it falters and I know this sense of calm comes from one person. Grams is outside with everyone else sending me her love in the best way she knows how. I pass a telepathic thank you and take a deep breath exhaling slowly.
The instrumental of A Thousand Years begins to play and I smile. Yep, present day Maddie and I definitely have the same taste. My bridal party begins to walk and not too long after it's my turn to make my way. My father flashes me a proud smile and I see a glimmer of a tear. Looking down and smiling I feel once again like I am in a dream. The music changes to the instrumental of Thinking Out Loud and the doors once again open to reveal my father and myself as we walk to the beat of the song. I look first at Bash who is beaming with love and happiness. His infectious smile prompts me to dazzle him with my own smi
le. I take a moment to look to the right and left nodding and smiling at our guests. As I get closer I see Grams her two friends, and my mother sitting in the front row tearing away. But I hear Bash's mother before I see her and can see she is inconsolable. There is a man holding her trying to keep her calm. I recognize him from the family tree in the one eyed book, he's Bash's uncle on his father's side. As we approach Bash, my father shakes his hand and turns to give me a kiss. Just as I turn to face my future husband, dark clouds roll in and lightning strikes. Everyone looks up at the sky and we prepare for a downpour. Suddenly another bolt of lightning strikes down on the alter and Bash's best man grabs the officiant just before it touches down. The light is blinding and pushes us apart. The sounds of screams and someone calling my name is the last thing I hear before everything goes dark.