Chapter 22
It is a beautiful day. The weather is bright and sunny. The sweet cherry blossoms are all in full bloom, its delicate flowers being blown around by the wind. It seems like everybody is rejoicing for the upcoming union of the two young couple.
The white chapel is small compared to other extravagant churches. But the couple chose it for its simple and charming appeal. Since they only plan to invite a few of their acquaintances, it fits their plan perfectly. They also like the idea that it is situated near the Academy, where they met and fell in love.
Inside the chapel, a hundred well dressed guests are patiently waiting for the bride; consist mainly of family, Alice Academy teachers and students. They are all talking excitedly while waiting for the bride. Once you've entered the place, everything looks beautiful and picturesque. The entrance of the chapel is adorned with a large arch shape arrangement of white Casablanca lilies. It was believed that it was a last minute request of the bride, who happens to fancy being surrounded by white flowers. Her wedding planner is heard to be annoyed, who happens to be one of her best friends Sumire Shoda.
The aisle meanwhile is filled with exquisite roses of almost any colour imaginable. It is really quite a sight to behold. Their delicate buds liven up the whole chapel and their fragrant scents are drifting delicately in the air. Rows of white candles are also lit in huge golden candelabras. All the women in the chapel sigh with pleasure because of its romantic ambiance.
The handsome groom is already waiting by the altar. He looked quite dashing and striking in his tuxedo. He kept glancing and frowning at the front entrance, waiting impatiently for the bride, who is already late by the way. Despite his nonchalant attitude, anybody can see that he's a little nervous. He's probably worried that his bride would runaway or something. Meanwhile, the blue-eyed best man beside him teased him relentlessly. He can't believe that his arrogant best friend is actually worried that his bride may not show up. He patted the groom's back comfortingly.
Finally, a white golden carriage arrived. All the guests immediately hushed to an excited stillness. The groom sighed in relief. The best man grinned. The wedding entourage assembled at the front entrance, waiting for their turn to walk down the aisle. The groom's sister, who has a remarkable resemblance to him, walked towards the front with a white violin cradled in her arms. The wedding is finally starting.
Mikan slowly climbed out of the carriage. One of the bystanders gasped with amazement. She is really quite a sight to behold! Her long and auburn hair is in large ringlets and flowing around her shoulders. A coronet of white roses is placed gracefully on her head. She is dressed in a beautiful white strapless gown with a full skirt. The bodice is beaded with shiny white pearls that glow against the light. The silk skirt has a long elegant train and her face is being covered with a thin embroidered veil. The bride's face is still noticeably glowing despite being covered. On her hand is huge bouquet of exquisite peach roses that is so enormous it covers half of her body.
"It's time." Mikan whispered to herself. She gripped her bouquet tightly and closer to her body. She can't believe that she's actually nervous. She gazed dazedly at the crowd waiting for her. All the people that mattered to her and Natsume are inside. They are all ready to witness the most important moment of their lives. By the time she leave this chapel later, she will be Mrs. Natsume Hyuuga! Her knees began to shake uncontrollably as realization dawned on her.
Her maid of honour and bridesmaids looked at her in alarm. They are all in dressed in identical spaghetti strap peach gowns. Their hairstyles are also similar, all in chignons with white roses to adorn it. Well, except for Hotaru who has short hair. Instead, she reluctantly has a white rose tucked behind her right ear, much to her chagrin.
"Mikan, are you alright? You suddenly look pale!" Anna clutched her hand and was surprised to find it ice cold.
"Don't you dare faint on us, you idiot!" Hotaru admonished.
"I'm so nervous! I can't believe it's my wedding day. Oh Hotaru, please help me! I can't breathe." Mikan fan her flush face with her hands.
Sumire shook her body gently. "Mikan, it's just wedding jitters. Stay calm. Come on, breath slowly."
"It's no use! My heart is pounding like crazy! I can't go in there. I can't!" Mikan cried tearfully at them.
Her bridesmaid exchanged worried glances. They are not prepared for this. They did not expect her to back out of her own wedding.
"Mikan... " Hotaru began to talk in her usual firm voice, her lavender eyes serious. "Do you love Natsume?"
"Yes." Mikan answered timidly.
"Do you want to spend the rest of your life with him?"
"Yes."
"Can you imagine your life without him?"
"No."
"You do realize that he will burn you alive if you back out from this wedding?"
Mikan's teary eyes suddenly gleam with suppressed laughter. "Yes."
"Then what's the problem, idiot?" Hotaru asked exasperatedly.
Mikan smiled and hugged her best friend gratefully. Trust Hotaru to be smart enough to point out the obvious reasons why she is here. She is really good in calming her during situations like this. Anna, Nonoko and Sumire sighed in relief.
"Mikan, we have a surprise for you. We brought you gifts for good luck. I bought you these pearl earrings, for your something new." Nonoko look a little teary eyed as she handed her the magnificent studs.
"It's beautiful." Mikan whispered in awe as she put it on.
"This is a bracelet given to me by my grandmother. My grandpa gave it to her on their wedding day. I hope your marriage with Natsume last as long as theirs did. This is for your something borrowed." Anna clasped an antique bangle with diamonds on her wrist. She took out a white handkerchief and dabbed the tears in her eyes.
"Thank you, Anna."
"You forgot this piece of clothing when you dressed. This is for your something blue. It's another thing for Natsume to remove from your body later." Sumire smiled mischievously at her and handed her a blue garter. Mikan laughed out loud as she put it on her leg.
"I'm sure both of you will be happy. You're the only girl I know that deserves Natsume... Well, except for me." Sumire sobbed. She intentionally said the joke to refrain from crying, but failed to do so.
"Thank you, Permy." Mikan felt her eyes began to cloud with tears. She is so overwhelm by warmth of her friends love.
"Mikan, here's for your something old." Hotaru handed her a small round object.
Mikan took it, with love brimming in her eyes. She stared at the object in confusion. A coin? An Alice rabbit to be exact!
"That's the first rabbit I ever earned when I first came into the Academy. It's very special to me." Hotaru said in an oddly gentle and mellow voice.
Anna, Nonoko and Sumire sweat dropped. Only Hotaru can manage to include money in such a poignant scene like this!
"Oh, Hotaru! Thank you!" Mikan cried and hugged her best friend tightly. She doesn't care if her gift is odd. Anything Hotaru gave her is important to her. She may not be showy with her feelings, but she is sure that giving her the rabbit means a lot! It's her own bizarre way of showing her love.
"Darling, it's time!" Azumi called out to her daughter.
Natsume glared at the entrance heatedly. What is taking them so long? Is she having cold feet? He felt his hands sweat nervously. Damn! He didn't expect to be nervous on his wedding day. This is supposed to be a celebration. No thanks to his best friend Ruka, who just kept on filling his head with visions of Mikan running away. He gritted his teeth heatedly. The day of his revenge will eventually come, on Ruka's very own wedding day. He began to relax as he saw the entourage entered the chapel. Finally.
Aoi skilfully began to play her beautiful rendition of Here Comes the Bride.
Little Miyuki started walking down the aisle, scattering white rose petals from her basket as she move. She looks so adorable in her peach gown, with a huge bow on her head. Tsubasa grinned from ear to ear. He's so proud of his little girl.
Little Zan also looks cute in his tuxedo. He smiled proudly as he carried the wedding rings gallantly. He is the ring bearer.
Sumire and Peter followed after that. Sumire clung lovingly to Peter's arms as they walked. She's probably dreaming that today is her own wedding day.
Nonoko and Iinchou walked nervously. Iinchou is very conscious because he is not wearing his glasses. Just before they walked, Nonoko complimented him saying she never notice before how beautiful his eyes are. He blushed and Nonoko also blushed when she realized what she said.
Anna and Koko meanwhile are the exact opposite of the couple before them. Anna tilted her chin defiantly as she practically dragged poor Koko towards the altar. This was because right before they walk down the aisle, Anna thought that Koko looks quite dashing in his tuxedo. Koko accidentally read her mind and teased her about it. She's furious at him for doing that.
And the last pair to walk down the aisle is the maid of honour and the best man. Hotaru gripped Ruka's hand so forcefully that her knuckles are almost white.
"Relax, Hotaru! You're killing my hand." Ruka whispered, a smile plastered on his face.
"Sorry." Hotaru loosened her grip a little.
"Just enjoy this moment." Ruka whispered and winked at her. Hotaru finds herself staring at his sparkling blue eyes. She finds herself nodding and giving him one of her rare smiles. This is a special day; she should loosen up a little.
Everyone stood up after they passed. It's finally time for the bride. A collective murmur of appreciation can be heard as she appeared on the entrance. She looks so beautiful and radiant. The perfect bride!
Natsume felt his mouth dropped. Is the woman walking towards him really his polka dots? Is this the same woman he loves for almost a decade? After his initial shock, pride and love filled his chest.
"I'm so glad that I am here to give you away, Mikan." Narumi sensei whispered tearfully to her as they walked.
"Me too, father."
"I wish you all the best, my daughter. Be happy."
"Thank you."
They reached the altar and Mikan kissed his cheeks gratefully. Narumi reluctantly let her hand go, his violet eyes brimming with tears. He sat down besides Azumi and bawled like a baby. Azumi hugged his shoulders comfortingly.
Natsume took Mikan's hand and they faced the altar together. From now on, no matter what comes their way, they will face them together, as husband and wife.
The crowd cheered and applaud the newlywed couple as they walked out of the church. Dozens of white doves were released and flew spectacularly towards the blue sky. The newlywed shook the hands of the guests, where the groom is grinning from ear to ear, while the bride is blushing prettily besides him. Photographs were snapped for a while, and then the couple rode the golden carriage towards the reception. The groom nestled his wife's body besides him.
"It's weird, I don't' feel married at all." Mikan murmured at Natsume.
"Really, Mrs. Hyuuga? Then you should wait later tonight. I promise to make you feel like a wife in our honeymoon." Natsume whispered huskily in her ear.
"I'm looking forward to that, husband."
"How's our baby?"
"I think he's happy too. Ever since I woke up, he's been jumping around excitedly."
"That's my boy." Natsume grinned as he caressed Mikan's bump.
"We're still not sure that it's a boy."
"It's a boy." He replied smugly. Mikan rolled her eyes at him. Men and their pride is really something she will never understand. Well, she doesn't really mind if it's a boy. Maybe they're second child would be a girl. She flushed at the direction of her thoughts. They just got married for Pete's sake!
The past days before their wedding were a nightmare. She was hospitalized for two days. She almost lost her baby. Thank God that he's strong and healthy. Their baby wasn't harm during her harsh fall at all. She was actually the one in more danger because she lost a lot of blood from her injuries. The doctors were able to save her. But it still gave them quite a scare, especially Natsume, who hasn't left the hospital at all.
The highlight of the week was Narumi's return. It was a wonderful shock to all of them. They all cried and celebrated his return. He told them that Toya is keeping him alive all these past months. He finally let him go, saying that must help them to fight Reo. Some of them feel sorry for Toya, since he only committed his crimes because of his love for his sister Luna. Some of them, especially Natsume, still hate him because he endangered her life and their baby.
They finally arrive at the reception. It is situated near the Central Town. It's a classical hotel with a beautiful garden. A wooden dance floor and stage is on the middle of it all. Tables are chairs are already arranged, the food being readied by the caterers. Piles of gift are nearby. The huge white cake with a miniature version of the groom and bride on top is a romantic sight.
All of them ate the delicious meal and more photographs were taken. It really is quite an event. Everybody just can't help smiling. Mikan and Hotaru are currently dancing together on the dance floor. It became a weird tradition for the both of them. Natsume and Ruka laugh at the side lines.
"Feels like a déjà vu isn't it? Like 10 years ago?" Natsume grinned at Ruka.
"Yes. Well except now, you finally got the girl."
"Who would have thought? I was quite sure back then that I will be dead by this time."
"And now look at you, married and with a baby on the way! You've always been a fast worker, Natsume!" Ruka smirked.
"You should learn from me Ruka. Now let's go and grabbed our girls." Natsume seized his recently acquired wife and danced with her.
Ruka and Hotaru were left alone together. Ruka's sweat dropped. Damn that Natsume.
"Err... Hotaru... would you like to dance with me?"
"Sure." Hotaru replied stiffly.
They swayed and dance without uttering a single word. Nobody dare to. But somehow, silence is comforting for the both of them. They are still not ready to voice out the swirling emotions inside of them. Both of them are still too stubborn and afraid to admit it. And for the moment, it's enough. Ruka mused.
The time passed by quickly and it's time for Mikan and Natsume to go. Mikan watched her love ones in amazement. It really is an interesting day.
Azumi and Natsume's father danced together, welcoming each other as family. Azumi cried when Mr. Hyuuga teased her about being a grandmother.
Narumi sensei had a one on one talk with Natsume, about his daughter. Natsume find it really funny because his sensei tried to be macho and stern about it. He promised to take care of her to appease his worries.
Koko and Anna made up. They are currently feeding each other the delicious cake. Kokoroyomi's arm is slung protectively around her and is grinning from ear to ear.
Sumire and Peter disappeared a few minutes ago. It's not really hard to guess what the two are doing at this moment.
Tsubasa and Misaki are dancing, but poor Tsubasa can't concentrate. The overprotective father is watching his daughter Miyuki dance with Zan. Mikan stifled a laugh. Miyuki is only four while Zan is five years old. Her senpai is really over dramatic, what could possibly happen between the two very young children?
The group finally assembled at the entrance to see the newlyweds off. The newlyweds are now dressed in civilian clothes. They were packing their suitcases in the trunk of the car.
"Natsume, be gentle. Remember, your wife's pregnant!" Koko teased.
"Kokoroyomi!" A blushing Anna reprimanded her boyfriend.
"Hey Natsume! Your wife needs some sleep and rest. Maybe you should stay away from her tonight." Ruka grinned. Hotaru rolled her eyes out.
Natsume merely laughed at their banters. He is a little surprised himself, for handling the situation in a mature way. He is only married for a few hours and he's changing already. Mikan hugged her best friends and mother for the last time and wave goodbye.
They get in the car and Natsume started the engine. He turned towards her and grinned.
"Are you ready?"
"Very much. Now, let's get this show on the road!" Mikan laughed and grip his hand tightly. The time has come for them to start their new life together.
Hi guys! First of all, I'M SO SORRY, PLEASE FORGIVE ME, SO SORRY FOR THE LATE UPDATE!!!!
I know, it's so unlike me. But I've been really busy! These past few weeks were hell actually. One of our projects in school is to create a movie, and I'm the script writer so I've been pretty busy. I really wanted to update but don't have the time.
Thanks for the wonderful reviews! It really warms my heart, especially to those who email me to update already. Awwwww... (author sniffs)
I also updated my newest fan fict, A Bittersweet Love Affair. Please read it if you the time. It's an alternate ending of gakuen alice. It's really different from the perfect ending. The story is darker and sadder. Geez, probably because I've been watching sad anime series like Paradise Kiss and BokuraGaIta! But I still love it sappy and cheesy things like that! It's my guilty pleasure.
This chapter is really hard to write. I've tried my best. Please rate and review!!! I miss having reviews... (author bawls like a baby!) Ja ne!