Fragments

by Teg

  “With my wedding all the details were laid out like a menu. We could choose this version or that one, not have to think of every little thing ourselves. It saved me a lot of headaches but gave Mom more than her fair share!” Jane

  laughed.

  “It was lovely, though,” said Elizabeth. She glanced over at Will, meeting his gaze with a tender smile. “I know it sounds strange but we prefer the

  traditional, old-fashioned way.”

  “Dad is pleased about that.”

  “Is he?” Will couldn’t stop himself from asking.

  “Yes,” Jane firmly replied. “It may not seem like it, I know he won’t say anything to you, but he is very pleased for Lizzy. After Christmas he was truly afraid she would never be the same again.” Giving her sister an encouraging smile, she added, “You aren’t the same, Lizzy. You’re better than before.”

  Colour flushed Elizabeth’s cheeks. She wasn’t able to resist a knowing look at Will, who returned it with perfect composure. “I feel better than ever, too.”

  September marked the end of summer. Leaves would begin to change colour as the weather grew cooler, signalling the end of the year.

  For Elizabeth and Will the month of September held a very different meaning.

  It was in September of the previous year that Elizabeth left behind her hospital room to begin her life anew, an abundance of challenges to face and hardships to endure. A full year later she had conquered most of them and stood tall, ready to take on the rest to come.

  September was the time when Elizabeth and Will relegated their old lives to the past and welcomed the new one to come, a life to be spent together, no longer struggling alone but with a partner to share each trouble and each joy.

  Celebrating their first joyful occasion saw their families and friends gather on a warm afternoon.

  Charles dusted the shoulders of his friend’s jacket as they waited near the pews at the front of the church. He well remembered the case of nerves he

  experienced on his own wedding day. “Have you got everything? Passports,

  money?”

  Will patted his pockets, nodding as he did so. “Yes, yes. Luggage is in the trunk.”

  “No laptop?” Charles narrowed his eyes suspiciously.

  “No laptop!” laughed Will. “Don’t even suggest it!”

  Charles leaned toward his friend and winked. “If Lizzy is anything like her sister you’ll not see daylight for the entire time.”

  “Should you be giving away such intimate secrets about your wife?” grinned Will. “And in church, no less!”

  “You’re the one who keeps reminding me that our room blinds never opened

  the whole week of our honeymoon!”

  “It won’t be Elizabeth’s doing if we don’t get tanned. I’ve never met anyone so obsessed with walking daily!” He rubbed his hands together impatiently.

  “What is taking them so long?”

  “Are you anxious?” Charles laughed. “Don’t be. Jane is probably making sure Lizzy looks just perfect.”

  Will thought Elizabeth always looked perfect. However, the sight of her at the church in her bridal gown, walking unaided down the length of the aisle toward him, was breathtaking.

  Charles nudged him. “Here they come,” he said unnecessarily.

  Will’s heart thumped a little harder as Elizabeth met him before the altar and he took one of her hands. She was stunningly beautiful in her sleek satin dress.

  Her hair, grown out over the months, had been released from the confines of its usual upswept style, gently hugging the curve of her cheeks.

  Not one word of the service was missed. Will focussed his gaze on Elizabeth; her eyes, her smile, while his ears were attuned to the minister’s solemn tones.

  The quiet confidence emanating from his bride spoke of the depth of her

  feelings.

  The vows were declared, in strong and clear voices so that no-one in the

  gathered throng of witnesses could doubt the sincerity of either party. At the close of the ceremony, after the signing of the registry sealed the legalities of their union, was when Elizabeth allowed herself to breathe. Of all the

  monumental steps she had taken in the previous twelve months, marrying Will Darcy was the largest and by far the most satisfying.

  The church doors opened before them and the newly wed couple stepped out

  into the bright sunshine of a late summer afternoon. There was time to steal a kiss before they turned to welcome the joyful wishes of their family and

  friends.

  The End.

  Document Outline

  Fragments By Teg Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  The End.