“Yes, it’s odd. But he must have his reasons. Okay, open your eyes. What do you think?”
“I like that shade.”
“Hi, girls!”
Claire walked in with curlers in her hair, holding a garment bag that she hung on a hook.
“Libby, your hair is gorgeous.”
“Thank you! Alixia did it.”
“Nice job, Alixia.” I smiled, adding a little blush to Libby’s cheeks.
“Okay that’s it. Where’s the dress?”
Libby stood up. “I’ll get it.” She went to the closet and opened the door, reaching inside.
“Here it is.”
“Oh, it’s beautiful, Libby.”
“Let’s get it on you,” I said, taking it from her. “Claire, help me.”
Libby stepped into it and we brought the dress up around her. I started closing all the tiny pearl inlaid buttons. Claire moved around us, fluffing out the petticoats. Then Libby stepped back so that we could examine her.
She looked like a princess standing there. The dress had a sweetheart neckline. The bodice fitted over her hips, folding into a lavish, uneven drape in the front of the skirt. It gathered at her hips with trios of hand-made silk roses. These were spaced nicely down the skirt, as it cascaded into a billowing cathedral train.
“So, what do you think?” she asked, with tears in her eyes.
“You’re beautiful!”
I turned the floor mirror so she could see. Her mother came into the room and gave her a hug. I watched their relaxed intimacy, thinking of how things used to be.
“Okay, Claire. Your turn,” I said, letting go of the memories with a heavy sigh.
She was a lot easier and less emotional. I took the rollers out of her hair, teased it just a little to give it some height, and then added a touch of makeup.
“There,” I said, finishing her lipstick.
“Thanks, Alixia. It looks great.”
“Now, can I see your dress?”
“Yes.” She went over to the door and unzipped the garment bag.
“Well?”
“Oh, Claire,” I said. “It’s exquisite. The ivory silk is sumptuous, and this lace is so delicate. This was your grandmother’s dress?”
“Yes,” She beamed.
“Let’s put it on you.”
“Close the door. I don’t want Libby to see it yet. She probably thinks I chose a miniskirt and blouse.”
Stepping into it, she pulled it up and put her arms through the long lace sleeves.
“Turn around Claire. Let me button you.”
“Okay.”
The buttons went from the small of her back all the way up to her shoulders. I went to work, and it took a full five minutes.
“Alixia, how many more?”
“Almost there. Everything’s so tiny.”
By the time I got to the last one, my fingertips hurt.
“There, I’m finished.” She turned around, facing me.
“Claire, you’re breathtaking! It’s perfect on you. It shows off your figure beautifully.”
I hugged her.
“Come on, let’s put Libby out of her misery.”
We walked into the other bedroom and they all turned. Libby just stood there in awe for a second. Then she laughed joyously.
“Claire, I don’t know what to say.” The tears started coming again, but now it was all three of us.
Claire and Libby’s mothers wanted to take pictures of us all together, but my dress was still in the car. Walking to get it, I saw there was a lot less commotion going on as the time for the wedding drew closer. As I returned with the dress, the boys arrived. They all joined me in their black tuxedos, smiling broadly.
“So, how’s it going in there?” Phillip asked, putting his arm around me.
“Oh, lots of tears right know. Happy ones.”
“How’s Libby?” Davis asked with concern. “Her Dad said she was really upset.”
“She’s okay, just having some wedding day jitters. Are you alright?”
“Yeah, I just wish I could see her.”
“Well, it won’t be long now.” I lifted the arm with my dress on it. “I’d better get back upstairs and get dressed myself.”
“Alixia, wait. I need to talk to you,” Phillip said.
“Before you do, can I?” Robert asked.
“Sure.”
“In private…”
Phillip raised an eyebrow at me as he walked over to my car to wait.
“Robert, what is it?”
He spoke very quietly.
“I had another one of those feelings that someone’s following me.”
“When was it?”
“When I was leaving my apartment. So, I was just wondering, did you ever go see that Healer you were talking about?”
“Marguerite?”
“Yeah, her.”
“No, I was planning on doing it after the wedding. Why?”
“Oh I just… Never mind. Phillip, we’re finished here,” he said. I reached up and kissed him on the cheek.
”It will be fine,” I said. He squeezed my hand and left.
Phillip joined me.
“So,” I said. “What do you think? Will they come tonight?”
He grimaced.
“No, I don’t think so. Not at the wedding. There are too many Outsiders. But let’s keep watch anyway.”
I hoped he was right.
“I have to go. The girls are waiting.”
“Okay, I’ll see you at the altar.”
“Funny.”
The girls weren’t in Libby’s room, so I walked into the bathroom and slipped out of my clothes. I stepped into the dress and looked in the mirror. The seamstress had done a good job. She’d cut it down, making it more formfitting, and the giant flower was gone. I reached for a hairbrush.
“Here,” Claire said as she joined me. “Let me do that for you.”
She looked in the mirror at me, smiling.
“The dress looks a lot better.”
“Thanks. The seamstress did a nice job. Hey, where’s Libby?”
A sly smile crossed her face.
“She’s with Davis,” she said, bringing my hair up into a loose twist and leaving strands of curls.
“Isn’t that’s supposed to be bad luck?”
“Not if you’re in love.”
I looked at her in the mirror.
“You saw Robert, didn’t you?”
“Yeah, so much for tradition. There!” she said, putting some baby’s breath in my hair.
“It looks good. Let’s go find Libby and get you two married.”
Leaving the bedroom, Claire stopped. I looked back at her.
“Are you okay?”
“Yes. Just needed to take a breath.” She inhaled and blew it out. “I do love him.”
“I know you do. Ready?”
“Yes.”
We stood outside by the French doors, watching people file in. The grounds were decorated elegantly with white chairs for the guests and a red runner going up to a wedding arch. The arch was interlaced with baby’s breath and yellow wildflowers that were gracefully placed in garnishes of greenery, and there were a few crimson roses mixed in. I looked at the girls holding hands, sensing their fear and joy as we heard the music start.
“So, are we ready?” I asked, as Libby’s father opened the door for me. They nodded. I stepped out onto the red runner, looking straight head, seeing the guys standing there with big smiles on their faces. Phillip got into my head.
You look beautiful tonight. And you remembered to wear shoes!
Ha, ha.
I made it to the altar and gave him a small smile. I looked out, not seeing Madame Cecilia.
Where’s Madame Cecilia?
I don’t sense any danger. She’ll be here soon.
I guess I’m being a little paranoid.
Libby’s traditional wedding march started, and then Claire stepped out with her. They looked at each other, smiling, and then st
arted down the aisle with their fathers behind them. Stopping at the arch, they kissed their Dads and then handed me their bouquets. Claire gave me a quick thumbs-up as she went over to Robert, and Libby was still tearing up as Davis joined her with an adoring look on his face. The minister put his hands up, ready to speak.
I suddenly sensed a presence!
Turning to the guests, I looked out frantically, dropping the flowers
“Marcus! “ I cried out, overcome with joy at seeing him again. I stepped toward him. Suddenly, I felt Phillip’s grip on my arm.
Don’t be reckless now.
Phillip, let go. He’s not dangerous. You have to sense that.
He loosened his grip a little as Marcus came toward us, yelling.
“Let her go!”
I could sense Phillip’s anger.
Phillip, please?
Fine!
He let go, but then Robert intervened.
“Stay there, Alixia!”
He then walked up to Marcus, pushing him back, and yelling.
”Damn it Marcus, this is my wedding! Come with me!” Marcus stopped and turned, leaving with Robert and his parents. They walked into Libby’s house, leaving me standing at the altar.
The Reception
The wedding ceremony finished without Marcus. I watched as my friends walked back down the aisle, hand-in-hand. The guests cheered them and applauded, mouthing congratulations. They made their way jubilantly down to the end of the red runner, ready to take their new paths in life.
“Alixia, are you ready?” Phillip asked, coming up behind me.
“Yes,” I said, taking his arm.
”Well, where do you think he is?”
“I don’t know. Maybe he will be at the reception.”
I was worried because Marcus hadn’t returned to the wedding. Robert had come back a bit flustered, and had taken Claire’s hand. He’d told her how sorry he was for the interruption, and then asked the minster to begin without his brother.
Phillip got in my head, interrupting my thoughts.
I think we made a questionable impression on the guests here tonight.
I looked around, listening to their thoughts.
Yes, I think you’re right.
I smiled nicely at them anyway, not caring what their gossipy judgments were.
“Oh, well, what’s a wedding without a little drama?” I said softly to Phillip. He shook his head and smiled.
We walked over to the reception line to pay our respects. Of course, the girls and I squealed and hugged each other with joy. I moved over to Davis, giving him a hug, and then I turned to Robert.
“Congratulations,” I said giving him a hug too. Then I leaned in close and whispered to him.
“Where’s Marcus?”
“He’ll be back.” He kissed my cheek and returned to his guests. I stepped aside, watching him take someone’s hand as they congratulated him. Phillip came up behind me, putting his hands on my shoulders.
“Should we go over to the reception tent?”
“Yes.”
Walking in, it was beautiful. The colors from the wedding flowed right into the reception area. Yellow and white flower arrangements, with just hits of crimson, had been arranged in crystal vases. They sat on tables with white lace tablecloths, surrounding the dance floor. The soft yellow lighting gave the tent a feeling of intimacy.
We walked to the head table and took our seats. Guests started entering the tent, milling around and visiting with each other. Some went to the bar for drinks while others began looking for their seating nametags. I gazed around the room, looking for Madame Cecilia and not finding her.
There was applause as the newly married couples took to the floor for their first dance.
“Alixia, smile.”
“What?” I said, closing my eyes as a camera flashed. The photographer walked away while I was still blinking.
“That should be a cool picture,” Phillip laughed. “Come on, lets go dance.”
Phillip took me tightly in his arms. My chest was up against him, and I could feel his heartbeat as we slow danced. His hips gyrated against mine with ever beat of the song. I leaned into him even more, getting lost in the sensations running through my body.
“You know we belong together.“
“Phillip,” I said, coming out of the seductive spell. “Please don’t.”
He kissed me tenderly.
“You keep saying that, but when you’re in my arms, I know you feel differently.”
“Phillip…” I said, and then hesitated. I looked up at him. “Never mind. We’ll talk later. Come along, the song is over.”
We enjoyed the rest of the night until it was time for the newlyweds to leave on their honeymoons. We followed them out, cheering with the rest of the guests as they got into their cars and drove away.
I walked over to my car and Phillip opened the door.
“I‘ll follow you home, just in case.”
“Okay,” I said starting the car. He shut the door and left. Backing up, I turned the car around to head up the drive onto the main road, with him behind me. After a couple of miles, I decided to take the back way home. I turned onto the gravel, and almost crashed into a figure standing in the middle of the road.
“Marcus!” I cried out. He walked past my car. I looked in the rearview mirror as Phillip got out of his vehicle.
“Great!” I said, getting out and seeing them grabbing each other.
“Stop!” I yelled, coming between them. Marcus looked at me with fury.
“He kissed you!”
“Yes, I did!” Phillip said, shoving him. “And I’m going to win her back, too!”
Marcus balled up his fist.
“No, you won’t!” he said, knocking him across the road. Phillip got up and went for him, taking him to the ground and wrapping his hands tight around his neck.
“She’s not yours yet!”
Marcus pushed so hard that Phillip flew backwards into the trees. Moving fast, he jumped back at Marcus and they both hit the ground, rolling around.
I stepped over them. I’d had enough, and they both knew it. They stood up, still seething with anger but listening.
“Marcus, get in my car. Phillip, follow us back to my house.”
“No, I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“The hell you will!” Marcus said, getting in Phillip’s face again.
“Marcus,” I said, glaring at him.
“Forget it,” Phillip said and walked back to his car. He opened the door.
“Tomorrow.”
He did a U-turn and headed to New Orleans. I stood there on the road, shaking my head. Marcus came up behind me, and I walked away from him.
“Alixia, come back here!”
I walked back, and slapped him.
“You didn’t want me to be with you, after the ritual.”
“It wasn’t like that.”
“You shut me out. I didn’t know if you were alive or dead. Phillip would have never done that to me!”
“Right,” he smirked angrily. “Phillip is always there!”
“Yes, he is! He cares about me.”
“I noticed that at the reception.”
“You were there?” I swallowed hard, knowing now that I was the one who had to do the explaining.
“Yeah, just long enough to see you two kissing.”
Damn. I’ve really screwed this up.
“Marcus, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt you. It’s just that, when I’m around him…”
I grimaced, and then shrugged.
“You know what, I have no excuse. All I can say is that I’m sorry, and I do love you, Marcus. ”
“Well, you sure have a funny way of showing it, by letting Phillip kiss you.”
I walked away from him, going back to my car, and not knowing what to do about either of them now.
“Alixia,” he said, holding on to me firmly.
“Marcus, let go,” I started to pull away.
Wait
a minute…
I moved back, close to him.
“You’re different!” I said, staring at him.
“What are you talking about?”
“You! At the wedding ceremony tonight, your appearance was different. I noticed that right away. You weren’t as pale. But now, touching you, you’re still cool but not as cold as before.”
I touched him again.
“The ritual changed you. Can you go into light?”
“Yeah, a little, but not for long. It’s as if I‘m in two worlds now. I’m still in the Dark world, but I don’t have the urge to feed as I did before. It’s still there, but I can even be around my parents for a short time now without wanting to use them as a food source.”
I actually laughed. And then I was deadly serious again.
“So, how else are you changed?”
“I don’t know,” he said, looking intently at me. “A lot, I guess. I can get into your realm’s minds now.” He grinned. “Reading Phillip’s thoughts tonight was really interesting, especially when it was about you.”
I glared at him.
“Marcus, we’re not talking about Phillip now.”
“I know.”
“So, you can get into our heads?”
“Well, not yours or the others who bear the mark of the Ambrosine. But everyone else’s, I can.”
”So,” I smiled. “You can’t get into my head.”
“No, not that I didn’t try,” he said, curling the corners of his lips and baring his teeth slightly. Then he laughed.
“I guess I should have had a little more of your blood, eh?”
I shook my head.
We both turned, sensing her.
“Madame Cecilia,” I said, rushing over quickly to block her from him.
“Alixia, I was worried when you didn’t return, and now I see Marcus is here.” She moved me aside, walking over to him and checking him out as if he were some kind of science experiment. She reached for his hand.
“May I?”
He placed his hand in hers. She closed her eyes, going deep into his thoughts. Her face changed to astonishment.
“You are of both worlds, as Marguerite said you would be. And you have seen Lucida, too.”
It was my turn to move her aside.
“You’ve seen my mother?”
“Yes, tonight. That’s why I didn’t return to the wedding. Ethan and I…”
The Legacy (Ambrosine Book 2) Page 28
