VINDICTIVE

Episode 12

A tear grew behind my eye when I heard my favourite song. “He remembered” I whispered, standing up. The echoes of the soft violin managed to lift my spirits a bit.

“Good luck out there” Amber whispered before the doors suddenly opened. One by one the girls started out, pacing slowly up the aisle, each holding a small basket of dark red leaves. Gatta give them credit for staying on theme I guess.

Ever so slightly I tried to peek out, while also doing my best to remain out of sight. Once all the girls were down the music suddenly picked up in volume. Obviously meaning it's my turn. Of course this is usually the moment I'd take my dad's arm. But no one is there. “Love you dad” I whispered to myself. Praying somehow he can one day forgive me for what I'm about to do. With a delicate swoop, I draped the veil over my face. “Let's do this”

Gathering my dress in one hand and nervously gripping my roses in the other, I paced slowly for the door. And even though everyone has seen me already, all the gasps and smiles had me blushing. As I walked, I couldn't help but gawk at the room. Roses and red leaves were intricately placed along the edges of the aisle. Silvery pumpkins at the top and bottom in cut little stacks, white lacey fabrics hung from the roof. It almost made me forget the woman dressed as a sexy bumblebee I just passed.

My heels clicked quietly as I looked up. Meeting my gaze was Liam Martin Vonrough, my groom. My breath hitched And tears gathered in my eyes. When he smiled at me, his eyes twinkled as if about to cry himself. Silently he mouthed the words “I love you”

Amber, Jenny and Laura all stood in a row on my side, Liam didn't have any groomsmen on his side but he looked nonetheless overjoyed, making me feel a little silly about my recent thoughts. Sure his jacket is cut up and covered in blood splatter and beside us stood a man dressed as Dracula himself. He's been a bit spontaneous and weird lately but as I meet him at the front and our hands are joined together, in those beautiful eyes I see a perfect future with him. My love.

With us finally together, ‘Dracula’ began the ceremony.

“We are gathered here today to join this man and this woman in holy matrimony…” to me his voice faded out into the back. My world centered around Liam.

The captain continued talking and talking till finally we came to the questions that will change our lives forever.

“Liam Vonrough, do you take Julie Millbank to be your lawfully wedded wife? For better or worse, In sickness and in health, for richer or poorer as long as you both shall live?” As eagerly as a child Liam answered “ I do “

His thumb tenderly stroked the back of my hand.

Never feeling so sure of anything in my life.

“Julie Millbank, do you take Liam Vonrough to be your lawfully wedded husband? For better or worse, In sickness and in health, for richer or poorer as long as you both shall live?” I held his hands tight and nodded. “I do” Liam let out a relieved breath. His grip on my hands loosened. “Thank goodness” he whispered. Making me giggle quietly.

Next came the rings, one at a time we slipped them on each other's ring fingers. Cementing our love and commitment to each other forever. My family’s never going to forgive me. “You may now kiss the bride”

As lightly as a feather he lifted my veil, kissing me so gently. One hand slipped around my waist, pulling me close. The other framed my face affectionately. My body felt like butter as I melted into what has to be the most romantic, dreamy moment of my life. The crowds cheering and clapping echoed throughout the ballroom.

As we finished, the Captain sent us back up the aisle.

“For the first time as a couple I present to you Mr. and Mrs. Vonrough!”

The large white drapes along the roof were released, raining down upon us and the crowd a rain of golden confetti. The roar of the crowd was deafening as we headed happily up the aisle. Hands joined.

Countless congratulations, and goodlucks and well wishes all blended together. And just as Liam said it would, my favourite dance song shook the room.

The ship's staff, expertly swooped in from all over collecting chairs and taking them away. Opening up the room for everyone to dance freely. The room suddenly fell into darkness, a strobe light took its place along with red lasers flashing all around the room.

Continuing on, we reached the center of the room, Liam pulled me in close. Before I could form another coherent thought I was spun around and dipped. Making me dizzy. Everyone around us joined us in dancing, together we were instantly engulfed in the sea of monsters and random characters. And I couldn't ask for anything better. As we danced, to the beat I noticed people starting to get drinks, more and more of them held a familiar black and red concoction making me smile. Swaying my hips next to liam as the song finished I know where i'm headed next,

“Hey you want a drink?” I shouted. Liam still didnt hear me over the music, I tapped him on the shoulder. “What?!” He shouted. Rolling my eyes I grabbed him by the shirt, pulling him in close. Shouting in his ear. “I'm going to get a drink! Do you want one?!” Giving me a thumbs up he nodded. Getting lost once again in the music as the next song came on. I'd dance more with him but one can only do so much in heels like this.

Morgan handed a woman a drink, taming what must have been three to five more orders. He had others working with him at the bar this time, all of them doing their best to keep up with the onslaught of people and their demand for Inebriating halloween themed beverages. “Hey!” I shouted. Reaching out for him as he passed, his arms shot around the bar as he worked on multiple orders. “Morgan!!” I shouted. ?