Breakfast

by Julie Elizabeth

December 2002, Firthness Challenge Entry

Rated PG

Lizzy gazed at herself in the mirror. She was certain that no one had ever looked more beautiful. She had to be the most exquisite bride ever.

Her dress was the one she had always dreamed of, full and flowing with yards and yards of beaded lace covering the shiny satin. The train trailed a full ten feet behind her and the gauzy veil fell to the floor. She held the largest bouquet she had ever seen and the same flowers bedecked her hair. It was definitely impossible that any one
could have ever looked more beautiful.

“Lizzy,” a shrill voice cried and the vision in the mirror dissolved.

Lizzy still saw herself in the mirror but instead of the beautiful gown she was instead wearing one of her mother’s old nightgowns and a pillow case on her head. Instead of real flowers she was holding a handful of drinking straws with colorful tissue paper attached, the results a school art project.

“Lizzy,” shouted her mother again as she entered the room, “what are you doing? It's time for dinner.”

“I’m getting married, Mommy. Don’t I look pretty.”

“Oh, don’t be ridiculous, Lizzy. Get out of those things and come down to dinner.”

“Yes, Mommy,” Lizzy sighed.

Elizabeth smiled at the memory as she looked at herself in the mirror. Maybe she wasn’t the most beautiful bride in the world but she was certain that she herself had never looked more beautiful. Her tastes were simpler now and her gown was much simpler and more elegant than the monstrosity of satin and lace she had dreamed up when she was six. This dress was made of silk with a scoop neck and long sleeves. It was decorated with narrow satin ribbon at the neck, wrists, and waist and had barely a hint of train. She had decided against a veil and instead had ribbons that matched the ones on her dress flowing through her thick hair. Instead of a large bouquet with every flower imaginable she would carry only a single white long stemmed rose when she walked down the aisle. The whole ensemble was rather simpler than what most women chose for their wedding but it suited Lizzy and Will best.

Her mother hadn’t agreed and would have preferred the dress that six year old Lizzy had wanted. They had battled over it fiercely until her father had insisted that he would only pay for it if Elizabeth made the decisions.

Just then Jane came in and smiled at the sight of her little sister. "Oh, Lizzy, you look so beautiful."

"Thank you, Jane. Is it time?"

"Yes. Will is at his place at the alter and they are just waiting for you to begin the procession. Are you ready?"

"Oh, yes, Jane."

The sisters left the dressing room and joined their father and the other bride's maids in the foyer. The bride's maids lined up with Elizabeth's five year old cousin first and Jane, as the matron of honour, last. As the procession began, Mr Bennet stepped up to his daughter and kissed her on the forehead.

"You have never looked more beautiful, Lizzy."

"Thank you, Daddy."

"Are you truly happy?"

"Oh, yes, Daddy. I've never been happier."

"Well then, let us go meet your husband."

Elizabeth took her father's arm and he escorted her down the aisle. With another kiss on the forehead, Mr Bennet handed Elizabeth over to Will who kissed her on the cheek before they turned to face the minister. He married them in a traditional ceremony followed by the traditional kiss. As they walked back up the aisle both smiled radiantly.

The reception was lovely but both Elizabeth and Will were happy when it was over and they were alone at last. Will had booked the best room in the best hotel in town for the night and they would depart the following afternoon for their honeymoon in Italy. Elizabeth was nervous but soon discovered that Will was also and they shared a wonderful night of love and discovery.

The next morning Elizabeth woke with a smile on her face. She was wrapped securely in Will's arms and her smile broadened as she realized that she would wake thus every morning for the rest of her life.

Will soon awoke as well and they ordered room service for breakfast. As they ate a thought occurred to Elizabeth.

"Will," she said, "we have shared many meals but this is the first time we've had breakfast together.

"The first of many," replied Will as he kissed her.

Breakfast was soon forgotten.

Copyright held by Julie Elizabeth - 2002