Author’s Note: So I was looking through my writings and it appears I have an update for both stories today! I hope you enjoy this. I wrote it quite a bit ago.
-Jess McKenzie
Neon Bride X: Wedding Day- Amelia’s Preparations
Danny watches Amelia squirm in her dress that she is required to wear to the venue. “It will be fine Amelia. I used my special request to get you some alone time,” he drops his voice a notch lower, “just don’t forget about the hidden cameras but otherwise, you’ll be alone.” During a neon wedding, the bride and groom each get a special request. The request can be anything save choosing another couple to be the ‘lucky’ winners of this splendid event. In the previous year, Danny remembers that each the bride and groom used their request selfishly. It is believed by many that is the company’s deepest desire. They want the couple to use their request to benefit themselves. As they step into the crowded street Danny is snapped out of his reverie and has to turn it on. Waving and smiling he squeezes Amelia’s hand as she forces a smile.
“Hello everybody!” She tries to sound happy and exciting and to everybody, save for Danny, she does. Danny can hear how she is forcing out the excitement. She just sounds tired. He squeezes her hand, trying to convey all the love he has for her in the small gesture. They get in the car and ride to the place that had been chosen for their wedding. Amelia, exhausted, can feel her strength waning. Normally, she would be shaking peoples hands and talking to them. The past few months of being constantly surrounded by people with no reprieve had drained her. The company probably had hoped that without any rest she would pick the fights that normally air while the Neon Bride was airing. Season ten would just have to be different. The car ride was short and they pull up to their venue. Unable to see out of the back of the car the couple wondered what was in store for them.
As the door opened they got the first glance of their venue. The company had chosen an outdoor location for them. Amelia was secretly grateful, for she had wanted an outdoor wedding, to begin with. Amelia looked in wonder at all of the trees draped in lace and tulle. A questionable combination if you ask her. t was truly magnificent what the company had done. Her eyes froze at the sight of all the chairs it took all of her conviction not to cry. There were to be so many people at her wedding. Hopefully, the company felt gracious enough to invite their family. Amelia found herself being pulled out of Danny’s comforting hold. “You know it’s supposed to be bad luck to see the bride before the wedding.” The stranger smirked as he led her to a tent where her… lovely… dress awaited.
The dress was a neon pink and the only good thing about the fittings was that there were truly no cameras. Amelia remembered asking the dressmaker about the camera crew staying outside. ’The dress has to be a surprise you know’ he had responded. She might have even seen a wink. However, it was too quick to tell and for good reason. There was always a silent representative from the company standing in the corner. Amelia was sure that the dressmaker had put in that idea so that the brides could get a little bit of a break. She was not sure if that were enough for her. If the dress were white, or even a cream color it would have suited her better. A simple gown, the top made of lace with three-quarter sleeves and the bottom flowing to the ground. It fit her thin frame well and despite the color, she looked really good in it. At least, that is what the dress maker said when the representative stepped away for a moment.
She wished with all her heart that her dress were another color. She knew that this would be the perfect dress for her if she had it in another color. She felt tears threatening to fall. “None of that sweetheart! We’re about to put on your make-up and you’ll be all puffy faced if you cry.” A calloused hand gently wiped her tears away. The stranger whispered, “If you don’t look good I’ve gotta go back to my old job and I love this one I get paid more and I’ve almost got the callouses gone.” He was practically begging. She doubted his callouses would go away anytime soon but she nods and successfully stops crying. She can’t stop crying for herself but it always happened when she needed to for others. “Thanks.” He becomes a busy worker around her preparing her face for the cameras on her big day. Much bigger than she had wanted.
They hadn’t had the money to pay for a big wedding and that suited Amelia fine. She and Danny had gone down to the company to register for their wedding. Listening to the clerk ask each couple if they would like to opt out of the drawing for the Neon Bride Contest Amelia scoffed inwardly. In order to opt out of the drawing you have to have money and no one had money where they lived. For as long as she could remember there had been the company taking advantage of those who did not have money. Then they began the drawings for the ‘wonderful’ contest. Amelia had fought with Danny. She was happy where they were in their lives. She loved him and knew he was her match that was enough for her. The wedding was for Danny and he had convinced her that they would not be chosen out of the drawing. Much to her dismay, and his, they were indeed chosen.
“Smile honey the cameras are rolling.” The dressmaker whispered into Amelia’s ear as he helped her slip the dress over her head. He pulled the zipper up her back and made sure the dress was secure in all places.
“Thank you, for this wonderful dress.” She tried to put the emotion of the past weeks for all he had done for her. The somewhat private fittings. The relief from the camera. He helped her survive.
“Don’t mention it, honey.” Was that a wink she saw? She’ll never know. If he has been winking at her he has mastered the art of fast winking. “I always know just what the bride’s needs.” He shuts the door as he leaves the room and she is alone.