Hey, you

Chapter 11 - You look perfect tonight

Will was pacing around the hallway, nervously waiting for Ellie, who still hadn't emerged from the bedroom. They were now alone in the house - everybody else had already left for the wedding venue. A car was waiting at the bottom of the stone path, which was covered in snow that continued to fall. The sky was getting darker outside as Will patiently continued to wait, wearing a slim, dark blue suit and continuously checking his watch. They were cutting it fine. The wedding was due to start in forty-five minutes.

The door to Will's bedroom slowly opened. He looked to the top of the staircase where Ellie was stood, wearing a long navy dress with her hair neatly tucked behind her ears, and running straight down her shoulders and back.

'Wow,' gasped Will, gazing up at her in amazement as Ellie began to step down the stairs towards him. 'You are the definition of beautiful...'

Ellie reached the bottom of the staircase and stood close to Will, putting her arms around his neck.

'I'm sorry again about last night, I completely overreacted. You're my best friend, Will. I am so in love with you, I just want things to be perfect between us...'

'Everything is perfect! You're perfect,' Will replied as the car horn sounded from outside. Wrapping his jacket around Ellie, Will opened the door and escorted her outside, through the fresh but heavy snow. Ellie's feet felt frozen. She could hardly see her blue painted toenails through the end of her shoes that sank below the snow as she tried her best to keep her balance on the path before getting into the car.

***

The wedding venue was pristine with ambient lighting above the seats creating a warm atmosphere. A pianist was sat to the rear of the room lightly playing a melody whilst Will and Ellie followed the guests as they walked down the aisle and took their seats for the ceremony. Mike was nervously waiting at the altar as Will gave him a quick thumbs-up before sitting on the front row, in between Julie and Ellie.

The room was sat anticipating the arrival of the bride when the large arch-shaped wooden doors opened. Will struggled to hold back his emotions as he saw Jade walk down towards the altar, linking arms with David, who looked honoured to be the one to walk his step-daughter down the aisle.

Will wiped a tear away from his eye as Julie handed him a tissue, looking as though she'd be needing the rest of the pack for herself. He discreetly wiped the bottom of his eye and took a glance at Ellie. She was fixated on Mike and Jade, smiling as they read out their marriage vows. She couldn't help but imagine it being her up there someday. When she imagined herself, stood at the altar and facing the groom, she could only see one person standing in front of her. She slowly reached for Will's hand, stroking his palm with her thumb before sliding her fingers in between his. Will quickly looked around to see if anyone had spotted Ellie resting her head on his arm as she gracefully continued to watch the ceremony.

'I now pronounce you husband and wife,' announced the minister as everyone in the room got to their feet, clapping their hands and cheering. Will put his arm around Julie, who was running out of tissues as she continued to wipe away her happy tears. He couldn't help but smile. The sight of seeing Jade so happy only brought him pure joy, despite their years of sibling rivalry.

***

It was the perfect evening, the guests were up dancing, and love was well and truly spreading all around the room. Ellie was dancing with Julie to Sweet Caroline as Will couldn't help but grin whilst watching on from the bar where he was stood with Theo. He'd never seen Ellie so happy since meeting her. Despite being amongst unfamiliar people, she seemed very comfortable. It was almost as if she'd managed to escape the pressures that came with her life for one night. She signalled over to Will to join her and Julie on the dance floor. He grinned back at them, slowly shaking his head, but Ellie and Julie remained persistent. Eventually, Will admitted defeat, leaving his beer at the bar with Theo as he made his way to the dance floor, knowing full well he'd never see it again.