Free (Sequel to Through The Dark) Complete

Chapter 85

The morning of the wedding had finally arrived.  Amanda watched JJ playing with the makeup brush at the vanity set up in the dressing room at the castle.  She'd noticed JJ had been particularly quiet this morning.  Now that everyone from her wedding party was here to get ready, Amanda noticed that JJ had become even more quiet.  The night had been great.  They ate bad food from room service, had a few drinks, and then fell asleep together.  JJ insisted they only talk about the wedding and Amanda though.  Amanda was grateful that JJ was paying so much attention to her, but wanted to also get across to her at least one more time that she would always be JJ's best friend.  Always be there for her.  But every time she tried JJ would stop her.

Amanda walked up behind JJ and wrapped her arms around JJ's shoulders from behind.  "You seem more nervous than I do today."  She stated as she gazed at JJ catching her eyes in the mirror.

"Well, if I'm nervous or anxious, it automatically calms you.  It's how we work together.  So, I'm doing it for you."  Julie quipped looking back at Amanda through the mirror.

Well, JJ was on her sarcastic game, but Amanda could see the sadness in her eyes.  "Good comeback, but you're not fooling me."

"I'm happy for you Panda.  More than I think everyone realizes."  Julie put her hands on Amanda's hands which were still wrapped around her.  "Honestly, it's not even really about you, or the wedding.  If I didn't have this right now, I'd probably have been locked up in an institution already.  The after affects of the trial just aren't getting easier.  I need this happy to try and counteract it all."

Amanda sighed.  "You should have told me you're still struggling with that."

"I just did."  Julie put the makeup brush back into her powder and started blending it into her cheeks.

Amanda stood up and went and leaned against the vanity looking down at JJ.  "Before, smart ass."

"I didn't want to make you worry.  Or take this time away from you.  As I've told people multiple times, my shit will still be around when you come back."  Julie reached out and touched Amanda's hands.  "Seriously, I'm extremely happy that you're getting married, that I'm here for it, and that I get to be a part of my best friend's day."

"Not just day, but life."  Amanda bent and kissed JJ's cheek.  "Why don't you let the professionals handle your make-up?  It's what they are here for."  Amanda squeezed JJ's hand and went back to sit at the other vanity.

Julie nodded and set the brush down.  Whatever Amanda wanted.  She watched in the mirror as her make-up was being applied.  She'd kept from everyone how much she thought about that trial during her waking hours.  Harry, Amanda, and Niall knew about the dreams, but she was able to convince them that it was only her subconscious that wouldn't let go of Johnny. But in reality, she thought about it most of the day as well.  How she didn't think this was over.  How she saw that look in his eye when they were dragging him out, that look she knew all to well.  He would be obsessed with getting back at her.  And since he couldn't do it by asking for money, he'd do it another way, and think he'd get away with it.  It was how people like him worked.  Never thinking they would be caught.  She wasn't even sure if he knew that his behavior and actions were wrong.  She felt safe here, but going back to anywhere in the States was causing her lots of anxiety.  The authorities had taken away his passport, but traveling within the US wouldn't be an issue for him.

Julie shook her head lightly as the words from the girl applying her make-up broke through her thoughts.  Julie nodded when the girl repeated her question.  "Oh, yes.  It's beautiful, I love it.  Thank you."  She turned and looked at Amanda who was getting the final touches done.  "You look absolutely beautiful."  Everyone was wearing make-up, but it looked very natural.  Everyone looked incredible as the make artists highlighted the women's best features.  "It's all very elegant.  Everyone looks great."