Warnette's Wedding (after Imagine Me)

JULIETTE

Tears continue flowing down my cheeks as I see Aaron holding the dog in his arms. Though he looks absolutely repulsed, the dog seems to love him, it licks his face and snuggles in the crook of his neck.

A few years ago, the Juliette from the asylum would never have thought she'd live to see a day like this. To be able to hold an innocent creature in my arms without it being hurt by me, a look of longing and joy instead of terror in its eyes. To be surrounded by friends and the love of my life, Aaron Warner. The man I am marrying tonight.

Aaron and I make our way back to our rooms, the dog still nestled in his arms. Suddenly I'm transported back to a time not long ago, another dog in another boy's arms. Another girl watching from a distance, trying to convince herself that that boy was a sadistic sociopath, expecting him to do something to the poor, innocent creature. I remember vividly as he reached into his coat, reaching for something, a glock perhaps. I remember feeling terrified for the starving dog, only trying to survive. But instead, he pulled out a loaf of bread and handed it to the dog. Aaron Warner. My Aaron.

Once back in our room, I head to the bathroom and bring along the bag Kenji gave me at the store. He insisted I take it and only look in it once we go back to the Sanctuary. He was quite sure I no longer needed the white dress with tulle that I tried on. I felt really guilty for the store owner, since he did close the store just for me. Honestly, as mad as Warner is about Kenji ruining the dress Winston and Alia made me, I don't mind having to do with another dress. Though it was a gorgeous dress that Winston and Alia put so much effort in, I couldn't care less if I showed up naked to my wedding night. As long as I had Aaron with me.

I start unzipping the black garment bag Kenji gave me, curious as ever to see what dress he got me. I have no idea how he managed to find a dress, especially one he was so enthusiastic about. I gasp in shock as I pull out the dress, tears welling in the back of my eyes once again.

"Everything okay in there love?," Warner asks from outside the bathroom.

"Yeah, everything's perfect." More than perfect. I look in wonder at the blue sundress I hold in my hands. Though most would never consider wearing something as casual as this to their wedding, it is the only dress I want to wear. The very dress I once refused to wear. A different situation, one where I was forced into wearing this dress by someone I hated with every ounce of my being, now the man I am going to marry. I choke back my tears and rush out of the bathroom, looking for Kenji.