Inside the Asylum (Book 1)

Chapter 29 - Progress & a Wedding

So, it's been almost 6 months since Max left. However, Grace has been allowed to come in to see me so for the past few months she has been bringing paper and a pen with her so I can write him letters. It's not the same as having him here but it is better than nothing. I honestly couldn't not ask for a better friend than Grace! No matter what she always tries her best to help me.

For the last few weeks, we have been getting stuff planned for Grace's wedding. She decided to get married in the park as that was her and Jack's favourite place. She had picked a whole bunch of stuff for the tables at their reception and had booked into a really fancy brides dress shop, so we were going there with her, her mum and her friend from school Alicia.

The walk to the shop was short as we only had to walk a few streets away. When we arrive the lady at the door welcomed us in and brought us some champagne. This was my first legal drink which meant a lot to me as it was with one of my favourite people.

I hated it.

The drink was not nice at all! Grace told me it was something called champagne. It is very bitter. Instead of drinking the rest I gave it to Grace.

She tried on so many dresses. I had never seen so many dresses in my life. I don't know how but every dress she tried on she looked amazing in. Eventually, she picked a long elegant dress with lace sleeves and a lace bodice. She looked incredible. I just knew that Jack would fall in love with her all over again. She decided to also get a veil. Honestly, she looked beautiful.

After, we had been to the bridal shop Grace said we were going to a little tea shop. She told me it was for her bridal shower. When we got there, it was a quiet little tearoom. The lady took Grace's name then led us to a table in the corner. We had a lovely thing Grace called a high tea. It was really cool. I got to learn what Grace was like at school and I got to know Alicia a bit which was really nice. Plus, to see Grace so happy made me feel happy. It was really nice to have this with my friend and people who are important to her. It was also really nice to have people to talk to and be out of the asylum for a day.

After a few hours Grace said it was time to head back to the Asylum. I didn't want to go back but I knew I had to. I knew that Max was somewhere in there. Hopefully getting somewhere with the detectives and helping with the case.

As we enter my room Grace stops and looks at me.

"Can you believe I am getting married in a few weeks?" She smiles nervously. I think she was starting to feel nervous.

"Are you excited?" I ask barely getting the words out before she nods her head yes. Bless her! "Don't be so scared you will look amazing and will have the best day! I promise." She smiled.

"I have to go now. But I will see you in a few days." She walks back to the door and stops.

"Oh and I will tell Max that you are okay and everything." I smile gratefully.

"Bye Grace. See you later."

The day before Grace's and Jack's wedding....

Jack and Max were staying at Jack's parents' house for the night while Grace and I stayed at her mum's. I could tell she felt quite anxious now, so we decided to watch films until we fell asleep.

I couldn't sleep. Neither could Grace.

Eventually we got up and started to get ready. At about 6am the hairdresser and make-up artist arrived to help us get ready. A few minutes later Alicia arrived. The hairdresser did Grace's hair first while the make-up artist did Alicia's make-up. The hairdresser pulled Grace's hair into a bun with little twist things that had gems on the end of them. When she moved her head, you could see the light catching the gems making them sparkle. Then then sprayed some hairspray to keep it in place for the rest of the day. Alicia's make-up was simple. Light browns and nude colours with a little bit of sparkle. She looked stunning.

Once they had finished Grace's hair, she then was asked to sit in the make-up chair while Alicia got her hair done. Alicia's red hair was curled loosely. They then put half of it in a ponytail while leaving the other half down, leaving some little bits out to frame her face. She looked lovely. All she needed now was to put on her dress. Grace's make-up was simple but elegant. She had a gold shimmer with white shimmer in the inner corner of her eyes. She truly looked lovely. Jack was very lucky. Now it was my turn. They did my make-up the same as Alicia's. While they pulled my blonde hair to one side then put it in plat. I looked at Grace and she looked back at me grinning.

"What?" I asked.

"You look amazing. Max is going to die." She giggled.

Grace's mum walked in just as they finished my hair.

"You all look beautiful." She said as she looked at each of us.

Then we put on our dresses. Alicia and I were wearing a light pink 50's dress with white polka dots. I loved it. Grace and her mum headed into her room to get Grace ready. When they returned my jaw dropped. Grace looked stunning! I knew Jack would love the dress not just the girl in it.

The doorbell rang and in came Grace's dad. He gave each of us a hug and then he turns to see Grace in her dress.

"Darling." He said smiling. "You look beautiful. I can't believe it you look like a princess! So, grown up. I love you." He kissed her on the forehead and sat down waiting for it to be time to leave. Grace was getting married at 2pm and it was now 1pm so we had to leave soon.

When we arrived at 1.40pm everyone was there and were sat waiting for Grace. Alicia and I walked ahead of her as the music started. I saw Max for the first time in months. All I wanted to do was run over to him and give him a hug and never let go but I knew I couldn't. I knew I had to wait until after the ceremony to speak to him. However, I didn't have to hide my smile, I could feel myself grinning from ear to ear. As I got to the top of the aisle Grace's mum stood and gave me a hug.

"Thank you for letting me be a part of this." I whisper to her before she takes her seat and I take my place standing just in front of her. I look over to Max who is stood smiling at me.

"Hi." I mouth to him very happy to see him.

"Hi." He mouths back just as the ceremony begins.

Grace and Jack had written their own vows which was very cute. Grace focused on their past and how lucky she felt. As well as how excited she was to see what the future holds for them. While Jack focused on how much he loves her and their future.

"You may now kiss the bride." The guy says. Jack didn't even let him finish his sentence before giving Grace a kiss causing everyone to cheer. They then walked back down the aisle. Max and I follow, followed by Alicia and Jack's friend Dylan. I grabbed Max's hand and I didn't plan on letting go anytime soon.