Chapter 20
It was the day of the wedding, Miranda was as ready as she would ever be. She opted to do her own hair and makeup using the excuse that she liked it better the way she did it herself, truth being she didn't want any remarks about her face. Her eyes had calmed down considerably but was very tender to touch. Having her long chestnut hair fall to the one side with a huge red flower as her hairpiece, Miranda concealed her bruises the best she could. Applying minimum eye makeup and finally blood red lipstick Miranda was ready to wear her gown.
It was a stunning red dress, strapless boob tube bodice with crystal beading adding to its delicate design. The back of the bodice was a lace up. A-line skirt that flowed to the floor. Sparkling silver heels and a white gold necklace, earrings and bracelet, Miranda was done. Toni with her hair and veil on was crying. “You look beautiful Mira! Oh my god you look stunning!" Miranda choked back a sob. The friends embraced, Miranda winced and hissed in a breath when Toni squeezed her back.
"Ok enough or my make-up will run." Pulling away from Toni she watched her as she adjusting her veil, Miranda composed herself. Toni returned to the seat where the make-up artist was waiting to finish her face. The place was chaotic their room was noisy and everybody having their turn for hair then makeup, champagne being opened and drunk. Sarah was crying. "Mum it's my wedding not my funeral... Lighten up," and so the craze continued.
Miranda felt that she had a great big lump in her throat, he was really going through with it, how could he?
To Miranda's surprise Carlos and Crystal walked in. Without a seconds thought Miranda ran into Crystal’s arm and sobbed to her hearts content. Crystal at first was stiff then she hugged Miranda like really hugged her.
"Hey Hun shhhh it's okay."
"What the fuck?" Carlos's voice was music to her ears. Miranda really wanted to run into his arms but would never repeat that mistake. Pulling away from Crystal Miranda apologized for her outburst. She noticed Alec was right behind Carlos. He looked like a god, so amazingly handsome in his wedding tuxedo.
"It's all good honey, we'll sort it out. Heaven’s sake Alec what's gotten into you?" Crystal whispered angrily, she was exasperated at Alec after studying Miranda's face. Alec ignored Crystal and moved over to his bride.
"Carlos, Crystal this is my fiancé soon to be wife Toni." Alec said ignoring their accusing looks, both Crystal and Carlos shook Toni's hand and resumed tending to Miranda.
"How is it that you know them Mira?" Toni asked curiously. Miranda had no answer, she wiped her tears.
"Um...friends from ages ago..."
"Oh... Okay... Wow small world... Stop crying babe, come on this is a good thing, gees your worse than my mum." Poor Toni was trying to make light of the situation.
"Miranda, I won't have you upsetting Toni..." Miranda noticed Toni look a little confused by Alec's comment to her... But she didn't say anything.
"That's enough Alec, no need for threats Miranda's fine... Aren't you fine?" Crystal was directing Miranda to answer to save her skin.
"Yes I'm fine."
"See we are all good here. Maybe you two better hurry along." Crystal god love her was trying to ease the situation.
A knock sounded at the door. "Toni the guests are arriving we need to finish off." Sarah said as she opened the door and walked in.
"Okay that's my cue to leave." Alec kissed Toni again which earned cheers and claps from the spectators. Miranda sat down unable to do anything.
"Don't take it to heart, I think that he is a little stressed..." Miranda forced a smile.
"All good."
The church ceremony went without a hitch. Miranda walked down the aisle with Chris. Miranda noticed Alec's eyes darken when he watched them entwine arms. He never took his eyes off her. When Toni walked in everybody gasped at her beauty, her dress was stunning, tight bodice with diamond beads and crystals sown in patterns. She had a huge skirt with a massive tail. She looked like Cinderella at the ball. Miranda's tears fell freely. Lucky for her everybody assumed it was tears of joy.
The church took forever, Miranda found it was extremely hard to breathe when they exchanged vows and then rings. Trying to steady her breathing Miranda was ready to run. Calm down Miranda don't do anything you’re going to regret!
Alec was happy when it was over, he couldn't believe he saw it through. He was now a married man. Finally they walked out as Mr. and Mrs. deAngelo. Alec could see Toni was relieved that they were finally wed. Miranda on the other hand looked like she was ready to collapse. Now to get through the reception.
***
Finally the night was over, the reception was beautiful, speeches were made, dancing, eating, everything was like a fairy tale. The hall was donned in red roses and fairy lights, looked magical. Alec wanted to leave everything behind, he was getting agitated with Miranda being with Carlos and Crystal as if seeking their protection. As Toni was saying her goodbyes to her family Alec decided it was high time he dictated some rules to this new found trio.
"Carlos tomorrow you will accompany Crystal and Miranda to the manor, Miranda get only what you need, I will organize Leon to select a wardrobe for you once you get home." He noticed Miranda bite the inside of her cheeks. She looked ready to lash out. "Problem kid?"
"That's enough Alec, not now." Crystal the voice of reason.
"I asked you a question." Alec was losing his cool.
"Um yeah, how do you expect to explain to Toni why I am living with you? So yeah I would say that is a big problem." Yep Miranda your bitchiness seems to want to get you into a lot of shit! Calm down idiot he will smack you in front of everybody!
And there goes that lopsided grin, Miranda knew he wasn't impressed. Instinctively Miranda moved behind Carlos and this infuriated Alec.
"You think to hide behind Carlos and Crystal? Come here!" Miranda was debating whether to run or to stand her ground. She moved toward Alec cautiously. Holding her head up and standing directly in front of him.
"You want to try me Miranda? You honestly want to piss me off?" Alec was rubbing his hand over his goatee and Miranda wasn't a fool, she knew that he was already pissed.
"Wouldn't dream of pissing you off on your wedding day Master." Alec actually laughed before grabbing her arm and pulling her toward him in a cruel and unrelenting grip. He moved to whisper in her ear
"Admit defeat kid! You’re fighting a losing battle, and if you really want to test my patience keep going, I swear to god I'll slap your bare ass in front of everybody here... Choice is yours. Now are you going to behave?" He tightened his grip painfully waiting for her to reply.
"Yes..." Alec let her go and started to caress her arm where he had gripped her. Pulling her into his embrace and holding her tightly while he kissed the top of her head. Miranda's tears started anew. Why did he play with her emotions like that? Her heart was breaking and he continued to be the cause.
"Sshhhh I'm sorry, sshhhh..." Alec coaxed, he knew he was messing her up. As he engulfed her he kept whispering that it will be okay. She grabbed onto him like he was her life line... Damn right he was her life line.
Giving her a final kiss Alec pulled away not looking behind him, Alec had a lump in his throat, he couldn't explain it, so he put it down to not wanting to leave Miranda believing she needed him... Or vice versa.
Crystal and Carlos took Miranda home. Once she was home she was given the rundown for tomorrow, which Miranda didn't really comprehend. She was way too upset to care what time they were to pick her up.
Taking off her dress and wearing any old pajama Miranda hopped into her bed and shut the entire world out!
***
Having showered and packed a few belongings Miranda set her suitcase by the door. She didn't have time to call the real estate and terminate her lease. Alec would have to sort it out. She flopped onto her sofa nursing an aromatic cup of coffee, recalling the year she had lived without Alec. How would she be able to cope under the conditions she was in? He fucking married her best friend! He did it, and what's worse and what was affecting Miranda more than anything was the fact that he actually loved Toni.
What sort of life was she to live under his oppression? Miranda wasn't a complete idiot she knew that something happened to her body when he hurt her, whatever sickness that was, Miranda believed it wasn't normal.
Alec fell in love with Toni easy enough but why not Miranda? If he claimed he needed her to breathe, was it only to vent out his issues on her? Why couldn't he just love her or just leave her alone? Fuck him for fucking up her life! Fuck him for making his sick and twisted fetishes her burden. How would she ever be able to deal with Toni?
Living under the same roof, how was the idiot going to explain that one... Oh Toni, please don't hate me... I really am running out of people to love me.