Avery’s POV

“Ave, will you please sit still so Ashley can finish your hair and makeup?” Maya scolded, placing her hands on top of mine.

I had been subconsciously rearranging my blonde curls before Ashley could even style them. I just couldn’t help myself. I was somewhere between nervous and excited, and I didn’t know what to do. In a few hours, I was going to marry the love of my life, and I just couldn’t sit still. Everything had to be perfect. I mean, I couldn’t let Brian down. I loved him more than I could express and I could never live with myself if something didn’t turn out right for him. This was our day and my chance to show him what he really meant to me, from my vows to his favorite food and liquor the reception. I even got his favorite band to make an appearance at the reception, but he didn’t know about that yet.

“You and I both know Brown Eyes wont abandon you at the alter,” Maya continued and I snapped my gaze over in her direction. Oh god, I hadn’t even thought of the possibility of him freaking out and not showing up… What if he decided he didn’t really want this? What if he decided it was a mistake and left me at the alter?! Oh my god…

I pinched my eyes shut as my chest heaved up and down, panic coursing through my veins. Oh god! What if Synyster Gates reared his ugly little head again and this was all too much for him! I couldn’t even bare the thought of waiting in that little back room at the venue only for my friends to come tell me that he was missing… What would I even do?

“Nice going Maya…I told you not to say anything and that she was fine!” Jess hissed somewhere to my left. So they had talked about me when they went into the other room a few minutes ago? Perfect! What other secrets was everyone hiding from me today! Did Duran Duran cancel on me? No, no, no…It was supposed to be my special day, not my day to freak out about every little thing. Why did this always seem to happen to me?!

“Ave? Ave? Breathe! You know I was joking right?” Maya’s voice sounded and I swallowed thickly. “Open your eyes love… Everything is going to be fine.”

“It needs to be more than fine!” I cried, my panicked gaze turning on my best friend. She looked beautiful with her long dark hair pulled back into an elegant curled bun with a braid across the top of her head like a crown. At least one of us was going to look good today, because I couldn’t seem to sit still long enough to get my hair and make up done. I was seriously freaking out! “It needs to be perfect… but-but what if you’re right? What if he doesn’t show? What if he is freaking out right now and runs?”

“Ave!” I felt a cool pair of hands take my cheeks, forcing me to look into her kind brown eyes. “You are overreacting, love. Brown Eyes is going to show and everything is set up and beautiful. Jess and I were up half of the night to make sure, I promise you that. Everything is going to run smoothly and will be the social event of the heavy metal world for many years to come.” Maya gave me wink and then gently kissed my forehead.

“Besides, do you really think the guys would let Gates run away that easily? You’re like their little sister for crying out loud!” Jess added, putting her hand on top of mine. “I’ve already talked to Jimmy a few times this morning and they are just hanging out having a couple of beers and watching some baseball game. Brian is there and is just as excited as you are.”

“Are you sure he’s not freaking out? You know how he doesn’t tell anyone what he’s really thinking until its too late!” I just couldn’t get past the thought of Brian leaving and deciding this all was a mistake. My heart was beating a mile a minute in my chest, panic coursing through my veins. This was supposed to be the perfect day… but right now it felt everything but perfect.

“Yes, I promise he is just watching the game and drinking beer. They were all laughing in the background and before you ask—” Jess continued, pointing her finger at me as I opened my mouth to interject. “I heard him telling Johnny to fuck off and pass him another drink. Brian is in good hands and I promise Jimmy is keeping a close eye on him.”

“Besides, you know how Jimmy has that weird ‘third eye’ thing with the guys anyway,” Maya chucked, crossing her arms over her chest with a faraway look in her eyes. Was Maya thinking about how Jimmy knew Matt liked her from the very beginning and sacrificed a potential relationship with her for his best friend? “He always seems to know what the guys are thinking and what their true intentions are. If he had any doubt that Brian wouldn’t go through with this, he would kick his ass and then call. And you and I both know that, Ave.”

“Well, what about everything else? I just have this anxious feeling in the pit of my stomach that something is going to go terribly wrong and ruin it all… after all that hard work…” My voice was starting to quiver as I struggled to hold myself together. I think the pressure, stress, and anxiety of the whole thing was getting to me. Even thought I knew deep down that my friends would never let anything bad happen, I still couldn’t push all my irrational fears away. Why wouldn’t my brain and body just let me enjoy this moment with the love of my life?!

Maya chuckled lightly and shook her head at me with a small smile. “Ave, now you’re being a little ridiculous. The anxiety you’re feeling is normal and you just need to relax and have another mimosa. I promise Brian is fine, the ballroom at the country club is set and beautiful, and I can assure you that you will absolutely love your dress. It’s perfect and my best creation if I do say so myself.”

“Really?” I sniffed, taking a tissue from Jess and dabbing my teary eyes. Somehow Maya always knew just what to say to make me feel better, and for that I would forever be grateful. There was a reason we had been best friends so long.

“Would I lie to you?” Maya laughed before taking my hand and pulling me out of the chair. “Come on, I’ll show you so that you can have some peace of mind. But, as soon as we are done, you need to let Ashley finish your hair and makeup. We have a timeline to maintain to keep your perfect day on track.” Maya sent me a wink and linked her arm with mine, taking me into the walk-in closet in my hotel suite. “Now close your eyes. No peaking!”

I did as I was told and stood anxiously in the middle of the giant closet. My heart was still beating quickly, but I didn’t feel like it was consuming me anymore. Maya and Jess was right: everything is going to be perfect. It had to be.

“Are you ready?” Maya asked. Somewhere to my right I heard hangers and a bag rustling and suddenly everything was becoming real. I was really getting married today and I was about to see my wedding dress for the first time!

I nodded and Maya instructed me to open my eyes. What I saw before me was not what I expected at all. No, it was so much more than I could have ever dreamed of!

“Wow… M… it’s-it’s,” I gapped, looking at the most beautiful wedding dress I had ever seen. It was an ivory, floor length ball gown, with layers upon layers of the most beautiful tulle. The bodice was a sweetheart cut corset, made of hand sewn laced flowers and silver beadwork. It was simply breathtaking.

“Do you like it?” Maya asked, wrapping her arms around me and putting her head on my shoulder. “I wanted you to look like the princess you always wanted to be.”

“I-I love it, Maya. Its perfect.” This time I couldn’t stop the tears from coming. I was so overwhelmed with emotions from seeing the dream dress that I never knew I wanted, that I couldn’t contain myself.

Maya hugged me close and then kissed my cheek. “I’m glad you love it. AND if you love this dress, you’re going to love your sexy reception dress!” she squealed and my jaw hit the floor.

“You made me another dress?” I gapped, wiping away my tears. “Maya you shouldn’t have. That is way too much!”

“Oh please.” Maya waved me away and moved toward the second bag in the closet. Inside the second bag was a simple, obviously very form fitting lace gown. It had a high slit up the side and I could tell from the cut that it would hug all of my assets perfectly. “You and I both know we needed to give Brown Eyes some eye candy before you wedding night. Oh, and you might find a little surprise from Jess and I packed in your bag for tonight…”

“Maya!” I blushed, feeling the redness take over my face. “It’s all too much! I-I don’t know how I will ever thank you enough for this. Everything is perfect!” I gushed, my heart soring with excitement now.

Maya laughed and pointed at me, her face lighting up. “See! You said ‘everything is perfect’ so now you can go get your hair and make up done without any problems!” she laughed, pushing me back out of the closet toward Ashley’s chair. I would have to make sure to tip her really well for putting up with all my nonsense today.

“Wait,” I said, spinning around in her arms and holding my best friend at arms length. “Thank you. Thank you for everything, M. I don’t know where I would be without you.” I pulled her in for a long hug, just enjoying the moment. I really loved Maya like a sister and I couldn’t wait to share her special day with her, just like this. She deserved all the best and I just hoped she and Matt could sort out their differences. I was tired of seeing two people that were destined to be together just pretend the other didn’t exist. It was painful to watch, especially over a misunderstanding.

“You probably wouldn’t have because I am the best thing that ever happened to you,” she chuckled snidely before giving me a gentle shove back toward the chair. “Now lets go, we have a schedule to keep.”

An hour and two mimosas later, I found myself staring at my reflection. I didn’t recognize the absolutely stunning woman standing in front of me in the white silk bathrobe. My hair was styled in a waterfall of blonde curls with a silver headpiece, while my makeup was simply breathtaking. Ashley had really outdone herself and I was afraid Brian might not recognize the woman walking down the aisle. I just hoped he liked what he saw as much as I did. My hair and makeup were perfect.

“Ave,” Maya called, knocking lightly on the bathroom door. “Are you almost ready to go? The limo will be here in ten minutes. Jess and I are getting your dresses and shoes around and you can put it on when you get there. I will also have the bell-keep take your suitcase up the bridal suite.”

“Okay, I’ll be right out,” I replied, giving my reflection one more smile. I was still a little nervous about Brian but deep down I new everything was working out according to plan. “It’s going to be perfect,” I kept reminding myself.

I quickly grabbed my makeup bag and walked back into the bedroom of the suite. I just needed to grab a few things for the ceremony and I would be ready to go. God, I was so excited! I mean, just seeing Maya and Jess walking around in their bridesmaid and maid of honor dresses was enough to make me feel better. Maya had really outdone herself dressing our entire wedding party. They looked stunning in their black floor length evening gowns, each one a little different to match their own personal style. I honestly couldn’t wait to see what she had dressed the guys in as well. It was all very exciting!

“Got my makeup bag for touch ups, got my shoes, my phone, my garter… and all I need now are my vows,” I muttered to myself, walking around my room. I had looked over my vows the previous night, making sure everything was in order. Now where did I put them down?

I padded over across the room and opened up both of the bedside table drawers only to find them empty. “That’s weird…” I knew those papers couldn’t have gone far. “Maybe their in my purse?” The only problem was my purse was full of the other things for the wedding, but not my vows.

“No, no, no… they have to be here somewhere!” I cried, now frantically looking all over the room, throwing things out of my path. “Where the hell did they go?!”

With each step I took, my heart started to beat faster and faster, the panic starting to rise again. This couldn’t be happening! I couldn’t have lost my wedding vows! What was I even going to say when I got up to the alter? I couldn’t just stand their and open and close my mouth like a fish out of water! NO! I had to find them and fast or else I was going to ruin the whole day.

“Ave what are you doing?” Maya’s voice called as I tore through the hotel suite. “What are you looking for?”

“I’ve lost my wedding vows and now the whole ceremony is going to be ruined!

Matt’s POV

I stood looking at my reflection in the mirror while my mind swirled through an array of thoughts. Sure I looked good in my black tux and deep purple tie, but I felt like absolute shit. Not only had I fucked up almost every single one of my wedding tasks today, but I had also walked away from the one person I couldn't get out of my mind. Those dark brown eyes were all that I could think about and I was pretty sure I was slowly going insane. Did she have any idea the kind of effect she had on me? And she just wanted to throw all this away for her douchebag brother and his lies? That was complete and utter bullshit and we both knew it. I still couldn’t get over the fact that she chose him over me.

What the hell was she thinking all this was between us? Just some kind of game with no other intentions? Fuck, I didn't think of it that way at all. I was going to ask her to fucking marry me for crying out loud! Didn’t that mean something?! Was there something wrong with me in wanting to stay with her for the rest of my life? I didn’t think so, but apparently Maya didn’t want to even try, considering she chose not to come to my proposal night. God that fucking hurt, especially since I had never wanted anything more in my whole life. She was all that I fucking wanted and she threw it all away. And for what? A relationship with her fucktard brother who left her alone once and would probably do it again.

At this moment, after not seeing her or touching her for two weeks, I knew that I needed her in my life. But did Maya feel the same way? I guess I would have to wait for her to come to me, as much as I hated that idea. She’d come back to me right? No, probably not because she was still living with Trevor and wouldn’t even talk to me at the dress rehearsal yesterday. It was like I was playing some kind of sick and twisted game with my own heart, hoping she would come back to me and see reason. When was I going to learn that that wasn’t Maya. Once she made up her mind on something that was it. And for my heart, that was a hard pill to swallow. I still loved her and wanted her, even if she didn’t want me.

I was pissed off and hurt and I really didn’t want to see her at the wedding today, but I knew I had to suck it up for my best friend. It was his big day and after that, I could go back home and sulk. I wasn’t sure how I was going to move on from Maya, but I needed to. God that thought fucking hurt. She was happier without me and I guess I just needed to accept that.

“Yo, Shads! You almost done in there? You’re taking longer than Gates!” Zacky laughed, pounding on the bathroom door.

“Yeah, I’ll be right out,” I let out a long sigh and ran my hands over my face, trying to get those hauntingly beautiful brown eyes out of my thoughts. They wouldn’t fucking go away. It was almost like a cruel joke, my mind forcing me to see the one thing I wanted the most that I knew I couldn’t have. It fucking sucked.

“You alright?” Zack asked when I stepped out of the bathroom. What did I have the words ‘I’m fucking miserable’ written across my face? Apparently it was because there was that stupid look of sympathy on his face again. When would my friends learn to just leave me alone? Making me talk about my feeling never fucking helped. I needed to get over Maya on my own, and there was nothing they could do to help me, besides maybe put a bullet in my head.

“I’m fine.” I pushed past him into the living room area where Gates was anxiously pacing and pulling at his hair. What had I missed in my ten minutes in the bathroom?

“Gates, what the fuck are you doing? We are about ready to leave for the venue,” I said, stopping in front of him with a raised brow. Why did he looked so stressed all of a sudden? We had a fun morning just hanging out, so I didn’t quite understand what was going on. Was he thinking of backing out? Oh I would kick his ass to next Tuesday if he was even considering leaving poor Avery at the alter.

“I cant fucking figure out what to say in my vows.” Gates turned to look at me with panicked eyes and sighed.

“I thought you said you finished writing those last week?” I swear we had that conversation but then again, a lot had happened since we got off tour.

Brian let out a loud growl and pulled at the roots of his hair, making it stand up on edge more than usual. “I thought I did too but when I was just going over them, I lost a fucking page somewhere along the way and I cant fucking remember what it said!”

I sighed and ran my hands over my face, not understanding what was so hard about telling the woman of his dreams how he felt. “Just tell her how you feel, like you did in the song you wrote for your engagement. All you need to do is tell her how much you love her.”

Gates shook his head, narrowing his eyes at me with a crazed look. “You don’t fucking get it! It has to be perfect! Ave has spent months planning this wedding and if I don’t say the right fucking thing up there, I’m going to screw it all up.”

“Dude, you need to fucking relax,” I said, putting my hand on his shoulder and trying not to laugh. He was acting insane right now and it was all because he loved the girl so damn much that he didn’t want to screw it up. I understood where he was coming from, and I would do the same for Maya… if she hadn’t of throw everything we had away.

“Relax? You want me to relax? We are about to go the goddamn venue and I only have half of my vows ready! What am I supposed to fucking do, improvise the rest?” he snapped, madness brewing in his eyes.

“Yes,” I shrugged. “Once you see her, you wont even need to look at your stupid papers. It’s all right here,” I said, placing my hand on his heart, looking him in the eye. Brian opened his mouth a few times, trying to think of some kind of response but deep down I think he knew I was right. Seeing Ave would put every little doubt and fear aside and his words would just come out. It was kind of like when he had writers block in the studio. Just bringing the little gnome in the room instantly cleared his thoughts, inspiring the musical outlook that we were looking for. Ave was really his other half and we all knew it. “Trust yourself and Ave. That’s all you need to remember your vows.”

Gates nodded and pulled me in for a hug. “Thanks, Matt. You’re right. A piece of paper with words on it is not going to make a difference. It’s how I say it…” he said, a small smile pulling at his lips. Was he thinking about the little blonde? It was funny how she always seemed to calm him down. Maya had the same affect on me… well at least when we were together.

Suddenly another body flung into us, causing all three of us topple to the floor in our tuxedos. “Who said you guys could have cuddle puddle with the groom without me!” Jimmy screeched in my ear, hugging both Gates and I close on the floor. “I fucking love you guys!!”

“Love you too man,” Gates chuckled before pulling away and sitting up. As he sat up, he narrowed his eyes looking at a piece of paper sticking out of the back pocket of Jimmy’s pants. “What the fuck is that paper in your pants?”

“Oh you mean these? I was bringing it to you…” he got really close to Brian as he whispered loudly. “I think someone is writing love notes to your soon to be wife,” he hissed, looking around to make sure no one else was listening in. “I found them on the floor in the dinning room… if you ask me it’s short shit… he’s been acting odd all morning…”

I raised a brow and grabbed the paper out of his pocket, looking it up and down. “No one is writing Ave love letters you idiot,” I chuckled, passing the paper to Brian. “You found the missing page of Gates’ vows.”

“Thank fucking god!” Brian said, looking over the page and then placing it with the others. “But enough of this shit. Let’s go because, I’m getting fucking married!”

Notes

So the wedding day is finally here! Ahh! Tell us what you think! What do you want to see at the wedding?