Alice pried her eyes from the computer screen seeing Dana pouring over various magazines. Whacha doin?

Dana put the magazines down on the bed, I was trying to figure out what to wear.

Wear to what?

Al?

Yeah?

Youre planning on a dress, right?

Alice had a feeling there was more going on under the surface. She rubbed Danas knee. What are you thinking?

Itswell I knowyou guys made fun-make funif I dress like a twin.

Alice laughed, No onell laugh. Why? Is this about the wedding? You want to wear a dress?

Id like to wear a tuxI was hoping youd wear a dress.

Dana, you can wear whatever you want. Id rather wear a dress, but its no big deal to me. Ill marry you in my red bikini, she purred.

“Im serious.

So am I. Its a ceremony, Dana. Its a symbolic gesture, not a-not a uma recipe. It doesnt have to be a certain way.

I just want it to be perfect.

Alice kissed her sweetly on the lips, I know you do.

We need to talk.

There was a slight twinkle of fear in her eyes, Ok.

Dana stroked Alices hair. I have some big tournaments coming up in the next couple months. Id rather not be planning wedding stuff at the same time. Is that alright?

What are you saying?

Um, either do it before or after them.

Okdo you want a big ceremony or a small one?

Small, she sighed, I dont think my family will go except for How.

*****

Alice stood in the tiny room, she spun around, showing off her dress. How do I look?

Bette shook her head, Unbelievably beautiful. You look stunning. Danas a lucky woman. Im almost jealous.

Alice smiled and then hugged Bette, Will you walk me down the aisle?

It would be an honor, Alice. I never thought Id live to see this day.

Alice clapped her hands together, Good, thats settled.

Ive never seen you so nervous. Youre not even joking about anything. What? No sarcastic remark to my living to see this day.

Alice looked at Bette, the woman she once dated, the woman that was her best friend the years before Dana, the woman who served as her rock or at least an older sister for even more years, Is there anything Im forgetting?

Alice, try to enjoy today. You didnt forget anything.

Tell me Im doing the right thing.

Bette clasped Alices hand in hers. Youre doing the right thing. Im so happy for you.

Oh, God. Im never going to be able to kiss anyone else ever again. I cant handle it. I cant do this!

Sure you can.

Alice pressed her lips to Bettes and quickly pulled away. Ok, now Im ready.

Im the last person youre kissing?

No one else was around, Alice responded nonchalantly

And that was all you needed to be ready? She teased, hoping Alice would continue acting like her quirky self.

Alice smiled, Just had to make sure I like her lips best of all. No offense.

None taken.

*****, did I ***** up my lipstick? Alice ran over to the mirror and was inspecting her lipstick and teeth.

No. It looksperfect. And you really do look so beautiful.

Thank you. And no crying. She pointed at the brunette, Youll make me cry if I see you. Ok?

I will try my very best.

Youre a good friend, Bette.

She nodded in understanding. Would you like me to get Tina
now?

Yeah.

*****
Alice eagerly stood at the head of the altar. She couldnt help fiddling with the bouquet in her hands.

Tina whispered in Alices ear, Today is the first day of the rest of your life.

Alice smirked, Yeah, now that Ill have a ball and chain. So when are you and Bette doing this again?

Oh, Alice, I dont know. Tina squeezed Alices hand.
After a while, she relaxed, a wave of tranquility flowing through her. Her arm fell to her side. Whispers sprouted throughout the guests as the seconds and minutes passed. She smiled at Bette who returned the gesture.