Writer's Cramp and The Perfect Day

Hey all!
My last post on Writer's Cramp was very popular, so I'm doing a reprise. Again, I highly recommend for people interested in writing to check out www.writing.com. It's free, you get to meet a lot of people, and it's tons of fun. The Writer's Cramp is a contest held every 24 hours, and you get immediate feedback from the judges. Plus, other people comment as well! Just keep your entry under 1000 words!

Another one of my favorite prompts was the following:
End your story with the following words: "And now, I have cold feet and an enormous headache."

This was my entry, enjoy!

The Perfect Day

              I finger the lacy train that adorns my head. I don’t think of myself as a beautiful woman, but I admit today is different. Piles of gleaming dark curls are pinned on top of my head with fragrant lilies intertwined throughout the soft tresses. Somehow the makeup artist has done magic, and my blue eyes look bigger than usual, outlined in an invisible almond liner, a hint of blush to my cheeks, and pale pink lipstick that just adds a dash of color to my smiling mouth. The silk, pale gown hugs every curve of my body, and it drapes easily over my skin. Layers of shimmery material pool at my feet. This dress, this makeup, this veil—these are the most beautiful things I have ever put on my body. Because of the perfection I see in the mirror, I know that today is going to be a perfect day.

                I wanted a garden wedding in the glorious outdoors, but David wanted it indoors at night. He said that it would make the event more formal, fit for the queen that I am. How can a girl fight with that logic? So we picked this mansion in which to hold the event. I admit that I was hesitant at first, because I couldn’t see past the cobwebs that hung on every corner, the faded carpet. But a good cleaning has done wonders. The dramatic center staircase is spotless, the wooden banisters gleam and the carpet has a rich, burnished red color. The foyer floor is paved with white marble streaked with grey and black, and a sparkling chandelier hangs from the ceiling, crystals catching the light and sprinkling rainbows around the room. I just imagine my entrance. Oh, what an entrance it will be!

                The music starts. I am in a small sitting room on the second floor with my gorgeous sister Andrea and my best friend from childhood, Elaine, who are both wearing lavender satin.

Elaine squeezes my hand.  I reluctantly let her go as it is her turn to glide down the stairs.

Andrea has no words. She clings to me. I am the younger sister, and until David, we were inseparable. “Don’t mess up my hair,” I say, trying to prevent the tear that is developing in my eye. “You know what an awful time I have with it.”

Andrea sniffles. “Yes, it’s always a bird’s nest.” She kisses my cheek. “You are the most beautiful bride I have ever seen,” she whispers and then exits the room.

My father knocks on the door. “I think it’s my turn,” he says gruffly. His glasses are starting to fog. “Are you going to make it?” I whisper.

                My father blows his nose. “Just allergies, my dear, just allergies.”

                All the people I love are here. They are standing on the bride’s side; their faces are so dear to me.  On the other side is David’s family. In comparison, they seem stern, austere. But I know I will learn to care for them in time.

As I approach, all I can see is David. His pale, handsome features are more dramatic in the glow of the nearby candles. His father is going to perform the ceremony. David isn’t especially religious and figured it would put a more personal touch to the event.

                David’s face lights up into a smile when he sees me. His teeth seem even whiter as usual. As my father sits down, and David takes my hand. His father, standing in front of us wearing dark velvet robes, says, “Now it is time.”

                This pronouncement seems very odd, but I try to ignore it as this is the most special day of my life.

                David takes both of my hands. “I hope you will understand in your last moments,” he said earnestly. “I have really enjoyed getting to know you. And because I know of your purity in spirit and body, I know you are the perfect virgin to sacrifice and to drink from on this important day, All Hallow’s Eve.”

                Suddenly, many things make sense to me. The fact he was insistent on getting married on October 31^st, the fact that he didn’t want to get married in the gazebo with the sun on our faces, the fact that we never spent time outdoors during any of our dates. The courtship was so quick, and I was so fascinated by his elegance and charisma that I never noticed his pale skin and white teeth. Tonight, they lengthen into fangs. Everyone on his side hisses, and I am almost blinded by all the teeth that are bared.

                At this spectacle, I fold my arms stiffly. “I can't believe you are doing this on my perfect day!” I am in complete shock. I have fallen in love with a vampire who just wants me as food. “You have messed with the wrong girl,” I shriek. I can feel the warmth of my family buoying me up. My wig bursts into flame, my fingertips spurts fire. I can tell my beautiful, perfect dress is melting off of my blazing skin, and my soft, deerskin shoes that I love so much, that feel like floating on clouds, are completely destroyed. I come from a whole town of fire spirits, but the Elders had allowed me to leave to find human love. So much for that plan.

                David howls as his tuxedo catches on fire, and he quickly goes up in ash. I turn and see the rest of my family and friends have followed suit, and we all make short work of his side of the family.

                It’s been a long time since I’ve used my powers so drastically. And the more power we use, the worse the fire hangover. I sigh as I wipe away the tatters of my favorite shoes and pull out burnt metal pins from my scalp.

And now, I have cold feet and an enormous headache.

P.S. I won this Cramp. :-)