After All this (1/1)

Author's POVThick red velvet ropes lined the red carpet, highlighting the path for the oncoming guests. Cameras flashes as reporters raced to take the best pictures and the best angles. Journalists shouted various questions to whom ever it is that are arriving. Singers, actors, models, socialites and not to mention the movers and shakers of the business world mingled together today. The reporters, fans and the general public are anxiously waiting to get a glimpse of their favourite stars and dignitaries. These set of people does not often comes to gather on any event and they don't usually attend the same events as well.  Anticipation is palpable in the air as well as excitement. A reporter with the E Channel is giving her blow by blow report to the camera, informing the audiences at home on the current situation on the red carpet. "So here we are finally, ladies and gentlemen. Exactly 3 months after they have announced their engagement the power couple, the handsome Lee Soo Hyuk and ever fabulous Athenna Lee will be tying the knots today. Well first of all lets talk fashion. We can tell you from sources close to Ms Kay, Ms Lee's personal stylist and long time friend, that Ms Lee has chosen a gown by Marchesa. We were told that the gown is flown here solely for Ms Lee, in time for this event. And the groom will apparently be wearing a Marc Jacobs Tux today. Unfortunately cameras are not allowed to be inside the wedding hall but we will try to bring the latest news to you as and when we get it. Right back at you Ahn Jae-shi" the onsite reporter said. The camera than focus back to the reporters in the studio. "Ye...ladies and gentlemen. That is our on site reporter. Seul Li-shi reporting live from the venue" the lady reporter said. "Aigoo...I am so jealous now of Soo Hyuk-shi" her partner said. "Wae-yo?"..."Because I have such a big crush on Athenna-shi" he said with a shy blushInside the groom's waiting roomWoo Bin lowered down the volume of the tv and shouted to his hyung. "Hyung, they are covering your wedding live hyung" he said excitedly. Soo Hyuk who had just finish putting on his shirt turn to look at the tv just as the male reporter said he had a big crush on Athenna. Soo Hyuk smirk smugly and said "Too bad boy. She is all mine". "Hyung you are that happy?" Jong Hyun said from the couch where he is sitting. Soo Hyuk nodded his head as his stylist ties his bow. "You look good bro" Young Kwang said. His friends are all gathered in the room to keep him company and gave him moral support. Without them, Soo Hyuk knew, he would probably go stark raving mad while waiting for the time.The Bride's roomAthenna is in the bathroom throwing up. She has yet to put on her gown and Jay is currently holding her hair away from her face. As the dry heaving finish, Athenna flush the toilet, put the toilet seat cover on and sat on it. She leaned her head back in an effort to calm her nerves. Jay went to the sink and dip a face towel in cold water, squeeze the water out and handed the towel to Athenna who gladly put the towel on her face in relieve. "Owh god...What am I doing? I cant do this. Look at me I am a wreck" she said, her words were muffled by the towel. After a few minutes of silence, Athenna lifted up the towel to look at her oldest friend. "You gonna ruin your dress by sitting there" she said to Jay. Jay waved her concern away and smile at her. "What's the matter babe? You love him, you know you do. And you want this...or else we wouldn't be here" she said softly. Athenna look down at her clammy hands. "Nerves...I'm scared babe" she said quitely. Jay sigh and stood up. She grab Athenna's shoulder and lifted her up so that the two of them are standing facing each other. She look right into Athenna's eyes, understanding, she sigh before pulling her into a hug. "Babe...I love you. You know that right." she said and when Athenna nodded her head, she continues "Babe...whats past is past. He cant hurt you anymore, no one can. Dont let the bastard make a cripple out of you babe. Live your life. You deserve it...both of you do" Jay said. Athenna can feel tears welling up in her eyes. She breath in deeply before pulling out of the embrace, look at her friend and nodded. Jay nodded back at her, grab her arm and dragged her out of the bathroom. "Now lets get you gorgeous. You look like a mad chicken now" Jay said in jest. As soon as the two friends appear, Kay threw up her hands in exasperation. "Blardy hell...Finally!! What got you girls knickers in a bunch huh?" Kay said in her fake cockney accent. Athenna snorted before laughing out loud at her friend's terrible impersonation. While she look down, Jay nodded at both Kay and Daniel, signalling that all is well, as she discreetly dries her own tears. "Athenna 'oney...babe...I cant work a miracle now if you dont sit your arse down and let the people work" Kay said again in her cockney accent. Laughter can be heard all around the room as Athenna grin and made her way to the designated seat. She was washed, wiped, patted, tugged and god know what else for the next hour. Through out all this she manage to keep herself calm with the constant chatter from her friends. Occasionally she would alternate between sips of coffee and water to hydrate herself. She also munched on some cashew nuts, almonds and bits of bitter dark chocolates to keep