| Chapter 3 |
| As the months passed by, the couple began making more detailed arrangements. The chapel was booked in none other than Paris, France, because Nick knew that Autumn always dreamt of being married in Europe. Nick chose his best man, Brian, and his three ushers, the remaining three fifths of the Backstreet Boys: A.J., Kevin, and Howie. The guys were a little worried about Nick because they had never seen or met this girl, or fiancee that Nick spoke of, but they were delighted in Nick's infectious happiness. Autumn was also making her arrangements with her gown and so forth. Though lately, her energy level had been lower than usual, she still kept going. Her bride's maids were to be her friends Lauren, Taline, and Alyson. Her maid of honor was her closest companion, next to Nick, Rebecca. Approximately a week before the actual wedding, the bridal party flewoff to Europe. Though still apart, the two lovers were beside themselves with joy. Finally, the day arrived. Nick and Autumn still had not met yet. They agreed to wait until the actual ceremony, as to make it more whimsical and fairy-tale like. And so the church bells rang in lovely Paris, the city of lights and love, on August 25. Nick, looking dashing in his jet-black tux, stood nervously at the altar as Brian looked on in brotherly fashion. Nick watched with apprehensive eyes as his bride walked gracefully down the aisle. He traced the slender curves of her hips with his eyes and smiled to himself. "Like an angel," he thought to himself, "she's like an angel." He lifted her veil to reveal a most delicate and beautiful face, though paler than he had imagined. He watched as Rebecca watched with an emotionless though caring smile. She seemed pale too, he thought. He jumped a little as Autumn's cold hand clasped his own. The minister began with the usual ceremony, as Nick gazed in intoxication at Autumn. "Do you, Autumn Nicole Gelith..." The minister contined on. "Beautiful," Nick thought, "beautiful name." "I do." Autumn said in her soft, gentle voice. The minister turned and smiled at Nick, repeating the same words that had brought many loves together over the times. "I do, forever," Nick replied proudly. "By the power invested in me I now pronounce you man and wife. You may now kiss the bride." The minister finished, as he looked on at the pale bride and her blushing groom. Nick and Autumn joined their eager lips in a passionate kiss for the first and last time. Autumn broke away suddenly from Nick and softly whispered, "I love you, don't forget that." Nick looked deeply into Autumn's pale blue eyes. He knew something wasn't right, but he couldn't tell what. "I love you too." "Will you love me forever?" Autumn asked, as she began slipping out of his arms. Her face grew paler, and soon matched the white of her gown. "Autumn!" Nick cried, as everyone gathered around and began to panic. Autumn gazed up with her soft eyes as Nick's own eyes filled with tears. "I'll love you forever, Autumn." Nick whispered as Autumn smiled endearingly at him. Nick carefully brushed away a few strangs of Autumn's blonde hair from her blue eyes. His lips briefly touched hers, as if to breathe her last breath for her. The room remained silent, as Autumn's enchanting blue eyes closed forever. Nick held her lifeless body close to him. Hel looked up with tears in his own blue eyes. People ran around panicking as Brian ran over to comfort Nick as he wept, still holding Autumn. Rebecca stood on watching, crying a little to herself and looking at the stained glass windows of the chapel. |