“You and me both,” I mutter, glancing at the clock again. With another couple of minutes left to spare, I reach for my perfume, spritzing a solid amount. Just enough for the scent to linger the entire night, but not too much so it reeks.
“Let’s go.”
Grace and I walk side by side through the halls of my home, and as we descend to the bottom floors, the sound of loud music playing reaches my ears. As we reach the double wooden door, I pause, taking a deep breath.
Grace steps forward, pushing the door open. It’s filled with people, with flower decorations all over the place. It looks like a proper wedding venue, minus the wedding part, of course.
“Well, they went over the top,” Grace mutters through a thin smile, eyes skimming around.
My parents are close by, with Soren’s parents. The tension between the couples is insanely high, and it’s clear they’re trying their best to put on a show of a united front. In reality, it’s far, far from it.
Elena, although looking as elegant as ever, looks like she swallowed a kilogram of sour lemons in the last ten minutes, a permanent frown on her face that she’s trying to cover with a very obvious fake smile.
Edward is next to her, his arm wrapped around her waist a little too tightly. His shoulders are rigid, his jaw clenched, and he looks ready to kill everyone here. Then, he tries to smile, but it looks incredibly forced that it’s almost comical.
Then, there are my folks. Although they are also looking to be on a higher tension level, Mom looks rather… bored. Like she just wants this entire thing to be over with and retreat to her library, and read until she can forget this even happened.
Dad’s looking more or less the same, though he tries to keep the peace by engaging Soren’s parents in some chit-chat that’s just terrible. This night will end up being so bad that it’s laughable.
“Mom, Dad,” I smile softly, trying to suppress the grin on my face. Grace is closely behind me, ears perked. My eyes fall to Soren’s parents, and I only offer a small nod of acknowledgment, which both return.
“You’re here,” Mom says, a hint of relief in her voice. “I was scared you wouldn’t come.”
“You’d come and bring me here by the hair if needed,” I snort. “So, here I am. Where is the happy couple, though?”
Mom motions with her head to the right, and that’s when I spot the little photoshoot booth set up close to the band. The photographer is currently capturing some pictures of Astrid and Sawyer with their friends, and I can’t help but find the entire thing unappealing.
Astrid’s wearing a long dress in white. It’s not a wedding dress outright, but definitely resembles one. She wanted to stand out, but unfortunately for her, she’s so bland and common that nothing can help her be the center of attention. Until I decide it’s time for her gain all the attention.
“Go and congratulate them,” Dad says.
“Must I?”
“Yes,” he sighs. “Behave for tonight. Please.”
“Fine, fine,” I roll my eyes. “Come, Grace.”
“You don’t really need me there, do you?” She asks as we walk across the room toward the couple. “Or am I here to hold you back from breaking her nose again?”
“Bingo,” I beam. “Hold me back if you think I’ll lose my shit. But I think I’ll be able to hold it in.”
My heels click on the marble floor as I make my way through the crowd, with Grace closely behind me. There’s a hint of anxiety that’s threatening to spill over, but I’m trying to hold it all inside. This isn’t the time nor the place to make a fool out of myself.
Seeing Sawyer after what happened during the winter break is messing with my mind. The wound’s still fresh, and to see the genuine smile on his face is pissing me the fuck off.
However, the moment he spots me, the smile falls. It only lasts a few moments before he schools his expression, forcing a smile to his lips. People around might not notice it, but there’s a slight tick in his jaw that gives it away.
“Sawyer,” I keep my voice cool and controlled. “Astrid,” I turn to look at her with a neutral expression, eyes skimming all over her. “You look… healed.”
“Thanks,” she grits out. “Aren’t you rather charming tonight?”
“I’m charming all the time. I’m just here to extend the happy wishes to you two.”
“Are those words ever going to be sincere coming out of your mouth?”
Sawyer's question is expected, though I pause for a brief moment, contemplating how to word it. Then, with a soft sigh, I allow my tongue to let loose, even if just a little.
“No, in my head, I’m wishing you two dead.”
