Short Story Step 1
It’s been 5 years since I’ve last seen him. I can do this. It’s a big day for Holly and she’s been there for me since the first day we met on campus. It’s time I be there for her on her big wedding day. It’s just for one day I have to deal with seeing his beautiful yet dangerous face, then I never have to see him again. I look in the mirror, analyzing my soft, light purple, silky dress. I then lean in and stare into my own eyes through the mirror seeing my nerves and anxiety starting to rise. Taking a deep breath I turn around and walk out the door.
Getting out of the car I am greeted by a host who tells me to follow the cobblestone path down to where everyone is socializing. The path was surrounded by flowers the whole way down and all the pink and red cherry trees in the area were in perfect bloom. I felt like I was in a fairytale and for just a moment I was in pure bliss. The birds were singing, the sun was bright and peaking through the cherry trees making them shimmer in the light. All felt right and — “Oh my Goodness! Tessa! Is that you?” and then reality hit me again. I look up in a sudden panic, it’s just Jess, thank god.
“Jess! Hi, it’s been so long, how are you doing? ” as we go into a big hug like time hasn’t aged at all.
“I’m great! Just got engaged recently” as she faults her hand in my face to show off her diamond ring. “How are you Tessa, have you met anyone since uh… well you know.”
I start to feel my face get hot but I hold myself together and make up some bullshit to not look like I’m a hopeless romantic still not over that one guy from college. “Yeah, I’m doing great. I’ve gone on a couple dates, met some really sweet guys. I don’t even think of Chase anymore.”
“Awe Tessa I’m glad you’re doing so well, he really did some damage to you. I’m so proud you could overcome him, I did hear he’s going to be here today so just take it easy.” I nod my head and smile and we hug again and both walk down to where everyone is socializing.
At the end of the cobblestone path was a big garden arch with flowers and vines covering it head to toe. Coming out of the other side I see all my friends from college and I start to feel some relief. I hurry over to greet them.
“Holly! Dave! Maisie!”
They all look over to me with cheerful smiles on all their faces. Holly hurries over meeting me halfway.
“Tessa! I’m so happy you could make it!”
We go into a big hug, “Are you kidding! I wouldn’t miss your wedding day for anything!”
I then went around to give everyone a hug, I was so happy I had forgotten what I was worrying about. After some time socializing the group starts to break off to talk to others and it’s just me and Dave. He’s always been a good friend to me.
“Where is Kevin, usually he makes a grand entrance wherever he is.”
Dave chuckles and points over to the snack bar. There Kevin was, trying to hug the server that was running the snack bar. If you didn’t know Kevin you would think he’s always drunk with his actions but nope he’s just got a loud, wild personality but the kid has a good heart. I giggle and look back at Dave who’s also still laughing. I then gaze away from Dave searching my surroundings in high alert for Chase could show up at any moment.
“Tess, hellooo, anybody in there?”
My attention then focuses back on Dave to realize he’s been trying to get my attention for a few minutes now.
“Sorry, I’m just a little distracted.”
