Strings of Fate

39- Bridesmaids and ballrooms

olt awake as the bedroom door swings open.

I jolt

“Sorry, lost track of the time on the phone, 1-” she stops herself.

“Well, I guess you didn’t even notice. I thought you looked a little tired. I guess a twenty minute nap isn’t a bad thing.” She collapses onto the large bed beside me and snuggles in next to me. She smiles contentedly. Are all Shifters this cuddly? Or maybe it’s just a Kane thing.

“Was Bellamy here?” she questions.

“I think I can smell him.” I shrug.

“I ran into him in the hall. He was half–asleep. I think I must have woken him when I came up the stairs.” I keep my tone casual. Megan nods accepting my explanation. Wow, it is surprisingly easy to hide things from people when they aren’t actually expecting you to lie. Not that I did lie technically, I just didn’t go into a lot of detail. Okay, now I feel guilty.

“Hey, Ry?” Megan sounds a little nervous. I smile at her use of a nickname for me.

“Yeah?”

“I know we haven’t known each other long, but I was wondering if you would be my bridesmaid? I’m only planning to have one.” I am in complete shock. That was so completely unexpected.

“I, I’d love to. But don’t you have someone else you should ask before me? Someone you’ve known longer or something?” I hate myself for asking that. What if she changes her mind. I desperately want to be her bridesmaid. Megan sighs.

“No, I know it hasn’t been long but you’re already my best friend Ry. The Shifters here all treat me differently. They always have, it used to be because of my parents, now because of Bellamy. They’re kind to me, and they like me and I do consider them friends. But they never relax around me. Not like you do.” Megan blushes and falls silent. Megan is so friendly and

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39- Bridesmaids and ballrooms

by people, it hadn’t occurred to me that she might

people who grew up so differently, we really do seem

common.” I comment.

I want more than to be your bridesmaid. You’re my best friend too your know.” I add. Megan squeals and throws her arms around

manage to get out. Megan releases me and sits up. I do the same. She looks as delighted as I feel. She glances at

us to start getting ready. We’re using the ballroom in the Oak Hotel down the road which isn’t far and the party doesn’t start until six. But I was to head down by about half past five to make sure all the decorations are right and everything. That gives us a little under three hours for hair and makeup.” She seems super excited. I am too, I get to be her bridesmaid and now we’re getting ready for her engagement party together. Still, there’s a bit of a damper on my mood since I know Tristan is wrong for her and if Bellamy and I succeed in our plans, there will be no wedding. But I know she’s meant for Darrien. So I guess this means I’ll eventually get to be a bridesmaid for their wedding. I hope. Still, nothing I can do about that right now. I set aside all those depressing thoughts and focus

I love it. I’m starting to think it’s not make–up I dislike but poorly done make–up AKA make–up done by myself. Dark black makeup with a subtle sparkle in it around my eyes makes them stand out, yes. But for once I don’t hate it. My eyes are dramatic looking but so is everything else I’m wearing. Somehow, using makeup skills that I definitely lack, Megan has managed to make my pale skin look flawless like a perfect porcelain doll and the look is completed with a subtle nude lipstick. I feel like some kind of galaxy princess. The back of my dress drags on

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39- Bridesmaids and ballrooms

some kind of goddess or something. The deep red of her dress matches the lipstick she skilfully applied. Her dress is elegant and makes her look like she should be on a runway. The beads on her dress catch the light just right. Her hair

her hair although hers is gold to match her accessories.

a little clutch with all the items she deems essential for her evening. Lipstick, phone, concealer in case touch ups are needed. Bandages for her heels in case her shoes hurt her feet, and so on. We have music playing, but quietly since Bellamy was sleeping earlier, although he should be up by now. A knock at the door

Megs you said you wanted to leave early.” He reminds her. She

“Almost ready. 1

down in five minutes!” She calls back. He sighs from behind the

COURSE you will.” He grumbles. I can

I might be more like ten minutes.” Megan decides as she adjusts the

hair.

with him awkwardly. I head out the room and start to make my way down the stairs, going slowly so as not to trip in my heels or catch my skirt which I am holding out of the way with one hand. I can hear Bellamy and Darrien talking in the kitchen. Bellamy has his back to me and is looking at something on a laptop he has open on the bench when I walk in. Darrien turns and gives me an approving

like

take this long?”

hurry her along.” Darrien declares and gives me a sly look as he heads out the

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39- Bridesmaids and ballrooms

little more force than is strictly required. He stands up and turns around, then freezes as he sees me. He blinks once, then twice. A smile runs over

He offers. I blush