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

occurred to me that she might

up so differently, we really do seem

common.” I comment.

friend too your know.” I add. Megan squeals and throws her arms around me so tight that

get out. Megan releases me and sits up. I

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

I’m staring at myself in Megan’s full length mirror. I’ve never seen myself look like this before. The blue in my dress emphasises my blue hair and the entire dress glitters beautifully and flows like gravity doesn’t even exist. My glittery black accessories add just enough to make me look put together. Megan has styled my hair in beautiful curls and then pinned one side away from my face. She then added some kind of glitter to my hair which stands out against my dark hair and against the blue makes it seem like the sparkles are little stars. I’m wearing more makeup than I ever have in my life but surprisingly 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

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39- Bridesmaids and ballrooms

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 is pinned up in some bun updo with tendrils curling down around her

although hers is gold

I’ve ever seen anyone look as beautiful as she does right now. She moves around the room grabbing her things and putting together 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

to leave early.” He reminds her. She rolls

“Almost ready. 1

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

of COURSE you will.” He grumbles. I can

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

hair.

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

like ten minutes.” I announce. Bellamy

take

hurry her along.” Darrien declares and gives me a sly look as

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39- Bridesmaids and ballrooms

ridiculous that I should be. Bellamy sighs again and closes the laptop with a little more force than is strictly required. He stands

offers. I blush and stare at