Page 33 of Eternal Pieces
When I was younger, I always imagined a grand affair for my wedding day, a real-life princess fairytale ending. But now all I want is a little ceremony with the few people I’m close to there. No random family members I’ve never met before, or friends from high school who were never really my friends. Just me and the people I love.
“Good. Then you can’t say no to these plans!” Sarah beams, buzzing with excitement. I think she might be more excited for my big day than I am.
Sarah was always someone I never thought I’d get along with, but now we’re best friends. After everything came to light with James, her friends dropped her. Our schedules were similar enough that we were always at the same place at the same time. We’d spot each other eating or studying alone, and sort of naturally started hanging out together.
“Since graduation is so close, I’ve booked everything for after that. Including a few bakeries for cake tasting and a bridal store, but I remember you said you want to check dresses out online, so we can do that first. I have a list of florists and event organizers so you can find someone to pretty up wherever you choose for the big day. Don’t worry, it sounds like a lot, but I’ll email it all over.”
I’m speechless. My jaw hangs open, and I suddenly feel like crying. Stupid hormones.
“I overstepped, didn’t I?” Sarah grimaces, taking her eyes off the road to see my shocked face.
“No! I’m—I’ve just never had a friend go out of their way for me like that before.” I’ve never really had a friend, to be honest, but I don’t mention that part.
“Oh, good.” She sighs. “Are you still set on having it before the babies come?”
“One hundred percent. There is no way I’m going to want to get all dressed up in white when I have three screaming bundles of poop and sick to look after.”
“Fair point,” she chuckles. “I can’t wait to squish their cheeks. Remember, I’m always available for babysitter duty if you ever need a break.”
“I’d hug you so hard right now, but you’re driving and I can barely move as it is anyway.”
“You can owe me that hug.”
She gets it as soon as she drops me off at home.
“Thank you so much,” I tell her as I squeeze her tight.
“You’re so welcome. I’ll email everything over as soon as I get home, and we can arrange a girls’ day to go through it all together, if you like?”
“Sounds perfect.”
I wave her off from the porch, only turning to unlock the door when her car is out of sight.
I’m on cloud nine as I search for my keys, but when I go to use them, I find the door already unlocked. My happy bubble bursts.
CHAPTER 16
VIOLET
My hand hovers on the door handle, my heart rate spiking. There’s no obvious sign of a break-in. If Max or Maddox were already home, they would have told me. Maybe whoever left last this morning forgot to lock it? We all left together…I don’t remember who was last out.
If there’s someone inside, I’m not letting them get away with breaking into my home.
Slipping my keys between my fingers, I make a fist, ready to defend myself and my babies if it comes to it. Then I slowly open the door.
Everything looks normal.
I tiptoe down the hall, my mouth dry, my body packed full of adrenaline, ready to protect my home.
There’s a noise from the kitchen. Is that the kettle boiling? What sort of burglar breaks in and makes tea?
I try to be as quiet as possible, but the cabin is old and the wood creaks under my feet.Crap.
“Violet? Is that you?”
“Mom?!” Dropping my keys, I find my mom making tea at the stove and looking through the cupboards like she has everyright to be in here uninvited. She doesn’t even bother to look my way.
I can only see her side profile, yet she looks older. She’s lost a lot of weight. Her gray roots are showing through where she’s not bothered to bleach her hair blonde again, and she’s wearing less makeup than she used to.
