TIFFIN 2

72

I nearly cried as I saw this, but I managed to dry up my eyes.

This was Jo's day, not mine. I could deal with it any other time. Right now, I was going to focus on being the best bridesmaid I could be. 

I was fully aware of Hero's eyes on me as the reception went on. What in the hell did he want? Sympathy?

Everything that occured at this point was in his hands. There wasn't much more I could do for him. 

When Niall had finally lifted Josephine's veil, we were all able to see the beauty underneath. Though she was naturally beautiful, she'd added a soft foundation and matte colors to her eyelids. She was glowing. 

We listened patiently as the officiant went through his piece and swore them in as a married couple. It was slow, but this was a time when I really didn't mind. Being permanently bonded with the person you loved was worth waiting for. 

I didn't miss the look on Jo's face the entire time. She grinned brightly, baring all her teeth. The irises of her eyes sparkled as she surveyed the man she would be spending the rest of her life with. 

She had no regrets. 

For a moment, Niall allowed his hardened exterior to slip, pursing his lips as.... he allowed himself to cry. 

Was he that overwhelmed? Perhaps he really did love her.

The vows were short and sweet. I could tell they both had taken time to memorize every quirk and fault that they loved about one another, making promises I knew for a fact they would never break. 

Amidst this, I thought about where me and Josephine had been when we started at Chico State.

We were different people and we had changed over time, but how had we strayed so far from what we'd planned? 

As I snuck a glance at Hero, I knew that nothing remained the same. Things changed. That was just the way of life.

Before long, the officiant had ordered Niall and Josephine to kiss and they did just that. It was short and brief but there was no mistaking the passion that swept over the room. 

After a long moment of applause and screaming, Tawnee announced that after we all watched the first dance, we'd commence supper.

It was an ethreal experience.

The ballroom was located across the hall. It was large and circular, allowing plenty of room for everyone to gather. 

Josephine was like a princess latched to her prince as they waltzed effortlessly across the floor. It didn't look like they were any close to letting go of each other as time went on. 

It was as if we weren't even in the room. 

When their song had finally ended and everyone gathered on the dance floor, shaking and bumping to a pop song, I kept my head low.

I saw Hero peeking through the crowd, attempting to find me, but I wasn't about to run into his arms just yet. 

Maybe he's not looking for you. 

I managed to find Brendan throughout all this chaos and it wasn't long before we joined the guests back to the dining area.

We found our placecards as we weaved around the tables and I was grateful that I was set next to Brendan and Jo, though I wasn't relieved to see Hero's.

The kitchen offered many meals varying from steaks to soup. I was much too nervous to eat so I followed in Brendan's step, grabbing a salad. 

As we all sat, I smiled as Niall hurried over to place a kiss to Josephine's forehead then scurried off to his parents table. 

I forced my eyes to the patterned cloth as I saw Hero approaching. He took a seat as well, though he appeared rigid. 

I prodded a crouton with my fork.

"Is that all you're eating?" He murmured. 

I was aware of my friends staring adamantly.

"I'm not very hungry." I whispered. "I don't see why it concerns you."

Hero knelt closer. 

"What are you talking about? Everything you do concerns me. What's gotten into you?" 

I bit my lip, allowing my anger to seep through. 

"You think I don't know what you've been doing for the past hour? I saw Kylie trailing after you... I know you better than you think, Tiffin." 

I immediately stood up, attracting a few looks from the guests around me. I eyed my best friend, already embarrassed at my dramatic feelings. 

"I'm so sorry, Jo. Your wedding was wonderful, but I have to go." 

As I rushed out of the emergency doors behind the alter, I heard several voices shouting for me, but I didn't stop. I wanted away from here. 

Yes, it was a bit selfish of me, but it hurt me to see Niall and Josephine so happy. Especially when my relationship was in such shambles. 

When I made it out the doors, I saw that it wasn't an exit at all. I'd made it onto a patio of sorts, leading out into a grand garden filled with concrete statues and a glistening blue pool that created a colorful shadow against the chapel.

I was upset to see that Hero had the guts the follow me out here but even more mortified to see that a few people had as well, along with Josephine, Niall, Brendan and Tawnee.

"Please wait!" Hero tried saying but I shoved him away. 

"No!" I shouted, tears gathering in my eyes. "I need time, I-" 

I quit speaking at the sight of Kylie and all her cohorts gathering at the scene. 

"Oh, perfect!" I snapped. "Here she is! Just in time to see our fight!" 

Hero swiveled around, then faced me once more. 

"Kristina, it's not what you think. She doesn't matter. I had to do something-" 

I shook my head.  

"I know exactly what you were up to, Hero! I knew you were avoiding for a reason! You've now ruined my friends night with your antics... I can't do this..." 

Hero gulped. "Please just listen-"

I shut my eyes.

"I don't know how long I can do this, Hero. I've put up with all this drama, I've gone to therapy, I've supported you, and I'm always being proved wrong..."

At my response, Hero breathed heavily.
 
"Kristina Addison, would you just open your damn eyes and look at me?" 

I sniffed. "Why should I?" My voice shook. 

He took a deep breath before answering.

"Because you know I love you and if you walk away from this, you'll regret it for the rest of your life." 

I didn't know what possessed me to open my eyelids. Perhaps it was urgency or the plain fact that I knew he was right, but when I did, it was a sight I wasn't prepared to see. 

He was knelt down on one knee, amidst an explosion of gasps. 

"Hero!"