TIFFIN 2

100

Kylie growled under her breath as she began pinning my hair up. 

"I swear to fucking god that better not be that- ugh! I was just about finished-!"
 
Abandoning me for a moment, she trudged her way to the door, only to change her mood instantly.

"Oh! Kristina's mother-!" 

Kylie stepped out of the way for Emma to enter. This I hadn't expected. She was dressed in a long brown maxi dress, looking the epitome of beauty. 

She nearly broke down when she saw me. I would have thought she had an aneurism.

I tried to reason with her, but there was no stopping the tears from spilling. 

"My darling." She murmured. "I can't believe you're finally getting married. I mean- we just got you back and now we're giving you away." 

"Mom, please."  I begged. "It's not like I'm moving across the country." 

"I know that," Emma said through a congested nose, "but it won't stop me from crying... You're no longer my little girl and this is my wake up call." 

I managed to refrain from rolling my eyes. I understood why she was upset; she'd only known me as an adult, but this was too much. 

"Mom... maybe you should wait downstairs. Or even join everyone else in town. It'll ease your nerves." 

Emma shook her head. 

"I can't. I came here to give you something. Your father and I agreed on it." 

I raised an eyebrow, waiting for her to go on. 

She brandished a few velvet cases that served as a home to a few diamond pieces. They glistened and glittered, making me uneasy. 

They were almost as beautiful as the rock on my engagement ring. 

I raised my eyes to meet hers.

"What is this? It must have cost a fortune." 

Emma sighed. 

"It didn't. I mean... it did... years ago. Your father bought these as a gift for me when you disappeared but as time went on... it was more of a staple. In a way, it reminded us of how innocent and lovely you were. It was our lucky charm." 

I felt my eyes begin to burn. Oh no. I couldn't cry. Not now. Not when we just finished my makeup.  

"Now it's yours," she went on, "to have forever. If you ever find that you need it, it'll help you get through things."
 
I took the velvet cases in both my hands, looking around for a compartment to put them in. 

"I'll put them in a safe place-" 

Emma swiped them out of my hands. 

"Later. For now, they belong somewhere better." 

I was confused for a moment before she began fastening them into my hair. I watched as all my friends gazed in admiration.

When I looked into the mirror, I saw my hair shining like glass. 

"Mom," I sobbed, "I don't know what to say. This is..." 

She grinned. 

"It was the least I could do sweety. I wanted to show my love for you." 

I didn't bother thinking about smudging my makeup or tousling my hair. I jumped out of the chair, enveloping her in a giant hug. 

It lasted for a long minute before Brendan tore us apart. 

"Hey. I love watching your relationship, I do, but we can't waste time."
 
Emma stepped away reluctantly. 

"He's right. We should get you in your dress."

Like a saint, Jo materialized with the beautiful white gown. With intricately designed lace, it ran like a satin river to the floor. I'd had my doubts when I'd bought it, knowing it would run tight but I'd felt pressured. 

Now that I looked at it again, I knew I'd made the right choice.

Taking ahold of me like a puppet, everyone pitched in to help me into the dress. It was smooth as it ran against my skin.

I was a victim to tugging and pulling as they all finished, ultimately making me look like a stranger. 

"What do you think?" Rose asked excitedly. 

I remained silent, thumbing the edge of my face. 

"I'm ready to get married." I said simply.