I Should've Known: Book Two

Hazel

The world fades away the moment my thumping heart echoes in my ears. My fingers linger on the strums and then I start to sing.

Cooper is a really good singer. But he says that he likes to only sing in the shower or when we're playing. It's unfortunate that he isn't here to see my singing. He would be so proud of the lessons he's given me. They're really paying off. He claims I have a natural talent for singing but I still insist I can do better.

But the only thing that matters now is Madds. Gosh. I've never seen her this happy. It is the similar happiness she had when she first held Matthew. She's glowing. She's the star. Together they make the galaxies come down to this small garden of spring.

Their eyes reflect the emptiness I feel. I watched Madds and felt a hint of jealousy. I could have been in that dress. I could have been the one smiling with a shining ring on my finger. I could have been the one to look like a princess in a long white dress.

I should have been the one getting married today...

The applause has faded away now just as I do. I watch the waiters start to serve the cake to every table. I recognize some people here. Especially because I work with them. Even here, they have their tables based on each group. There's Ash, Grace, Keon, and Wolf all at one table. They're probably the loudest table here.

I jump when I see a guy slam a hand on a table from a joke that passed on from the table next to them. Nope. All the firemen and policemen that Mateo invited are the loudest ones here. I'm surprised anyone can surpass Ash's playful remarks.

Then there's the table with all the ER doctors Madds was close with. Casey is obviously the odd one out since he's an ER nurse with Ash but he's dating Dr. Bloom. Sarah was invited to their table but she's an outsider as a medical student. She quickly moves to the table where most of the medical students are sitting.

Sarah gives me a tired smile when I stop by. "Hey. I love your dress."

"You don't look so bad yourself. Except it looks like you haven't slept in years."

"I've been studying for an upcoming exam for the past two nights. I have the flash cards. Please take them or else I will not let myself sleep!"

"Okay okay!" I quickly take the flashcards from her and shove them into my small bag. "You will be fine."

"May the heavens hear you..."

Geez. I shiver at the memory of those days. Though, I'm still as exhausted as she is. Except it's more physical than mental exhaustion.

I pass by the doctor's table to sit at an empty table in a far corner. But I'm stopped by Dr. Leblanc. She gives me a wide smile that makes her ocean blue eyes shine brighter than ever. It's weird to see her in something else other than her scrubs.

"You look great!" I say to her. "Blue really suits you."

"Ryan picked it out for me."

I look over at the man next to her and give him a polite handshake. "She looks amazing in blue and she doesn't believe me! Hi, I'm Ryan. It's a pleasure meeting you."

"Hazel. I work with Dr. Leblanc. Well, the bride worked with her more. I'm mostly in Peds."

"With the little ones," Ryan says with sad blue eyes that sparkle when he puts an arm around Dr. Leblanc's shoulders.

"Well! I hope you guys enjoy the party! Let me know if you need anything."

"Oh yeah. I need you to come into the ER tomorrow morning," Dr. Bloom firmly says with a playful smile starting up her lips. "You're with me all next week."