Ghosts of War | CoD - MW

Chapter 17.

Sunday, 21st of November, 2021.

Kimberly moved her eyes up and down, looking at herself. Her eyes that were glued onto the mirror, moved to take in the dress she would be wearing soon. It hung nicely from the big bed behind her, just waiting for her to take it on. She was scared that it wouldn't fit her any longer, or that it would be ugly on her now. That maybe it had changed or somehow had been stained by something. She felt paranoid. She knew it was only her nerves playing tricks on her. It was stupid to worry about everything, but she couldn't help herself. Her dress was perfect only a couple of days ago - why wouldn't it be just as perfect today?

Kimberly only managed to get 3 hours of sleep over the two previous nights. She was tired, exhausted. She had refused to ask Phillip about this Grace girl, only to keep the peace between them. Today was after all their big day, and she didn't want to ruin it like she had last time. Yet, they had barely spoken since he arrived. He seemed distant, indecisive and uncertain. Hesitant. He looked now like Kimberly had on the day of their first marriage, and it worried her. Would he be the one to leave her at the altar this time? Was it all going to be a big payback? Would he embarrass her, humiliate her in front of everyone? She shuddered, wringing her hands nervously.

The door behind her that separated the big bedroom and the hallway started thudding. Someone knocked hard before the door opened, and Stephanie stepped inside. She held two glasses of champagne in her hands, settling them down on the desk in front of Kimberly. Kimberly sat in a short dressing gown since she had just used the shower a few minutes earlier. Her hair was still damp, but she knew Stephanie would deal with it. She was grateful that Stephanie was helping her today, because there was no way she would be able to do this on her own.

The Mayors house was big, and Kimberly had gotten lost twice today already. She had eventually gotten the layout pinpointed by Dorothy, who seemingly had been here several before. At her own wedding and at some sort of feasts or celebrations. Kimberly thought that it was sweet of Phillip to want to walk in his fathers footsteps, but she knew it wasn't healthy for him. Because he was to be himself and not his father.

-"I'm thinking that we just blow dry your hair and keep the makeup simple. You're beautiful just the way you are, and I don't want to hide it behind a thick layer of makeup. I'm sorry that you had to wait so long for me, but I couldn't find the bar lady anywhere. Phillip really hired a shitty woman who can't do her job. Had to pour my own champagne. Pathetic if you ask me," Stephanie said, laughing for herself as she grabbed the hair dryer. She plugged it in and began blowing Kimberly's hair with cold air, combing through it.

-"You decide what to do, Stephanie. You're the specialist. What's the bartender's name?" Kimberly asked, staring at herself in the mirror. First she looked at herself, but her eyes felt too empty. Too cold. So she studied Stephanie's working hands instead, worry running through her.
-"I wouldn't call myself a specialist. It's just my hobby, and you should be grateful that I rock at it. I don't really remember. Her name started with a G, I think. It was short. I honestly didn't care," Stephanie said, not really putting more into the bartender. She didn't know what Kimberly knew.

Kimberly nodded for herself, piecing the pictures together. Maybe that was the reason Phillip had fixed the workers for this day. Because he wanted Grace with him at his wedding. Maybe that's why he rented the Mayor's house, so that they could hide off without anyone seeing. Plenty of excuses in this place for them. Kimberly rolled her eyes at her own sick imagination, forcing the speculations out of her mind. Why would Phillip waste so much money on this wedding if he wanted someone else anyway?

-"Did you see John Price anywhere? Or anyone else from my squad? They should have arrived by now," Kimberly said, worried that her teammates would ditch her. She knew it was a stupid thing to worry about, aware that John would never hurt her like that. Sure, he could provide a cold shoulder when disappointed, but he had agreed to walk her down the aisle just yesterday. And he seemed thankful for her asking him, despite how much nerves she carried. Kimberly looked down at her hands, hoping that she would never have to go through this ever again with John. It hurt deeper than she'd ever admit out loud.