The Price Of Love

Chapter 45

Jay's POV

I stare in the full-length mirror, in a bit of disbelief that this is really happening.

I look at myself up and down, nodding to myself. I adjust my tie, before tearing my eyes away from the mirror and towards the door I should be walking out of.

With one last final breath, I walk over, open the door and step out.

I look around the small open space. Rows and rows of white chairs set up, not a single one of them taken.

"Eh, sir!-" I turn, seeing Atlas behind me, panting a bit. "What's wrong?" I ask, studying him up and down. "Talia is-"

I shove past him, quickly walking down the short hallway towards the other room where she's getting ready.

"Sir- sir, Talia is not injured she's just a bit upset-" Atlas tells me, following quickly behind me. "So she's not okay" I mutter, stopping in front of the door to her room.

Before I can reach for the handle, Atlas jumps in front of me, blocking the door.

I narrow my eyes at him. "We've grown close Atlas. I'd almost consider you a friend. But don't think I won't move you out of my way if you're unable to move yourself" I spit, making him wince.

A bit of panic flashes in his eyes. "You can't see the bride on the wedding day!"

I scoff. "I'm the only one seeing the bride on the wedding day. Move" I order, and he bites the corner of his lip nervously.

"That wasn't a fucking question- what the fuck are you doing?" I mumble, watching him loosen his tie before pulling it over his head.

He reaches for me but hesitates. He then clears his throat. "Permission to blindfold you, sir?" Atlas mumbles.

I stare at him in disbelief.

He takes my silence as a yes, and seconds later I have his tie around my eyes, blindfolding me.

Scoffing, I reach for the handle, open it, and step inside the room, making sure to slam the door shut behind me.

"Fucking idiot-" I mutter, only to stop when I hear a quiet sniffle coming from the right.

I turn my head in that direction, seconds away from pulling this damn blindfold off

"Hi, Jay.." I hear Talia mumble.

I follow her voice, taking small steps in that direction. I feel a hand on my knee, and I stop, crouching down in my spot.

I reach a hand out, coming into contact with what I quickly realize is her elbow. I trail my hand down, down her wrist, and to her hand, where I give it a small squeeze.

"What are you doing down here baby?" I say gently, moving my other hand and feeling for her left arm. "I'm sorry" She mumbles, while I find her arm. Sitting back on my heels, I pull her into my chest, wrapping my arms around her.

"Why are you sorry Talia?" I whisper, and I hear her cry softly. "Because I'm crying. It's supposed to be a happy day".

I nod slowly. "I know". "And I'm here getting ready and I-..I don't have anyone t-to make sure I look okay and I-..I don't have anyone to help me zip up my dress and I-" Her voice cracks just as a sob slips past her lips, and I hold her while she cries, not saying a word.

My hand gently moves to her back, where I feel that her dress is still unzipped.

"And then I realized that even if we did have guests, I still wouldn't have anyone to help me.. you're all I have Jay" She whispers, her voice cracking slightly.