Adventures In An Alternate Dimension Book 2

Chapter 16 - Nervous Butterflies and a Vision in Lavender

Tristan's POV

The morning light, filtered through the windows of our house on La Push beach, did very little to pierce the sleep fog clinging to my brain. A muffled thump from downstairs, however, was all it took to jolt me fully awake. Prom. Today was the day.

"Alright, sleepyhead," boomed a voice that could only belong to Emery, my ever-enthusiastic dad. "Suit shopping extravaganza! Let's go get you lookin' sharp for Amber!"

The thought of Amber, a vision in whatever prom dress she'd picked, was enough to get me scrambling out of bed. Matching her brilliance would be a challenge, but looking my best was the least I could do.

Downstairs, the living room was a whirlwind of activity. Dad, perpetually sporting a wide grin, was wrestling with a box nearly the size of a small dog. Jacob Black, my girlfriend's uncle, a man built like a redwood with a surprisingly gentle demeanor, was attempting to tame a tangle of colorful neckties. Even Charlie Swan, Amber's stoic grandpa, had a hint of a smile playing on his lips as he polished a pair of dress shoes.

"Morning, sunshine," rumbled Thor Odinson, Amber's larger-than-life, Norse uncle, brandishing a perfectly creased white shirt. "Ready to face the fashion gauntlet?"

"Uh, sure?" I replied, slightly intimidated. While I wasn't exactly fashion-challenged, navigating the world of suits usually involved a lot of panicked browsing and blind trust in the sales staff.

"Don't worry, kiddo," chuckled Skylar Sloane, Amber's other uncle, a laid-back artist with a mischievous glint in his blue eyes. "We'll have you looking like a million bucks, Forks style."

The next few hours were a blur of fabric swatches, color consultations, and questionable tie combinations. Dad, ever the optimist, kept insisting on a bright yellow number that would've made a highlighter jealous. Thankfully, the combined might of the uncles managed to steer him towards a more conservative navy blue.

Through it all, I couldn't help but think about Amber. Earlier that day, she Face Timed me from a dress shop, a breathtaking Lavender purple gown with rose accents shown on the screen. My stomach had done a nervous flip-flop, and I knew then that no suit, no matter how perfect, could possibly compete with her radiance.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, we picked out a light purple suit adorned with a lavender pattern we paid for it and emerged from the store, a shopping bag full of sartorial splendor in hand. Back at the Cullen house, the air crackled with nervous anticipation. The uncles retreated to the porch for cigars and reminiscing, while Charlie, with a gruff but genuine smile, helped me with my tie. Dad just beamed, bouncing from foot to foot like a kid on Christmas morning.

"You look great, son," Charlie rumbled, stepping back to survey my handiwork.

"Thanks, Charlie," I mumbled, feeling a flush creep up my neck. It wasn't every day you got a compliment on your appearance from a Forks legend.

A sudden sound of a bedroom door shut from the other side of the house, and a wave of excitement washed over me. Amber had finished getting ready.

"Alright, ladies' man," Emery nudged me, his grin splitting his face. "Go get 'em, tiger!"

Taking a deep breath, I squared my shoulders and headed out the door. The sight that greeted me nearly stole my breath away. Amber, her red hair up in a gorgeous curled and braided updo, stood radiant in her Lavender dress. A matching smile bloomed on her face as she saw me.

"Wow," I breathed, momentarily speechless.

"You look amazing yourself," she replied, her eyes twinkling.

We spent the next hour taking pictures, sharing nervous laughter, and generally basking in the pre-prom jitters. When it was time to leave, I slipped into the back seat of Jacob's car and she sat beside me, our hands entwined with each other. I felt a surge of protectiveness. Tonight, it was my turn to make sure she had an amazing night.

As we pulled away from the Cullen house, the last rays of the setting sun cast a warm glow on the Forks skyline. I squeezed her hand gently, "Ready for prom, beautiful?"

"As ready as I'll ever be," she replied, her smile brighter than the stars beginning to glimmer in the twilight sky. And with that, we drove off, ready to make memories that would last a lifetime.

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See you in the next chapter!!!