My ears were ringing and my eyes wouldn't focus. I swayed back and forth trying to keep my balance. What did my therapist say? Breathe. I focused on my sternum rising and falling in the mirror before me. The clacking of heels in the hallway brought me back to reality. I listened as the sound passed the room I was in and descended the stairs. Probably one of the bridesmaids.
My mom, Emaline St. Clair is marrying my soon-to-be stepdad, Henry St.Clair. The media called their wedding the 'wedding of the century' because Henry is one of New York's millionaires but the difference between him and the rest of them is he cares about people. Everyone in a hundred-mile radius knows that so they're intent on watching his wedding. Don't get me wrong I love Henry, he's the dad I never had growing up after my bio dad left my mom and me when I was three. I just wish their wedding was more private and out of the paparazzi's eye. It seems that every news outlet thinks that my mom is a gold digger but in reality, she has almost as much money as Henry does. She just doesn't show it because she wants to stay out of the spotlight and teach me the value of things. Which she managed to achieve until someone let it slip that she was dating Henry. Their wedding should feel special and that's being ruined by all the lights and flashing cameras.
Today marks four days until I leave to study French design in Blois, France. Mom thought it would be a good idea to get away from New York for a little bit, and I agree with her. I just wish it wasn't so soon after her wedding and that it wasn't Blois. When it is time for me to leave, Mom and Henry will still be on their honeymoon so she hired movers to help me. I will be attending Université de Blois Pour Étudiants Surdoués, which translates to Blois University for Gifted Students and I am NOT looking forward to it. I used to attend school in France three years ago but then I left right after ninth grade. I had a group of friends there and they used to be my people. Long story short, I haven't spoken to them in three years, but let's not focus on the past; today is Mom and Henry's day.
I watched myself in the mirror in front of me trying to put my earrings on. After I got the second one in I messed with my hair. Mom insisted I wear it down because, in her words, she "loved my luscious dark locks." My hair has been dark since I was a baby. I'd cut it a few times over my eighteen years but I've always ended up growing it out again. Now was one of those times where my hair sat at my lower back when it was curled, but when it's straight like it normally is, it sits at my waist. I was fixing the blush ribbon bow in my hair when Mum popped her head around the corner.
"Honey, are you almost ready?" she asked me.
"Yes. I just need to get my earrings in."
"Okay. Are you feeling alright?"
"I should be the one asking that question, you're the one getting married in just a few minutes, but yes. I'm okay."
"I know that face. What's wrong?"
"I just hate that I have to leave so soon after you're married."
"I know, I do too but don't think about that right now. You are the best maid-of-honor that I ever could have asked for and the most perfect daughter in the world."
"Thanks, Mom."
"You're welcome, hun."
"How are you? Ready to get married?"
"I'm so ready! Henry is such an amazing man."
"I agree." She's right. He treats Mom like a queen and me like a princess. "You look gorgeous, and those shoes... they're almost as stunning as your dress."
"Why thank you! Chose 'em myself."
We both giggled, as one of Mom's friends (who is also one of her bridesmaids) poked her head into the room.
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