The Tale Of Hearts

Chapter 118

Hazel's POV

Fingers tangled tightly in my lap, I tried to steady my breath but each exhale came hot and sharp, trembling past my lips like whispers of fire. I looked up slowly, eyes locking onto the reflection in the mirror. There she was, the girl I hardly recognised, draped in the most breathtaking dress imaginable. The delicate veil framed her face, a sheer whisper of netting embroidered with tiny, intricate designs that shimmered like a magic. Through it, I could see her looking back at me blinking fast, her pink painted lips caught between her teeth, chewing nervously. I swallowed hard, overwhelmed, the butterflies in my stomach growing stronger, faster. Calm down my stupid heart!!!!!

"You look beautiful, babe," Tash whispered, her voice thick as she knelt in front of me,  helping me putting my heels. I looked down at her. Her eyes were already sparkling as they traced over me and for a moment, I swear her pupils turned into hearts. 

"Seriously..." she breathed, then narrowed her eyes with mock irritation. "I don't want to give you to that prick head" Her voice cracked just a little with a teasing edge. 

"You know, you still have time to run," she murmured with a teasing smirk. I let out a shaky laugh, my breath catching halfway through. "Yeah... if this had happened a few months ago, I would've already climbed out that window by now," I said, glancing toward the glass as if considering it. "Barefoot. Screaming!!." We both giggled, but the laugh faded quickly as something heavier settled in my chest something warm and fluttery and impossible to ignore. 

"But now..." I whispered, fingers pressing lightly against chest which was thudding. "Now all I feel are these stupid, annoying butterflies. Flapping around, trying to make me blush  and blush harder just thinking about him." I met her eyes again, and she gave me that look—that knowing look.

"Oh God, stop!" Tash shrieked, shaking her head wildly, but her face,oh, her face betrayed her. There was laughter dancing in her eyes, and that sore, soft expression she always wore when she was trying not to cry. "You are done, babe. Officially done!!!."

She pointed at me like I was some helpless case, still laughing as she backed up, her voice full of disbelief and delight. "How the hell did that prick head manage to turn my sensible, logical bestie into this girl?" Her hands gestured at me in exasperation,me in white lace and a veil, cheeks pink, eyes dreamy. "I don't recognise you!" Her laughter filled the room just as the sunlight spilling through stained glass, and I couldn't help it,I giggled, the sound bubbling out of me uncontrollably.

"I know, right?" I said through my laughter, pressing a hand to my warm cheek. "It's embarrassing." 

We both dissolved into another round of giggles. Tash wiped under her eye dramatically, still snickering. "You're not embarrassing. You're just... in love. It's disgusting, honestly." I let out a shaky laugh again, my breath catching halfway through, I swallowed hard, overwhelmed, the butterflies in my stomach growing stronger, faster.

 "But Tash..." I whispered, my voice barely audible as I stared down at my trembling hands. "Honestly, I'm afraid. I mean... I'm nervous, and I don't know—"My voice cracked, and I swallowed hard, trying to breathe through the knot tightening in my chest. 

Tash's laughter faded, as she reached to my hand and grabbed onto it. "Hey," she said softly, but with that no-nonsense tone only she could pull off.  "You're allowed to be scared, babe. This is huge. It's not just a dress or a day.it's forever and yeah, that's terrifying."

Tears welled up in my eyes, and I hated that my lip quivered when I tried to smile. "What if I mess it up?" I whispered. "What if I'm not ready? What if I don't know how to be—his, what if i_?"Tash's expression softened even more. She cupped my cheek, thumb brushing away a tear that dared to fall.