Still Hurting

Prologue

"Nadz, what do you think? Is this better?" Yassi asked me nervously. She's standing on a pedestal trying on an elegant-looking wedding dress.

"Yeah, that looks better compared to the Chanel you tried earlier..." I replied absentmindedly not even looking at her. I was looking at the rows of beautiful vintage wedding dresses at the bridal shop.

These dresses represent the fulfillment of every woman's dream – that dream of marrying your true love.

For most women, this place is probably heaven. Well... most women.

If only I could go back in time... I would probably be happily married with him right now. How could I be so stupid?

I raised my head and closed my eyes. I don't want the tears forming in my eyes to fall. I don't want Yassi to see me tearing up. This is a happy moment for my best friend and I don't want to ruin it.

I felt gentle hands wipe the small tear running down my cheek. Somehow, it managed to escape.

I turned and saw Yassi. I did not realize she was already sitting beside me.

"Hey, what's wrong?" She asked soothingly as she put her arm around me, rubbing my shoulder - concern etched all over her face. "Are you thinking about James?"

James... After a long time, this is the probably the first time Yassi speak his name.

Then I felt a small pinching sensation in my heart - something that I've grown accustomed to.

"What? Who?" I said pretending to be confused.

No, this day is for Yassi... Don't ruin it, Nadine. Don't you dare go emo on her...

She hesitated a bit, "I mean, does this place remind you of James? If you want, we can take a break muna. We can still come back later..."

Bulls-eye. Yassi, after all these years... You still know me very well.

I shook my head then gave Yassi my brightest smile.

"No, silly..." I lied. "It's been two years already. I'm completely fine"

I inhaled a deep breath to divert my full attention to my best friend. I reached out and cupped her face with my hands.

"You know what I'm feeling right now? Happiness... I'm glad that my best friend is marrying her true love tomorrow."

I let go and hugged her tight. She's already smiling when we broke apart.

Buti na lang pinalampas ni Yassi kadramahan ko kanina.

"Come," I said as I stood up. I pulled her up and gently dragged her back to the pedestal, "I want to see the future Mrs. Andre Paras in her full glory."

Yassi beamed and twirled.

"My god, Yassi... You look so beautiful." I said admiring how the dress complimented my best friend. It's like the dress was specifically made just for her. The lace and the bead works looked exquisite and elegant.

Then the consultant approached us bringing with her a delicate-looking veil which she put on Yassi's head.

My best friend's face brightened up when she saw herself in the mirror. She was glowing.

"Nadine, this is it... This is my dress." Yassi said, as happy tears streamed down her face.

"You are going to be a very beautiful bride. I'mso happy for you..." I said while hugging her again.