A Different Kind of Devotion (R5 Fanfiction)

Hanaa's POV

Rydel, Stormie and I had been at the dress place for over five hours now, and I still hadn't found one I liked.  

"One more dress and then we'll leave," I sighed defeatedly.  

I went into the changing room and waited for the sales associate to bring out another dress. When she pulled it from the storage room my hands flew to my mouth and my eyes filled with tears.  

"It-it's perfect," I whispered.  

The dress had an empire waistband with beading above it. The skirt was long and plain and swept the floor. The folds of the skirt fell perfectly in line with my body.  

I slipped it on and glided out into the showing room. Before I even stepped onto the pedestal Rydel's jaw had dropped and Stormie started to cry.  

"I think this is your dress," Rydel said.  

I nodded in agreement. The sales associate slipped a veil over my head and I spun around in front of the mirror.  

"This is definitely it." 

"When's the wedding?" the associate asked.  

"August 19th of next year," I replied.  

"Oh, exactly a year from today then!" 

I changed out of the dress and set up to get fitted on August 1st. Then we headed home.  

When we pulled into the driveway Riker raced up to me as I climbed out of the car.  

"Did you find a dress?" he asked.  

"Yes. And it's perfect." 

"Can I see?" be asked.  

"Sure!" I cried. "When I'm on my way up the aisle." 

Riker smiled. "I knew you would say that." 

I put my arms around his neck and kissed him. "You know me well." 

"Of course I do, we've been together since I was fifteen!" 

"Well except for that little bit..." I remembered, my face falling.  

Riker brushed my hair away from my face.  

"Shh, that's all behind us now okay? We'll be together forever and you know it." 

"Damn right I do!" 

Riker laughed. "You know you're cute when you do that." 

"Do what?" I asked, scrunching up my face.  

"When you get excited over little things. And when you say damn. It's just plain adorable." 

I stuck my tongue out. "Aren't I always adorable?"  

"Well...yes," Riker admitted. "Listen, I was thinking..." 

I looked up at him quizically.  

"Maybe we could go to the beach tomorrow? Just you and I?" 

My forehead creased with worry, remembering the last time I was at the beach. "Well..." 

Riker stepped closer to me and put his hands on my shoulder.  

"Hanaa, that jerk is locked up. He can't hurt you anymore." 

I thought for a bit and finally nodded. "Okay. Come get me tomorrow at ten."  

Riker smiled. "Well you've had a long day, and I want you rested for tomorrow." 

I nodded and headed toward my house. I walked into the house, closing the door behind me.  

"Hey mom, I'm gonna go to bed! I'm going to the beach tomorrow with Riker and I've had a really long day soooo...yeah." 

My mom appeared from the living room. "Alright dear." 

I climbed the stairs, threw on my nightgown, and crawled under the covers, thinking about what was to come.