All Grown Up (Sequel To WDE)

23.

Zeus' Pov (From here on to the end , unless otherwise stated)

As the days approach the time for the weddings occur, I notice Adam acting weird lately. He's always zoned out and seems on edge. I've tried to get his attention to ask him about my ransom but he dismisses me every time. I honestly don't know what's wrong with him, and if he's not willing to tell me I won't push him. However, I feel myself growing closer to Bambi. I like watching her help the girls into their dresses, smiling as their faces light up in delight, and prepping to get the ceremony together.

Neveah twirls in her pure white dress for the ceremony after the Nikah, a religious ceremony that takes place during the day. For that, they'll wear green. She squeals at the stones on the dress, running to hug Bambi who did the alterations. "Thank you so much, Bambi! It's beautiful! Abraham will love it!"

I roll my eyes at Abraham's name. Bambi catches me with a side eyed warning. I shrug at her as Cashmere walks in with a huge smile plastered on her face as she wears her green dress. "It's so pretty!" She gasps. "Neveah! Your dress! It's gorgeous!"

The two women hug. They babble on about how much their grooms will love their dresses. I groan and prop my cheek on my hand, bored. I wish Adam was feeling better ...

Just as Bambi was about to scold me for showing disinterest, a shy Maya walks in. I haven't paid much attention to her since I found out she's to be married to Adam, but it's no doubt all eyes will be on her. She walks in with a white dress covered in gold. Adam won't be able to keep his eyes off her! Maya pushes back a curl and bashfully looks at Bambi. "Is it too much ... For me?"

The women crowd to her, damn near falling over themselves. They cluck on like chickens while I try to sneak away. On my way out, I catch Bambi's eye. She meets me outside in the hallway.

"Don't think I've forgotten about your rudeness earlier, " she says to me. "I'm only joining you because I need space. "

"I'm sorry. I thought we'd have some alone time since Adam is in his feelings. I just wanted to hang out with you."

She sighs. "Don't worry about it. I just need to put the finishing touches on this mega wedding. I'm trying to keep is as Afghani traditional as possible. It's a great deal of work tailoring to everyone's needs."

I led her down the hall. "You're doing an amazing job, by the way. Those dresses? They're beautiful."

"Thank you."

We walk on a bit, then I stop. "Bamb.."

"Hm?"

"Do you think you'll ever get married?"

She pauses for a minute, mulling the thought over. "Quite honestly, no." She walks on and I follow suit.

"Why not?" I jog after her.

"I get women ready ... I'm not going through that again, Zeus. I'm happy where I am."

I circle her. "You could be happier. With ... I don't know. I just think you'd be extremely beautiful in one of those dresses."

She snorts, slightly pushing me out of her way. "I'm beautiful without it."

"I know ... I just ..."

She stops. "What are you getting at, Zeus? I don't have time for games. I have weddings to plan. Girls to train. Things to do."

Is it "Everybody Gotta Hate Z" day? I sigh. "Look, these last few weeks, months, I've felt like I don't know what's going on in my life. I'm waiting for the unknown. But my father always told me to trust my gut and live for the moment ..."