UNEDITED
After violating campus rules and committing student misconduct, twenty-three-year-old Warren Ashford is deep trouble and at risk of losing his volleyball scholarship -- the one thing he truly values other than his bad boy reputation, and hi...
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Nova
"You and Warren are going to look so good walking down the aisle together," Hazel says. "You don't understand how happy I am for you guys."
I smile as I pick at the appetizers we ordered. It's been ten days since my birthday, and there are only two days until the wedding. Minus the process of setting up the beach house, we've basically completed everything else. All we're doing now is some last-minute double-checking.
Shaking my head, I say, "No – you are going to look stunning walking down that aisle. Warren and I are just another couple that is honoured to be part of the experience. Besides, the best man and maid of honour are supposed to walk down the aisle together – I'll be walking with Levi."
"About that," Hazel says, putting her purple-ink pen down. "Grey and I were discussing the walking arrangements. He doesn't mind going against tradition and letting you and Warren walk together, and Levi is okay with walking alone."
My eyebrows shoot up in surprise. "Really?" I ask, unable to hide my excitement.
"Yeah," she shrugs. "Although it's our day, we still want everyone to be happy. So, if walking down the aisle together is what will make both of you happy, then so be it."
I stare at Hazel. The words I want to say can't seem to find their way to my tongue. I want to thank her for everything – welcoming me into the family even though she knew the truth, comforting me when need be, supporting my choices, for the free tattoo her fiancé gave me, and, well, for being a great friend.
"Thank you," I finally say, "for everything."
She reaches over and squeezes my hand. "Although I was upset with my brother at the beginning, I'm glad things turned out the way they have. Nova, I've never seen him so happy until now. And you..." she trails off and looks me over. "You seem happier too. There's just something about you that wasn't there before. Do you know what I mean? There's a light in your eyes again."
I slowly nod – I know what she's talking about. I've seen the change in myself. First of all, I'm starting to open up to people about my past a little bit more – their parents know my backstory now. I'm also, as Warren would say, friendlier. Apparently, I had this chilly vibe coming off of me at the beginning. Now, it's mellowed out a little and I'm more approachable. Happier.
However, my happiness doesn't mean I've forgotten about Carter. I still think about him sometimes, but I tend to no longer think about that specific day. Instead, I think about the good memories we had together and how proud he would be of me for moving on but not forgetting. It's a complicated dimension of feelings to understand, but it does get easier to deal with as time passes.
"Well," I smile. "I'm glad he's as happy as I am."
"So what did Julia say about cancelling your room request for next semester?"
