My first crush (COMPLETED)√

100

Sharon's POV

I stood in front of the mirror, barely recognizing the woman staring back at me.

The wedding gown hugged my body like it had been stitched from my own dreams, ivory satin flowing down in soft waves, the lace bodice delicately embroidered with tiny pearls that shimmered when the light touched them. The train spilled behind me like liquid moonlight.

My hair was curled into soft tendrils and pinned into an elegant bun, exposing my neck and shoulders. Carly had done magic with my makeup; subtle, glowing, romantic. I looked... grown. Not like the reckless girl who once fought with her sister or cried herself to sleep.

I looked like a bride.

Bella walked in first, breathtaking in her off-shoulder lace gown, her smile wide and proud.

Allison followed, dramatic as ever, claiming the room like it belonged to her. She had canceled her flight for me. That alone made my chest tighten.

Then,

I froze.

Helen.

For a second, I thought I was imagining her. But there she was more beautiful than ever, her eyes carrying stories she hadn't yet told.

I gathered my dress carefully and rushed toward her, my heels clicking against the floor.

I hugged her tightly.

She hadn't called. Not once. Not after leaving for Spain with her dad when her mom died in that plane crash. I knew she was hurting... but we were her friends. I missed her so much it physically hurt.

"I know you're angry," Helen whispered quickly. "And I'm so, so sorry. I'll explain everything after the wedding. But right now? There's a wedding we absolutely cannot miss."

She spun me gently and I squealed.

"Careful!" I laughed. "You'll ruin the dress!"

"I still can't believe you ended up with Stephen," she teased, tickling me lightly.

"Stop!" I giggled, trying not to crease the satin. "This dress costs more than your entire wardrobe."

We stepped outside Carly's house.

The afternoon sun bathed everything in gold. The sky was clear, almost too perfect. Like the world had decided to bless this day.

Dad stood waiting beside the car.

The moment he saw me, his eyes filled.

"My beautiful daughter," he breathed.

His voice trembled.

"You're so beautiful."

My throat tightened. I blinked rapidly, refusing to let tears ruin my makeup.

But I knew he was still grieving. Patricia's death had broken something in him. Losing a child... no parent recovers from that completely.

When I told him last night that I was still going through with the wedding, he had been shocked. But he respected my choice.

Allison was right.

What was I waiting for?

This was my dream.

To be with Stephen Winter Walker.

After everything.

"Sharon," Dad said softly, wiping his eyes. "I'm happy for you. Today is one of the best days of your life. I won't let my sadness take that away."