It's Always Been You

Comfort

I stood outside the restaurant, regretting having not brought a coat with me.

I stood by Wes's car with my palms placed down on the hood of the car. Leaning over, I inhaled and exhaled slowly, trying to find any sense of calmness I could.

It wasn't until someone came behind me, placing a hand on my shoulder, that I finally felt my body relax. I knew instantly that it was Wes.

"Hey," he whispered, stepping closer behind me. His breath hit the side of my face as he wrapped his arms around me from behind, hugging me softly.

I exhaled, letting my body lean back into his chest. I shut my eyes, feeling the cold air prick my face while Wes's body brought warmth back into me.

"You okay?"

I took a deep breath, not wanting to get out of his hold but pulling away from him and turning to face him. I looked at him sheepishly, feeling like a big, pathetic idiot. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have snapped. I should have tried harder."

"Hey, hey," Wes lifted his hand to cup one side of my face. He shook his head firmly. "You did nothing wrong. You deserve to stand up for yourself, Fia."

I looked down at our shoes, still feeling embarrassed that I did all that. "It's her time to shine, Wes. I should keep biting my tongue, get this wedding over with so I can go back to campus and never have to see her again."

Wes gently placed his hand under my chin, lifting my face so I would look at him. He shook his head again. "You are so much more amazing than she or anyone will ever see."

I smiled weakly, my whole body feeling like it was ready to melt right into him. "Thank you. For everything, for being here."

Wes smiled at me. "You don't have to thank me."

I nodded my head, getting back into action. "Okay," I clasped my hands together. "Today didn't go so smoothly but I do have to warn you, we still have to face a lot more of my family at the rehearsal and wedding itself. We might need a better way of keeping me calm."

Wes chuckled softly. "We'll come up with something."

I heaved out a heavy breath. "Can we get out of here now?"

Wes nodded, pulling his keys out. "Whatever you want."

I headed to the passenger side, opening the door when Wes stopped me. "Fia?"

I turned to look at him, a questioning look on my face.

"For the record, your the best friend and best fake-girlfriend anyone could wish for."

-

Later that evening, I was sitting in the kitchen attempting to write my speech for the wedding but I was making zero progress.

Stefan had taken Wes out to some local pub, saying they were going to have a boys night to watch the game.

"How's it going?" Sage walked into the kitchen, a smirk on her face as she ate a yogurt parfait.

I gave her a tired and lifeless look. "Nowhere. It is going nowhere." I crumpled up another piece of paper.

She laughed as she sat down in front of me. "I feel for you, I really do."

"what am I supposed to write?" I sputtered, running a hand down my face. "She's hardly a sister to me. We've never been close."

Sage gave me a sympathetic smile. "Google something and copy it."

I frowned, shaking my head. "I can't do that. It has to be real, personal in some ways. It is her wedding after all."

Sage heaved a heavy breath, shrugging her shoulders weakly. "You're going to put in so much effort after what happened at lunch?"