When Life Gives You Lemons

15. Silver Bells

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“Are you sure I look okay?” Miah asked.

I laughed as I zipped up the back of her dress. “No,”

She gasped. “Sarah!”

I laughed. “Because I'm sure you look amazing – drop-dead gorgeous.”

She laughed with me. “You looked good, too, Sarah. Blue is a nice colour on you.”

“Stop it, this is your day, not mine.” I said.

I adjusted the pleating on her veil and the train on the dress. Miah looked amazing, she truly did. The dress was perfect; it was a simple, strapless A-line design with beading on the bust and bottom of the skirt, and a lovely lace belt across the waist line.

She stopped me from doing anything with her hair, insisting that it looked better down with a nice wave to it. She had me in a royal blue, floor-length, silk halter dress. I, too, kept my hair style simple with a low ponytail, slightly to one side so it draped effortlessly over my shoulder, and a white rose hair clip on the elastic.

As for shoes, Miah went for comfort in a pair of low white heels, but put me in white stilettos. Since she was initially taller than me, it gave me a height advantage while I did finishing touches on her makeup, as mine was already done.

A light knock on the door made me jump and almost loose my balance.

“Go away, Burn!” I yelled before Miah could say anything.

The door muffled a laugh. “It's Jack, and I have no intention of leaving, so let me in.”

I laughed and strutted over to open the door. He took one look at me and mouthed “wow”.

“You look... really good!” he said, gesturing to my entire body.

I laughed. “Not nearly as good as your sister does.”

I stepped back to let him through the door. He walked over to her and he was speechless. “Miah! You look amazing!”

“Awe!” she said, wiping her eyes to stop from crying. “Thanks, Jackie!”

He stepped back and clapped his hands together. “So, are you ready?”

She nervously nodded.

“Good, because mom and dad are here.” He called in his mom and dad.

His dad greeted me with a smile and a handshake, while his mom preferred to scowl at me. I wondered if this hatred towards me would ever end, or if she would take it to her grave.

“So who's your maid of honour?” she asked Miah.

Jack tensed, as did I.

Miah stuttered before she gestured to me. “Sarah...”

Mrs. Samuel's jaw tensed, as if Miah had just confessed to being pregnant. She forced a smile. “Why not Jewel? You two were so close as kids.”

Miah sighed. “Mom, I haven't seen or talked with her in almost six years. Sarah is a big part of Jack's life, and I hope to some day call her family.”

“But, Miah, dear,” she said, lowering her voice in hopes that I wouldn't hear. “You've only known Sarah for a few months. Do you really want her in your wedding photos?”

Miah scowled at her mother. “You know, mom, I'm getting tired of your beef with Sarah. She has been nothing but kind, and if anything, made Jack a better person. This is my wedding, therefore, I make my own decisions.”