S E V E N

ELIZABETH.

~WEDDING DAY~

“You look really beautiful today. “ I tell Mom as I stand behind her and meet her eyes in the mirror. She’s truly looking so elegant in her blue wedding gown. Mom didn’t want it white for a reason she refused to let me know but she doesn’t look any less beautiful in this.

She smiles. “Thanks, my love. You’re looking sweet yourself. “ She comments and I look down at the short flowy white gown I have on. It’s sleeveless which leaves my torso and shoulders on display.

I smile and gently place my hands on her shoulders. I give the skin a soft squeeze as I ask her in a gentle tone, “Are you happy mother?”

She drops her hand over mine and rubs it. “I am. Very happy, Elizabeth. “ And I know she means that.

“And it makes me, even more, happier to know that. “ I say and she nods gently. She lets go of my hand and I remove my hands from her shoulders.

“You’re comfortable yeah? No negative feelings?” She raises a brow and I’m quick to nod. “None. “

“Good. I made sure Gabriel only invited important ones so we call all be comfortable. Not too much crowd. “ She explains to me for the second time today and I chuckle, “I know that Mom, you told me already. “

She laughs softly then lowers her head and I catch her action through the big mirror; she’s rubbing her finger. Her ring finger in particular. Dad’s ring.

“Give it. I’ll hold onto it for you. “ I tell her and she raises her head. After an assuring smile from me, she removes the ring and lets me take it.

“Today is all about you and Gabriel. A new start. No bad thoughts, okay?” I say sternly and she smiles. “I’m so lucky to have you as a daughter. “

“That you are. “ We both laugh.

“Alright. I’ll see you in the hall. Don’t get too nervous. I’ll be with you the entire time. “ I promise and place a small kiss on her cheek before I exit the room.

When I enter the hall again, James is speaking to some man who looks about the same age as Gabriel. Standing so far, in his neatly done suit that does justice to his body proportions, a pretty smile on his face, and his hands tucked in his pockets– I feel my heart fluttering so loudly. Does he have to look this good?

Unfortunately for me, he catches my gaze and he sends me a smile with a wave, one I’m too stoic to return. I watch as he excuses himself and begins to walk toward me and I feel my heart beat faster with each step he takes.

“Hey you, “ He greets me as he stops before me. “What’s that?” He nods to the ring and the tiny necklace I have in hand.

“Um… nothing. “ My voice comes out too small and I curse myself for it. I clear my throat and speak again, “Nothing important. “

“Need my help with it?” He asks and before I can respond, he snatches the materials from me.

He turns me away from him and I feel myself still as he brushes my hair to one side, his finger grazing against my neck. I feel shivers run down my spine and the pace at which my heart beats at his presence doesn’t slow as he locks the necklace with the ring around my neck.

“There. “ He arranges my hair to its position and twirls me back to his gaze.

“You look really pretty. “ He compliments with a smile, doing absolutely nothing to help my situation and everything to worsen it.

You can’t keep this on Elizabeth.

I find the courage to straighten my back and clear my throat. “That I do. Thank you.  “

“Bet you’ll look even prettier in my arms. “

“Shut up. “ James laughs at my response to his silly joke and I’m about to tease his look in the suit when someone suddenly calls his name. We both turn at the same time and my heart drops when I see a new girl approaching him.

“Who’s that?” I whisper to him.

“Janet. The girl I told you about. She wanted to come. “ Right. The girl he spoke about yesterday. She’s just as he described. Maybe even better with her curly ginger hair and gorgeous face. She’s tall as well; that’s definitely a plus.

I step to the side as she stops before him and I watch them exchange words. He brought someone. A girl. And as she laughs and flirts with him; I wish I had done the same.

‘You have no one to bring. ‘ Another harsh reality of mine.

~

The wedding started just minutes ago and I already can’t wait to get out of here.

Not because I’m not happy for Mom. No, not that. But because James is right by my side and I can’t even pretend to ignore Janet’s somewhat loud whispers and giggles.

It’s a wedding. I don’t get what’s so funny. I get that’s what being with James does to a girl.

I shake my head and tell myself I just have to make it through the next round. Straightening against my seat, I put on a smile as my mom's gaze falls on me before she says her vows.

They exchange rings then finally kiss and the audience, that’s no more than twenty people puts their hands together for the new couple. I join in and after a few more minutes, I finally stand up.

“Where are you going?” James whispers and I nod to the exit. “Need some air. Won’t take long. “I assure him with a small smile then grab my small purse and exit the hall.

I take in breaths of the fresh air and let it hit my lungs, which manages to calm my nerves. My phone dings in the purse just as I take a seat on the leveled floor and I fish it out.

It’s a text from Louis which reminds me that I didn’t respond to his last text.

LOUIS: That was funny.

LOUIS: Still busy with the event?

I tuck my hair behind my ear as I send a reply.

ME: The wedding is over now.

His response comes in almost instantly.

LOUIS: You didn’t tell me it’s a wedding! I love weddings. Whose was it?

I chuckle.

ME: Sorry. Just an important person.

LOUIS: You really are a secretive person, aren’t you? Mind if I give you a call? I want to see you in your dress.

I take a peek back at the hall, where hushed voices are coming from, debating whether it’d be a good call to accept his request. I don’t get to decide before my phone starts to ring and it’s a FaceTime request from Louis.

“This boy, “ I murmur with a sigh as I accept his call. What I didn’t expect is for his first reaction to be, “Wow. “

“What. “ I laugh awkwardly as I pull at the edge of my head and Louis just shakes his head. “You are beautiful. Insanely beautiful. Dangerously gorgeous. Christ, you’re freaking stunning Elizabeth. “

“You can’t even see the whole dress. You’re just trying to flatter me. “

“I’m doing no such thing. I’m dead serious. You look freaking beautiful. I mean you do all the time but you look extra beautiful right now. I don’t have to see the whole dress to know that. “

“Okay fine fine. Thank you. For your compliments. Once again. “ I jokingly roll my eyes and he nods with a smile. “It’s my pleasure lady. “

I shake my head but I can’t help the laugh that sips through. Louis and I have been speaking ever since he got to my school. He was right when he said he’d bother me. He truly did. He’d speak to me every time, even on those I try to ignore him. He’s unlike anyone I’ve ever encountered. Persisting and is quite brave with it too, but he makes sure he doesn’t go over his boundaries, which makes him even more likable. Any girl would want a guy like that. The fact that he’s gorgeous is a plus but unfortunately, I’m not any girl. I’m a girl who already wants someone else.

“That’s a beautiful necklace. “ Louis brings me out of my thoughts and my hand immediately goes to the said jewelry, my finger twirling around the ring.

“It is. Thank you. “ I smile.

We speak further on a lot of things. He told me the eventful day he’s had and I say one or two things. As the call goes on, I find myself more relaxed.

“I wish I was there. “ Louis says in a small voice and I don’t get to respond before I hear James's voice behind me.

“Lizzie?”

“Hey. I’ll text you. Need to go. “ I’m quick to end the call and I move to my feet just as James appears.

He leans against the wall with a smirk. “Who was that?”

“Who was what?” I try to play dumb but of course, it doesn’t work on him.

“The one you were on the phone with. Don’t lie. I caught a glimpse. “

“Just a friend. “ I shrug and he hums. “You know you’ve been very sneaky these days Elizabeth. “

“I’m not. “ I say as I move to his front. “Why are you here? Where’s your girl?” I attempt to distract him from his inquiries and I wish I didn’t sound so bitter saying that last part.

“Janet? She left. Had somewhere to be. “

“You must like her if you invited her here. “ I don’t meet his eyes as I say those words.

“Eh. She’s surprisingly more fun than I thought she’d be. I enjoy her company. “ If only you know how each of those words you just uttered makes me feel.

“Clearly. “ I whisper when James suddenly throws his hand around me, making me stagger a bit.

“James!” I scold and he laughs. “Sorry. So it’s official now. You’re my sister. “ That title breaks my heart.

“Don’t call me that. “ I tell him and he frowns as he slowly removes his hand.

“Why not?” You’re truly oblivious to everything, aren’t you?

“Just don’t think I’d get used to it. “ I lie and he finally says something that calms my heart. “Don’t think I’d either. I prefer Lizzie. My Lizzie. “ Please stop.

I’m unable to come up with anything else and there’s silence as I just stare into his gorgeous eyes. James stands still with a smile and I can no longer control myself as I feel my body moves forward, closer to him.

“Oh and by the way… “ He breaks the quiet, stopping me from going through my stupid action. “Gabriel said we’ll be leaving for our new home tonight. “

Right. How could I forget the living together part? Normally, I see James so often. Sometimes even more than I see my mother and I’ve loved it that way but it’s completely different from being in the same house with him. Living together. Sleeping and waking up to each other's presence every day. As step-siblings.

I hate this. I hate this so freaking much no matter how much I tell myself I’m happy for my mom. I’ll never stop hating this.

“Come on. Let’s get in. It’s getting windy here. “ I watch as he removes his jacket and covers me with it. “To feel warmer. “ He smiles as he brushes his hands over my shoulders.

I don’t get to have this anymore. Not in the way I want.

I hate it all.