Aeri’s heels clicked sharply against the polished floor of the hallway, her fast-paced steps echoing in the dimly lit passage. *Tap, tap, tap*. Her light blue dress swayed with each stride, the silver watch on her wrist glinting faintly under the soft glow of the wall sconces.
Her brow was furrowed, her lips pressed into a thin line as worry churned in her chest.
"I wonder what they’re doing that’s taking so long," she thought, her mind racing with possibilities, each one more unsettling than the last. "I have to check it myself."
The grand hall’s festive hum faded behind her, the laughter and music growing distant as she approached the bride’s dressing room door. Her heart thudded, a mix of curiosity and dread urging her forward.
She stopped in front of the door, its dark wood looming, and took a deep breath, steeling herself. Raising her hand, she knocked firmly. *Knock, knock*.
"Sara! You in there?" she called, her voice slightly raised, carrying a hint of impatience.
Barely a few seconds passed before she knocked again, her knuckles rapping more urgently. *Knock, knock*. "Sar—" she started, but her words were cut off by a voice from inside.
"Aeri?" Sara’s voice came through the door, soft but clear, with an edge of surprise.
"Yes, it’s me," Aeri replied, her hand resting on the doorknob, her frown deepening. "What’s happening ins—"
"Come inside, Aeri, I need your help," Sara interrupted, her tone urgent, almost pleading.
Aeri’s confusion spiked, her fingers tightening on the knob. "Help with what?" she muttered under her breath, but she didn’t hesitate.
She turned the knob and pushed the door open, stepping into the dressing room. "What are you—" she began, but her words faltered as her eyes landed on Sara.
There she was, seated at the vanity, a vision in her white wedding gown, the delicate lace and flowing train making her look like an angel descended to earth. Her dark hair was neatly styled, cascading in soft waves, and the silver tiara gleamed perfectly in place.
The room itself was pristine—freshly scented with roses and Sara’s floral perfume, the plush velvet couch neatly arranged, makeup brushes and jewelry organized on the vanity.
Nothing seemed out of place, as if the chaos Aeri had feared was just a figment of her imagination. But Sara’s face told a different story. Her eyes were red-rimmed, glistening with tears, and her lips trembled as she let out a soft sob.
"Aeri... help me... *sobs*," Sara said, her voice breaking as she clutched a small hairpin in her hand, her shoulders shaking slightly.
Aeri’s worry softened into concern as she hurried across the room, her heels muffled on the soft carpet.
"What happened?" she asked, kneeling beside Sara, her hand resting gently on her friend’s arm. "Are you okay?"
Sara sniffled, her gaze dropping to the hairpin before lifting to meet Aeri’s reflection in the mirror. "Help me pin this into my hair properly," she said, her voice thick with emotion. "It’s... it’s slightly off, and I want it right in the center... *sobs*." She held up the delicate silver pin, its tiny pearl catching the light, and gestured to her hair with a trembling hand.
Aeri exhaled sharply, a mix of relief and exasperation washing over her. "Oh, God... *sigh*," she said, standing and crossing her arms, her brows knitting together. "This is why it’s taking so long? A hairpin?"
Sara nodded, her reflection in the mirror showing a small, tearful pout as she dabbed at her eyes with a tissue. "It has to be perfect, Aeri," she said softly, her voice quivering. "I can’t walk out there unless it’s perfect."
Aeri shook her head, a faint smile tugging at her lips despite herself. "You’re unbelievable, you know that?" she said, stepping closer to the vanity and taking the hairpin from Sara’s hand. "Crying over a hairpin on your wedding day? Come on, you’re gonna ruin your makeup."
Sara let out a watery laugh, her sobs easing as she tilted her head for Aeri to work. "I know, I know," she said, her voice steadier now. "I just... I want everything to be right. It’s a big day."
The bride’s dressing room was a haven of soft light and delicate scents, the air filled with the sweet aroma of roses and the faint trace of Sara’s floral perfume. Sara sat before the mirror, her white wedding gown a vision of lace and silk, hugging her curves and spilling into a flowing train that pooled on the carpet.
Her dark hair cascaded in gentle waves, but her face told a different story—red-rimmed eyes glistened with tears, and her lips trembled as she clutched a silver-white hairpin, its glitter catching the warm glow of the vanity lights.
Aeri stepped into the room, her light blue dress shimmering faintly, her heels muffled by the plush carpet. Her brow was furrowed, a mix of concern and exasperation in her eyes as she crossed to Sara’s side.
"Idiot child you are," she said, her voice soft but teasing, a fond scold as she reached for the hairpin in Sara’s trembling hand. "Crying over a pin? Come on, Sara, you’re better than this."
Sara sniffled, managing a small, watery smile as Aeri’s fingers worked gently, sliding the glittery pin into her hair with practiced ease, securing it perfectly in the center. "You could’ve asked someone from the dressing team to help you," Aeri said, sighing as she tucked a stray strand of Sara’s hair behind her ear. "They’re literally paid to fuss over you today."
"Yeah, I did," Sara said, her voice quiet, almost sheepish, as she fidgeted with the edge of her white gloves. "But then I told them to go grab some refreshments, so... I was left with no one." She glanced down, her shoulders slumping slightly, the weight of her words heavier than they seemed.
Aeri shook her head, her tone shifting to one of gentle authority, like a mother guiding her daughter as she set Sara’s hair.
"Jeez, Sara, it’s your wedding day," she said, her voice firm but warm. "Be more responsible. You don’t want to start your new life with mistakes, do you? This is your big moment, your fresh start with Daniel. Make it something you’re proud of, okay? You’re stepping into something beautiful today—don’t let little slip-ups mess it up."
Sara’s smile faded, her face clouding with a flicker of sadness. Her eyes dropped, hidden behind the curtain of her dark hair, and her fingers tightened on her white gloves.
A guilt seemed to settle over her. She swallowed hard, her breath catching, but said nothing, letting the silence speak for her.
Aeri didn’t notice the shift, too focused on perfecting Sara’s look. She leaned forward, adjusting the pin one last time, then stepped back to admire her work in the mirror.
A bright smile spread across her face, her eyes sparkling with pride. "There," she said, her voice full of warmth. "My angel is all set. You look like you walked out of a dream, Sara. Daniel’s gonna be speechless."
Sara lifted her gaze, meeting Aeri’s reflection in the mirror, and managed a smile, her lips trembling but genuine.
"Thanks, Aeri," she said softly, her voice thick with emotion as she reached out to squeeze Aeri’s hand. "You’re... you’re amazing."
Aeri squeezed back, rolling her eyes playfully. "Yeah, yeah, just don’t cry again and mess up my masterpiece," she teased, brushing a speck of imaginary dust from Sara’s shoulder. She paused, her expression shifting to casual curiosity as she glanced around the room, her brow furrowing slightly. "Oh, and where’s Ezra? I don’t see him. Didn’t you call him here earlier?"
Sara’s eyes widened, a flicker of panic flashing across her face as she looked down at her white gloves, her fingers twisting the fabric nervously. "Ezra?" she said.