by L. C White
Chapter 8: Friends Reunited
Liz
We arrived at the hotel over two hours ago. Adrien has booked me the bridal suite, and as I expected, it’s stunning. Everything from the white pine bed, to the en-suite bathroom, and the magnificent view from the stone arch window, which overlooks the hills and woodland of Killiecrankie. It’s the perfect venue for a wedding.
All the guests are downstairs drinking in the bar, taking advantage of Adrien’s generosity, as I sit on the bed alone. For I don’t know how long, I’ve been staring at my wedding dress hung on the back of the door. I can’t believe I’m getting married tomorrow. It only feels like yesterday he proposed. And as each day goes by, I’m getting older as he remains the same. I think of how it will work out between us in ten years’ time, when I’ve developed crow’s feet, while he keeps his eternal youth. Should I have doubts about this marriage? There’s absolutely no question I love him entirely. But the idea of getting old without him, is becoming a real issue for me.
My phone rings. I peer down at the screen to see Adrien’s name flashing. I smile, that doubt fading as I answer his call.
“Oh good, you made it,” he says. “Thought you’d have called me?”
“Hmm, sorry. Been a bit crazy here.”
“Is everyone happy with the accommodation?”
God, if he only knew how happy they all are. It’s been exhausting keeping Mum’s overexcitement contained. She’s been so loud and giddy. Between the private jet flying us here, and this place, you would think she’d won the lotto the way she’s been carrying on. And Cate, well, she’s acting as though she stays in places like this every week. She’s even been using her posh telephone voice to speak to people face to face.
“You could say more than happy.”
“And you?”
“Yeah, sure. I’m great.”
He pauses in silence. “You got cold feet?”
“God no. I’m just a little nervous.”
“And what is it that’s bothering you?” His tone is imposing, even through the receiver. “Is it just the wedding?”
Oh, I hate having these neurotic conversations with him over the phone. I don’t want to put a downer on what’s supposed to be a celebratory occasion. I still want to marry him, of course I do. I guess I’m just mulling over the future too much.
“I just miss you.”
“This time tomorrow you’ll be about to walk down the aisle,” he says. “And I will be right there waiting for you.”
“That’s it,” I say, trying not to become an emotional bridezilla. “How will I do your mother’s dress justice, if I’m too nervous to stand… to walk even? Because there is a strong possibility I’ll fall flat on my face, Adrien. I’m shit in heels. And there’s….”
He cuts me off, “Elizabeth jeez! You could walk down the aisle in a trash bag and still be gorgeous,” he frustrates. “It’s about us, no one else. You’re doing that thing again. Where your brain goes off at a hundred miles an hour, and you’re babbling shit to me.”
“I really don’t think anyone would look stunning in a trash bag on their wedding day,” I sulk. “Your complimenting skills are lacking lately.”
He huffs loudly. “You know exactly what I mean. You need to stop debating with yourself, and just marry me for Christ sake.”
“I know, I know.”
“Well then, go take a bath and relax,” he says. “Enjoy this Elizabeth. I want you to be happy. I want to see you glow.”
“You’re very dogmatic today,” I grin.
“Miss Lovell.”
“Yes Adrien.”
“Miss Lovell, I love you and will for all time. Tomorrow you will become Mrs Adrien Knight, and it will,” he emphasises. “Be perfect. Now tell me you’re looking forward to it.”
“I am, now stop being so damn bossy.”
“That’s never going to happen. Now go and do as you are told, and let me fantasize about you in the bathtub,” he hums deep.
I chuckle to myself. “Okay Mr Knight.”
“Bye Elizabeth.” He hangs up.
I give my head a massive imaginary wobble. It was so stupid of me to have any reservations about this.
***
My makeup bag (well I say bag, when it’s more the size of a trunk) is carried into my room by Mum. She’s now wandering around, having one hell of a nosy.
“God, this is a fantastic place.” She gushes over the bathroom.
“Mum, have you come up here just to snoop?”
“No,” she acts surprised. “You have a visitor downstairs in the bar.” She smiles suspiciously.
“Who?”
“You’ll have to go and see for yourself.”
I hate it when she does that. The, ‘I know something you don’t’ look she has displayed across her face.
I grab my black cardigan from the edge of the bed in a temper, and leave her snooping around my stuff.
***
I jog down the oak and stone staircase, slipping my arms through my cardigan sleeves. The sunset outside casts a dusty glow on the dark wood check-in desk as I hurry, smiling at the staff passing me by.
“Miss Lovell,” the receptionist stops me entering the bar. “You have a package in our safe waiting for you.”
“Please can you just leave it in there,” I ask, turning on the spot. “I’ll pick it up on my way back.”
“No problem Miss.”
I make my way into the modern restaurant bar area. It’s so busy. Some of these guests are going to be at my wedding tomorrow, and I have absolutely no idea of who, or what they are.
I scour the bar area and the occupied tables. The only people I know in here are Aunt Carol and Uncle Jim. God I’m hot, tired, and really can’t be bothered with this. I waver, about to turn back, when someone covers my eyes from behind with a cool touch. I squint and pull down a hand. Oh my god, Nathan is standing right in front of me. I laugh and cry at the same time, unable to keep in my feelings. He beams sweetly, tilting his view on me. I’ve not seen him for months, and I’ve just realised how much I’ve missed him.
“Hey.” He playfully wipes my cheek. “Stop will you.”
“Wow, I can’t believe you’re here. I mean I knew you were coming but, but… it’s so good to see you,” I ramble.
“Come on you loon. You know I wouldn’t miss the opportunity to watch my best mate getting hitched,” he grins. “Even if it’s to Mr Prick,” he laughs.
I should be mad he’s calling Adrien that again. But the fact is, I’m so happy to see him, I let it slide.
He looks real good. Younger even. No drowsy hungover eyes, lengthier hair, clean shaven, and flawless skin. He’s wearing blue jeans, an off pink shirt, and his favourite kind of boots.
“I’ve saved us a seat out on the terrace,” he says. “Come on, we’ve loads to catch up on,” he tugs on my hand.
It’s such a lovely evening. The sun setting over the green hills, a gentle warm summer’s breeze, and the sound of birdsong in the air across the still lake. I inhale, taking it all in as Nathan comes out of the bar doors, carrying a jug of sangria and two glasses. Shit. I wasn’t planning on drinking tonight. Last thing I need on the eve of my wedding is to be getting sloshed. And if there is even an inkling of the old Nathan left, he’ll be making sure I have the hangover from hell tomorrow.
“Probably a little low class for you now this stuff.” He pours me a glass as I try to bite my tongue. “Thought it would bring some memories back. You don’t have to drink it.”
Holy moly Liz. You forgot that he is Vigore. He’s probably reading your mind right now.
“Don’t worry Liz. Your head is full of pointless shit, so I won’t be delving in there,” he laughs.
“So you can do that?” I frown. “Not look.”
“Yeah. I’ve learnt a lot.” He looks under his brow for an intense second. “I’ve really missed you.”
I smile. “Me too. You look great by the way.”
“Well.” He leans back
in the wicker chair. “That will be the new diet.” He pats his stomach. “It’s been crazy all this. At one point I thought I’d never survive it. I wanted it all to end. But then it just clicked after a while, and this is where I am now.”
I can’t believe how chilled out he is. Like the same old Nathan, but more mature. All those years, telling him to grow up, and now he’s done it, all due to him being a vampire.
“Have you seen Cate?” I wipe the cold condensation from the side of my glass.
“Yeah, I’ve been with her all afternoon. She’s been on the margaritas.” His eyes roll. “She passed out on my arm, so I took her back to her room.”
“She’s having a rough time. You not being here, and me moving out. I think she’s considering moving Pete into her place,” I laugh.
“Well it was only a matter of time,” he smirks. “He’s not here is he?” He takes a quick look over his shoulder.
“No, he’s staying at a B&B in the village. But tomorrow you’ll get to see your favourite person in the world; he’s Cate’s guest,” I tease, knowing how much he dislikes Pete.
“Great,” he utters.
“Well I had to invite him,” I add. “He has the job of keeping Cate busy.”
He quietly takes in the view. I notice his tense shoulders arch, and I can tell he’s finding this hard. Whether it’s the wedding, the vampire thing, or the fact we’ve both changed dramatically, I’m unsure. I want him to relax. We used to be able to drink, laugh, and be open around each other. Now it feels different. Maybe this is how it’s supposed to be.
“One question?” he says, like he’s holding something back. “What on earth was going through your head, for you to agree to marry a vampire?”
Oh great. We’ve only been back together for two minutes, and he’s starting with the negativity again. I guess some of the jealous Nathan is still in there.
“Nathan,” I nod my head. “Yes, I know it’s beyond the realms of normal, but I don’t see Adrien in that way. Like you’re sitting there right now. I don’t feel any different than when we used to drink back at Finley’s. I love Adrien, and you’re my best friend and always will be,” I say, firmly. “I know how screwed up everything got, and it messed you up.” I breathe out the guilt. “But I can’t help the way I feel.”
“I don’t understand,” he shrugs. “I just don’t want to see you get hurt.”
“Come on, don’t ruin this.” I smile, hoping he takes the bait so we can move on from this topic. “Tell me, what have you been up to.”
He relaxes back as the pink evening sky dulls around him. “I’ve opened up my own engineering firm in France. I have a great villa, you should totally come. And well, I feed on blood everyday so I don’t turn into a walking corpse,” he says, jokingly. “Don’t really like living over the pond though. I miss far too much over here. Now your turn, shoot.”
“Nothing much to say you don’t already know.” I silence and gaze at him.
“I’m no different you know; you can still talk to me,” he says in a let-down tone. “Well I’m half freak, but I still feel like the same guy.” He’s needlessly making excuses, presuming I fear him.
“Apart from the time you licked a politician’s neck.” I laugh in an attempt to break his mood, and it seems to work.
“Oh shit, you heard?” he shames.
“Yeah, but don’t worry about it.”
“Yeah, sure.” He rubs his hands down his face.
“Seriously Nathan, I know everything about you.” I watch him smile. “And I’ve seen worse when you were human.”
I turn to watch the ever changing landscape as the clouds cast shadows over the greenery. Unexpectedly, Nathan’s hand cusps mine on the table. I should pull away, but the way he’s squeezing me is not flirtatious, but more concerned.
“You are sure you’re not making a mistake?” he asks.
“Nathan, please,” I say in a sigh. “I’m happy. Nervous, but happy.”
I watch his chest inflate as a grin forms on his lips. “You will be fine,” he says. “But you are shitting it. I can tell that without looking inside your head.”
“That obvious?”
“Yeah. Can you remember that time we were hauled to Carters office for smoking on the school grounds?” he asks. “Well your face has got the same look.”
I giggle, remembering my rebellious youth. “That was your fault; bad influence, and still are.” I swish my glass before taking a swig. “Have you seen Adrien?” I finally ask.
The reason I ask is because I don’t want there to be any animosity, which is probably wishful thinking. I would love for them both to get on with each other, without expecting a vampire clash.
His pupils disappear under his lids. “I’ve had to speak to him a few times over the months,” he explains. “He took it upon himself to keep updated on my progress.”
“And?” I cringe.
“Look Liz, I’m not going to lie and tell you he’s a good guy. You will always be too good for him. You say you’re happy, but are you really?”
“Yes Nathan, I really am. Being what you are, you should already know that.”
“Unfortunately, yes.” He reaches across the table and embraces my hand in his again. “Then I’m happy for you, and I will try and stop being a dick about it.”
“Thanks Nathan… it means a lot to me.”
“What I’m here for.” He slides his hand away.
“Have you not met anyone then; some nice French farm girl?” I grin.
He hesitates. Ha, he has. He may now be a Vigore, but I can still read his cagey body language. He’s always been an awful liar.
“Spill the beans then,” I push him.
“You know me Liz, still weak as always,” he cheekily smiles. “And this whole new me, the ladies just can’t resist.” He lowers his head, slanting his view on me.
“God, nothing changes.”
I finish what remains in my glass, leaving just the melting ice at the bottom. That’s my lot; no more drinks. Tomorrow is going to be nerve-wracking enough, without suffering a hangover.
“Right, I have to go.” Butterflies explode in my belly as I stand up.
He pushes out the wicker chair and moves around the table. “Well look who’s gone all sensible.” He pulls me in close to his body and squeezes. “You going to be okay; still time to back out you know,” he jokes.
“Shit,” I say in an outbreath. “Don’t Nathan.”
“Go on then. Go and get your beauty sleep.” He kisses my cheek and gestures me away. “You’ll be fine Liz… promise.”
I take a few reluctant steps toward the bar doors and turn back. “It’s really good to have you here Nathan.”
***
I make my way up the spiral stairs, holding the red leather box that was left for me in the reception safe.
I push my room door closed and prop my back against it, as I unravel the bow. I open the lid and my eyes zoom in on a beautiful hair comb, made of silver and pearl. It’s ideal. A small tasteful piece I would have chosen myself. I take out the small folded card and read.
Elizabeth
For you.
Love always, Adrien
I perch on the bed, my fingers brushing over the comb. Everything will be fine, I tell myself, collapsing back onto the pillows as the nerves once again take me.
Chapter 9: Perfect
Liz
An evening wedding; whose bright idea was that? This has been the longest day I have ever had to endure. I woke up this morning as the birds began to tweet in the woodland outside my window. It’s been horrendous how time has slowed down to a near stop. Clock watching has probably been my downfall. I’ve flicked my phone on and off to check the time so much, my battery is now flat.
Four whole hours I waited for someone, anyone, to come in and ask me if there was anything I needed. But not one of them (who I always thought were busybodies) rushed into save me from restless boredom.
In the end, at 10am, I resorted to orde
ring myself some room service. My greedy eyes combed the menu, and I requested a full English breakfast, with a large pot of strong coffee. Could I eat it? Well I did try. It tasted delicious, and if I weren’t getting married today, I’d have probably polished off the entire plate. But all I managed to consume was one rasher of bacon, half a fried tomato, and a bite of toast.
After my big breakfast flop, I’d had enough of sitting around waiting. Cate deserved a wakeup call. Drinking margaritas all afternoon with Nathan, is not what I’d call an attentive maid of honour. I bashed on her door, listening to her moaning out in misery. Finally, she answered, and I was greeted by a scene from the walking dead. Black panda puffy eyes, hair like dry straw, and stinking breath. I backed away from her and put on my highest, most annoying chirpy tone to greet her good morning. What I received was a painful growl, and the door in my face.
The daylight fades outside. I’m sitting in front of the white dressing table on a shabby chic stool, waiting for the moment to come where I literally freak-out. I’ve had my nails French polished by Kim. Had my makeup done by Chloe. And Cate is currently on a mission to get my hair exactly how I want it.
“Will you hold still!” she barks, shuffling around me with giant yellow rollers hanging from her hair.
I don’t speak. I’m the one who’s supposed to be throwing hissy fits today because things aren’t going to plan. But the stress seems to have got to Mum and Cate more. I’m in some kind of indeterminate state right now, suspended in mute anticipation.
“I think that’s just about… perfect.” Cate circles my hair with spray. “Right, I need to get dressed.”
She swigs down her umpteenth black coffee, as I stare at my subtle smoky eyes, and surprisingly clear pale skin.
“Liz, are you okay?” she asks as though I’m hard of hearing.
“Hmm.”
“Are you sure?” she continues. “Even the blusher isn’t hiding your white face.”
I look in the mirror to study my cheeks. She’s right, I’m paling by the second. I wouldn’t have noticed if she hadn’t mentioned it. Great.