Page 67 of Once Bitten, Twice Fried
“It’s just nerves, Yas. You’re gonna be alright. We’re all here for you.” Julie said confidently.
Zoe turned to Leila. “What’s going on?”
“I don’t know. We were putting her shoes on when suddenly she burst into tears.”
Zoe moved slowly towards the bed. “What’s going on, Yas?”
“Oh Zoe. You’re here too. I’m so embarrassed… Is everyone really seeing me like this?” Yasmine sniffled.
“I’ve seen you in a worse state. Remember when that guy dumped you over text?” Zoe smiled, trying to cheer Yasmine up but it didn’t work. Zoe hesitated, then crouched down next to the bed and took Yasmine’s hand.
“Is it…” Zoe felt a knot in her throat. She took a breath. “Is it the wedding?” She paused. “Is it Adam?”
Yasmine looked at her. She nodded.
“Are you…” Zoe stuttered. “Are you having second thoughts?” She lightly pressed on Yasmine’s hand. Yasmine held onto her hand tighter. She was sobbing uncontrollably.
“Do you want to tell me what’s going on?”
“There’s nothing to say. I just don’t know. I don’t know if this is a good idea.”
“It’s alright.” She patted Yasmine’s hand. “We all have wedding jitters. It happens.” Zoe could feel Julie’s gaze burning through her skull. “But we’re here today to celebrate Adam and you. You’ve made it that far, it must mean something, right?”
Yasmine weakly nodded.
“Couples all have ups and downs. It doesn’t have to be perfect all the time.” Zoe felt the irony of her words weighing down on her. She was avoiding Julie’s look at all costs. “Because in the end, you’re still choosing to be with him.”
It was enough for Yasmine, at least. She wiped her eyes and nodded at Zoe again.
“You’re right. I just need… I think I need some time alone.”
“Are you sure?” Maria asked.
“Yes. I just need to get myself together and then it will be fine. And… maybe you could ask the makeup artist to come back in?” Yasmine smiled faintly.
“OK, we’ll leave you be. Call us if you need us?”
“Sure.”
Julie looked hesitant to leave but stood up as soon as everyone else started to move.
“I’ll meet you girls downstairs for the pictures.” Yasmine herded them out of her room, smiling with her eyes red. She quietly closed the door behind her bridesmaids.
All the girls were gathered in front of Yasmine’s door.
“I hope that whatever is going on, she’s going to be fine.” Leila grimaced. “I’m pretty sure it’s the treasure hunt and the documentary that are still bothering her.”
Zoe suddenly remembered that unfinished conversation Yasmine and her had when they left the garden to start the treasure hunt. Maybe Yasmine had really had second thoughts for quite some time and it was all coming crashing down now. What was it that Julie said again? That Adam made Yasmine unhappy more often than not? Was it the same thing for Zoe? Did Tom make her happy?
“She’s probably fine.” Julie scratched her head. “I guess this is why you have bridesmaids at your wedding.”
Julie’s voice made Zoe snap out of her thoughts. She had to stop obsessing about Tom and the mayhem that was her relationship for today. It was Yasmine’s day, she had to only focus on her.
“I should probably go back to the kitchen. Everybody is going to be there soon.” Zoe slowly walked away.
“Yes, good plan. Bye, Zoe! See you later!” Julie smiled and waved at her. It seemed forced.
Zoe knew that she was trying to act like nothing had happened between them but it made everything more suspicious. The best would be to avoid Julie today, Zoe thought as she was walking down the stairs. She seemed too nervous and there was a substantial risk that Julie would accidentally spill the beans.
