Page 144 of Marks of Rebellion
"Don't you worry. We'll fix it."
"Please. I'm so sorry. I can't have blood on my dress."
The younger woman unzips me and pushes it off my shoulders. "Step forward."
I take a few steps, and she drags the dress away.
"Please don't tell Carlos," I whisper.
The older woman's eyes are sympathetic, but I remind myself she's on Carlos's payroll.
"He just worries so much about me. And he's busy with work. I don't want him disturbed."
"No worries. We'll fix it, and he will never know."
"Thank you."
"Sure."
She stares at me for an uncomfortable moment. "Honey, are you sure you're okay?"
No. I'll never be okay again.
I force a smile. "Yes. I just want everything to be perfect."
She snorts. "Weddings aren't perfect. Something always goes wrong."
"No. Mine can't. Please. Don't let anything go wrong," I beg her.
She moves her hand toward my face, and I recoil.
"Sorry. You have hair stuck to the blood."
"Oh. Sorry. I'll go wash my face." I go into the bathroom and wash my face then give myself a pep talk to pull my shit together.
My face is flushed, and I feel like something is off, but I figure it's just another panic attack.
When I come back out, the two women have packed up their stuff and put the dress away.
"We will be here bright and early on your big day!"
"Thank you."
The older lady peers closer. "Have you had any rest lately?"
"I'm fine. Lots to do with the wedding."
"Get some rest, dear. You look like you might be coming down with something, and you have a full schedule these next few days."
"Thank you. I'll be okay."
They leave, and I crawl into bed, suddenly exhausted.
I fall asleep. Instead of having a night terror, I dream of Hunter.
I can't see him, but he's carrying me. I'm not sure where, but my face is tucked into his chest, and I can feel his heartbeat race.
"Flower. Drink this. You need it," he says, and we sway back and forth.
