HER

Chapter Six

To me peace is the best feeling in the world. And silence is the best voice ever heard.
But no matter how quiet a place could be, I never felt that peace. I forced it every time. The place I go to feel something. Anything.
I create it and it's all in my head, the intense joy, no shadows, nothing.
It's just me. And every moment is worth it.
The drive was long and silent and I'm a bit glad the car is pulled into a lot. April didn't spare me a glance, talk less of speaking to me. In as much as I want to, I couldn't care less. I didn't expect much and at the same time I did, but it really doesn't matter.

Making our way into the castle like building, I'm thankful for the few number of people in here. We enter the elevator as soon as two men all dressed up in suit and tie walk out. I catch their eyes fall briefly on my chest. I do well to dismiss my embarrassment, rolling my eyes at the thought of how shameless some men could be.
April hums along with the classical music playing from the speakers, sounding like something out of a disney cartoon. I wonder what this place is.
She smiles as the doors open, revealing the exclusive shop. The walls are painted a deep shade of purple with random words imprinted on them in black.
A tall lady approaches us, smiling proudly. Her neat gold ponytail swings, brushing her shoulders lightly. Her tiny waist leads to a set of slender hips making me a bit jealous. She'd make a perfect runway model.

"Mrs Harrez" the lady calls, opening her arms to hug April "Victoria, how have you been?" "Good. Thank you" she replies pulling away "and who is this beautiful" "She's my son, Damons Fiancée" "oh really?" Victoria turns to me, smiling "congratulations darling. I'm so happy for you"
I force back a smile "thank you"
"we're actually here so you could prep her for the wedding on Friday –" "Friday?" I nearly yell. They both turn, looking at me.
"Yes, Friday" April says "is there a problem? I thought we talked about that already?" she focuses back on Victoria before I can think of anything to say.
I look down, fidgeting with my fingers "is there a bathroom somewhere?" I ask no one in particular "yes" Victoria answers "that door by your left"

I enter the bathroom, locking the door as I lean against it.
Everything was happening too soon. Too quickly, I couldn't process it. This isn't how I planned my life to go, even if so far it has been nothing close to my dreams, I never expected to be getting married so soon.

I take deep breaths, to calm myself since I can't smoke right now.
In, out, in...
Then breath out as I open the door, making my way to April and Victoria. "Darling" Victoria grinned, handing me a pile of white dresses "try on these and if you don't like any, feel free to go through the racks yourself and pick something that matches your taste, okay?" I nod, earning a smile from her.
"meet me at the salon when you're done" April adds before leaving with Victoria.
I make my way to the dressing room, taking a seat as I check out the clothes.
I try on a few, turning and twirling in front of the large mirror. Most are tight and a little bit too exposing and I don't want anything drawing extra attention to me asides from being the bride.
My eyes fall on the black dress laying across the floor. I pick it up, inspecting every inch before slipping into it. The floor length lace dress slit high above my thigh, backless with spaghetti thin straps.
The simplicity is what I love about it. But above all, black.

I see Victoria walk in, her eyes widening once she sees me "goodness... Black?" I smile at her, proud of my choice as i gather the other dresses then give them to her.
"That is quite Rare if you should ask me. Lovely choice." she returns a smile, tilting her head to the side "anyway April needs you at the salon. Your stylist should arrive any minute from now" Victoria informs me, shoving the dresses in a paper bag . I quickly take off my dress, not minding her presence and hand it to her "I'll bag this properly for you" she says as she takes it from me, turning to leave.
"thank you"
"You're welcome darling" she replies over her shoulder before she walks off.

I get back dressed and make my way to the salon, heads turning to my direction as the door bell chimes.
I scan the room for April, disregarding the stares and dirty glares I get from the women and of course, that goatish look I get from men.
"Hey" I say taking the seat next to April after I find her "were you able to get a dress?" "Yes" I relax in the soft leather chair "Did you like it?" she asks "yeah"
The stylist appears behind me with a grin, showing off his drilled teeth "and what would I be doing for you mademoiselle" he asks in a thick French accent, grabbing a handful of my hair, clearly amazed by how long it is.
"Cut it off" i answer him
"c–cut?" His eyes meet mine in the mirror "you want me to cut your hair?"
"Yes" I nod at him "cut it off"