“So what exactly are we waiting for?” Eli asked placing his foot in another crevice and hoisting him up only higher.

My head spun feeling more dizzy by how high we were climbing, heights didn’t sit too well with me. But then I also didn’t want to make a fool or chicken of myself in front of Eli. We were climbing our willow tree and Eli had thought when I said climb it that I meant climb right to the top; one branch up was high enough for me!

“We’re waiting for the sun to begin going under.” I breathed feeling faintly breathless and dizzy as I constantly kept looking down in fear.

“Oh, you want that whole sunset shot, right?” he murmured as he leant me his hand for like the fiftieth time.

I smiled shyly as I took his hand “Well, yeah.” I admitted as I clutched my camera even tighter to my chest. I had worked so hard to buy that camera and if it broke I’d literally break down.

“Isn’t that a bit of a clichéd shot?” he asked me, his lips curling teasingly down at me.

My eyes narrowed as I went to hit him. I squealed as my foot slipped and I thrusted my free hand out to steady me, cringing as I felt the bark and branches of the tree tare at my skin. I panted breathlessly waiting to slip and fall again for a good pause. I looked around realizing I was okay and stable, locked into place to the point I felt like I’d been frozen.

“Erin? Erin? Ez!” Li shouted startling me from my thundering heart pumping loudly in my ears. He looked down at me anxiously, grasping my other hand tightly “Are you okay?”

“Uh, huh.” I managed shakily.

Eli sighed in relief as his other hand reached down for my other hand “Come on, I’ll help you.” He murmured.

I shook my head only wanting to get back down “No.” I said childishly, leaning away.

“You’re missing the sunset.” He warned me, trying to persuade me.

I chewed my lower lip anxiously as I looked behind him and sure enough was the sun sinking, numerous colors painting the sky and the light and colors directly behind Eli making him look like a god. His eyes were sparkling in the intimate and soft light and his features looked more defined and yet gentler too, he looked amazing!

“Oh shit, what did you do to your hand?” Eli exclaimed as he let one go and reached for my other hand that was all battered and cut up.

I listened to him vaguely as I hastily picked up my camera with my other free hand. It was awkward taking the photo with one hand but luckily it was my right hand. It was perfect though, capturing Eli’s brooding face of intensity as he tenderly tended to my battered hand that had gone through a war. The sunset was in the background making Eli almost glow right down to his lashes dancing along his cheeks. And in the bottom corner of the shot of Eli looking down was my fingers uncurled as he studied my fingers tenderly with such a mesmerized expression and focus that it left you breathless the way he studied and held them. Like I was the most fragile thing on the entire planet, like I was the most pure thing to grace this earth.

It was in that moment that I realized I was truly and solely in love with Eli and I wanted with everything within me to be in that shot with him as I realized what was really in front of me, what had been in front of me this entire time. Because sunset shots weren’t clichéd as long as you capture some sole beauty you found only once in a life time. Eli was exactly it for me, he was that sole beauty you found only once in a life time and I wanted to hold on and never let go. My diamond in the rough.

ೋღ♥ღೋೋღ♥ღೋೋღ♥ღೋೋღ♥ღೋೋღ♥ღೋೋღ♥ღೋ

“Knock, knock.” A voice said nervously in the door way of my room, he was standing there shifting nervously from foot to foot as he waited for me to answer.

Not that I could really blame him for being nervous, I’ve been literally avoiding and ignoring Liam since our argument Wednesday afternoon and now it being Friday night and still I had said nothing but walk the other way I presumed he was feeling more and more anxious. As he deserves the snarky part of me muttered.

I looked up at my brother standing in my door way interrupting my plans of the night to be to prepare for tomorrow and just kick back and listen to music, maybe even have some alone time to sift through my thoughts. Did I want to talk to my brother? I wasn’t overly sure and that was a really sad discover, knowing that I didn’t even know if I wanted to talk to my brother. He had hurt me; the person I had the most faith in had hurt me the most.

 Yesterday had been awkward as hell, I had ignored him like the plague and because it was obvious that Liam felt awful and guilty and I was practically treating him like he was terrifying it had everyone going through mood swings. Mel approached him – or rather stomped over to him – and told him to leave me alone and give me time to sift through her thoughts; apparently she wasn’t too happy with him either? Than Eli was another story, as soon as he saw me shying and hiding from my own brother he was all over Liam, demanding to know what had made me upset when he was just as clueless to the battle scars he himself had inflicted.

In the end Mel and I had spent the day under a tree at lunch catching up just like old times, before everything fell apart. It was nice for us two to catch up, with no interruptions and just us.

“Can I…come in?” he hesitated, gulping look so vulnerable like a little puppy.

All I could do was sigh in defeat, it was my brother and I loved him, I was the type of person that couldn’t hold grudges for too so long so it wasn’t any wonder why I conceded. “Yeah, sure.” I murmured wearily as I gesture into my room.

I watched as he let go a heavy breath, some of the tension leaving his shoulders as he walked into my room walking to my bed to only second guess and head for my computers stool. Had we drifted so far apart that we couldn’t even sit next to one another?

I shook my head sadly “Come over here you idiot.” I mumbled patting the spot beside me of my bed.

I watched as Liam’s head snapped up the relieved and hopeful smile he fought back not going by unnoticed at all. He rather eagerly and excitedly raced to my bed and threw himself down upon it, jumping on top of it making me bounce and all my papers and bits and pieces scatter out of order as I sent him a stern glare.

“Ooops.” He squeaked guiltily.

I shook my head already over it as the corner of my lips tugged “It’s okay.” I whispered almost shyly, not knowing what else to say.

There was an awkward suffocating silence as we sat there, me cleaning out my camera gadgets and Liam just watching as he nervously fidgeted. That is until I was suddenly suffocated in this gigantic teddy bear like hug, squishing me into him so god damn close and tight I think it broke a rib or two. Liam kissed the top of my head as he murmured to me “I love you.”

I melted like butter under him; he was pure evil at how he made it impossible to hold grudges or to be mad at him. My arms tightly and greedily wrapped around him, clinging to him as he held me just as tight, I smiled greater as I inhaled his heavenly secure scent. The only other scents that bought that security over me were my dad an Eli.

“I’m sorry Ez,” he mumbled into my hair “I wasn’t thinking, there was so much information and I was angry and frustrated and I didn’t prioritize right – I know that.” he admitted his voice shredded with raw regret and guilt “Than you asked about Mel and I just presumed you wanted a distraction and talking off topic calmed me down also but…but I acted like the biggest dick, I can’t stop tormenting myself over how much of a jerk I was.” he shook his head solemnly, grief stricken.

I squeezed my arms around him as a sign of forgiveness, a way to try and cheer him up as I snuggled up closer into his chest. I missed these moments the most with my brother, just curling up together and chatting, maybe watching a movie or playing a game. The simple life.

“It’s okay, I mean I can’t deny it didn’t hurt.” I murmured honestly as I felt terrible watching him flinch under my honesty “I just wanted your support and to know that you’d protect me and you still loved me and could look at me the same. I just wanted to hear someone say everything is going to be alright.” I murmured honestly as I kept my face hidden in his chest knowing damn well I couldn’t speak the truth if I was looking him in the eyes.

“I know,” he murmured into my hair “and I was a dick. But I can tell you at this very moment and from here on in everything is okay and nothing, utterly nothing could ever make me look at you differently.” He stressed passionately, fiercely “I will always love you, you’re my baby sis.” He murmured flexing his arms around me tighter.

“Thanks.” I murmured honestly, it was just what I needed to hear; that I had his full and entire support and love “I love you.” I whispered back.

He held me even tighter “I love you too.” he murmured roughly and yet more easily than any other time he told me he loved me; he was such a guy! “I’m going to be here with you every step of the way sis.” He murmured with complete sincerity

I smiled softly “That’s all I wanted.” I murmured honestly; I didn’t need to hear I did something stupid – I was already starting to understand that – and I didn’t need him to stir more trouble by going after Jed. What I needed was my brother, for him to simply hold me and tell me everything was going to be alright.

“It’s funny though.” He mused breaking our peaceful blissful silence.

“What is?” I murmured inhaling his scent for the millionth time, loving how safe it made me feel. I hadn’t felt safe and protected in such a long time!

"It used to be Mel that pulled back but now it's you.” He mused deeply “But Mel has miraculously dealt with her issues; it's your turn to face your own demons." He urged gently, like a life coach or even a Monk like in the movies where they have some old wise character that says something corny and yet inspirational. 

“Erin honey have you seen your- Oh!” mum said her voice full of shock at seeing Liam and I actually interacting and in the same room, it wasn’t half obvious Liam and I hadn’t been communicating that much lately since I’ve been avoiding him for a long time now “Hi guys.” She beamed brightly; relief coating her features at seeing us snuggled up together.

“Hi mum!” I beamed broadly back at her from Liam’s chest.

“Well aren’t you two a picture?” she asked happily folding her arms as she leant against the doorway.

“No pictures.” Liam said sternly as if reading her mind.

Mum snorted “I couldn’t take a picture to save my life, our photographer in the family is our little girl.” She said proudly nodding towards all my camera gear spread out on my bed that I had been packing for tomorrow.

I rolled my eyes “He’s like five minutes older than me, I’m not that little!” I protested for the countless time, it was something I had to always remind them about.

“You’re little to us.” Mum smiled amused, her smile growing as Liam nestled his chin on the top of my head happily, not moving an inch.

I rolled my eyes “What’s up?” I asked wanting a change of topic.

“Dinner is ready, I just came to tell you and ask if you knew where your brother is.” She answered happily.

I nodded smiling as I scrambled up, the thought of food utterly setting my stomach ablaze. I turned eagerly to Liam and stuck my hand up and dragging him up before he could even blink making him tumble shocked. I giggled as I dragged him along, squirming wildly as he poked me in the ribs making me jump every single damn time!

“Is Mel coming for dinner tonight Liam?” mum asked as we stepped into the room as she was sitting down, looking up.

Liam shook his head as he walked around the table to sit across from me “No, she said one night was enough.” He answered.

Mel had stayed for dinner last night to our entire family’s approval, we loved having her around and my parents loved having her here knowing she was taken care of. I especially was grateful she was here last night so she could help me avoid Liam but he gave me space most likely from the talk she gave him at lunch telling him to give me time to cool down and sort myself out.

Mum blanched in disapproval, I knew she hated leaving Mel alone in that big house but no matter how much we insisted we couldn’t get her to stay too long “Well, let her know she can come over for dinner tomorrow, we can have a big barbeque like old times sake. How does that sound?” she asked her face lighting up eagerly with her huge wide eyes “We’ll have to invite Eli of course and his family.” She smiled.

“Um,” I hesitated awkwardly, feeling guilty despite how great the idea sounded as I put my fork back down “I can’t. Gemma’s and Andrew’s wedding is tomorrow, remember?” I asked chewing on my lower lip.

Mum’s eyes grew in recognition “Oh yes! I almost forgot! It feels like an eternity since you found out!” she gushed happily.

“I can’t either mum; we have a buy with the footy since we’re on a two week holiday now, so the boys are throwing a party.” Liam added also, interjecting as he took another mouthful of mum’s roast eagerly, not that I could really blame him.

Mum pursed her lips before nodding “Alright, but behave alright.”

“They’ll be perfectly fine hun, isn’t that right Ez?” Dad asked smiling as he walked into the room giving my shoulder a squeeze.

I pursed my lips “I’m not sure.” I joked as Liam jokingly narrowed his gaze on me.

“Well, if Erin finishes up at the wedding early she’s allowed to come to the party, right Liam?” mum piped up happily almost eagerly at the thought of us being all chummy again and me getting out of my room and about, happy. I wasn’t stupid, I knew how worried my parents were; they just blamed it on my split with Jed – which was partially correct.

Liam looked up over at me “Sure, as long as I can keep an eye or two on her.” He answered and I got the message loud and clear; he was going to be watching like a hawk from now on.

I gulped before shaking my head “I doubt I’ll make it,” I murmured “I’ll be at the reception really ‘till it ends.”

“What time does it start anyway bub?” Dad murmured reaching over the table for a bread roll.

I pursed my lips “Well the wedding itself starts at around lunch but I’m going to be gone before then, maybe eight? Just for the getting ready photos and all, maybe earlier. As of right now it’s at about eight I’ve got to be there but she may call me in fits.” I shrugged.

Dad rolled his eyes muttering a “Women.”

Mum shot him a mock pointed glare before turning back to me “I guess that wouldn’t be the first bride to call you early.”

I nodded knowing damn well it was the truth “I know, it’s just Andrew and Gemma though, it has to go perfect.” I murmured honestly thinking back to Eli and my owns conversation; I had yet to decide if I was going to follow my own heart about what I think will capture their moment and what Gemma does. I didn’t know what I was going to do.

“You’ll do fine Ez.” Liam spoke up as he handed over the glass jug to me.

I smiled at him “Thanks.” I murmured curling a lock of hair behind my ear.

“Aaron!” my mum cried suddenly making us all jump “Did you let Alekay into the room?” she demanded narrowing his gaze.

Dad pursed his lips as he scuffed the back of his hair “No sweetie, well I didn’t purposely let him in.”

Mum rolled her eyes as she looked down at her feet at Alekay sniffing around looking for food dropped onto the floor. When dad was safe he sent me a wink making me giggle and mum look up suspiciously though she knew damn well he did, she knew dad more than dad even knew himself.

“I’ll take him out-“ I began getting up.

“No,” mum shook her head gesturing back to my seat “it’s alright sweetie, just finish your dinner.” She murmured the corner of her lips tugging and I didn’t know why ‘till I noticed Alekay nuzzling up to her leg pulling out his puppy dog eyes.

I looked up noticing Liam’s smile as he noticed also “Do you want the car Ez? I won’t need it tomorrow.” Liam offered.

I smiled “That’d be great actually, I didn’t really think anyone else will be up that early.” I admitted, I knew for sure the boys wouldn’t be.

 “I’ll be up!” Dad protested offended.

“Oh good,” mum piped up “you can help me with the pruning of the mulberry tree; it’s getting out of hand.”

“I may not be up.” he muttered changing his mind.

Liam and I looked at mum and dad than each other before we burst into laughter, mum and dad soon joining in. Over dinner as we laughed and talked, joking around like old times with Alekay weaving in and out around our feet with those big heart melting eyes I couldn’t help but realize just how much I missed these moments, the finer things of life and more than ever was I sure I wasn’t going to take them for granted, never again.

***

When you attend a wedding whether you are a guest or even a caterer, you dress formally and classy. But when you’re attending Gemma Marne and Andrew Brabin’s wedding things seem to become ten times more wild and perfected, everything is done to precision and everything is that little extra if not too extra. They were both from extremely wealthy and well known families not only in our community but outside it, they played a huge role in our town and dictated a lot. They were a family also you didn’t want to get on the wrong side of, at all.

Waking up the next morning I was a complete and utter bundle of nerves, my stomach was swarmed with butterflies and I felt beyond queasy. I raced around the house grabbing things, forgetting things and also misplacing them. I had been well and truly prepared and packed for today by last night and yet I was that nervous and frazzled that I still managed to feel unorganized and scattered!

I had the car packed with all of my camera gear, taking every single gadget or thing to assist me thinking more was better than less. Who knows what Gemma may need or change her mind to? I just prayed that the copies that ended up being printed off were going to be of standards enough, these photos weren’t only going to be displayed grandly in their homes and families homes but also the media and a lot of other places. This was a make me or break me task, either this was going to give me this biggest step ever in my photography career or I’d be spending the rest of my life taking photos of children screaming on Santa’s lap.

I spent countless moments fussing over every inch of my appearance right down to my toes. The night before I had mum give me a manicure and a pedicure and I had even given myself a facial and wax – the pros of having a mother who is a beautician and working in one. I spent what felt like years in front of the mirror perfecting every part of me and demanding mum to ‘fix me’ and reassure me that I looked good, or rather demanding.

I was a bundle of nerves, photography I could do no matter what, it just came naturally. But my appearance and behavior – which I knew I would be scrutinized of by everyone – had me tossing and turning. No one knew the person Gemma and Andrew was hiring – as Gemma constantly stressed – so I’d be under their constant judgment and scrutiny, their depiction really dictated my future.

In the end as I stepped into Liam’s bedroom I felt like I was attending the Queen’s wedding. I was in a deep plum-burgundy purple like strapless dress, it was synched in around my bust. It then gracefully from there floated out faintly right down to my toes of this beautiful silky fabric that had me shiver under such a blissful and intimate touch. I coupled the effect with black thick wedge like heels – just so my feet had more of a rest – and my hair was out and in gentle and soft curls that wisped around my face. I had the few accessories and the natural makeup with some smoky eyes but not too heavy for a wedding.

“Alekay?” I whispered searching the room for my boy “Where are you buddy?” I called out looking around in Liam’s room, trying to be quiet – which was practically impossible in heels – as Liam lay stretched out lazily on his bed.

My eyes found him sitting on Liam’s back, his face sniffing and seeking around Liam’s neck and face. I couldn’t help but giggle softly at the sight wondering how Liam hadn’t woken up yet. At his name Alekay’s head popped up and his gorgeous big eyes met mine making my smile grow.

“Come here baby.” I cooed opening my arms.

“No.” Liam mumbled, his voice thickly coated with sleep.

I blinked startled up at him to find him smiling lazily and yet teasingly despite the clear sleepy haze he was in. he rubbed his eyes with the back of his hand with a heavy sigh of sleep “What time is it?” he mumbled.

I checked my watch realizing I had to literally go “Umm, it’s five to eight.”

Liam’s eyes grew “Five to eight?” he cried “You woke me up that early? Now I’ll never get back to sleep now!” he complained.

I grimaced apologetically “I was coming to say bye to Alekay.”

He groaned under his breath as he slammed his face back in the pillow. Grimacing apologetically once more his way I turned around and made my way back out of his room being even extra careful of my clicking heels which only seem to become louder. I reached out for his door and pulled it with me, pulling it shut.

“Ez?” Liam called out suddenly just as I was about to click the door shut.

I popped my head back into his room “Did you call me?” I asked unsure, chewing on my lower lip.

“Yeah,” he mumbled looking up at me, looking a little more awake “you look beautiful today.” He smiled softly at me.

I beamed back at him shyly as I blushed under his praise “Thank you.” I whispered reaching to shut the door again.

“Ez?” he called again.

I popped my head around frowning “What’s up?”

“Good luck today, you’ll do great!” he reassured me most likely feeling the waves of nerves roll off me.

“Thanks.” I murmured again closing the door.

“Ez?”

“What?” I barked this time, unable but to get frustrated. I was running late!

His lips tugged “I love you and I’ll see you when we both get home.”

My heart melted unable to stay mad now “I love you too, I’ll call you.” I said quickly as I quickly shut the door before he could call out for me again.

***

“Oh that’s a beautiful dress you’re wearing dear.” Gemma’s grandmother said to me sweetly, her hands shaking a little as she wore her inch high ‘heels’ and she reached out for me, placing her dainty hand on my arm.

I smiled down at her shyly but tenderly, she was utterly adorable and so mousy and tiny, I just wanted to take her home! “Oh, thank you! You look utterly amazing too.” I said back “I love your pearl earrings.” I told her honestly.

She chuckled as she leant closer “I haven’t got my ears pierced.” She chuckled cheekily, as if the secret was scandalous.

I giggled softly “You never had your ears pierced?” I asked.

She shook her head “No dear, my father and mother didn’t think it was presentable. Kind of like how I view those tattoos the children your age are getting, you aren’t getting one are you?” she asked anxiously giving me a stern look as if she actually cared about my life decisions.

I smiled “No.” I answered back honestly, as of right now I didn’t plan on a tattoo. My father would shoot me.

She nodded “Good, good.” She said giving my arm a gentle squeeze.

I giggled again as I looked up around me at the reception, there were people scattered all about. People were dancing and laughing on the dance floor as the band played up front ‘Twist and Shout’, the band was fabulous and they kept the crowd more than entertained! There were the few odd children still here practically falling asleep on the floor or in the lap of some friend or relative, the little gorgeous page bearer was so adorable sitting at his mum’s feet as she talked idly. Than all around us were people mingling and catching up, gushing about today and every other day passed and to come, families and friends were all catching up and celebrating such a beautiful.

And what a beautiful day it was, I’d arrived at Gemma’s house that was a block or so from the huge they were wedded in. I was there for the champagnes, the break downs, the little freak outs, the bubbling excitement, the makeup and the crying friends and family. I snapped photos all there both natural and planned photos, I got one of the most gorgeous shots of Gemma getting into the white limousine that pulled up with her and her father outside the gorgeous church.

Oh the church was stunning! A large stoned church, taller than the sun and stars it seemed and old as life itself. It was beyond gorgeous and once I stepped into the church with the red aisle rug, the shiny polished pews, the large ceiling to floor glass stained windows and even the gigantic tall ceilings I knew why the venue was chosen. It was beyond breath stealing, the front of it so extravagant I felt like it was too enchanting to even approach and step into, almost like the echoed sound of even your breath would taint such a mesmerizing and pure place.

I snapped countless shots of the bride and her entourage of bride maids and flower girls and even with her family and father. The weather was utterly perfect, today it was predicted to storm but there were crystal blue skies and the flowers blooming under the warm rays off the sun. Yet nothing seemed to be as warm and bright as Gemma’s excited smile. Every time I looked at her I smiled wide also, her mood was addictive not to mention you just wanted to squeal with delight with her. It was purely exciting and amazing, every emotion that swarmed upon you from terrified, jealousy, frazzled, angry, stressed to even the ones of pride, amusement, happiness, bliss and love was capture and washed all over us.

I had snuck off whilst Gemma went to arrange herself and the girls to get a few shots of the men at the altar and elsewhere. There were so many casual and gorgeous photos but Andrew I could tell was just simply edgy with anticipating, he just wanted Gemma to become his wife already! Shots of the inside of the church and where the priest stood were captures and other shots like the rings and even the limousines and everything else; there certainly wasn’t enough time to capture everything!

Than time if anything had seemed to freeze when the music began and Andrew waited at the end of the aisle shifting nervously as he waited. The girls stepped through in soft pink dresses that matched the boy’s handkerchief in their suits and the overall weddings color scheme of flowers and more. The two gorgeous flower girls were in the lead scattering pink and yellow flower petals in their gorgeous pink dresses as they walked down together, one shy hiding behind the other that skipped back waving at any one her gaze met. I couldn’t help but laugh as they reminded me solely of Mel and I, it was like looking into our past together.

Finally Gemma stepped out in her absolutely heartbreaking gown; it was a gorgeous strapless gown that floated out to something of a fairytale. It was so simple and soft, elegant too and yet it had a marvelous train that seemed to almost dance and float above her feet. She was utterly stunning behind her veil, her face created to perfection that it stole my heart.

Throughout the whole ceremony and ever afterwards snap shots were taken the entire way; the echoes of their vows, the shake of glee in Gemma’s hand as she exchanged the rings, Andrew signing his name and yet not once he looked away from her. And the tears, gosh there were so many tears of promised pure love and devotion. This commitment certainly wasn’t going to be broken. Photos were taken outside after they stepped out of the huge church as man and wife and then they all posed upon my command as I snapped photos wildly.

It was a funny thing though; I stood there snapping photos madly at perfect moments and yet not once did I stop to question what I was doing and who I was keeping pleased. I just held the camera and snapped the shot and they were absolutely all stunning. I soon realized it wasn’t an image I was capture nor was I capturing anything at all, my camera was being captured by the intense love and devotion displayed all around.

“You’ve been doing a fabulous job dear!” Gemma’s grandmother continued as we both looked around the room at all the happiness and love, there was nothing possible to dampen this celebration.

I smiled back at her “Thank you.” I said sincerely giving a curt bow.

I had watch them all study and judge me all day today but as soon as they watched me organize the planned photos and how I wanted them to stand and even do I watched as that guard slowly drained, they soon realized I certainly wasn’t some snooze and I only prayed that I withheld that understanding once the photos were developed and handed over to Gemma and Andrew once they got back from their honeymoon in Paris.

“You know I told her about you.” She said smiling knowingly as I blinked at her surprised and honestly stunned.

“Told her about me?” I almost spluttered “About what sorry?” I added on to be polite.

She nodded “I saw the photos you entered in the local shows creative arts sector, I after all am on the board.” She nodded proudly “I took one glance at that canvas of yours, of that photo of that boy in a willow tree…” she took a breath shaking her head looking almost stunned “I’ve never ached and felt so much in my life dear, and I’ve lived a good eighty years of a lived life.” she smiled wryly back at me.

I blinked at her beyond speechless, she had seen the photo I had entered of Eli at the willow tree? It wasn’t a planned photo at all, rather we had been hanging out there and out of pure luck I caught it and it was like a gift from god itself, a present from the heavens. It was an utterly stunning photo of the man the Gods blessed the earth with, they blessed me with the chance to meet that boy and fall in love with him and I did, terribly.

“You ached?” I asked frowning; double checking that I heard correctly. The intention and emotion wanting to be grasped in that photo wasn’t to feel such a thing, but rather a peaceful quality yet with a burning intensity of being in the same world at him.

She hummed nodding “Why yes, you feel so close to that boy and yet at the same time I’d never felt farther away from him also.” She said thoughtfully, prattling on knowingly, with such a creative and arts directed mindset “I ached to reach out and just be there, in that moment with him, even to simply just breathe the same air as him.”

I blinked stunned, what on earth did all of this mean? Was she just delusional from age or was she just reading way too much into it? Her words raced through my mind on constant whirlwind speed repeat, living me feeling dizzy and breathless.

“I tell you one thing dear,” she murmured interrupting my chaotic thoughts “you don’t see or feel such intensity much in life at all in general let alone in one’s own. But once you do, you don’t let go because you’ll never feel so real in your entire life.” she smiled faintly as if thinking of a memory of her own “They’ve got that.” she hummed looking over at something smiling tenderly.

My head bobbed up to see Andrew and Gemma, over in the far corner alone with her snuggled into his side with her chin resting on his chest. His fingers held her daintily like she was a petal at risk of disappearing as she looked up at him with this blazing carless smile that knocked the breath out of you. She was laughing away but Andrew wasn’t, he was only watching her looking mesmerized to the point that it left you feeling breathless with a feeling of sole happiness and security. Watching them and bathing in their intimate moment left you feeling invincible and pure right through; there were no worries or insecurities, just white blinding warmth.

“So do you dear, you’ve got that.” she murmured as she reached up squeezing my hand almost supportively as if she felt my doubts. She hummed smiling so softly and tenderly “All you’ve got to do now is make it real.”

***

“Erin? Erin!” I looked up at my name being shouted as I stood changing over my memory card once again for my camera.

I beamed as I watched Gemma race for me, noticeably a little tipsy as she tackled me in a hug, her dress and her tight grip basically making my knees break. I laughed shakily as I righted us both and stabled us carefully, glancing up I noticed Andrew standing behind her watching her with the very same goofy and disbelieving smile, as if he couldn’t believe he just got married to this girl. Which was so absurd as Gemma and Andrew were obviously meant to be!

“Thank you so much! You’re amazing! I love you!” she gushed over and over so quickly as her gripped tightened.

I smiled, laughing weakly as I patted her back “No problem.”

She pulled back “We’re leaving now!” she declared brightly, eagerly.

My eyes lit up “Oh, well I’ll have them on the computer by tonight, I’ll back them up and-“

She waved me off laughing as if I was hilarious “Honey I’m too drunk to listen or finalize details, I’m happy! I got married! Who cares about photos, I just got married!” she squealed as she flung herself back into Andrew’s arms.

I sighed happily watching them with a soft smile; I wanted that, so much. How couldn’t I be a dreamer when you witness these types of things before you in the real world also?

I shook myself awake as I nodded “Well you two have a marvelous trip! Enjoy Paris!” I said honestly, I ended up liking Gemma and Andrew more than I thought I would.

Gemma nodded giggling “That’s if we actually go exploring.”

Andrew chuckled as he brushed the hair out of her eyes tenderly “Come on beautiful, we’ve got a car waiting for us and everything.” He murmured as he tugged her towards the doorway after they both thanked me one last time.

After capturing some final shots of them leaving out the door into the night with the stars all out I walked back inside, helping the catering girls – who had been so helpful with me today – tidy up and everyone else with leaving as there were some couples that couldn’t drive and needed a taxi.

I yawned faintly as the night continued on, verging on midnight as I packed up my belongings, well and truly ready for bed “Erin?” a voice called out behind me making me halt mid yawn.

“Yeah?” I asked frowning at one of the girls waitressing, her name I was pretty sure was Katie.

“Your phone has been vibrating for the past couple minutes, I thought I’d get you incase it’s important.” She explained holding my phone out to me with a faint smile.

I smiled back at her “Thanks Katie.”

I took the phone a she smiled and left, I unlocked my phone as I read I had a bunch of text messages just from Mel – who I had been texting throughout the day – and the odd to Liam or mum who wanted to know when I’d be home. It wasn’t those text messages that caught my gaze though, or that even stilled my heart, it was the one with the name listed as ‘Jed’ that had my blood run cold. With shaking hands I opened it, time seeming to lapse.

Jed: Tell your pretty boy he better watch out tonight.

With shaking hands and without a second thought I flicked through my contacts going straight for Mel’s number which I dialed with utter haste and urgency. My hands couldn’t keep shaking as I stayed rooted to the ground, my entire body as cold and hard as steel.

“Hello?” a voice cried over the loud thrashing and dizzy beat of music, my ears literally protesting as I grimaced.

“Where’s Eli?” I demanded anxiously through the phone cutting straight to the chase.

“Ez?” Mel asked again, the sounds around her softening as she most likely was leaving the room and throng of the party.

“Yeah it’s me, look Mel where’s Eli?” I demanded sharply, there was no time for pleasantries.

“Um, inside somewhere with the rest of the guys.” She answered after a pause “If I’m honest he looks a little bit like a lost pupp-“

“Mel!” I cried interrupting her “I don’t have time for this! Are you certain, really certain he’s in there and okay?” I demanded.

There was a pause before Mel’s slow and hesitant question “Is everything okay Erin?” she asked sounding afraid to even ask.

I shook my head earnestly, obviously not! I screamed to myself. “No, but are you certain?” I persisted.

“Yeah,” Mel reassured me “I passed him on the way outside so I could talk to you, he was talking to Liam over in the corner.” She answered as I sighed a gush of relief “Trust me Ez he’s perfectly okay.”

I nodded feeling breathless “Thank god.” I breathed.

“Ez you’re scaring me, what’s wrong?” she asked, her voice sounding terrified.

I clutched the phone tighter “I got a text off Jed; it said ‘tell your pretty boy he better watch out tonight’.” I recited pressing the phone even closer to my ear if possible.

There was a pause before the sound of a shaky breath “Look, it’ll be okay.” She assured me “Liam and I are here, I’ll go tell Liam and we’ll keep an eye on him. We’ll make sure he’s okay and if Jed or Falan turn up we’ll send him on his way.”

“Call the cops.” I instructed her.

“Call the cops?” Mel asked surprised “Since when do you want the cops involved?”

“Since I realized that the guy I love is at risk because of me. just call them if you see him, alright?” I demanded sharply, leaving literally no other option.

“I don’t know Ez,” Mel began, a frown in her voice “what could we possibly say to get them here?” she asked unsure.

I felt like stomping my foot with impatience “I don’t care! Tell them they have a gun for all I care!” I cried making a few around me look over at me startled and confused.

“Okay, okay!” Mel said quickly to keep the peace “We’ll keep our eyes opened but don’t come over, if Jed and Falan are here we don’t need you here. You just stay there and do your job, don’t worry, everything will be utterly okay.”

I swallowed roughly, my throat suddenly as dry as the desert “I’m packing up now, I should be home soon.”

“Okay,” Mel agreed, her voice lighting up as an idea happened “well text us when you’re leaving and come and pick us up than?” she suggested, a change of plans.

I let out a breath of relief; if I hurried I could be packed and ready to go in the next half hour hopefully! I could completely do that, not much could happen in thirty minutes, right?

“Okay I’ll text you. But if there if anything happens, you call me alright?” I demanded of her sharply.

Mel nodded “Okay, I can do that but nothing will happen.” She assured me again “Anyway, I’ll go tell Liam and you go back to having. We’ll all see you soon.” She stressed.

“Okay, I’ll see you soon.” I said breathlessly hanging up before I was even finished as I threw myself into tidying up quickly.

In a little under thirty minutes I had the entire reception cleaned up, my gear packed and was rushing out the front door with the rest of the employees for tonight’s event. I was passed trying to not act rude as I carried another load of my gear to mum’s car, I knew I should have taken two loads but I was too desperate. My hair was blowing all around me as the wind picked up; apparently the weather they predicted of mad storms and winds was finally coming!

My mind taunted and haunted me with all these scenarios of what could possibly happen. The visions that clouded my mind had me on the verge of having a break down. I just needed to see him to make sure he was okay; I just needed to see for myself he was okay and than from there I’d figure out the rest. If that meant going to the police so be it. If anything happened to Eli I couldn’t forgive myself for my stupidity. Of course Jed was being serious with that threat, I should have known!

Lifting up the boot of the car with my hip I was in the process of stacking my gear in the boot with care whilst still also rushing. My hands were shaking and I had to keep reminding myself to breathe as my body would lock up dire for oxygen. As my hands shook for the countless time and my head spun I jumped in utter fright and dread as my ringtone to my phone began to go off.

As fast as a shot firing from a gun I wiped my phone opened “Hello?” I panted breathless and hastily.

There was so much noise and ruckus in the background I strained to hear but I did pick up on Mel’s voice “Erin, it’s me! Look….you have got to get here okay? Just get here quick.” She said hesitantly, her voice struggling to hide the pure gut wrenching fear.

“What happened?” I demanded as I slammed closed the boot.

“I can’t-“ there was a loud sound in the background blaring over her voice cutting her out.

“Mel!” I shouted my voice rising hysterically as the image of Eli lying dead on the pavement entered my mind.

“Erin….can’t…..here…quick!” where the most of the words that I could grasp over the loud sound that had me cringing and my stomach churning as bile rose within me.

I didn’t know what sharp white cold fear was until I heard what the sound was clearly. I didn’t know what it was like to think the worse or to feel yourself literally on the edge of earth. My heart had literally never stopped beating full stop with my feet buckling out beneath me until I heard in the background the sound of an ear splitting siren. 

________________________
Click the external link for my Facebook page
So you guys know my drill; vote, comment and maybe give me a fan, yeah? Do it, I dare you ;) Xx
-------------------------------------
All Rights Reserved
Copyrighted Material ©
-------------------------------------