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The week passes in a blur and now I'm standing here deciding which dress to wear to the wedding. It's not an uncomplicated choice, because everything feels either too informal or too formal. I can't find that perfect middle ground, which is typical of me. Grabbing the fifth possibility, I place it in front of my body. Trying to deal with the fact that I have too many dresses and too much indecisiveness. 

It's a long black dress, figure-hugging, and my favorite part is the slit along my right leg, showing off the little tan I have. This has to be it, the other dresses aren't as elegant as this one. I don't even have the time to worry too much. 

Stepping into the dress I see it hugging my waist and ass in all the right areas, the few pounds I've gained actually suit me. It reaches two inches above my ankles, and I smile because I now have the opportunity to style the dress with a pair of heels and be able to see them. That's one of my favorite parts of dressing up like this. 

After fluffing the hair I spent two hours curling this morning, I apply another layer of lip gloss, throwing the tube into my silver glittery clutch afterward.

Looking through my closet I decide on a burgundy pair of high heels, the toes are pointy and I love the detail of the strap around my ankle with a small bow tying it together on the back. The color of the shoes matches my shiny lips and I feel the confidence rolling off me. My heels clearly finish this look, as always.

Walking downstairs, I drink the last of my third glass of wine. If I'm going to get through this day on my best behavior, then I surely can't be an inch sober. The people there will challenge me and I know I'll meet a lot from my high school, the ones that haven't spoken a word to me since and I haven't to them either. 

Looking at the time I realize that I have 30 minutes to get there, the walk is around ten minutes or so and I don't want to be late. I decide to leave now since I have to walk in heels. Grabbing my keys, I leave my precious house and lock it behind me. 

The fresh air is amazing and cools down my bare arms. I contemplate running back and grabbing a jacket, but I don't really want to carry it around all the time. This'll have to do. The small clicks from my heels walking down the sidewalk are the only sounds carrying through the air, my curly hair flies backward by the slight wind and I find myself taking a deep breath. This party isn't going to suck, I'll get to see my best friend and finally reconnect with Will. 

My phone vibrates in my clutch and I struggle to get it out while walking, coordination isn't something my parents gifted me with, unfortunately. Managing to pull the black device out, I see Dani's name flash across the screen. 

Accepting the call I place the phone by my ear, "Hey Dani."

"Hi Kota, I just wanted to check up on you. All of us are here already. Apparently, you show up forty minutes early to a wedding, who would've guessed? But the point of the story is, now I'm forced to socialize with them and without you, can't really do that."

I roll my eyes in humor, "The forty minutes early rule, huh? Wasn't aware of that either."

"Exactly!" She yells in frustration, which humors me slightly. "Now please tell me you're here soon enough, or else I'll have to excuse myself to take a shit until you are. That's honestly the only excuse I haven't used by now."

"You're in luck, my friend. I'm walking up the driveway."

She doesn't say another word before she hangs up, a smile falls onto my lips. Not two seconds later, a smiling brunette is standing in the newly opened door. Her red dress a beautiful contrast to her pale skin. She runs in my direction and I find myself hurrying to her as well, throwing my arms around my best friend. 

"I've missed you!" She states happily.

"I missed you too, Dani."

She pulls away from me, giddily skidding across the driveway, pulling me with her towards the house, "You'll love to see all of them. They'll probably be shocked by your glow up though, because damn Dakota, didn't know you had such thickness to you."

I laugh at her raised brow, "Must be the pounds I've gained and the constant working."

"Maybe I should become a florist, if I get a body like that then count me the fuck in."

"You're already gorgeous, honestly, it would be unfair to others if you got a glow up," I smile at her, meaning every word I'm saying. 

She shrugs her shoulder, returning my smile but also brushing off my compliment. Her hand leaves mine as she shoves me into the backyard, where an absolutely gorgeous scenery meets my eyes. The lightbulbs hanging from the air illuminates the perfectly decorated tables, the vibe is perfect and incredibly romantic. A dance floor is installed in the back of the yard, where a DJ is perched ready to play some of his music. 

People swarm the space, some I recognize and others I don't. They're smiling and laughing, the energy reaching me as I turn around with raised eyebrows, looking at a smirking Dani. She already knows what I'm thinking. 

"This is incredibly beautiful," I praise.

"Yeah," She nods and smiles at the view in front of us. "They went all out. Wait until you see them though, she is stunning in her dress."

"Where are they?"

"Upstairs, we had the ceremony earlier today, so they're officially Mr. and Mrs. Eastbrook," She sings happily. The thought slams me instantly and I'm shocked, the fact that he is married after living the single life to the fullest. My mind can't wrap itself around it. 

My eyes widen and I nod, "Crazy how your annoying big brother, the one who constantly pushed us into pools and embarrassed us at every party possible, is married. He's the first of us to settle down into a relationship like that."

She agrees eagerly, "I know right! I've told him that countless of times. Don't get me wrong, I love Zara, but damn it's weird."

I laugh at her, before observing the yard again. My excitement hasn't settled and I take the few steps down, safely landing on the grass, trying not to fall and make a mess of myself in these heels. The music begins softly as we reach the tables. 

"Kota!" A familiar voice shrieks and I open my arms to the running Relly, she roughly throws herself into my embrace. "Goddammit, I've missed you."

Laughing loudly and enjoying having my two best friends here, "I've missed you, Rels. How are you?"

She pulls away and smiles at me, "I'm great, still dancing through the life in the city, but wanting to settle down in a smaller town soon enough. What about yourself? I'm hearing amazing things about the local florist."

"I'm good, the shop is great and of course the customers are carrying it. They've been incredibly supportive."

"Maybe I should settle down in Hetdale, get myself an administrative job in the area. It would be great to be together in our hometown again," Her idea makes my heart feel full and I smile brightly at her words, this is exactly what I hoped would happen one day.

"That would be absolutely perfect, Relly. Then the two of us will have to persuade Dani into doing the same," Raising an eyebrow at a smiling Dani next to me, she shrugs her shoulders.  

"It might happen someday, who knows?" She says and a part of me desperately hopes for that to come true. Not wanting to pressure her anymore I give her a smile and she returns it instantly, "I can't deal with how badly I miss the two of you anyway."

"Agreed!" Relly declares. 

I don't get to say another word before Dani turns me around roughly, "Look, Kota!"

A gentleman and a woman step out where Dani and I were just standing on the porch, their presence is dominating and I find myself enthralled by the sight. She is stunningly gorgeous, her black hair falling down in loose curls and a happy glint shining in her eyes. The white dress hugs her petite body and the simplistic style suits her so well. 

My eyes land on Will, all grown up and... Well, yeah, manly. I haven't seen him in years, but he hasn't changed dramatically. Except for the growing older, getting more stubble and muscles, of course. His black tuxedo stands out next to his wife's dress and I find myself smiling at the two, they're looking out onto the party. 

"What a fucking power couple," I whisper to my best friends. 

"I told you," Dani smiles and Relly nods her head slightly.

"Yeah," Relly simply answers.