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Salem
I should be taking pictures, but I can’t be in two places at once. The day is perfectly sunny and warm. My red hair is down in as tame a curl as I could produce, the cornflower blue dress clinging to my upper body. Kitty Sue had been able to find us all the exact shade of blue dresses in the styles she wanted in record time. We lucked out that none of them needed to be altered since she and Sebastian had thrown their wedding at us so sudden. Kit looks gorgeous in her dress though. Her black hair piled in a beautiful up-do on her head, small pearls peeking out from some of the curls, the veil secure underneath her hair in the back.
“Why am I so nervous!?” She breathes as Trinity fans her while we wait for our cue to head outside. Her white dress has a short train that falls around her. I had snuck a peek at Sebastian, and he looked just as nervous in his black and white tux.
“You’re not nervous. You’re excited.” Sophie says, sipping on some apple juice in a champagne glass. We had all opted out of liquor before the wedding. A knock on the door averts my attention, and I move to answer it... just in case the groom is trying to break tradition.
“We’re ready for the bride.” Aurora smiles, looking very nice in her flowery dress. There are no kids at this wedding. No cute little ring bearers or flower girls. Instead, we girls are going to be throwing out petals as we walk down the aisle, and Kit’s dad is going to walk her down. I nod to our newest coven-mate before heading back inside.
“Okay, it’s show time.” I smile, grabbing my basket of petals. Trinity and Sophie mimic me as Kitty Sue stands up, testing her shoes. I open the door, easily spotting Kit’s dad, waiting by the door that leads outside. We are holding the wedding at Trinity’s parent’s house on the river. The backyard has been transformed into the perfect picture wedding. White and blue accents hanging from seats. All the guests in white chairs facing the river so that when Kitty Sue and Sebastian exchange vows, the photographer will have the perfect backdrop.
“Salem goes first, then I’ll count to five and go, then Trin will count to five, then finally Kit.” Sophie smiles. I nod, heading out... plastering a smile on my face. I hate being in weddings. I always feel like I have to smile and fake being happy so the pictures don’t look like shit. I walk slowly, dropping the petals on the grass as I go. Another thing Kit opted out of was something to cover the grass. I worry about stains on her white dress, but she wanted to be closer to the Earth. I smile at Sebastian, his nerves seemed to have vanished. He only looks excited.
“Try not to faint.” I whisper as I take my place and watch the others coming. I’m so happy for my friend, but this is just further reminder that I’m not only single, but ridiculously alone. Not only that, I’m basically useless now that Aurora is here. I like the witch a lot, but I almost feel like she’s my replacement. My premonition powers haven't worked in over a year. If they did, I would have been able to see Cyrana’s attack coming. Been able to see Brian kidnap Trinity. Tears sting my eyes.
“Don’t start, or I’ll start.” Sophie whispers, handing me a tissue. I allow her to believe that I’m crying with happiness for my friend, not for the sorrow of realizing that I’m useless. I don’t pay attention to my friend exchanging vows. I clap when everyone claps, and smile for pictures. All the while knowing that something will need to change. I’ll need to change.
“Move in a bit closer.” The photographer smiles, positioning us together. I scoot closer to Kitty Sue, making sure to think happy thoughts so my smile doesn’t look forced. A thousand more pictures later, I’m finally free of having to take any more as I help move the chairs and set up the tables for dinner. Since there are humans present, our magic can’t be used... which totally blows. Magic would make this go so much faster.
“She was last spotted in Ireland.” I hear Trinity’s aunt whisper to Trin’s mom. My eyes narrow in suspicion. They must be talking of Aria. The bitch that assisted in trying to kill my best friend. The witch that got away. Maybe that’s my purpose? Maybe I’ve got to be the one to find her. I have family in Ireland. A cousin I talk to often, and an Aunt that is always bitching that I never come to see her. She doesn’t seem to realize that I’m a poor photographer. My eyes roam the area looking for a certain British gentleman. He’s been funneling money to my accounts to help me pay for my apartment while Trinity was in England. I’m far better off moneywise now than I’ve ever been in the past...perhaps it’s time to stop talking about changing and start doing.
“Kit, I’m so happy for you.” I gush, hugging her as she and Sebastian walk over to me while I finish setting the table. I hold my stomach feigning sick. “I don’t feel so good.” I whisper, hoping that I look pale enough to fool them.
“Sal...if you need to head out, I totally understand.” Kitty Sue says, looking at me with sympathy... or maybe it’s pity.
“You know how I am with crowds.” I whisper. Kit smiles, hugging me tight.
“You were here for the ceremony and pictures. No need to stay for food.” Sebastian comments, rolling his eyes.
“Just not feeling great. Enjoy your party, and I’ll see you soon.” I lie too easily. They both nod before moving on to chat with other guests. I mumble my excuse to Trinity, Sophie and Dominic before getting in my car and driving to my apartment. I try to tell myself that I’m not in a hurry, but that is also a lie. My anxiety is at an all-time high. As I strip out of my bridesmaid dress and into some jeans, I quickly check my bank accounts. AS expected, plenty of money for a mini-vacation.
“Mum! I’ve got it!” The thick Irish accent of my cousin screams through the phone as she answers my call. “For goodness sake, it’s quite early in’it?”
“It’s only about 6pm here, which makes it what? 11pm there?” I smile.
“You donna usually call till round 2am cousin.” I giggle as I can just imagine my cousin’s eyes rolling.
“Well...how would you feel about your dearest cousin coming to visit?” I have to hold my phone from my ear as she screams with what I’m hoping is joy.
“When will you get here then? I’ll have mum pick you up at the airport.” She says.
“Not sure. Booking my flight right now. Says if I can catch the next flight out, then I’ll land in Dublin around 6am.” I confirm as I grab my duffle, camera bag, laptop and purse before heading out the door. I had scribbled a quick note to Trinity as well, promising to call.
“Mum donna have work, so we’ll be there. Then you can tell me to me face why you’re runnin.” I sigh into my phone. My cousin may live far away, but she knows me better than most people do most days.
“Sure...and then you can help me play detective.” I respond before heading to the airport. Time to prove I’m useful.
