Casey took a deep breath, staring at herself in the tall mirror. You know she hasn't figured out that your standing there.
She twirls in her white gown, and you can't help but feel like you're living the life of the luckiest person in the universe.
She smiled at her reflection and whispered, "I'm getting married tomorrow", and she repeats it several times as if she's trying to tell herself something. "I'm getting married to Derek Venturi." She smiles "I'm marrying Derek Venturi!" and laughs, twirling with open arms around in front of the mirror.
She still hasn't noticed you. And for that you're thankful, because looking at her acting like a child, role-playing by herself, is amazing and funny. You're only 20 but you know that no matter what, Casey would be the only person you'll ever love-because Casey is right. Casey is it for you.
She lifts her veil and you have to hold a gasp back, you know she's beautiful, and not even done up as she would be tomorrow, but it still takes your breath away that someone could look so absolutely, absurdly, perfect. You want nothing more than to stride across the room, spin her back, and kiss her deeply. To look into her shattering crystal blue eyes that have never failed to stop your heart in it tracks, then to pull your eyes downwards, and see her breathtaking smile that would speed your heart like a horse race. You want nothing more than to walk over and call to your girl, to show her how much you love her and see her beauty. To tuck a lock of chocolate waves behind her ear, and grin at her tiny form.
But instead you let her carry on, to let the child Casey out because you've never seen her and you want to. To see the chaos and delicateness that she possessed; you've seen pictures, in a pin-striped dress or green shorts running around, as the camera caught her in a laugh and framed the beauty of it for eternity. Something that would be treasured earnestly, you know, to anyone that has the luck to possess it.
Taking a tea-cup, she raises an eyebrow and asks the air, "More tea, Hatter?" Over exaggerating every movement and word, you get your first look at the childish Casey.
You haven't ever loved her more.