Melinda had gone to the wedding and when it was over, she went straight to her room. She didn't wait for Link that night, she knew he wouldn't show his face and she was perfectly happy with that. Joyce had of course questioned her after but she had remained silent. No matter how much he had hurt her, she knew she couldn't betray him.
No one came to get her the next day even though she had skipped her morning duties. Melinda had cried all night and the service for Samuel was being held later on. Joyce had come in and dropped off a black dress for her.
Melinda sat up and walked over to the dress. She stared at it for a while and slowly began to undress.
There came a knock at her door, as she pulled her arm through the last strap. "Come in" Melinda called. Joyce walked in.
"Oh good you're up" Joyce replied "I was sent to tell you that you were selected to say a few words at the ceremony since you were pretty close to Samuel" Melinda smiled and nodded "How are you?" Joyce asked.
Melinda looked away and could feel tears burning the back of her eyes. She blinked them away and tried to talk in a calm voice "I'm fine, it's been painful" Melinda felt a hand on her shoulder. She turned around to see Joyce smiling at her with concern.
Melinda finally gave in and felt the tears slide down her face. Joyce gently wrapped her into a friendly hug. "Shh" Joyce soothed "It's all right" They stood there for a few minutes until Melinda felt the tears subside.
"Thank you Joyce" Melinda replied, "It's great to have a friend like you" Joyce smiled.
"Do you need anything before I go?" Joyce asked. Melinda shook her head "okay just be sure to show up when you're ready, the service is in an hour, we'll be meeting in the temple of time" Melinda nodded as Joyce turned to leave.
Melinda looked in the mirror at her messy hair and began to pull a comb through it. As she did so, she couldn't help but think of the night before when Samuel had kissed her and when she had kissed back.