This is technically my Father's Day chapter but it also serves as a sneak peek for a story I wrote so long ago.
Photo #121: Don't Just Wave
Eadlyn always feels an ache in her chest when she sees a photo with Ahren. She misses him so much. She almost waves back at the version of him waving in the photo with their father who's talking with other people. His gaze is towards the camera that took the photo, making it look like he's waving at the cameraman but she knows he isn't. He's looking beyond the camera and Eadlyn knows who's probably waving back.
His now-wife, Camille. Her sister-in-law.
Even after a few photos that lead her mind in that direction, she still can't process this actually happening. All because of that wave, her brother was now a newlywed in France.
Love is one of those things that happen when you're not looking. Love is worth wanting. When love waves, wave back.
Eadlyn wishes he was waving at her instead.
-o-
In a banquet hall, many royals and official diplomats from all over the world stand and socialize with champagne glasses in their hands. The children, those who are old and mature enough to be here (meaning they can engage in adult conversation and not run around mindlessly), stand with their parents or with other people their ages. Being present here was the last thing they wanted to do since it's boring, but at least they could bond with each other on how they would much rather be anywhere else.
Ahren, holding a champagne glass, has zoned out from a conversation happening next to him. His eyes have found someone he knew would be here but didn't want to ask for her whereabouts. He didn't want to look desperate. He had to play this cool. And when he sees her standing beside her mother across the room, his body heats up but he's still cool.
Princess Camille de Sauveterre. The girl who makes his heart do all sorts of things he can't explain. He could write many letters but she makes him draw blanks. No words are perfect enough to describe her.
She looks so beautiful. Her blonde hair is pulled back in a large bun with some curls falling at the sides of her face, made to look messy but elegant at the same time. Her bright blue eyes pop against her light skin and pastel blue dress. The tulle billows out below the lace bodice that's patterned with flowers all around.
She looks fragile and delicate but radiates joy, whimsy, serenity, sweetness, and kindness. The traits that attract Ahren the most just draw his attention.
And when she looks at him, Ahren smiles back. He feels his knees buckling and is glad Camille is far away so she wouldn't see his awkward smile. He tries to look sincere but he probably looks more embarrassed. So not cool. Maybe from her distance, he looks casual.
Camille waves, moving her fingers like a wave and then a flash of light hits her perfectly from behind. Must've been a camera. Ahren instinctively waves back, almost using the hand holding his glass before stopping himself. When he uses his free hand, Camille laughs a little, holding her hand up to her mouth to cover her smile. Ahren exhales a small laugh. She totally saw him almost mess up. How embarrassing.
Ahren sees Queen Daphne, gesture towards Camille which captures her attention. She looks away and Ahren turns around. He feels the blood leaving his face, returning to homeostasis. He looks at his dad who's looking at him disgracefully.
"What is it?" Ahren questions.
"You just waved," Maxon responds.
Ahren's eyes widen as he awkwardly coughs to try and clear that up. It doesn't work. His father saw the whole thing? That's even worse than Camille almost watching him drop the glass. Almost.
"What are you doing?" Maxon asks him, taking his glass. "Don't just wave at her. Go over there."
Ahren shakes his head. "Dad, no, I can't. It's Camille."
"I know who she is."
"But I'll fail."
"Failure is a feeling long before it becomes an actual result. It's a vulnerability that breeds from self-doubt which is escalated often and deliberately by fear."
Ahren can't think of anything to say. His father is right. He's only scared of messing up when it hasn't even happened yet. He's fearing a possibility and it's getting worse the longer he waits and thinks about it. It won't get better if he just gives up on it.
Ahren looks at his father who gestures for him to walk over there.
"Fine," Ahren says.
"Make sure to talk," Maxon instructs before laughing a little.
"Maybe I'll think of something to say on the walk over," Ahren responds. He looks back at his dad again. "Thanks."
Maxon smiles, raising Ahren's empty glass.
Look at Maxon being a wingman.
And now, the story:
Don't Just Wave - Betty sits at a booth in Pop's, staring out the window with no pressing thoughts running in her head. That is until a certain boy passes by and waves at her. (Betty x Jughead) (AU / OS)
