I know this chapter is short, but I didn't want the wait to be as long this time as it was last time. Hope you guys enjoy it! Let me know what you think.
Annie has asked me to go dress shopping with her when I get off work today. I'm a little nervous about it, I mean wedding dresses are a big deal. But if Annie wants me there, I will be there. She doesn't have family anymore, her mom died of cancer when she was young and her dad became an angry drunk, taking most of his anger out on her. She left her home when she was 16 and she hasn't looked back.
When my shift ends at the restaurant I hurry home to change into something that smells a little less like stale French fries and hamburger meat. I send Annie a text after I've changed and I smell better letting her know I'm ready when she is.
I'll be there in five!
While I wait I undo my messy braid and comb my hair out with my fingers to make it a little bit more manageable before braiding it again, neatly this time. I take my time doing it so by the time I finish there is a soft tap at the door. Annie's here. I take a deep breath, wedding dresses here we come.
We go to a little boutique in the city, the inside is all white and rose colored, the racks are trimmed in gold, and there are dresses everywhere. It's almost overwhelming. A consultant wearing a rose colored pantsuit greets us smiling, "Hi ladies, my name is Octavia, what can I help you with today?"
"I'm getting married next month, I know it's really soon, I'm just hoping I can get really lucky," Annie says beaming. She's so excited and I'm excited for her, I smile too.
"Oh, honey, with your shape it should be no problem to find you a dress. Do you know what you're looking for?" The consultant asks sunnily.
"Umm, kind of – I really like the fit and flare style and I like lace. I don't really want a real diamond white, I prefer ivory," Annie states the smile never leaving her face.
"Ok, I should be able to find you something why don't you follow me back here to the fitting rooms and make yourselves comfortable while I go look through our selection to see if I can find something for you."
Annie and I trail behind her all the way to the large, luxurious fitting rooms. The gold trim is on all the doors in here and there are lush ivory colored couches for patrons to sit on while waiting. As Octavia hustles away, Annie and I flop down on one of the couches.
"Katniss, I just want to thank you," Annie says suddenly.
"Um, what for?" I ask quizzically.
"Everything. Ever since I got here you've made me feel welcome. You're always there for me, even when my anxiety gets the best of me. You may not always know what to say, and that's ok, I still know I can count on you. No matter what. You're the best friend I have, Katniss."
"Annie, I – I don't know what to say. Thank you, too." My eyes are welling up. I had never thought of myself as someone's best friend before. I always thought I was the friend nobody likes.
"Will you do me a favor?" Annie asks, her eyes shining both with tears and happiness, a smile dancing across her face.
"Anything Annie. What is it?"
"Will you be my maid of honor?"
"Of course I will!" I exclaim wrapping her in a tight embrace.
"Thank you so much, Katniss. It means the world to me."
I sit back and wipe my eyes just as Octavia comes back around the corner with a few dresses in her hand. It means the world to me too Annie.
The first dress Octavia puts Annie in is pretty, but it's not Annie. It's the fit and flare style Annie wanted but it's got long lace sleeves that give it a boho feel. Annie is more of an elegant, classic beauty.
The second dress is a fit and flare taffeta gown. It has hand-beaded lace appliqués framing the bodice and spilling down the skirt. The sweetheart neckline is framed with crystals and has lace straps that form a dramatic keyhole in the back. The back corset and chapel length train are the finishing touches on the gown.
"Oh, Annie," I whisper, breathless.
"I know," she says smiling back at me from the mirror, "it's perfect."
Annie looks stunning, the dress fits her perfectly, no alterations are needed. The ivory color stands out against her fair skin and looks great with her flaming hair. This is the dress.
"So, Miss Annie, is this the dress for you?" Octavia asks in her overly cheery voice.
"Oh, yes ma'am." She smiles blissfully. "There's just one more thing," she says reaching out and squeezing both of my hands, "a dress for my maid of honor."