Bloom by Marilyn Grey Read Free Book Online Page A

couldn’t figure out the tune of the song. I nudged Ella as the bridesmaids walked to their spots. “What’s the song?”
    “ All of My Love by Led Zeppelin.” She was staring at Gavin the entire time. He did look rather handsome. Their outfits were cute. Untucked button down white shirts. Rolled up sleeves. Loose orange ties. Relaxed slacks. And sneakers. I kind of liked it. Derek, Ella’s brother, stood beside Gavin. Other than that, I didn’t recognize the other guys.
    The only bridesmaid I recognized was Miranda, who seemed to be the maid-of-honor. Derek’s girlfriend. They were grinning at each other too. All of this romance made me nauseous. I wondered what James was doing. If he still thought we’d be good together.
    The music stopped. Heidi walked up the aisle wearing a silky white dress that hung off one shoulder. It draped and hugged all the right places. Her hair was pulled back, delicately, with wavy strands falling out. When she got closer I noticed several braids leading back to her messy bun. She looked so pretty. And for once I didn’t think of my own lack of prettiness. I simply relished the joy of this new couple.
    She walked up the steps of the ramp, holding her dress with her left hand so she wouldn’t trip, and her flowers in the other. Patrick’s face was absolutely priceless. He held one hand over his heart, like he couldn’t breath when he saw her. It didn’t seem like he was crying, but I couldn’t tell from where I sat. The sun could’ve gone missing for a bit and no one would’ve noticed. Those two were plenty bright enough as they clasped hands and stared at each other with longing.
    I caught myself tearing up and smiling as wide as the happy couple, completely lost in their love. So beautiful.
    Anastasia linked her arm with mine. I turned to her smiling face and made eye contact with Vasili. He looked away and blushed.
    Why would he blush?
    I smiled at Anastasia and looked back to the happy couple as they exchanged their vows. At the end, they both grabbed a board and skated down the ramp and out of the park, hand-in-hand.
    Fatigue crept up on me, but their reception was only a small gathering under the pavilion next to the skate park. Probably no more than twenty attendees. I wanted to struggle through the next hour or two for Anastasia.
    Ella pat my knee. “I saw you.”
    “What?”
    “You were happy. Really happy.”
    I shrugged her off.
    She leaned over me. “Who is this young lady?”
    “I’m Anastasia.” She extended her hand. So cute and mature. “And this is my uncle.” She pointed beside her without looking. “Vasili. And Natalie, my soon-to-be aunt.”
    “Nice meeting you all.” She stood. “Would you like to sit at our table?”
    Anastasia nodded. We waited for everyone to pile out so we could follow. I wondered why Anastasia wanted me to be with her. She seemed fine. Completely content with her scars. Me, on the other hand?
    I wanted to go back to the car. I kept telling myself people weren’t thinking about me as much as I was. In the past, when I saw someone with scars I noticed them, but didn’t really linger on the thought.
    Ella squeezed my hand, then let go when we reached Gavin by the picnic tables. She pulled his tie and kissed his cheek. He kissed her forehead and scooped Adelaide out of her arms. I still couldn’t believe I missed my best friend’s wedding. She wanted to get married at the chapel in the hospital, but there’s no way I’d let her do that. They had a simple wedding in Gavin’s grandfathers yard, which soon became their own yard.
    I missed so much while I was confined to the hospital bed. It’s amazing how life speeds on by with or without you. We’re all just small parts in a big story. Life goes on. I analyzed the life around me as we all sat down. Heidi and Patrick stood together with their daughter, Riley, greeting everyone one table at a time. Vasili and Natalie sat so close to each other that I couldn’t tell where