5

"SERIOUSLY, Stella, you must come to this wedding," Elizabeth pleaded, as she aggressively flipped through the rack of dresses, desperately trying to find one for Stella.

This only made Stella groan, throwing her head back in annoyance. "I don't even know them, mother." She whined, but Elizabeth didn't seem to care. If anything, her focus was more on the options of gowns in front of her than her complaining daughter standing beside her. "We've been searching for hours!"

Elizabeth took a long deep breath, attempting to calm herself the best she could.  "At least try and look for something you like. We will both be attending regardless of what you want." She said quietly while she held dresses against Stella, examining them on her.

It wasn't that Stella didn't enjoy shopping, if anything it was the opposite. It was more of the fact that she despised the fancy up-tight weddings; especially for people she had never met before.

As her mother began to pick up dresses, Stella's mind began to wonder. Only, for the first time since she was seven years old, it was about Rafe Cameron. She couldn't seem to figure out why he was running through her mind, but since the day he helped her at the docks, it wouldn't stop.

Why did he come instead of Topper? Why was the tension so high when she turned around? Why were his blue eyes imprinted in her mind? It was driving the girl insane. Rafe was a total asshole; everyone with the right mind knew that. So why couldn't Stella get him off hers?

"Stella! Stella Valentine, you answer me right now!" She flinched at the sharp snaps and loud exclaims she heard her mother.

Stella shook her head, brushing the thoughts away. "I'm listening" She sighed, her arms crossed defensively.

Elizabeth held up two beautiful long dresses, "Go try these on, would you?" Stella nodded, not wanting to cause any more ruckus in the boutique than she already has. She had to admit, they were stunning, from the corset down to the thick silk material.

Carefully, she slipped into the first dress, its weight a comforting embrace. Stepping out of the fitting room, she clutched the fabric to her chest, offering her mother the silent request to zip her up.

Elizabeth's eyes widened, a soft gasp escaping her lips as she took in the sight. "You look like a princess," she breathed, the tension finally melting away, replaced by a genuine smile that eased Stella's own anxieties.

Stella glanced at the mirror, tilting her head at her own reflection. Her mother was right, she did look like a princess, and she sure did feel like one.

The dress was perfect.

The store clerk made her way towards the two, quickly catching both Elizabeth and Stella's attention. "We'll be getting this one, please" They both said in sync, causing them to give a slight chuckle.

"Of course" The worker smiled, patiently waiting for Stella to change out.

sorry for the short chapter loves!!finals week has me fucked up