I blinked a few times before I turned and faced Scarlet. "Do you miss Vladimir?" she asked again in a softer tone. My lips trembled, she had no idea how much I missed him. Hearing his name alone was too much. "I'm sorry." Scarlet gave me an awkward pat and bit her lower lip.

"It's okay, Scar." I tried to smile. "When will Kris come by the way?" I changed the topic. At a time like this, I missed my loved ones. Since we had crossed out my parents a long time ago, Vladimir and Kristen were the only two I really loved, one that I would sacrifice my life for.

Scarlet got up from the couch and walked towards the door. "She should be here. Let me check for you." With that, she opened the door and left.

I put my legs up and hugged my knees. Tears were threatening to fall and I did my best to hold them back. Breathe, it will be alright. He will be alright. He said he'll be back before you know it. I wished it were true.

Someone opened the door and I watched my gorgeous friend come in along with Diego. I really needed some time alone with her but I guessed that was impossible now that she had the bond with him. Wherever she was, he'd be there. They're like a package deal, you couldn't take one by separating from the other. Sometimes I envied their relationship, I wished I had that strong bond they were having. Except that was impossible, especially with Adrian in the middle.

I shook those feelings off. I couldn't have this feeling about my best friend. It wasn't right. But you gotta admit, her life is easier than yours! A hell lot easier! Thoughts kept clouding my mind yet I pushed them all away to the back of my head. I love Kristen and I'm happy for her.

Kris took the seat beside me and immediately pulled me into her embrace. "Aww, I'm sorry, Cam." She pulled away to look me in the eye. "You must be missing him terribly."

I hugged her back just as tight, so glad that she was here. "He'll be back."

We hugged for several minutes before I heard Diego's cough, he probably felt out of place if not left out. Well, that was his fault for tagging along at a girls' meeting. "Do you want some tea? Coffee? Chocolate? Anything?" I asked Kristen once we let go.

She beamed at me. "Tea! Oh and some cookies!" I laughed and pressed a button on the small remote that they gave me. Lucy came in a few minutes later and I was glad it wasn't Emily. I wished they had names on the button so I knew who was coming.

"Yes, my lady?" Lucy gave us a small smile.

I walked toward her with a smile in return. I wasn't born with a silver spoon, I would never get used to ordering people around so I came closer until we were face to face and put one hand on her shoulder. If she was surprised, she didn't show it as the polite smile still placated on her oval face. "Could you please get some tea and cookies for Kristen?" I turned around and shifted my gaze to Diego. "Oh crap, I forgot to ask what you want. Anything?"

Diego smiled. "Black coffee will be excellent. Thank you for your hospitality." I rolled my eyes at his politeness. Damn, he really needed to read the Urban dictionary. If anyone suited the title Lord, it'd be Diego Alexander Garcia.

Lucy left after giving a small curtsy. I walked back to my friends and took my original seat. "What are you guys up to?" I shifted my gaze from Kris to Diego and then back to Kris again.

"I've met his whole family!" Her eyes twinkled with excitement. "His aunt is so awesome! Seriously, you gotta meet her, Ave-I mean Cam!" Kris threw her hands up. "God, I kept calling you Avery."

I laughed and punched her arm lightly. "I'd feel hurt if you immediately switch to Cam. We've spent seventeen years growing up together, of course, you're not used to it yet."

Kristen smiled, one that lit up her face and made her look extremely stunning. She locked her eyes with Diego and I knew there was a conversation going on between them. At last, she broke eye contact and shifted her gaze back to me. "What the hell was that about?" I raised my brow. My best friend cleared her throat. A habit that showed she was nervous about revealing something. "Kris, tell me." My hand caught hers and I gave her a gentle squeeze.

Whatever bothered her, I wanted to know. Whatever it was, I wanted to help ease her worries and solve her problem. That's what best friends do.

After a nod from Diego, she finally braced herself. "I'm getting married."

I froze. I could not believe my own ears but looking at their happy faces I knew they were serious. I opened my mouth and closed it several times, looking like a trout out of the water. A few minutes later I finally pulled myself together. "O-okay." I clasped my hands together and brought them close to my chest. "When is the big day?"

Diego --who had walked and now stood beside Kris with his hand on her shoulder-- took the liberty to answer my question. "Next Sunday."

"Sunday?" I nearly screamed. "As in six days?!" They both nodded happily and looked at each other as if they wanted to get married right here right now in my chamber. "Wait, hold on." Kris blinked and I almost felt guilty for ruining their moment. Now that I had her full attention, I asked the most important question. "Do your parents know?"

"Yeah," Kris nodded. The smile crept back to her lips. "I told them three days ago." Her facial expression changed once she said the words. She looked guilty and the guilt laced her voice when she added, "I'm really sorry, Avery. I meant to tell you but they didn't let me come into the palace until today."

My eyes softened and I smiled at her. Tears brimming in my eyes, this time it was not because of loneliness. I was happy for her. Genuinely happy. "It's not your fault. I'm so so happy for you, Kris!" I hugged her tight. I couldn't believe my best friend was getting married at eighteen but I guess if Bella Swan could pull that and get her happy ending, so could Kris.

Kris pulled back and grinned. "Happy enough to be my maid of honor?"

My breath caught in my throat and those tears I'd tried to hold back finally released like pouring rain. "Yes, yes, of course!" Her green eyes softened as emotion took over her.

I glanced at Diego to watch him shaking his head. I didn't need to have a bond with him to know what was on his mind: "Girls!"

I literally just wrote this and then published it online so if there's grammar mistake/spelling error, let me know ♥

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