It was down to the final minutes for him to return and my nerves hit an all time peak. I hadn't heard or felt anything last night but I knew he was injured. I didn't even know if he could make it back or not.

Gazing out the window, I looked for any sigh of him, even though I wasn't supposed to. My hands started to sweat and shake and a chill washed over my body. As time ticked by, my heart rate quickened, my breaths coming in short, quick puffs. I wanted to cry in frustration and pain, not being able to stand the wait anymore. Trying to find a source of comfort, I wrapped my towel tighter around my body.

Even if he was coming soon, I wasn't even able to see him for at least an hour. His hunt would be taken to the ceremony sight while he would be taken to get treated, bathed and given time to get ready. I would have to prepare as well. I dreaded the idea of makeup and getting my hair pulled every which way but I couldn't deny that I was excited to see the dress. Yet, at the same time, I felt like puking.

The door opened from behind me but I didn't even bother to take my eyes of the tree line. Kai, Janina and Blair had left the room awhile ago to collect the materials they needed. The excited giggling and the sound of metal makeup brushes hitting the porcelain sink inside the bathroom confirmed my suspicion.

"Oh, Honey! Get away from there!" Janina's voice was firm but it held no threat. She hurried over and drew the curtain closed and I looked down at my feet, ashamed that I got caught. I heard her sigh and her warm, smooth fingers lifted my head up.

"I know you miss him dearly but you can't see him just yet. It's a painful process but it's tradition and important to the pack." Her voice was warmth and soothing, understanding what I was going through at the moment. She reminded me of melted chocolate, comforting and sweet.

"Come here." Blair patted the chair before moving to grab various sizes of plastic container out of her bag.

"What are you going to do for makeup?" Janina asked Blair, pulling my hair from from my face, running her fingers through it.

"I wanted to do something natural and light. I don't want to make her look heavy or too overdone." I sighed in relief when she had said this and she laughed, picking up a small brush and beginning her work. She made me close my eyes to prevent them from getting poked and to keep it a surprise. Awhile, Janina's hands worked on my hair, careful not to tug too hard, which I was extremely thankful for.

Their upbeat music quietly playing in the background and their cheery conversations made me loose my focus on the negatives that had been nagging my mind. My muscles relaxed and I actually enjoyed the soft brushed on my face and the fingers brushing through my hair. The constant worrying and lack of sleep had me nodding off many times before I finally couldn't open my eyes anymore.

................................................................

"Let her be for a few more minutes, she doesn't have to arrive for another twenty minutes." A heard a voice speak, rousing my from my sleep.

"Yes, but she also has to put on the dress and get there."

"I'm up." I groaned, not wanting to move or open my eyes. Thankfully, they dimmed lights so it wasn't harsh to adjust to.

"I'm so excited." Kai gushed and clapped her hands.

"The dress is so pretty." She bubbled with excitement as Janina got up and retrieved a large black bag. My excitement peaked as she unzipped it and pulled the dress from inside.

"It's beautiful." I said, memorized by her work. It was a white but faded into a light pink at the bottom. As it faded, lace details were added, making it look like delicate flowers.

"Do you like it." Janina asked, nervousness coating her voice.

"Oh, Mom." I pulled her into a tight hug.

"I absolutely love it. Thank you."

"Go try it on." She gently handed it to me and the three of them made their way out of the bathroom. Stripping down, I slowly pulled it on, careful not to rip any of the fabric. I was amazed of how soft it felt against my skin. I was prepared for it to be itchy and to be irritating. Glancing up the mirror, I was not expecting what I was seeing.

My makeup looked natural, highlighting my features instead of weighing them down. My liked as if we're glowing and my eyes had just the slightest touch of pink on the lids. My lips were defined with a pinkish brown color. My hair was brought away from my face in an intricate but simple looking braided up do.

What truly got me was how much the dress suited me. It fit perfectly to my upper body and waist before flowing down. The white made the tan of my skin stand out while also bringing out the color of my eyes. It was me but I couldn't believe how beautiful I looked.

Existing the bathroom, I was met with happiness and positive energy. Their constant flow of complements overwhelmed me in a good way, making me tear up. I'd never felt so appreciated so happy for having friends like this, family lie this.

"No, no, no! Don't cry! You'll ruin you're makeup!" Kai joked, tears in her eyes as well.

"I can't help it." I let out a small laugh, carefully wiping the tears away before they fell.

"I'm just so thankful for all of you. You've all done so much for me even when I was ignoring you. I love all of you."

"We all love you too." Janina said, zipping up the dress and placed a few small, pink flowers in my hair.

"We have to leave now if we want to make it on time." Kai said, checking her phone.

"Besides, their an impatient man waiting for you and he is dying to see you." She said with a knowing look in her eye, sending me a wink.