The Cabin by the Lake

I held the letter in my hand, deep breaths Emily. I walked into the room where all the girls were getting ready. Sarah was in her “Bride” bathrobe. I was dressed, with my hair and make-up done. “Em you look so pretty!” She hugged me tight, “Not as beautiful as you’re looking!” She smiled and rubbed my arm, “I’m still sorry about Ryan, no one should be as a wedding alone.” I shrugged, “I can focus on the pictures.” Casey smiled, “We’ll see about that.” I looked over at her, “what does that mean?” She smiled and shrugged. I took pictures of all the girls getting ready and special ones of Sarah. I then went over to where the boys were and took pictures of them. The boys were a lot less serious, and probably a little drunk. It was a great day for a wedding. As the ceremony started, I couldn’t have asked for better lighting. The photographs were coming out amazing. They said “I do” and kissed and we watched Mr. and Mrs. Tompson walk down the aisle together. I followed them and took pictures of the husband and wife, trying not to tear up at my best friend. Not only because of how beautiful the day was…but the fact that I haven’t told her about the letter.

Everyone was drinking, eating, and dancing. Everyone was smiling and laughing…and everyone was in love. I watch couples be together in the romantic atmosphere, and my heart sank. I wanted that…but right now it couldn’t be possible. I set my camera on the table and grabbed my bag. I walked out to the back of the building that overlooked a lake. I held the letter in my hand, taking a deep breath. I had to tell them. “You look beautiful.” The voice startled me and I turned around, Zac was dressed in a suit and he was walking towards me. “I didn’t think you were invited?” He laughed, “I was invited last minute…Emily and Casey told me we had to talk…” He walked closer and my heart ached. I opened my letter and saw a little note, How dare you hide this from us! We will miss you. I looked up at Zac, he was much closer now. “You and Ryan broke up?” I nodded, “it’s for the best.” I shivered at the wind, and Zac took off his jacket for me. “Zac…I need to tell you something.” His jacket smelled amazing, and all I wanted was to be wrapped up in his arms. “I’m leaving.” He looked at me with a confused look. “Tonight.” He looked at me even more confused, “what…where…” I took a deep breath. “I got a letter…saying that a college in London would love for me to teach a class on photography…” He shook his head, “No.” I laughed in disbelief, “excuse me?” He shook his head again. “I’ve never been selfish with you…you can’t leave.” I shook my head with a smile, “Zac…” He put his hands on my shoulders, “I’m not giving up on a chance with you now. I’ve done it too many times. You can’t leave.” I put his hand in mine, “It’s only for the summer.” I could tell he was holding his breath. “I’ll be back in August, before the preseason starts…I accepted the job because I need some time away, to clear my he-“ And his lips landed on mine. My heart soared and raced. Our mouths danced together and I didn’t want it to end. “While I’m away…We don’t talk. We live our lives. And when I come back…if we are both single…then we can try us.” I could tell he didn’t agree, but he nodded and kissed me again. “I actually have to head out to the airport…I’ll see you in a few months Zac.” We wrapped ourselves up in each other’s arms and swayed a little bit. He kissed my forehead. He mumbled something, but I couldn’t make it out.
I said goodbye to my friends, and told them I would see them soon…but the last person I looked at before the taxi drove away was Zac. I was going to miss him…I was going to want him…but I needed this space.

*4 Months Later*

I saw Steve as I left baggage claim, he had flowers in hand and his hair was combed over. I hugged him tightly. “Thank you for picking me up.” He smiled, “Of course! I want to hear about my daughter’s trip!” I smiled, but I was a little…well shocked that Zac wasn’t the one to pick me up…While I was away Steve got his license and is currently using the Priest’s car from his church. I told him all about the school and the students I had. I told him about the night life and the people I met. “Did you meet any nice boys?” I laughed, “A few.” I bit my lip and smiled as the memories came back…There was Charlie, a sweet man but really not that funny. Benny, tall, dark, and handsome, but not the brightest tool in the shed. And then there was Tyler. Tyler was cute, funny, smart...he played rugby and we got along really well. The only issue was…he wasn’t Zac. None of the British guys I met compared to Zac. As much as I didn’t want Zac to enter my mind…I learned that I am in fact in love with Zac Rinaldo.

Steve dropped me off at my apartment and as I opened my door to my bedroom I was rushed by my 2 favorite girls. They hugged me and asked a million questions, but before I could answer I looked over at my bed. “Why are there dresses laid out?” He girls squealed, “We are throwing you a welcome back party! It starts in 3 hours, so go shower!” I didn’t have time to think. I didn’t have time to talk. I grabbed a towel as they pushed me to the bathroom. I turned to my best friends as they pushed me into the bathroom. “Where’s Zac?” They girls shrugged, “He let us in…haven’t seen him since.” I nodded, I wanted to ask if they knew anything…but the bathroom door was shut and they were bombarding me about the people and life across the pond.

After I showered, shaved, did my hair and make-up we had about an hour until the party. I tied the towel around my body and made my way to my bedroom. Before I got to the door Zac walked in. My heart raced as his eyes met mine. My breathing went short and my I could hear my heart pounding against my chest. “Welcome back.” Was all he said before he went into his room and my heart dropped…he found someone. I tried to hide my broken heart, I tried to not ruin my make-up as I slipped on a dress to go to a party. The girls talked my ear off about honey moons and future plans, but I wasn’t listening. “Do Zac have a girlfriend?” The girls went silent and shrugged, “We haven’t talked much since you left.” I’ll have to move out of the apartment…He’s already shutting out my friends…I fixed the way my red dress fit me and slipped on my shoes, I guess all I can do now is get drunk.

Everyone hugged me and asked about London. I have to say…the bar looked great. It was rented out for the night and drinks were free, but I was only half a drink down when Zac walked over. “Care to dance?” I wanted to say no, but I just nodded. Trying to hide my disappointment. His hand found the small of my back and held onto my other hand as I placed my other hand on his shoulder. He looked great in his dress pants and dress shirt with the sleeves rolled up. “So…meet any nice guys in London?” I avoided his eyes, “A few. Nothing serious.” I told Zac to live his life, so why was I so mad at him? “You meet anyone?” He shrugged, “A few.” I nodded, not wanting to be close to him anymore, “Are you dating someone?” The question just came out. He smiled, “My girl is here tonight…” I nodded, I was so stupid. “Do I know her?” He smiled again, “You do.” I started to look around, who could it be? “She looks beautiful tonight too.” I rolled my eyes, but avoided Zac so he couldn’t see. I didn’t want to hear this. I wanted to crawl into a hole. “The whole room lights up when she walked in…” I gave a small smile, “Listen Zac…” He held me tight, “I mean…the red dress she is wearing fits her perfectly and makes me weak in the knees…” My eyes looked around the room for someone in a red dress, and as my eyes frantically searched I saw that only Zac and I were dancing…out bodies stopped swaying and I noticed everyone looking at up. Zac brushed some hair out of my eyes, “I’m in love with my girl…” He looked into my eyes and suddenly something clicked…”Am…am I the one you’re talking about?” Zac smile and took my hands. “Emily…I have loved you since the first time I saw you…I will always love you. You are beautiful, smart, kind…you brighten all my days. I want nothing me than to wake up with you every morning and sleep with you every night. I want you, all of you…” He lowered himself on one knee and took a small box out of his pocket. “Emily…” My hand covered my mouth. “Will you do me the honor or being me wife? Will you marry me?” My head shook immediately, “yes, yes, a thousand times yes!” He slipped the ring on my finger and then hugged me tight. “I thought you were with someone else.” He put his hands on other side of my face and kissed me lightly. “I bought the ring 2 days after you left.”

Notes

Only one more chapter left! I am sorry I haven't updated i a while! School is kicking my butt!
Thank you to all who have read and commented!!