Page 20 of Burned By Fire
“I forgot to take my outfit into the bathroom, but we can swap rooms.” She unzips her garment cover and continues to get ready. I collect my things and lock myself in the bathroom.
My thumbs hook under my sweatpants and I pull them down. Clenching my t-shirt with my good arm, I drag it over my head. The blotchy skin on my left arm and chest wall is exposed. I stare hard at the uneven skin in the mirror. It’s repulsive, but I run my right hand down the scar. The sensation is absent in my left side, but every bump is felt by the tips of my fingers. Averting my eyes, I reach for my shirt so I can cover up. I breathe a little easier once I’m wearing my suit.
Ember is sitting on the bed when I finally exit the bathroom. “Are you ready?” I ask.
“I need to fasten my sandals and then I will be.” She reaches down to buckle them up.
“You look beautiful, by the way.”
“You too. I mean, you look handsome.” She frowns.
“What’s wrong?”
“You don’t have to hide from me. You can lock the bathroom door if you want, but it’s not necessary. It’s what’s in here that I want.” She places her hand over my heart, and I offer a weak smile.
I’m not sure if she means as a friend or more, but I don’t dwell on her words for too long. “I think we should set off or we’ll be late.”
She nods in acknowledgment but doesn’t speak. Her lips are turned down at the corners and I’m guessing she wants me to say more, but I don’t.
The drive to the venue is only a couple of miles. Letting Ember see my scars has me thinking hard rather than making conversation. I don’t want her to see the ugliness of them.
The rows of seats set against the beautiful Alabama woodland is breathtaking as we step out of the vehicle. All male eyes seem to hone in on Ember once we start walking, and I can’t resist putting my arm on her lower back. She turns and smiles at me as I do.
“Ember Burton, is that really you?” a woman about her age says as she comes over to greet us.
“Vanessa. How nice to see you,” Ember says. They hug and kiss each other’s cheeks.
“And who is this fine gentleman?” Vanessa asks, gesturing to me. She looks me up and down like I’m a piece of meat, and I smile tightly.
“Sol, meet Vanessa, former captain of the cheerleading squad,” Ember says.
“Hush now. No need to bring that up.” She bats off the title, but her smile shows she’s pleased with how Ember introduced her. She shakes my hand.
“Where’s your husband?” Ember asks.
“Clint will be around here somewhere.” She looks over her shoulder, but once she’s satisfied he’s not in her eye range, she gives us her attention again.
“Maya told me you made the Armstrong fire squad. Congrats.”
“Thank you.” Ember beams with pride. “What are you up to these days?”
“I teach gym class in Savannah. We’re close to Armstrong so I can visit my parents.”
“That’s nice.” I wonder if Ember’s thinking of her mother. Gently, I rub my hand over her lower back to offer comfort.
“Well, it was great seeing you. We’ll catch up later.”
Similar situations occur as we’re greeted by other guests until we finally take our seats, ready for the wedding to start.
Cameron, the groom, looks nervous. “Let’s hope she turns up,” he jokes, making everyone laugh.
He doesn’t have to wait long for the violinist to start playing, and Maya makes her appearance. The couple marries, and it’s sweet how they look at each other. Warmth washes over me when I realize I want that kind of bond someday.