Next To You

I knew the second he walked in. My body always had a way of recognizing his. Five years later, and l can still remember how he felt against me.
I was shocked when I saw him. At a wedding of all places. After, being briefed by Jenny, the blushing bride, that he was the boss and best friend of her to-be groom, Liam. I decided to not let my real feelings show. Instead, I decided I was going to pretend I have no idea who he is. A lie I wished so desperately to be true.
The pain I felt when I woke up alone, five years ago suddenly hits me as if it happened yesterday.
"Hey Mel," Jenny pulled me out of my thoughts, "Are you okay?"
I looked up to see her looking at me through the mirror. Her dress being buttoned up by her mom.
I nodded, "Yeah, I just have to use the restroom. I'll be right back."
She nodded, and I turned to walk out of the room that was suddenly too crowded for me. I walked the short distance to the bathroom, and took a deep breath as I reached the sink.
I looked down at the champagne colored dress that all of her bridesmaid wore. Mine was slightly different due to me being her maid of honor. My short brown hair, down and straightened. My makeup done perfectly, and I had the jewelry to match.
"He's here, isn't he?"
I turned and saw my mom standing by the bathroom door.
I leaned against the sink. "Of course. Who else gets me like this?"
My mother was the first person I called that morning. She was the only one who knew about him. I didn't tell anyone because I saw no reason to relive it every time. So, I kept that part of my life hidden from everyone else.
My mom walked over to me. "Melanie, he's going to have to-"
"I know." I cut her off. "I just need to process this. He probably doesn't remember me."
She placed her hand on my arm. "If you don't want people to ask questions, you're going to have to get through tonight. Do you think you can do that or should I make up an excuse?"
I shook my head, "I can't do that to Jenny. I'll just see how it goes."
She nodded, "I'll be here if you need me, and I won't hesitate to make an excuse for you. The wedding starts soon, you should go finish getting ready. I have to call your dad to check in."
I nod, and stand up straight. "Send kisses from me."
She smiled at me, "I always do, honey. Now go on."
I walked back out of the bathroom, and back to the room Jenny was given. Outside I saw Niall, one of Liam's best man, pacing outside.
"Hey," I said I approached him. "What do you need?"
He stopped pacing and turned to look at me. "Mel, just the woman I was looking for. We have a problem."
"What happened?"
"We have an extra groomsmen, he got in last minute and we just figured he couldn't make it. I would've asked Jen, but she has so much on her plate already. So, I just-"
I nod, "Have you talked to the wedding planner? Maybe she has something planned."
He nods, "She thinks it'd look better if we place him in the front to 'get it over with', her words not mine." He shrugs.
I cross my arms and look at him. "You mean with me."
He nods, "If you don't mind being stuck with me, and Louis."
I let out a breath, I didn't know I was holding. "Louis? He's here?"
I thought he was talking about him, for a second.
I met Louis, two years ago at Liam's birthday party. He was the funniest person I think I've ever met. He had no problem making me his best friend.
"I figured you wouldn't have minded. Still, thought it was right to ask. I'll go tell him you agreed." He smiled at me. "You look amazing by the way, Mel."
I smiled back at him, "You look pretty decent yourself, Niall."
He laughed, as he started to walk back to the room Liam was placed in.
"You love me, and you know it!" He shouted as he turned the corner.
I walked back into Jenny's room. Everyone was talking and laughing, as Jenny was getting her veil placed in her perfectly done hair.
I walked back over to her, and looked at her through the mirror.
"You look amazing, Jenny. I'm so happy for you."
She smiled at me. "I'm so happy you're here, I thought you wouldn't have been able to make it but, then your dad helped out. Thank him for me, please?"
I smiled, and nodded, "I know. I owe him too."
There was a knock on the door.
"Five minutes!" Juliette, the wedding planner, screamed from behind the door.
Jenny squealed, "I'm actually getting married!"
"And you look flawless." Her mom grinned, as she took pictures of her only child.
"Places, please." Julliette knocked again.
We all got up and moved to the places we were told to go when it was time. Jenny and Liam decided to skip a rehearsal because, 'you can't rehearse true love.'
Which made it a bit harder for us, but we didn't really mind. After this, Liam and Jenny were on their way to a two week long honeymoon, touring Europe.
I walked out first, and was met with the same green eyes that have haunted me for the past five years.
Right into Harry Styles.

Notes