Dark Creations: Hell on Earth (Part 5) Read Free Page B

raised Missy here pretty much by himself.”  She sighed then turned her attention on Melissa.  “So do you have a dress picked out yet?  What about the flowers?  Did you decide where you’re getting them?  Have you decided on a reception hall?  Gosh!  There are so many things I can’t wait to hear about!”
    “So why don’t you shut up and let h er answer one of your questions?” Alexandra mumbled.
    “I heard that!” Daniella said. 
    No matter how much time Daniella and Alexandra spent apart, when they got together, it felt as though no time had passed at all.  They would immediately pick up where they’d left off and fall into their familiar banter.  To some, they would appear to be constantly arguing.  But to Melissa, they were like the sisters she’d never had.  They bickered often, but lightheartedly, and they always watched out for each other. 
    “Well,” Daniella asked. “Let’s start with the dress.  Did any stand out to you in the bridal magazines I sent you?”
    “I looked through them and saw a few that were nice, but I had so much studying to do.  What with finals coming up, I’m lucky I was able to pull off this party.”
    “I know!  It’s been awful!  I can’t believe the semester is over already.  It’s crazy,” Daniella added.
    “One more year of college and right after graduation, Melissa is getting hitched,” Alexandra added, a hint of sadness creeping into her tone.  “It’s wild.  Everything’s going to change.”
    “What do you mean?  Nothing’s changing.  I’m just going to be wearing a ring on my left finger, that’s all.  We’ll still have girl’s night once a month, and I’m sure you and Yoshi will be over twice a week like you are now,” she said to Alexandra.  “And depending where you go for your master’s degree, you might be hanging at our house, too,” she said to Daniella.  “Nothing is going to change.”
    “Except your last name,” Gabriel breathed in her ear as he wrapped his arms around her waist.  “Mrs. James.”
    His lips brushed her earlobe and sent a shiver across her skin.  She turned her head and was greeted by his full lips pressing against hers.
    “Oh get a room, you two!” Alexandra squawked and they all chuckled.
    “Gabriel!” Daniella said and Gabriel let go of Melissa to hug her. 
    “Wow, you look great,” he told her.  Color touched Daniella’s cheeks and she thanked him and mentioned her new workout schedule. 
    “You remember Ryan, right?” Daniella said and entwined her arm with Ryan’s.
    “Of course, how could I forget?  How’s it going, man?”
    “Good, man.  How about you?  Congratulations.”
    “Thanks.  Everything’s going great,” Gabriel said and took Melissa’s hand in his.  He stroked the soft skin on the top of her hand with his thumb, sliding it slowly, gently.  Melissa wanted to yank his hand that held hers toward her and kiss him passionately, right then and there, but knew she’d have to wait several hours, until they were alone.  “Did you ask them yet?” Gabriel asked her and snapped her from her fantasizing about spending time alone with him. 
    “What?  Um no, not yet,” she fumbled.  “You can if you want.”
    “Ask us what?” Alexandra butted in.  “Please don’t tell us this is a shotgun wedding and we’re going to be the Godparents.”
    “Alex!” Daniella scolded Alexandra.  “How could you say that?” 
    “What!” Alexandra protested.  “What else could they ask us?”
    “Uh, a lot of things!” Daniella argued back. 
    “Well I just want to be sure that’s not one of them!  Missy, are you knocked up?” Alexandra turned to her and asked exasperatedly. 
    “You guys are nuts!” Melissa said and felt her temper flare.  “I’m not pregnant!” she said a bit too loudly.
    Several people turned in their chairs to look at them.   Melissa felt her cheeks blaze with embarrassment.  She couldn’t believe she’d just blurted that out