No Longer A Stand In Novels & Stories

I feel ridiculous standing here. I stand out like a sore thumb, not just because I’m two feet taller than the next tallest man in the crowd. No, I stand out because I got put into a no-win situation regarding my attire. I was going to wear my simple black suit I have had for years for formal events. When I arrived at Amelia’s earlier today, I was told it wouldn’t do.

Zinger said as she motioned to throw in a knife but was only halted because Eunice already threw a rock on Zinger’s wrist making her wince in pain and drop the knife on the ground. “Badass…” Sage mumbled. Damn it. “Still illegal when it comes to plays…” Nanette said. “Shut up, Dipper!” Dasher belted out. Nanette and the members of Glyph laughed. “You have no reason to laugh, assholes,” Stan said. All of Glyph looked at him with tantalizing eyes. Stan smirked. “Let’s damn end this…” he blurted before the war broke out.

But for the first time since everything fell apart, I’m not looking back. I’m standing right here. On the edge of something that feels like almost us…

Damn! I should go to the bathroom before my nightstand comes back. I can't throw up here. I stand up, but it seems like there is no strength left in me. I can't stop. I support myself on the seat and take three or four small steps. It's like my vision is becoming blurry. Where is this stupid nightstand of mine, huh? Why is he taking forever?

Big Ken was like an assistant and stood guard at his side. Zephyr also went in with a group of people. After taking a seat, he saw that Zachary was ready to sit next to him, so he frowned and said, "You don’t have the right to sit today! Stand and reflect! After you finished reflecting then let me know. If I’m not satisfied with your reflection, then you must always stay standing as long as I’m present!" Zachary had a hard time saying anything. He resentfully got up and took a small step back, standing next to Zephyr's driver.

Candi says. “Stan has a mate. That is no secret,” Elizabeth says to her. Candi looks at her, “They said his mate was no longer in the picture,” she replies. I look to Stan. “Who said she was not in the picture?” Stan asked. “I told you I do not know names. They tell me what to do and I do it,” she replies sounding frustrated.

His gray eyes were flat and didn't show any anger. “She’s just a stand-in,” he said. The silence that followed was louder than the music. Then came the laughter, polite but sharp, like glass breaking underfoot. Some people tried to hide their smirks. While others didn’t bother. A stand-in Not even a partner. Just a seat-filler for his ex-girlfriend. I stood still, the floor shaking under me. My fingers curled into my palm, nails biting my skin until I felt the sting of blood.

This time, I did not turn back, but I bit my lower lip hard enough to draw blood. I had barely taken a few steps when a text popped up on my phone. "Yvonne, you didn't manage to get married again, did you? What a pity. It's okay, though. You can beg Nathan to marry you again later. The eighth time is the charm, right?"

I nodded, and tears welled up in my eyes again. Footsteps sounded in the distance. Kingston had come looking for me. "Why are you hiding here?" He walked over and casually wrapped an arm around my shoulders. "I've been looking for you forever." He glanced at Stanford, then at my reddened eyes, and frowned. "Are you saying bad things about me again?" Stanford glared at him. "Do I even need to mention the things you've done?" Kingston scoffed. "Stop digging up the past. Things are different now. I've changed. I don't even race anymore. I'll manage the company properly."

Now I stood my ground instead of stepping back. Ready to move forward, I stood firm. The moment arrived without warning. My stance shifted slightly. A breath passed before anything else happened.