Michael Corleone never wanted to be a part of it, his family's crime, but things happen. Everything was in his hands. But she entered to hold that hand and stand beside him without questions.
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1945
Even though it was spring, the men were clad in immaculate, well-tailored suits—undoubtedly expensive. The women, on the other hand, donned sun dresses, each one exuding elegance. All of us, including myself, wore smiles, concealing the complexities beneath. Everyone understood the unspoken ties binding us; it wasn't Connie's wedding but something far more intricate. Yet, no one dared to voice it, preferring to maintain the semblance of the lives they cherished. Just avoid asking questions and keep your lips sealed.
Since my mother's passing when I was nineteen, my encounters with the family diminished. I would only stumble upon them during visits to Connie, always maintaining a friendly demeanor. I genuinely liked most of them, some more than others.
"Y/n, how do I look?" Connie's voice spun me around. Her radiant face exuded elegance, transcending the attire. Back then, I wasn't fond of the puffed sleeves on dresses.
"Gorgeous, Connie. Just gorgeous," I replied, exhaling the last drag of my cigarette before passing it to her, reminding myself to quit the habit. "Just like old times, huh?" I chuckled as she extinguished the cigarette after a puff.
"What? Sneaking into the bathroom for a smoke while the rest are out there?" She smiled, and I nodded, rising from the edge of the bathtub.
As we faced the mirror, her eyes fixed on her reflection, and I stood behind her. Both of us took a deep breath.
"I'm glad you came back. You and Michael left at the same time, you know? You both left me" Connie shared. I nodded, recalling my two-year stint in Spain, where I trained as a nurse. I had heard Michael went off to war, but details were scarce. Although he and I didn't converse much, our eyes often met before our simultaneous departures.
"Fuck Connie, you're married now." I spoke, our eyes meeting in the mirror. Our faces at ease. I wasn't a fan of Carlo, but it wasn't my place to object. Despite my reservations, I played the role of Connie's maid of honor, smiling throughout the ceremony.
"Yeah, married." A faint smile appeared on her face. "Your turn now."
I rolled my eyes and shook my head before she turned around.
"I don't need anybody right now. I'm fine on my own," I replied. Now it was her turn to shake her head and roll her eyes.
"You're oblivious, but you've got options," Connie said with a broad smile.
"Oh yeah? Like who?" I raised my eyebrows, smiling back at her.
"That's for me to know and for you to find out," she replied. "Come on, they'll begin to think we fell in the toilet and got lost." Connie took my hand, and we left the room.
