Until my last breath

11

June 2022
Barcelona, Spain

"We're two minutes away," Arthur informs me, his voice steady but laced with excitement.

"I'm all ready," I reply, my heart racing in time with the rhythm of the music softly playing in the background.

"Perfect." He hangs up, and I'm left standing alone in my room, anticipation and anxiety swirling within me.

I turn to the mirror, taking one last look at myself. The reflection staring back is adorned in a breathtaking black maxi dress that hugs my curves perfectly, matching gloves that give an air of elegance, and heels that elongate my legs.

"You look absolutely breathtaking, Ree." Alex's voice breaks through my reverie, her eyes sparkling with admiration as she appears behind me.

"Thank you so much, Alex." I smile at her in the mirror, feeling a surge of warmth. "I honestly feel so good."

"As you should babe. This dress was made for you." she says, her phone in hand, snapping pictures like a proud photographer.

I look down at the mask she hands me—a simple black piece with delicate gold details that echo the jewelry I wear.

"Do you think I'll be able to just make a speech? I sometimes struggle with even forming a hello or a thank you, Alex. I'm scared I'll just keep stuttering and ruin everyone's night." I sit down, staring at the mask in my hand as if it holds the answers to my fears.

Alex moves closer, placing a comforting hand on my shoulder. "Ree, even considering going to such an event shows how strong and capable you are. You'll do fantastic. Just remember why you're there in the first place." Her voice is soothing, a balm to my frayed nerves.

"You're right." I hug her tightly, feeling the love and support radiating from her. "I really needed this."

Suddenly, there's a knock on the door. "Oh, guess it's time to go." I can hear the anticipation in my voice.

"I'm waiting for all the details as soon as you're done," Alex adds with a wink.

"Of course, thank you, Alex. Bye!" I rush to the door and swing it open to reveal Lorenzo, dressed impeccably in a vintage tuxedo that complements his charm.

"Bonsoir, Rita," he greets me, his thick French accent wrapping around my name like a warm embrace. He extends his hand, and I take it, feeling an instant connection.

"Bonsoir, Lorenzo." I smile, a flutter of nostalgia sweeping over me. "Tu es très belle," he says, his gaze lingering on my dress.

"Merci beaucoup," I chuckle, feeling a rush of affection for him. Lorenzo has always been like family, ever since my childhood days spent with him and Jules.

Walking to the car, I see Arthur waiting, dressed in a sharp navy suit, a smirk plastered on his face as he holds the car door open.

"You're stunning, Ree," he says, his eyes twinkling with pride.

I beam at him, feeling a mix of gratitude and nerves as I climb into the car, the leather seats enveloping me in comfort. As soon as the driver pulls out of the driveway and I feel the car moving, my legs start trembling.

Not even a second later, I feel Lorenzo's hand on my knee, a gesture of reassurance. I glance down at his hand, my heart racing, too ashamed to meet his eyes.

"I'm already panicking," I admit, my voice barely a whisper.

"You've got this," Lorenzo encourages, his tone steady. "Just breathe."

I nod, trying to focus on the scenery outside the window as the world blurs by, but the looming event feels suffocating. The quiet in the car feels heavy, almost stifling. I keep revising my speech in my head, hoping that it will distract me from the rising tide of anxiety.