FRAGMENTS ; Simon Riley

Chapter 24.

ROSALIE.

—————————

"..."

"ARE you nervous?" My mother's voice came from the doorway, her slim figure hugged by a pink and simple dress. Elegant beads decorated her neck, her hair was pulled into a neat bun. She was more beautiful than ever.

I was standing in front of the window of my dressing room, already in my white gown, the corset hugging tightly my torso. It wasn't extravagant; I opted for something simple yet gorgeous, a neat corset and a heavy satin gown that expanded as it lowered, ending with a train.

For this special day, instead of tying my hair, I let them fall down freely behind my shoulders, cascading into soft curls, little white roses stuck into some locks.

Useless to say, I was too nervous. It was eating up my insides.

"You're beautiful.." She whispered, her voice shaky and emotional, tears threatening to fall from her green eyes. "My baby is getting married."

A lump formed in my throat, the sound and sight of her getting emotional was pushing me to cry for everything. Giselle would've killed me for ruining the makeup, it took her so much effort. A little gift from my favorite coworker.

"Mom, stop." I sighed, waving my hands to dry away some tears that gathered in the corner of my eyes.

Looking down, the venue was filled with guests already, our teammates taking their seats at the very front.

And there he was, my man. The only one.

His muscular form restrained against his tailored dark suit, military medals glinting on his chest as he continuously fixed his tie, a silent curse escaping his lips.

Just like me, his stiff posture screamed nervously, but a hint of happiness could be noticed in his eyes as he checked on the guests.

The ceremony was about to start, everyone was taking their seats, phones fished out to take the last pictures of the heavenly venue.
Everything was settled beneath a corridor formed by willow trees, the grass rich with roses' petals.

Simple yet elegant.

Nothing too much for a wedding, just to enjoy the union between me and him.

"Come on, darling. Your father is waiting down, it's time to go."

My mother's voice cut through my running thoughts, my gaze falling on the bouquet in her hands, made for me. Just as I took it in my hands, I found a polaroid picture between the flowers, a memory snapped during one of our stays in another base.

With my head collapsed on his shoulder, dead asleep, and his head on mine, the holes of his mask dark, signaling he was asleep too.

Then a small pink note attached to the picture.

I almost needed to shove tissues in my eyes to stop the tears. That bastard was too romantic in the wrong moments.

"Let's go." I whispered to my mom, letting her lead the way to the ground floor, where my father awaited at the grand doors.

He cupped my cheeks, sobbing his heart out while he admired me in a wedding gown, ready to claim the last name of the love of my life, and finally leave home to start a new chapter.

Missus Riley.

Simon's favorite words to say.

Arm hooked into my father's, I took three deep breaths, my heart racing a marathon, slamming hard against my chest. The melody started to play in the background, the guests got up from their seats, turning their bodies into the direction of the closed doors.

Slowly, they opened, my grip on the bouquet getting tighter and tighter.

Simon stood there at the altar, hands clasped ahead, his eyes wide and full of affection, joy, emotions, ribellious tears.

'Why the fuck are you crying?' I would've loved to laugh at him, but I couldn't, because with a shaky smile I let out a breathless sob, stepping on the white carpet stained in red petals.

His gaze never left mine, not even for a second, and maybe there.. that was the happiest memory I had to keep deep custody on.

One of the many fragments I never wanted to forget.