Secrets & Lies

Chapter Thirty-Two

Astrid was impossible! She picked out over seventy dresses for Gia to try on.  Once Gia had the dress on she would dissect it as to why it wasn't right.  It usually had to do with Gia.  She was too short, too large breasted, short waisted, and/or short legged, blah, blah, blah.  It was never right.  They were all exhausted when Astrid finally settled on a white dress with silver beading.  It was organza over satin with lace on the shoulders.  It had a chapel length train and a full skirt.  She also approved of the plunging neckline.  Gia had wanted sleeves but Astrid said that was way too old fashioned.  The veil she chose was simple and long that would go beautifully with the tiara she produced from her bag.

"This is a family heirloom from Lars' family and I would like for you to wear it on your wedding day if that is suitable to you."  She said placing the tiara on Gia's head.  It was heavier than Gia had anticipated but incredibly beautiful.  It was a white gold band with a floral design done in diamonds and tea pink pearls.  "It looks beautiful with your dark hair."

"Oh Astrid it's beautiful but I can't possibly wear it."  Gia exclaimed.

"Why not?" Astrid asked confused at her refusal.

"It is so beautiful and elegant but don't you want your daughters to wear it on their special day?" Gia asked thinking she wouldn't want to give such a beautiful heirloom to a stranger.

"They will and anyone who marries one of my sons.  It is always worn at Lindstrom weddings."  Gia turned and faced the mirror again and looked at the way Astrid had dressed her up.  Gia looked so amazing that she couldn't even believe it was her standing there.  Gia's eyes began to tear up again because she knew her family wouldn't be here for this special moment when she would be getting married to a man whom she truly adored and who had an equally loving family.  Gia felt so alone in the midst of this incredible family. She just kept thinking about her own mother and how she felt as if she should be here with her.  If it was her mother with her Gia would have been arguing with her on some of the choices being made on her behalf, but Gia couldn't do that to Astrid.  Astrid just seemed as if she was used to getting her way and she was paying for everything after all so it didn't seem right to argue with her.  By early evening Gia was not feeling well and the dizziness was returning.

"Astrid?"

"Yes dear." She answered.

"I'm starting to feel dizzy." Gia whispered standing next to her in the wedding dress.  Helga was still trying to pin the sides to make it tighter, and another seamstress was pinning the hem to make it shorter than the Danes it had originally been designed for.

"Are we finished?" She asked Helga.

"No." Was all she said in response.

"You have ten minutes to finish." Astrid stated to her sternly.

    Helga moved Gia back to the pedestal so she could finish the length.  Helga finished quickly as she had been instructed to do and Gia was able to change.  Luckily there was a chair in the changing room because she needed to sit down.  Gia just sat in that chair in her underwear because she just didn't have the energy to get dressed again.  Gia was exhausted.  There was a knock on the door, "Gia are you ready?" Ingrid said through the closed door.

"Almost." Gia answered back.  She slowly inched her way over to her pants and shirt and put them on as quickly as her exhaustion would allow.  When she finally emerged from the room everyone was ready to go.  But Gia felt even worse.

"Gia dear you don't look well." Astrid stated with concern.

"I'm not feeling so well." Gia said grabbing a hold of a dress rack to steady herself.