Long Distance

Better.

1 month later

[Aria]

It was like everything was happening in slow motion. The pampering, the dress fitting, the hair and makeup. But no matter how much I wanted to cherish every moment of preparation for my wedding, I couldn't help but feel like I was lying to everyone here.

This day wasn't perfect. This day was fake. This entire month had consisted of me fooling everyone into thinking I was positive in my decision to marry Mason, when really, I wasn't. But the truth was that a month ago, I had made a decision.

After I talked to Evan and Madison, I realized that my "feelings" for Ethan were irrational and unethical. I decided that marrying Mason was the only way I could forget Ethan. Even if I wasn't feeling that way towards Mason right now, I was sure that today would help me remember that I am truly in love with him.

So I was going to get married. I was going to fall in love with Mason again, and be happy.

We were currently in the dressing room, where my bridesmaids scurried back and forth, making final touches to their hair and makeup.

I was seated on the makeup chair, about to have the artist come in and beat my face to the gods.

"Where's the gorgeous bride?" My father's voice sounds through the room and I turn to the door, smiling as both my parents stepped in. He stops in front of me and grabs both of my hands in his as he smiles. "My princesa is all grown up." His eyes are glossy and I know that he is on the verge of tears, but then again so was I.

My mother appears from behind him and she doesn't even have to say anything for me to start crying. The sole look in her eyes was a mixture of pride and joy and I couldn't help but let the tears fall as her arms wrapped around me.

"I love you mija," my mother cried, and I hugged her tighter, feeling like if I were to let go, I'd be letting go of that little girl she raised. That little girl that dreamed of getting married. The little girl that wore her heels and jewelry even though they were too big, all because I wanted to be a grownup.

We pulled away when the door opened and in stepped the makeup artist with her kit in hand.

"Well, we'll leave you to get ready," my father kisses my cheek before he follows my mother out the door.

"Let's get down to business," the artist, Jacqueline, chirps as she guides me to the chair and begins to work.

[Mason]

I sat in front of the oversized mirror, fumbling with my tie. Today was the day. The day that I'd finally marry the girl that I've wanted for years. I should feel happy and excited except all I can feel is uncertainty.

I wanted this– I really did but it was Aria I wasn't so sure about. I've noticed changes in her these last few weeks. She was distant and detached and not as excited about the wedding as I thought she would be even though it was her idea to get married so early.

Her eyes didn't light up the way they used to when she saw me and it almost felt like our relationship was forced. Like this wedding was forced.

I was beginning to think she was having second thoughts– I mean why wouldn't she after everything I put her through? But if that were the case, why didn't she just call off the wedding? Why would she go forward with something she wasn't sure about?

The door bursts open and in walks my dad followed by Matt, Alex, and Derek who had arrived from New York a few days ago. Derek was my third groomsman and I was still surprised he was willing to fly over here to do it.