Beautiful Lies - Shawn Mendes

25. The Wedding

August 23rd - 5 days left

The weather for today couldn't have been more perfect, even if they'd tried. The sun beamed down on the houses lining the thin, cobbled streets, doting over them as a mother might a child. To say it was only morning was an understatement - the heat was as if it was afternoon, and I knew that air conditioning would become my best friend for the day.

I had been so excited for today. I looked down at the small, handmade invitation, festooned with intricate flowers, addressed to Nonna and myself, and smiled, knowing that the day would be something I would remember for a very long time. But I just couldn't put my finger on why.

Gino and Siena had been married for fifty years, something that I hoped to do with the man I called my partner in life when the time came, and as a way of celebrating their years of happiness together, they had decided to renew their vows, in the place that they loved most, surrounded by only close family and friends.

Nonna had been one of Siena's closest friends since they'd battled the hardships of high school and came out of the other side together, slightly chewed up by the experience, but hopeful for what the future may bring. Nonna had no sisters, only two older brothers, so having Siena was everything she could ever wish for in a chosen sister. They were alike, but different at the same time, and where you went with one, the other would follow. Over forty years had passed, and still nothing had changed.

Nonna had been Siena's bridesmaid, when Gino and herself originally got married, and the roles were reversed for when it was Nonna's turn to begin marital life, shortly after. This time round, prior to tradition, Nonna was repossessing the responsibility and as her granddaughters both Fliss and I were invited.

However, after Fliss's previous antics - I was unsure as to whether she would pull through on the acceptance of the invitation. Fliss and I were good now - but I couldn't say the same for her and Nonna. I wasn't even sure if they had spoken since that disastrous evening. All I hoped, was that they made up sooner rather than later, for both of their sakes.

I hummed along to the music playing softly in the background, as I smoothed down a few creases from where the dress had bunched up slightly at my hips, and briefly checked myself over in the mirror.

I was so glad that my mum had told me to pack a formal dress, just in case I needed it for anything. At the time, I scoffed, but did as she said - and now I was thankful for listening.

I was unsure at first, to wear that dress, seeing as it showcased every lump and bump my body had to offer with the fitting style, but since meeting a certain someone, my confidence levels had climaxed, and a dress I once bought on an impulse buy, and would never consider wearing, was now proudly being displayed.

I had always struggled with my body, being friends with people who were size 6's definitely didn't help, but I was curvier than most people my own age - I always had been. And certain styles, or low cut, revealing outfits had always been out of the question, but now, I was glad that things were starting to change. I had begun to accept and embrace this new reality.

I knew I had gained extra weight, what with all the Carb-ridden Italian food I was constantly eating, but for the first time - I didn't care. I liked this new me with fuller hips, and a slightly more podgy looking stomach. Even Nonna had commented on how healthy and radiant I was looking, despite the added few of pounds.

This summer had changed me, not just physically, but mentally as well. I didn't want to return home, not just yet, even with the looming excitement that my next adventure would bring. I was going home, so very soon, and that meant leaving behind two of the people I cared most about.