Rome & Julie

Chapter 34

Well guys, this is it.  This is the final chapter.  I couldn't be more happy and sad all at once than I am right now.  I'm so incredibly sorry at my lack of updates for the past year.  I truly have barely written, save for a few new stories I started up and never completed.  Recently I've rediscovered the love I've always had for writing, and I knew it was time to finish this story and lay it to rest.  This has been an incredible journey, and the first story I've ever finished.  Although this story is far from being done, for I started this long ago when my writing skills weren't exactly up to par with what I am now.  There is much editing to be done before I can finally say I'm finished, and perhaps get it published, which would be an absolute dream come true.  Thank you everyone who stuck with this story. I am thankful for every single individual read, vote, and comment.  So much more than you guys will ever know.  Thank you so so so much, and I love each and every one of you with all my heart.  Enjoy the final chapter of "Rome & Julie."

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“Are you nervous?  You look nervous…,” A soft voice murmured into my right ear, warm breath fanning my clammy skin.  I took a deep breath, eyes focused intently on the scene outside the window before me.  It was a beautiful summer day, that was for certain.  The sun was bright, the sky was a clear, stunning blue, and the trees blew gently in the wind, dancing just for me, it seemed.  I could only imagine how heavenly the warmth would feel against my skin.

“I’m good,” I responded, looking away from the window towards Molly.  She looked stunning, her black-as-night hair curled loosely down her back.  Her brown eyes sparkled as she grinned at me, resting a hand on my bare shoulder.

“I have never in my life seen anyone as beautiful as you are right now, Julie,” Molly said, tears forming in her soft doe eyes.  Before I could help myself, tears filled in mine as well.  “Don’t you dare cry!  You’ll mess up your fabulous makeup!” Molly laughed, squeezing my shoulder once before letting go.  I giggled with her, the smile feeling relieving on my face.  Truth had it, I was pretty nervous.  “Gosh, I’m so excited!  You should see outside and how beautiful everything turned out—” Molly began ranting, and I could only half-listen, too lost in my thoughts to pay complete attention.  There was only one thing—person, really—that I was waiting to see outside, and the moment couldn’t come fast enough.

“It’s time!” Maggie said, suddenly bursting through the door and entering the room.  Immediately in response, my heart began to hammer relentlessly in my chest, and my stomach felt like it tightened into a tiny ball in attempt to hide from the world like I wish I could’ve.  Slowly, I stood from the window seat, glancing between Molly and Maggie, both of whom were staring at me.  “Are you ready?”

“Yes,” My mouth responded before I could even think about her question.  A smile grew on my face, knowing my heart knew more than my mind, and that I truly was ready for this.  I might have been nervous—hell, I was only eighteen—but I was pretty sure I’d been waiting for this day my entire life.  As I moved my body forward, my heels clinked softly on the tiled floor below me, echoing my every step.  Every step taking me closer and closer, time running shorter and shorter.

I neared Maggie who was standing stilly by the door, watching my every movement.  When I was close enough, I could see that tears were in her eyes as well.

“You’re breathtaking, Jules,” She choked out, voice rough with emotion.  I smiled at her, holding back my tears lest I mess up my makeup.  “Your mother and father would be so proud.”  Emotion swelled within me, and I felt a tear roll down my cheek.  I figured one tear couldn’t mess up the entire work of art.