A Life Worth Living

Chapter 10

Lavinia De' Medici

Chapter Ten

That night was hard to get through. I laid in my bed for hours looking at the moon after Francesco left. Thinking of what could have transpired. Lorenzo and Giuliano came by to check on me not long ago. When I look into their eyes I just feel ashamed. I feel ashamed for no reason at all.

Sandro also came to check on me. He sat next to me and read one of my favorite books to me. No talking about what happened or how I felt. I liked that. I appreciate him so much.

I bring myself to reality feeling the soft blankets around me.

I sit up and look at my mirror, staring at my own face. My eyes are slightly swollen and the green in them showing brightly. My skin is pale and blotchy with red freckle-like areas.

I hope my skin evens out for the wedding tomorrow.

Despite what happened to me I can not let it hinder my spirit. Good things are happening for me and I can't miss out on it. Being optimistic against adversity is what shows your strength.

I am strong. I've always been that way. One man who sought to destroy me will not get the better of who I am.

I touch my cold feet to the floor. A slight creaking sound fills my room. I walk to the door and down the hall. The last few steps to my mothers room. I rap my knuckles across the door.

"Come in!" She shouts

I walk in and see mother sitting at her vanity.

"What are you doing up so late? My darling come here." She says

I run to her crushing her in a hug and I just cry it out.

"You have been through a lot recently. It's alright to cry. You will always be my daughter Lavinia. The same one who would run barefoot outside, never wanting to wear shoes. The same girl I held in my arms when she was born. A girl who never wanted help, always wanted to do it on her own. You are so special and everything I wish to love." She says

She rubs my back in a circles trying to calm me down. I lean backwards looking at her face. A face that I will always know to trust.

"Thank you. I will always need you no matter how old I get." I smile to her

...

I wake up that morning in my bed. Bianca has drawn my curtains letting the sun in.

"Time to get up sleepy head. You are a bride today!" She exclaims

I let a small smile grace my face.

"Bianca you sure I can't have ten more minutes?" I stretch

"Absolutely you can not. Now get up! You don't have long. We already are behind." She said

I sit up and Bianca motions me to sit on the chair at my vanity. She sets out all of our beauty products and gets to work on my skin.

Massaging my face I almost fall back asleep.

"Are you alright?" She asks