SERENDIPITY

♡45♡ WEDDING BELLS AND DEATH ANNIVERSARY ✔️

The Day was finally here!

It was a day of anticipation and excitement, a moment that had been eagerly awaited. As I sat before my mirror, wrapped in my cozy morning coat and with my hair nestled under a towel to wick away the moisture, I caught my reflection. There was a genuine happiness in my eyes, a feeling that had been absent for far too long. The room around me had transformed into a hub of feminine energy, each person there united by the common purpose of preparing me for this extraordinary day.

My gaze drifted beyond my reflection to take in the room that had taken on the semblance of a women's lounge. Catalina, Aunt Gen, Grandma, Paloma, Mia, Magnolia, Janessa, Violetta, and Georgiana—all had congregated in my space, lending their helping hands to ensure that every detail was perfect. It was heartwarming to have them all around, and their presence added an extra layer of joy to the occasion. Fiona, as busy as a bee, had ventured downstairs to fetch glasses of refreshing orange juice for us all.

The room was alive with chatter and excitement, each woman contributing to the vibrant energy that filled the space. Paloma's voice cut through the air, her frustration evident as she complained about the beautician's delay.

"Where on earth is the beautician?" Paloma's voice echoed from my balcony, her frustration evident. "She should have been here by now!" she exclaimed, an air of exasperation in her tone. "Kids these days! They take everything for granted and fail to put in the effort when presented with opportunities," she continued her rant as she settled onto the window bench, her legs crossed.

Mia, reclining lazily on my bed with her eight-month pregnancy, cleared her throat theatrically. She propped herself up on her elbows and fixed Loma with a teasing expression. "If only they had let me handle the makeup," she began with a mock sigh, "we wouldn't be in this situation. Now we're undoubtedly running behind schedule," she added, puckering her lips in a playful pout.

All eyes turned towards her, with even Grandma casting her a disapproving glance.

"What?" Mia quipped, not waiting for a response. She flopped back onto the bed nonchalantly, a carefree posture.

I swear that child is really suffering in her womb.

"Be careful, Mia," Aunt Gen's voice carried a note of concern. Mia responded with an innocent look, shutting her eyes, partly to shield herself from the barrage of advice about her pregnancy, and partly to rest.

I couldn't help but let out a quiet chuckle as I sat there, my engagement ring twirling between my fingers. Waiting for their barrage of advice and instructions, my gaze drifted lazily around the room via the mirror, eventually settling on the guitar tucked in the corner. A sense of loneliness suddenly washed over me. Despite the presence of these remarkable women, particularly Grandma, Aunt Gen, and Catalina, who did their best to fill the void my mother's absence had left, I couldn't shake that feeling. She had missed out on my formative years, and now, she was absent on this significant day. For once, I found myself grateful that my paternal grandfather had passed away; otherwise, I'd have made sure he paid dearly for the pain he had caused. I swallowed the lump in my throat, tearing my gaze away from the guitar. When my eyes met Grandma's, I mustered a smile, silently assuring her that I was fine. She had been watching me closely, as always.

The door suddenly swung open, revealing Fiona and the beautician's entrance.

"At last!" Loma's exasperation was palpable.

The beautician halted in the doorway, met by the intense gazes of nine women, each brimming with a mix of impatience and irritation.

"Um..." she started, shifting uncomfortably on her feet. "I apologize for my tardiness. I was caught in traffic," she mumbled, her head bowed.