Mirabella rolled over in her bed. What was the time? Why did it feel like she was being woken up earlier than usual? She pushed herself up into a sitting position, Vanessa was standing at the end of her bed, her hands on her hips, and she was wearing a bathrobe and her hair was damp like she had just finished showering. "Don't just sit there," said Vanessa. "You need to get ready. It's already close to nine."

Mirabella juat sat there on the bed not moving as she stared at her cousin. Vanessa sighed before she clapped her hands together while she approached her cousin. "Andiamo, andiamo" She said. Mirabella got up from her bed and made her way to the bathroom.

(Come on, come on)

The warm water hit her back, Mirabella closed her eyes and threw her head back as she turned around and sighed. The water was now hitting her face. Another sigh escaped her lips before she opened her eyes and turned the water off.

She put on a silver silk bathrobe and opened the door to exit the bathroom. Steam from the shower was behind her in the bathroom as though it were a fog.

She entered her bedroom and immediately her eyes fell to her bed. A dress, white as snow was laid down on the bed. It was a beautiful dress, she thought. The dress had some sort of material that sparkled when she moved her head side to side, and over this material was lace with beautiful designs. The sleeves of the dress were made of nothing but lace and the detail on this dress was breathtaking. She couldn't help the smile on her face as she looked down at the dress, but the more she looked at it reality was slowly taking over. She didn't want the dress. She didn't find it beautiful anymore. She wanted to find the nearest scissors and cut this dress into pieces.

Her thoughts were cut short by the sound of someone knocking on the door and entering the room made her shake her head and look up. Vanessa and Andrea entered the room, all dressed up and ready. They looked beautiful. They both wore the similar dresses.

Vanessa wore a long, V-cut , sleeveless dress that had a cream material underneath the white lace which covered it. The lace had white purls and designs that made the dress look as though there was much detail on it. Her hair was parted down the middle, she was wearing white high heels and her makeup was done nicely too; light pink lips, glittered eyeshadow, highlighter that would have blinded anyone, and an eyeliner so sharp that it could stab any man in the back.

Andrea wore a long, sleeveless dress that had a silver material underneath the white, shimmering lace which had beautiful designs all over the dress. Her hair was parted from the side and one side was held by two diamond bobby-pins. Her makeup was much like Vanessa, only that she picked a more red-ish colour than the pink Vanessa had.

It's been a while, and Mirabella was now putting on the dress. A few other girls were in the room with her, and not just Andrea and Vanessa. They were all wearing similar dresses to what Andrea and Vanessa were wearing. These girls, including Vanessa and Andrea were Mirabella's bridesmaids, and she had five.

Paulo, the makeup-hairdresser done and amazing job. He didn't go crazy with her look. Actually, Mirabella had more of a natural-look. All she had was mascara, eyeliner and a Matt lipstick colour that looked like he natural lips, only a slight shade darker. Her hair was styled in a almost half up-half down do. Her hair was parted down the middle and she had two braids, one on either side of her head met at the back. The bottoms part of her hair held a wavy touch that made her hair bounce slightly when she walked. Her diamond crown was placed upon her head just in the centre. Mirabella's dress flowed like water when she moved and it wast light. The dress was pretty heavy, but it looked light as air.

Mirabella entered the bathroom. She wanted to be alone for a moment. She placed her hands on the dresser that was in the bathroom and looked at herself in the giant mirror. This was the first time she had seen herself since before getting ready. Lord, she thought, it's all really happening. Seeing that she was fully dressed in the wedding dress and had everything on, this was felt much more real. She always dreamed of her wedding day. She wanted it to be a wedding many wouldn't forget and remember for a very long time.

She didn't even know when, but tears were running down her cheeks. She was crying. Mirabella placed a hand over her mouth to stop herself from making any noise. She didn't want anyone know that she was crying. She shook her head, inhaled a deep breath and then sighed before opening the door.

Not moments later, there was a knock on the door and everyone turned their heads to see who it was. Antonio walked in all groomed up. He was wearing a deep and dark, crimson red suit with some black on the blazer. He was wearing a white shirt underneath, black shoes and a black bow-tie. "Everyone is waiting downstairs," he said.

••••

The car stopped outside of the church, but Mirabella sat still in the car, waiting for her grandfather to get her so he could walk her down the aisle. The door to the car opened, and Mirabella looked up to find her grandfather holding his hand out towards her. Mirabella was helped out of the car by her bridesmaids because the dress was not an easy situation.

The church had a smell. She didn't know how to describe it other than wood. And it was cold too. The stone walls were tall and the statues and paintings were so breathtaking beautiful. The torches on the wall and candles on the chandeliers all flickers as the breeze blew on them. The ceiling was tall and in the centre there were was a giant painting.

Everyone stood up when the song began playing, and Mirabella entered. She felt her heart beat slowly pick up its pace. She clenched the bouquet of white roses tightly while she she held onto her grandfather for dead life so she didn't trip over her dress and fall.

Mirabella could see Daniel waiting for her at the alter with his back turned to her and everyone else. She saw the man standing next to him whispering something to him with a soft smile. What did he say? She thought. Did I do something? Did I almost trip? I don't feel like I did.

Nevertheless, Mirabella shook her head and looked down at the ground until she reached the alter. Mirabella didn't dare to look up, but she felt her grandfather move her arm and she then felt someone holding her hand. "You may now be seated," the priest said, and everyone took their seats.

During the ceremony, Mirabella was in her own little world. She didn't pay attention to anything or anyone and this made the ceremony feel as though it was short. She didn't even realise that the priest had asked her a question until she felt a slight grip on her hands. She blinked and snapped back into reality. "Do you, Mirabella Desamparada take Daniel Rodriguez as your husband?" She guessed that this was the second time she had been asked this question because it was short.

Mirabella stood still and didn't make a sound. She could feel the pressure on her and she felt as thought it was getting hard for her to breath. She looked up at Daniel for a single moment, and she saw that he his face held and expression which she couldn't describe. She looked down on the ground and exhaled a soft sigh. "I do." She said, closing her eyes.

"By the power vested in me," said the priest. "I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride."

Mirabella froze when she heard the last words. A flicker of confusion went through her mind before everything cleared up. Of course. It was tradition for the newly wedded couples to kiss at the completion of the marriage ceremony. She had completely forgotten about that. How could she kiss Daniel though? Yes, he was her husband now, but she didn't even know him that well. They weren't even on proper talking terms and kissing seemed like a step too far.

She could feel eyes boring into her. Her blue eyes snapped to his. She wanted to slap him right there and then.

Daniel calmly met her gaze as he took a step forward, his palm cupping her cheek. His other hand moved to her waist. As he started to lean forward, her eyes closed tightly like a child. He was so close to face that looked as though they were already kissing. However, instead of kissing her on the lips he kissed her just next to the corner of her mouth. Daniel let the contact last for a few, short seconds before pulling away. And somewhere in the background they could hear the cheering of the guests.

••••

A massive crystal chandelier hung down from the tall glass ceiling, there were light on the walls that looked like torches, and the blood red velvet curtains were pulled back, letting the light in through the large windows that stretched from the ceiling down to the white polished marble floor, that looked as though it could have been a mirror. Tables were scattered around the room, but still left room for the dance floor and for people to walk around.

It's been a while since they arrived at the Hall, which was actually inside of a hotel. After the first dance, Mirabella and Daniel were parted from each other by the guests. Mirabella was on the dance floor dancing with everyone, while Daniel was going around and greeting everyone before he disappeared completely.

Mirabella felt hot. The air conditioning wasn't really helping her and she felt thirsty. One of her bridesmaids, Gabriella, fought her way through the crowd to reach her. Gabriella had red hair that almost looked brown, sun-kissed skin and brown eyes. She held a wineglass in her hand that had cold water. She held it towards Mirabella who took it and drank. She suddenly felt much better and thanked Gabriella.

As Gabriella walked away with the now empty wineglass, Mirabella caught a woman eyeing her from one of the round tables. She had long, dark, dirty blonde hair that was pinned up into an elegant bun with diamonds going around it, tanned skin and blue-grey eyes. Her dress was silver and made from the finest material with shoes to match. This woman was Daniel's mother, and Mirabella quickly looked the other way. But she couldn't stop thinking about the look his mother was giving her. It was a look of judgment, like she was observing her.

"Hey!" Andrea called at Mirabella. "We need to get you dressed in the red dress. Come on."

The second dress that Mirabella was now wearing was a two piece skirt was red, but the corset was white and had an apron attached to it, covering the skirt half way. There were red flowers embroidered on to the corset and the apron, and her crown was replaced with a headband of red flowers.

Mirabella walked to the dance floor, the musicians picked up their instruments and began playing as people took turns to dance with her. And each time someone new went to dance with her they placed an envelope of money in this silver bowl.

This was the longest part of the wedding, which was why Mirabella had on red flats. She dreaded high heels and could only wear them for so long.

She looked around the Hall, searching for Daniel who was still nowhere in sight. She shrugged and thought that maybe the youngsters took him somewhere to get him drunk. After all that's what usually happened during this part of the wedding.

A while later, loud applause broke from the guests. Mirabella turned around, but didn't see what it was that got everyone so hyped up. She felt someone take her hand and then everything was spinning. Daniel twirled Mirabella twice after he threw money into the silver bowl. And it wasn't a small amount.

After the second twirl he placed one hand under Mirabella's legs and the other was on her back. He swept her off her feet and rushed out of the Hall to the hallway. But someone managed to steal her shoe and headband. The guests broke into another applause and the music changed pace into something. Much more faster and upbeat.

Daniel placed Mirabella back down, his hands didn't leave her waist until Mirabella pushed herself away from him. There was a moment of silence as they stood in the Hallway. Daniel watched Mirabella, her cheeks were red and her skin was glowing. He watched as she tried her very best to avoid making eye contact with him. This made him chuckle, and Mirabella snapped her head to his direction. She wanted to ask him what was so funny, but before she could they heard the doors to the hall open and this meant they it was time for them to return.

Antonio and Daniel's cousin, Alessio were both standing at the dance floor; one held a shoe and the other the red headband. "Dear cousin," Antonio spoke first. "It appears you are missing a shoe and a headband."

"You don't say," said Mirabella, sarcastically. The guests laughed.

"If you want your items back," said Alessio. "We request a few things in return."

"And what is that you two request?" Daniel asked them, playing along.

Alessio and Antonio turned around as to discuss what they wanted, but as soon as they turned their backs they turned right back to the bride and groom. Alessio placed a hand on his cousin's shoulder and sighed. "Before we negotiate," he said. "Do you need a pen and paper to write this down?" The guests laughed once more. Mirabella tried to hide her smile, but failed.

"I'll manage, cugino" said Daniel.

(cousin)

"Alright," said Alessio. "So here it is; we request the subject of payment and a dance with the bride each." He paused and turned to Antonio. "Anything else?"

Antonio pretend to think before speaking, "two redbulls and two non-alcoholic beers." Miabella knew that what they really wanted was regular beer or even a single bottle of vodka, but they were woosies to even dare ask for real alcohol and it not because they were afraid of their fathers. No, but because they were afraid of their mothers.

Daniel sighed before he reached inside his pocket and pulled out his wallet. He took our two fifty notes in Euros and handed them to Antonio, and then he took out two fifty notes again and handed them to

Alessio.

Diego walked from one of the tables and held two redbulls in between his fingers in one hand and two non-alcoholic beers in the other. Before handing them their requests, Diego motioned for them to follow him after the dance with the bride. Mirabella didn't miss it, and knew that after the dance they would be giving a bottle of vodka in secret.

Before the dance, Mirabella was taken to change into her third and final dress of the night. This dress was a light pink colour. It was the kind of pink that someone turned when they blushed. The pink dress was almost the same as the first dress she wore, only that the sleeves where shorter and the lace had small diamonds scattered here and there. Once again, Mirabella was wearing her crown and now she was no longer wearing red flats, but pink, much like the dress she had on.

After the dances it was already eleven, and from that point onwards Mirabella was back on the danced floor with everyone else. She didn't even know when it was one in the morning and everyone was already leaving.

The Hall was almost empty, only a few people were still there. Mirabella sat down and sighed as she closed her eyes. Her feet were killing her and she was so tired that she felt like placing her head on the table and just fall asleep.

"Mirabella," came Diego's voice, causing her to look up at him. Diego was handsome, and Mirabella saw him speaking to one of her bridesmaids, Gabriella. She caught her blushing a few times and also Gabriella only danced with him. Diego was tall and well built. He had a mop of dark, dirty blond hair that looked more of a brown than dirty blond. He had tanned skin and blue-green eyes. "You and Daniel will be staying the night," he told her, and she felt her heart jump. She couldn't stay, she had to be somewhere in the morning. "Just go to the front desk and they will give you the key to the room" he said.

••••

The walked from the Hall to the front desk was long. Maybe it was because she got lost and then ran into a staff member who pointed her the directions to the front desk. But nevertheless, she needed up finding it.

The reception of the hotel was luxurious. The floor was made of brown marble that was clean and polished. There was a chandelier that hung down from the high, glass ceiling which had a balcony going around. There was a sitting area with black velvet sofas and armchairs and a fireplace. There was a staircase with red carpet going all the way up from the front desk and where the elevators were. And the front of the hotel was made up of nothing but glass windows.

Mirabella walked towards the desk and saw a girl with brown hair sitting back in her chair reading a Vogue magazine. The girl looked up from her magazine and when she saw Mirabella she placed it down. "Mrs. Rodriguez," She said, with a smile. Mirabella was confused for a moment, but then it all came to her. She was no longer Mirabella Desamparada, but Mirabella Rodriguez. "Here is your room key," said the girl, as she handed Mirabella a key. "Is there anything you need?" She asked. Mirabella shook her head as she took the key from the girl, bid her goodnight and walked towards the elevator.

Once Mirabella had reached the level that the room was on and also the door itself, she entered and was met with a large room that had a sitting area with a fireplace and leather furniture. The walls were a warm light brown colour that looked almost cream. The floor was made from hardwood and a single red carpet was under the coffee table where the sofa and armchairs were. There were two window, one on either side of the fireplace and a diamond chandelier hanging down from the ceiling.

Mirabella then walked through the living room to get to the bedroom and saw that there was another door which led to the bathroom. She saw that there was a single, king sized bed in the room, two night stands that had lamps and a balcony window which stretched from the ceiling down to the hardwood floor.

Mirabella shook her head and blinked a few time, before she quickly changed into her pyjamas and went straight to sleep. She knew that was to be expected after the wedding, and she was not interested.

⚡️