Chapter 9
Lisa-Anna Maust
Frangi stood in front of a tall mirror in a dimly lit corner of the dressing room. The others had left upon her request. She needed time. She didn't have it, but she needed it. She gazed at her reflection as if she recognized the person but sensed the person was not her. Her mother's wedding dress fit her perfectly. Even though the style was a tad outdated, the half smile resting on Frangi's lips revealed her inner joy. A solemn, quiet happiness, but happiness nonetheless. She moved in closer and focused on her eyes. Is was if she was hypnotized, or maybe curious. She gave a sad smirk. Her reflection did the same. She was just checking. It was her, and she looked beautiful. A tear trickled down her cheek. She didn't want to turn away.
Photo by Higher Focus Studios
There was a knock at the door. Levi's mother poked her head in.
"Hey. Just checking in. Are you almost ready, hunny?
"Yea. I think so."
Levi's mom smiled and shut the door behind her.
"You look beautiful," she beamed.
"Thank you," Frangi said. The two women stared at one another from across the room. Frangi looked at her feet and swallowed.
"Actually, thank you, Charlotte. Thank you for...," Frangi trailed off as she attempted to recount the countless favors her soon-to-be mother-in-law graciously bestowed upon her since the moment they met. Charlotte put her hand on Frangi's shoulder. "Thank you for everything," Frangi summarized. Charlotte gave Frangi a nice, long hug that almost made both ladies break into tears. Frangi smirked the same way she did while gazing into the mirror.
"Hey," Frangi asked as the two pulled away. "Did you happened to see if my dad...". Frangi knew she didn't have to finish.
"No, hunny. I haven't seen him."
Frangi nodded and smoothed out her dress. She wasn't terribly surprised. She beamed a forced smile and headed out the door. "Alright, time to get married!"
Violins started humming and voices became hushed. Frangi made her way behind the line of bridesmaids and groomsmen trailing out of the sanctuary. Everyone looked perfect. The flowers weren't wilted, the decorations were romantic. Frangi's heart started racing. The court's eyes widened when the bride reveleaed herself and whispers were quickly hushed as the line started moving. Suddenly an older gentleman in a tux stood beside Frangi.
"Nervous?"
Frangi blushed. "Yea." The two of them hugged and started moving with the line. "Thanks for walking me down the aisle, Paul. You and Charlotte are kinda like second parents to me."
Paul grinned and patted her back. "Well of course! This marriage will make it legal, but know I've always thought of you as another daughter." Frangi thanked him and continued on with the line. They were getting closer and closer to the sanctuary entranced, and the fear was evident. The two of them had gotten extremely quiet all of a sudden. Suddenly, Paul's cellphone buzzed.
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry," he joked. I'll turn it off." Though as he looked at his cellphone suddenly his smile vanished. "Oh, Frangi. Wait here, I need to do something. I'll be right back." With that, Paul walked away from the sanctuary toward the back entrance of the church.
"What? But... but Paul! We're about to-". Frangi was alone, and the flowergirl and ringbearer were entering the sanctuary. Frangi was frozen solid. Her face started turning red as she darted her eyes across the building. Searching. Breathing heavily. Time was running out. The wedding coordinator was beckoning her. She looked around again and gently called out Paul's name. Nothing. She refused to move. She tried whispering what the matter was to the wedding coordinator, but she couldn't here her. Then, Frangi gave up. She slowly, very slowly, made her way to the sanctuary's entrance. She didn't look around anymore.
"I guess this is the way it should be," she seemingly whispered to herself. "Why would he just leave me like that?" Suddenly a firm hand pressed against Frangi's shoulder. She shot around immediately.
Standing beside her dressed in a damper black tuxedo and with slicked back hair was Orson. He didn't quite smile, but she knew he was glowing inside. Frangi's eyes and mouth widened. She couldn't help but smile, and then he smiled. She jumped into his arms, and he held her for what seemed forever.
"I thought you wouldn't come," Frangi cried.
"I wouldn't miss this for the world," Orson said.
"I asked Paul to join Charlotte so I could walk you down the aisle. I would, really like it if I could walk you down the aisle."
"But what about Levi," Frangi needed to know.
Orson brushed a stray hair behind Frangi's ear. He looked upon her face with such sadness and happiness. He smiled.
"You're a big girl now, and you're in love?"
"I am, daddy," Frangi said in soft, sweet voice.
"Then. You have my blessing, my princess."
Frangi grabbed onto her father's arm and led him into the church. Everyone stood up to welcome the bride and her father. Tears were coming down both of their eyes.
Chapter 10 coming soon!~
(c) LA
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