#Chapter 55: name

Aurora POV I feel a buzz in my pocket and when I pull my phone out and swipe to the notification, I find a photo on my screen. Me, standing on the small pedestal in the bridal shop, wearing my wedding dress. Gianna must’ve snapped it when I wasn’t paying attention, probably right before I’d internally collapsed under the weight of my own self-doubt and guilt. My hands are resting lightly at my sides, the lace and soft ivory fabric flowing around me in a pretty way that I can’t stop staring at. The twins are chatting animatedly with Gianna while the rush of traffic moves past us. Bags are cluttered at our feet and behind us in the trunk, remnants of a shopping spree well spent. But all I can hear is the quiet rush of my own thoughts as we drive. I save the picture to my phone. Maybe it’s stupid, but I want it as some kind of keepsake. I need something to hold onto that reminds me that for one fleeting moment, I felt beautiful. Like a real bride. As stupid as it sounds,