Episode 12

Wedding Day... Maya narrating...

I woke up early with the noise throughout the house. After all, today is the wedding of the great Mafia Don. All of Trapani awaits this day. Rosa enters my room, excited.

Rosa: Good morning, my angel, the big day has arrived.

I was sitting on the bed, discouraged.

Maya: Why so much joy?

Rosa: My boy is getting married today. Now he can live a little without so much pressure from his father.

Maya: That's where you're wrong, Rosa. As Dom, he will have even more responsibilities.

Rosa lowers her head, then looks at me, clapping her hands.

Rosa: Come on, come on, you have to take a shower. The professionals are already in the other room waiting for you.

Maya: Can't I even have a coffee?

Rosa: I'll bring it to you in the room, now go.

She pulls me, and I get up reluctantly. I go to the bathroom, take a shower, do my morning hygiene routine, then go to the closet. I apply my body lotions and deodorant, put on a white lace lingerie set and a robe over it. Then, with wet hair, I leave the room to go to the other room. I enter, and everyone is there wishing me luck, smiling, and looking at me.

Maya: Good morning.

Everyone: Good morning…

Luke: Come, dear, let's start with the hair, then makeup and nails.

He starts blow-drying my hair. I tell him that I want something very simple. I want to get married with my hair down, just curled and voluminous! Light makeup, eyeliner, nude lipstick, and flawless skin. I chose not to marry with a white veil. With my hair and makeup done, it was time for my nails. I asked for something traditional. I think I'm the most boring bride in the world. I feel like I'm going to the slaughterhouse!

Luke flattered me as we talked.

Luke: You're such a beautiful bride. Your family will cry a lot. — He smiles.

Maya: If anyone was here, maybe they would.

Everyone in the room looks at each other and falls silent. After my nails were done, all that was left was the dress! Giulia brings it in. Everyone smiles. I don't know if I was nervous or scared. A little of both, I guess. So I go into the bathroom to put on this dress and get this over with. As the hours went by, I got even more nervous. Once ready, I come out of the room, and everyone admires me. I felt beautiful, but something was missing. Maybe it was a real wedding, with someone I truly loved.

Giulia: You look perfect, Maya.

Maya: Thank you — I say, looking at my body.

Rosa enters the room, all dressed up in a maroon dress.

Rosa: You look beautiful, my dear!

Maya: Thank you, Rosa!

Rosa: It's time! We need to go!

I look at everyone and smile!

Maya: Okay... thank you all!

Luke hugs me.

Luke: Good luck.

Maya: Thank you! I say goodbye to everyone and leave. We go to the car. Rosa came with me to accompany me. The wedding will be at the Catholic church in the city. It's a beautiful and old church!

The car stops in front of the church, and we get out. Rosa accompanies me. I was nervous; it was clear I was about to pass out!

Maya: Wow, it's a hot day.

Rosa: It's okay, calm down, dear.

We were positioned in front of the door when Rosa looks at me and smiles.

Rosa: Rafael is coming.

Maya: What? — When I see him, he was in front of me, breaking all the rules of a normal marriage. He looks me up and down. I think he's as shocked and nervous as I am. He was wearing a black suit and a salmon tie!

He is so handsome that whoever doesn't know him will fall head over heels for him. Standing in front of me without saying anything, I say:

Maya: You don't respect rules, do you?

Rafael: No, now listen. Everyone is in there, the whole council. Don't screw this up. Just say yes, I promise I'll be a good husband.

For the first time, I feel truth in his words.

Maya: Okay, Rafael, I'll cooperate!

Rafael: Great! See you inside!

He leaves once again, leaving me there alone. After a few minutes, the door opens, and the wedding march begins to play. I dreamed of walking in with my father, dreamed of being led to the altar by him. My heart felt like it would jump out of my chest at any moment. I see Rafael seriously waiting for me. I begin to walk in slow steps, smiling slightly so that it wouldn't seem like a big farce! I arrive in front of the altar. Rafael comes to meet me. He looks at me, takes my hand, and kisses it. Then, gently, he places my hand on his arm. We walk to the altar, and the ceremony begins. My thoughts were far away at that moment, like someone who is dying and doesn't want to feel. That's exactly how I was. I only hear Rafael's hoarse voice beside me.

Rafael: I do… — Then I come back to myself and look at him seriously!

I hear the priest speak.

"Maya Sartori, do you accept to marry Rafael Salvatore, to dedicate yourself and love him unconditionally for your whole life?"

I look at Rafael, his eyes seemed to bulge out of their sockets. I hear murmurs in the church. I feel Rafael squeeze my hand, then I say:

Maya: I do…

Priest: By the powers invested in me by the Catholic Church, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.

Rafael turns to me, then places his hand on my face, gently sliding it to the nape of my neck. He pulls our bodies together and kisses me softly while the church applauds us.

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