72 ~ Aurora

It was the D-Day. I had hardly slept the night before. I was so nervous even when I was sure I had done everything right.

I had to force myself just so I would not wake up with eye bags. The next morning, first thing, I was in the office putting finishing touches on every outfit and making sure yet again that everything was perfect.

River insisted that I relaxed for the rest of the day until it was time for hair and makeup.

I stared at the bedazzling blue beaded dress I made for myself and sighed in fulfillment. When I stared at myself in the mirror after the whole glam session, I marveled at the fact that I could look and feel this beautiful - something I could not bring myself to do years before because I did not like what I looked like.

"Stunning," River said to me and I smiled at her.

"You look so gorgeous."

"Thank you. You're so beautiful." She said almost teary eyed. "I'm so proud of you Aurora."

"Thank you." I mouthed, blinking back the tears that were soon to fall if we kept