Awaiting her prince

(Livia)

“Smile for the camera… ladies, and gentlemen… I bring you…”.

“Quit it, Lalo…stop disturbing us!”

“Come on sis…it's your B-day…just smile for the camera, “Lalo said, flashing the camera up to my face. It was irritating having a little brother like him because he was nothing but a pain in the neck.

“Just this one…right lady…are you certain that isn't mud?” he continued firing questions to my make-up artist and hairstylist who were busy working on me.

“No dear, it's just concealer…” the lady said shyly, showing Lalo the concealer she was using. My little brother clicked a pic and chuckled as he continued taking as many pictures, irritating me even more.

“Lalo, why don't you go downstairs and check on mom and dad?” I said instead just to get rid of him. The reason the brat didn't leave me alone was that I spoiled him. He had no respect for me whatsoever for him to be in my room while I did my lady routine.

“Found Ignacio and Paula kissing…it was so disturbing I tell you, “Lalo said with an eye roll as he clicked a picture of me staring at him blankly. He did know it was mom and dad, he was addressed by their first name.

“You do know its mom and dad right…plus who told you to go snooping around in their old love”it was bad of Lalo to interrupt our lovely parents during their display of love. Although it was funny because Mom and Dad never missed a chance to be touchy with each other. For their age, their love still showed. 

“Still, sis…aren't they too old for that? '' Lalo said, arching his brows at me

“Nope… I'm sure you can learn something from Dad…now leave before I get angry” I said, shooting him a death glare just to get rid of him. He was a pain in the neck.

“Nah too cheesy…don't tell me you and brother-in-law will have such a boring relationship,” he said in between laughter, I couldn't sit still but extended my hand towards the chair near me and grabbed a pillow and it at him

“Hahaha… brother-in-law will be here… I'm sure he won't stop staring”Lalo continued laughing as he picked up the pillow I hit him with and tossed it on the bed. My brother was impossible. 

“Out!” I yelled as I got up from the chair and ran after him. He didn't stop laughing even when I pushed him out and slammed the door in his face. 

“Stupid jerk” I was already nervous with everything “sorry, please continue, “I said apologetically to the ladies and sat back on the chair. I had to relax and get what I wanted. Mom already asked me to relax because it was just my birthday. But that wasn't it, 

I had good news for everyone, and my birthday was the right time to tell them. Just like mom and dad, I wished for a good relationship with Luciano. Yes, mom and dad fought and argued at times, which was normal for any couple. 

My parents were my role models. Their love for each other proved that regardless of what people said about love being just a mere word, people say to deceive each other. My parents were a living testimony to me. This was why I wanted my relationship with Luciano to be like my parents.

“Turn this way, miss, “the girls doing my hair said, and I did as told and sat up straight looking at my reflection in the mirror. Today was my birthday. After that day, Luciano proposed to me that everything had turned colorful. I always found myself smiling and staring at my hand. It was unbelievable that I was going to be his wife. Many women dreamed of being Luciano's wife, I never knew we would fall in love like this.

“Wow… I love your ring…it's beautiful”

“Yeah looks so expensive…miss you are just as beautiful” the two ladies couldn't stop complimenting me. I felt a little shy hearing their remarks. I asked them not to do much with me. I didn't want to wear a lot of make-up or overdo things. Luciano liked me for who I was, whether with make-up or not. My blonde hair was just as lovely as my crystal-like blue eyes, which shone each time I smiled. I loved complimenting myself. They said self-love was what one needed. To feel beautiful about yourself and hearing others praise was just an add up.

“Thanks a lot,” I said when the two were done with me and started parking. I rose from the chair and stood in front of the mirror. My blonde hair was in curls, with a few strands falling to my face. I heard the door close, and I shifted my attention to my belly.

“I'm sure he'll be shocked”I muttered and reached my hands to my belly. It was surprising and nerve-wracking to find out the good news. Standing there a smile crept on my face, feeling strange.

“Liv, come on…don't keep us waiting”the door opened and someone rushed in. I quickly removed my hands from my belly and turned around, only to.

“Meow meow gorgeous…excuse me…have you seen Olivia Altamirano?” Sydney said purring like a cat, I stood there frowning at her knowing she was busy teasing me.

“Stop it and tell me…is…”

“Yeah yeah… I saw Lia, Bianca, and your mother-in-law, “Sydney said, waving her hands in the air and walking up to me. I guess the Garcia's were here but not Luciano.

“I see…and Alfredo, “I asked because the entire Garcia family never missed my birthday, at least for two years our relationship with them had been nothing but great. 

Antonia was Luciano's mother. Bianca was the elder sister followed by Alfredo then the youngest was Lia. 

I got along with all of them, although many found it hard to approach Bianca, she was more on the classy lady level. She was picky about whom she associated with. Sydney always said Bianca was too much of a fake.

“Don't worry, I asked Lia, and she said Luciano…is well with Alfredo on their way” she coaxed, and I was a little relaxed. 

“It's not your wedding day so relax…come on, let's get you ready… I saw aunt and uncle with Antonia” Sydney said and dragged me to the bed. I nodded and let her help me. I didn't know what I would do without her, especially now that I was exhausted and anxious.

***

Once I was done getting ready, I decided to go downstairs with Sydney. I could tell my parents went all out with the decor because everything was breathtaking.  I decided to go for a red dress.

 I knew red dresses were overrated, but there was something about red that changed everything. The entire demeanor of a person changed when wearing red.

“And there she is, so beautiful” it was a mom who said when we met her in the passageway and planted a kiss on my forehead. I had to say, I took after her. From her beauty, her blonde hair, and her smile. It was like a carbon copy.

“Hey Mom," I said, hugging her, and she smiled and took me by the hand and dragged me towards the stairs. Anyone would say I was making a big deal out of my birthday, but this was Olivia Altamirano. My birthday has been like this since I was young. It was a day we celebrated with close friends and family.

 My dad was my superhero, he knew just what I wanted, and once we reached the top of the stairs. I was stunned at the beautiful crowd gathering to sing me a birthday song. 

I was disturbed knowing my eyes were wandering around searching for my other hero and when I spotted him talking to my dad and Alfredo.

 My heart raced when he accidentally glanced at the stairs and our eyes met. He looked handsome in a stone-gray tuxedo.