Nina The music was loud around us, and the firelight cast shadows of my dancing friends on the walls of the cabins. We were all thoroughly drunk, and for the first time in a long time, I was glad to be. Smiling, I stood up on my tiptoes and kissed Enzo, and when our lips parted he cupped my cheek

Nina “Nina,” Jessica called out. “It’s time.” I turned to face my friends with a teary-eyed smile. They were right; it was time for the wedding to begin. And now that I had my mom and my brother at my side, I felt happier than ever. Lori and Jessica led me inside while my mom and Taylor headed

Nina The tick of the lecture hall clock echoed with a relentless rhythm. Each second was a heartbeat closer to the close of the exam and to freedom. The winter had been bitterly cold, and the spring semester had been exhausting. But in that moment, in that vast room with its intense silence, I w

Nina Enzo leaned heavily on the divider, staring quietly down at the ice. “Enzo?” I prodded him, lifting his chin to meet my gaze. “Tell me you’ve made the announcement.” “I… Erm…” He cleared his throat, his brown eyes darting around somewhat nervously. “Maybe. Sort of.” I folded my arms acr

Nina The warm, golden hue of the vanity lights cast a soft glow over my reflection, emphasizing the gentle waves in my black hair and the understated smoky eye I had managed after three failed attempts. My fingers worked meticulously as I applied the final touch—a deep shade of maroon to my lips.