Chapter SIX ELLIE

“Wow! You look so beautiful!”

I’d been looking at my reflection in a giant full-sized mirror, trying to see if I recognized the creature staring back at me, when I caught Meredith staring at me with a huge grin on her face.

I didn’t, by the way. Recognize myself, that was. I mean, this was a version of me I’d always wanted to be.

Someone pretty and confident. Someone who belonged. Who had family and support. Who had found their person.

It’s all pretend. Don’t forget that, Ellie.

Sometimes, I really hated my inner voice. Logic was such a goddamn bitch.

I knew this wasn’t the fairytale wedding it was dressed up to be. But still. Couldn’t my inner voice just shut up long enough for me to enjoy today?

“Ellie, come on. Smile. You really look amazing,” Meredith repeated the sentiment and crossed the room.

“Really? Cause I feel like a crazy person,” I hissed, two seconds from a panic attack.