"So, you've been touring in America?", I asked after he sat down and handed me another glass of wine. I knew that it's illegal in America to drink before the age of 21, but Shawn bought it in Canada, and the german age limit for light alcoholic drinks like Beer and wine and stuff like that was 16, so we figured it was okay.

"Just the west coast, LA and San Francisco and stuff. Have you been?", Shawn answered after taking a sip of his glass.

"I have for a fact. My parents love to travel. So much that I've already seen half of the world before even reaching adolescence.", I said a bit embarassed. I sounded like I was bragging about it. Like I was a little spoilt rich kid. Which I wasn't.

For a fact, we had to cut back on many things in order to afford our travels. While all my friends in School had been living in huge houses, I had in a 50 m² flat with my parents, and for a while, with my big brother as well. Or we would only go clothes shopping once a year. Around Christmas. But it was worth it.

And he was impressed: "My family would never travel with me and my sister, well, except for where the rest of my family lives. I told you that I'm half english and half portuguese, right?", I nodded, "Well, we would travel there a lot. My british family is from Bournemouth. Have you been there yet?"

"No, I haven't. But in a city close to it. I'd go there for my english classes during school holidays when I was still in Highschool. I always wanted to be the best in english.", I shifted around in my seat. Appearantly Shawn noticed I didn't really want to talk about Highschool, because he quickly changed the subject.

"Have you made progress with your singing problem?", he asked.

I laughed: "You remember that?", I blushed and looked down.

"Of course I do. How could I forget. You were so emotional about that.", he smiled. I laughed: "Shut up", but then I stopped abruptly and so did he: "I managed to sing in the background without losing my nerve. But now two of my friends want me to sing solo at their wedding and I don't know if I can do it. I mean, I've been practicing, but I still don't feel even remotely good enough. It really hurts me to hurt their feelings. They both have done so much for me, and I can't even bring myself to sing for them. Uhh, ", I threw my hands up un despair, "I feel like such a failure..."

"Hey,", he laid his arms around me to calm me down, "I know it's not true. You are doing the best you can. I'm sure whatever you decide to do, if you sing or you don't, it's the right choice for you. And all of your loved ones will support you on that. Because if they really love you they will want what's best for you", I looked him in the eyes and I saw sincereness, "Oh, and by the way, I'm not letting you go through this alone."

I wrapped my arms around his torso to hug him tight: "Thank you Shawn. You're the best."
•
•
•
"I'm just really nervous, that's all. "; I whispered while getting ready for the wedding. I was just tying the bow in the back of my short, puffy rose gold dress.

They chose a beautifully sunny day at the end of May to tie their knot. And I understood why they decided to marry this early. Sophia was in her 4th month and showing already. Last week she had her last appointment at the bridal shop and she could barely fit in her dress.

"But not more nervous than me", Sophia joked while pressing her body into the tight mermaid dress that Chiara was holding for her, "I just hope it'll fit. A lot can happen in a week."

"If you're worried about looking pretty I can assure you, You are the most beautiful bride I've ever seen."

That was the truth. Well, considering the fact that I'd never been to a wedding before.

But she was really beautiful. Her ginger hair was curled and long and her veil was flowing softly over her shoulders until it blurred into the dress.

She switched her glasses with contacts, which made her look different, but made her small lips and ice blue eyes pop in her face.

Her freckles- fortunately- weren't covered by tons of makeup, like you usually see it on tv or in movies. She was just naturally beautiful.

"Don't tell me you are having cold feet", Chiara mumbled from under a pile of clothes, trying to find some pins for her own dress.

"NO! God no! I really want to marry him. I've been waiting for him to ask me for 3 years now."; she said, looking into the mirror again and self- consciously rubbing her stomach through the dress.

"But you've only known him for 3.", I said in shock.

"She's unromantic", Chiara whispered into Sophias ear, but loud enough for me to hear as well. Sophia laughed: "I noticed"

I rolled my eyes: "Guys, I'm serious. I don't think I can do this." I let myself fall on the ground and hugged my legs.

"Don't do this now. Seriously! I don't think I can close my zipper.", Sophia gasped with fear in her voice and I jumped up to help her.

The best was to distract myself right now.

I slowly pulled up the zipper, careful not to damage the fine fabric of the dress. When it was completely up, I closed the last hook and stepped back: "It fits"

And she cried out in happiness.

__________________________________________________________

Shawn Mendes