Chapter 4

Helen

When I walked into the tent it was full of people clearly, I was late although I think they were early. I talked to a few aunts and uncles and off course there where the questions of “When are you getting married” “You know you not getting any younger.” “You would want kids soon.” “I’m sure your sister is going to be pregnant in no time and her children would need children to play with.” I heard that the whole time and there was no way to get away from them. At least my father took pity on me and pulled me away. “Sorry I need Helen for a minute.” As we walked away, I leaned into my dad “Thank you.” “I saw you were bombarded with uncles and aunts I take it you got all the questions?” “I did and then some.” “Let’s go to the table they are going to call the people now.” My dad and I took our seats at the table I saw my sister giving both of us a look but I’m with my dad and if she wanted to be angry with me, she needs to be angry with him as well. The MC called everyone to take a seat at the table my mom moved in next to my dad but the seat next to me stayed empty the bride and groom sat at the head of the table together.

I leaned in as I was sitting next to my sister “Why is this seat empty.” “It’s one of the best men we not sure if he will make it for tonight but he will definitely be here tomorrow.” “Well God forbid he has a life and misses your day.” “Stop joking did you get my something blue?” “I did it I’m fetching it at 11 am.” “Aren’t you cutting it a bit fine?” “No Antoinette I’m not.” “Just remember you still need to do your hair and make-up by the professional tomorrow it’s clear you did it yourself tonight.” I wanted to give her grief but I didn’t I just looked at her and didn’t say anything. “One of the other bridesmaids my sister’s best friend from kindergarten where making the toast, thank God because I didn’t have anything nice to say about my sister not today. Everyone eventually took their seats and the starters where served, the MC announced that after starters the speeches will take place. The waiter came with some grilled lobster thermidor. I’m sure this wedding was costing my father an arm and a leg. If we get lobster for the rehearsal dinner what will be on the menu tomorrow? I thought.

The lobster was delicious you can even taste the shallots and the wine, if it cost my dad an arm and a leg at least it was worth it. There was talking and banter around the table my father and I was the only two that didn’t talk we just watched the people it was something I’ve learned from him watching people. Drinking our wine and watching everyone, you could see the fake’s that was only here to criticize the food and the dress tomorrow, there was the few bridesmaids that was looking around clearly for someone to fuck and then there where the married men that was also looking for a quick fuck obviously looking at the bridesmaids, clearly, they knew I was off limits because no one looked at me. If I had a low self-esteem, I would have taken it personally but I, didn’t I know they know I’m Antoinette’s sister and my dad would kill any married man that wanted to fuck me. Speaking of people that wanted to fuck me ‘What on earth am I going to do with my boss?’ I was pulled from my thoughts by the bridesmaid that got up to make the toast, I’m sure she was married twice already at the age of 27 but I can be mistaken. She talked about how wonderful my sister was what a wonderful couple they made, how wonderful Jake was I think I zoned out because she went on and on and on and clearly, she was talking out of her ass. I don’t know why but I’m sure Jake was fucking her. But I won’t tell my sister it’s not my place and it was just a hunch. Eventually she said to “Antoinette and Jake” then we raised our glasses and took a sip of our very expensive champagne. Just the best for my sister. Jake got up and said “Sorry ladies and gentleman the next toast should have been made by my best man but he couldn’t make it tonight so I’ll take over. Obviously, I’m not going to stand here and talk about myself what I am going to talk about is my wonderful wife and her wonderful family that excepted me as one of their own.” He looked at my mother when he said it, clearly, he knows my father doesn’t like him too much. “And then to my soon to be wife’s Maid of honor, thank you for helping Antoinette the past few weeks, with her sister not here you helped a lot.” I just gave him a look as I was sitting right next to my sister. He raised his glass and said “To my soon to be in-laws and all the bridesmaids especially the maid of honor.” Yip he was fucking her.

After dinner that was steak cooked to perfection with seasonal vegetables and crispy potatoes which my sister didn’t eat at all it was time for my father to say a few words. He got up and used his spoon to make a noise on his glass. “Ladies and gentleman if I can have your attention, please.” Everyone got quiet. “I want to make a toast on my two girls, you are the light of my lives, Antoinette, I’m giving you away tomorrow but remember this is always your home and you can always come back.” Ouch I thought. “To you Jake all I have to say is if you hurt her, I will kill you.” I almost spit out my wine obviously I made a noise because all the attention was on me. I lifted my glass and said “To Antoinette and Jake.”