MADISON

The last thing on Velma's list is finally complete. Me and Trisha whip up Sour Cherry Negroni in the bar to celebrate this. She used to work at a club when she was young, so she's better than me. I thought I was quick with my hands. My aunt easily mixes gin, campari, martini rubino. Tempus Fugit Creme de Noyaux, acid cherry juice, bourbon cherry and citric acid.

"Show off."

"Don't hate me cause I'm spectacular."

I crack up. "Maybe I'm a little jealous. I should've worked at a nightclub instead."

"I did college mixers too...I'm glad that you followed in my footsteps."

"It was either working over the phone like mom or selling drinks at a country club."

"Thank god you chose the fun one." She adds ice to the dark pink drink. "Now that you're free of duties, what will you do?"

"I'll just enjoy the days with my fiancé."

"Are you sure you don't want to spend time apart for anticipation? That'll get y'all juices flowing."

"That's true." I smirk. "But the days will drag if I'm not around him."

"Aww...you're so adorable."

"Very adorable." Meredith says from the doorway. Her black and gold pantsuit is impeccable compared to our casual wear. Trisha has on a simple sundress and I'm wearing shorts and a tank top. She criticizes our clothes before stepping in. "I'm Meredith." Mrs. Harrison approaches my aunt.

"Trisha...it's nice to formally meet you."

"Ah, your accent is very peculiar...especially in a place like this."

My aunt's eyes slit. She clocks the belittling statement. My mom doesn't have the same radar her sister does. "I'll accept your backhanded compliment for the sake of my niece. But if you try it again, I won't be so hospitable." Trisha threatens her as an angel would. Sweetly yet menacingly.

"Oh, I meant no disrespect. My apologies." Her uppity tone is unbearable.

My aunt evil eyes her. "Apology not accepted."

I anxiously stare between them. I don't want any drama...although Meredith is poking Trisha. It's childish on someone her age. "Let's start over...I think you misunderstood her, Trish." I suggest to direct my aunt away from pounding on my mother-in-law. "She's nice." I lie...I'm sure to sound genuine.

"We'll see about that."

Meredith smiles warmly, I'm shocked that it's convincing. "Madison is right. Shall we start over?" She offers her hand.

Trish sighs and swallows her anger. She accepts the handshake. "We shall."

"Great." Meredith grabs a drink from the counter to seem inviting, but I know everything she does is calculated. She's so scripted. "I couldn't help but overhear you telling Madison to spend time away from my son. I support this suggestion. It'll help amplify their desire for the honeymoon."

My aunt doesn't catch this sneaky diss at me. How could she? Meredith is on good behavior around everyone else...except me. "Exactly! But you have to forgive my niece, she's new to the love world. Being away from Jace would be torture for her."

Mrs. Harrison cocks her head to the side. "New to the love world?"

Trish sips on the cocktail. "Yes..." She nods. "Didn't she tell you?"

"Well...I don't go around blurting it to strangers."

"Meredith isn't a stranger come Saturday. You should tell her."

"Tell me what, exactly?" Her blue eyes connect with mine.

Trish isn't wrong. I'll be bonded to Meredith through marriage in less than 3 days. I can tell her. I wanted to share this with her during our first meeting, but she was so bullheaded.Now I can, since she's being somewhat reasonable. "I decided to wait until marriage...that's what my aunt means."

Trish beams proudly at me. "She'll be a true, pure bride. Unlike me and her mother." My mother-in-law double takes, not sure of what she just heard. She's surprised...yet there's still doubt in her. I've never seen someone split down the middle. Half impressed, half skeptical.

"You didn't expect that, did you?" I secretly taunt her.

"No..."

"I don't blame you, it's rare for modern women to be traditional." My aunt adds. "Your son is lucky to have a woman with a zero bodycount."

Mrs. Harrison blinks in amazement. I think we broke her. She takes a long sip of the cocktail. The wheels in her head are turning. Am I worthy enough for her son now? Now that I've blown her mind? Am I still a disgrace to all women? She lowers the glass. "I suppose he is." She speaks gently.

There's a knock from the door. It's my baby. I swear the universe works in mysterious ways. He shows up just when we're talking about him. "Good noon." He greets us.

"Oh, fancy, good noon to you too, young sir." Trish says in a country posh accent.

"Are you boys done with the arena?" His mother asks.

"No. The guards are working on it." His focus is solely on his mother. Not me. Jace's neon eyes are hard and sharp. Why is he mad at her? "Could I have a word with my mother?"

I sit my drink down...hoping the motion will make him look at me. It doesn't. He's laser focused on her. "Sure."

Trish stares at me in confusion. I jerk my head to the door. She follows the cue, taking her liquor with her. We leave the room, closing the door behind us. "I wonder what's wrong?"

"I have no clue." We mutter to each other.

"He's big mad." She eyes the closed door. "If I were you, I'd listen in...then spill the tea to my auntie." She winks and swishes her hips as she walks off.

I'm tempted to do that...but this is an invasion of Jace's privacy. He doesn't want me to hear. I need to respect that. But I do want to know if Meredith has been found out. Why else would Jace mug down his own mother. Something had to happen that exposed her ulterior motive. I place my ear on the wooden door.

"I'm not sure what you're speaking of??"

"I knew this was too good to be true! You're all scheming behind my back!"

"Jace...you are misinformed. We're getting along fine with Madison and her family. You can ask her yourself."

I back away from the door, sensing it's about to open. I pace down the hall and busy myself at an end table full of silver crystals. As I suspected, the door opens.

The two stride out. Jace looks in the opposite direction for me. His mother locates me before he does. She's absolutely furious. She taps my way in extremely expensive heels. "She's here, dear." She gets to me before Jace does. "What did you tell him?!" She whispers harshly.

"N...nothing."

"He's onto me...lie and say everything is fine!" She hisses in a murmur.

Jace joins us. "Madi. I need you to be honest with me." His eyes are so uncompromising.

"Of course."

Jace glowers at his mom. "Give us some privacy, please."

"Yes, of course." She retreats down the hallway. I spot her glance back to share a formidable scowl with me. She told me to lie...I know I shouldn't...but we both want Jace happy.

"Has my mother tried anything?"

"I don't know what you mean by that?" I force my eyes to be innocent and unaware.

"Has she tried pushing you away from me?

"No."

"Are you telling the truth?"

"Yes." I cross my fingers behind my back. I'm a little superstitious. "I promise your mother has been nothing but nice to me. Why are you asking?"

"It's nothing..." His hostility fades away little by little.

"You can tell me."

"I don't want to burden you...it's nothing." He holds both my hands. "I misunderstood the situation." He speaks softly.

"Oh..." I grin to the side. "I'm glad you figured it out."

"I love you."

I peer deeply into his eyes. "I love you more." Jace smooches my ring hand.

"Is everything settled now?" I didn't hear Meredith coming our way. I guess I was too busy concentrating on lying as best as possible.

"Yes." Jace answers.

"We have to finalize the seating arrangements." Her eyes command me. My fiancé can't see because he's turned away.

"Right..." I smile at Jace. "Duty calls."

"Have fun."

I pace to Meredith, who giveshearty chuckle. "We'll try too."

"I'm sorry, mom...I was wrong."

"I'll always forgive you, no matter what. You're my son." She speaks from the heart. I don't think she's lying. Why wouldn't she love her own child? That's instilled in every mother no matter what. The universe commands it.

She takes me by the arms. I give a quick grin to Jace. "I'll see you later."

Mrs. Harrison strolls me down the hall and around the corner. There's a long silence. She checks behind her shoulder while taking me out to the backyard. She steers me to the floating patio. Her blue eyes sweep the windows to check if Jace is watching. "What did you tell him?!"

"Trust me, I put you on a pedestal. You have nothing to worry about. Your facade isn't broken."

"Good...good, that was too close for comfort."

"What happened?"

"What do you think?!" She hisses. "Tom shared his dislike of you. I'll get him in line. Next time Jace won't believe us. He's not a fool."

"I'm keeping my mouth shut. It'd be nice if you get them under control!" I snap. "I'm not lying to him again!"

"You won't have to."

"Good."

She flicks her short, black hair behind her shoulders and lets out a huff. "As for what I discovered about you...it doesn't change my mind. You may be pure, but you're still an embarrassment to quality women."

I don't let her cold words faze me. I take her low blow like a champ. "We should work on the seating arrangements, so Jace isn't suspicious."

"Very well." She folds her hands at her stomach. "I'll gather my daughter...you can get your trashy people together. And keep that ridiculous aunt of yours in check. You lack control as a host...I'm not surprised." Mrs. Harrison raises her chin before spinning in her heels and marching off.

I take a deep huff, tearing my violent eyes away from the sight of her. I stare off at the forest...wanting to disappear into it and run from this whole situation.

I lied to Jace...did he notice? Was my acting good enough?? I don't know how long I can keep this up. I meant what I told Meredith...I won't lie to him again. I feel as if I broke a vow before the wedding. I hope there's no bad luck coming my way as karma. 

I gaze at the wild forest, tempted to hide away in its girth until my dream day. It's not seeming like a dream anymore...it's becoming a nightmare. All because of his family. Do I out them to Jace? Or do I keep withstanding personal attacks?   

I text my crew to meet me on the rooftop. I know why I chose this place. I handled a hard time there before. The breakup with Brad. I've had a magical moment there too...dancing with Jace. It's a middle ground...a sacred escape. Or it's a way to view an escape route. Running into the woods is appealing right now. Fleeing from the chaos would make me feel better. Sometimes I need to isolate myself to know what path I have to take. 

Meredith and Kim are the first ones to meet me on the rooftop. My crew is running late. Kim picks apart my outfit and my messy bun. Her appearance is impeccable. Not a string of frizzy hair, or any flaws on her freckled face. The two-piece business dress she wears hugs her in all the right places. There's no ounce of fat...no muffin top at her hips. My self-esteem lowers. This is visible...I can't hide the truth from my eyes. Kim scans my problem areas with a conquering smirk. She knows what my inner thoughts are. I tug my shirt down, so it doesn't cling to my chubbiness. "That won't work...you're a pig." Kim berates me. 

"That's a wonderful comparison...her etiquette is very sloppy." 

"Her family is from the country...so, of course, she's used to a pigsty." She gives her mother an amused look before laughing. Meredith cackles humorously. She comes off like an evil stepmother in a princess movie with how she hackles and holds her chest. 

"What's so funny?" Lil's head bobs past the railing. Jess, mom, and Trish follow after her.

"Oh, we just decided that the Cupid Shuffle and Hanmer Time is a must. The DJ has to liven up the place...or the guest will get bored of how bland the flavor is." I clap back at my in-laws as sly as a snake.

"Definitely! I can already see your dad tearing up the floor." Mom chortles.

"Or make a fool of himself." Trish titters.

"Hey dad got moves, we'll show out with the father daughter dance."

"What song?"

"I can't tell you." I beam.

"Come on, I'm your best friend, you can't keep me in the dark." Lil wiggles her eyebrows.

"It's a surprise."

"I bet it's goofy." Mom beans widely.

"Possibly." I cheese. "Alright, let's get to work." I lead them to the massive tower gazebo.

"I animated a render for the arena." Jess unfolds her laptop. We plant our tushes on the bench and huddle close enough to see the computer. The screen lights up, showing a 3D model of the arena. Completely designed as we pictured. Lanterns and candles, hanging flowers, a ceremony runner stretching from the top of the stairs to the bottom. There's a jumbo wedding arch and a 20 tier cake. The graphics are very photo realistic. 

The environment is set to sunset. I'm reminded of fireflies. It looks so ethereal. "Whoa, Jess! When did you do this??"

"Last night...it's just a mockup."

"It's impressive!"

"Aww, stop." Her cheeks flush.

"Take the kudos, babe." Lil kisses her girl.

I catch Meredith's expression to this. She eyes Jess and Lil with disgust because they kissed. She didn't know they were dating. My appalled mother-in-law whispers to her daughter, who evilly stares my girls down. I glare at them with all the wrath I can muster. 

My peeps are too busy gawking at Jess's masterpiece to notice me staring icy daggers at the frigid bitches who will unfortunately be my in laws. The bigotry...the prejudice...the sheer phobia! They scowl at my girls as if they're scum....or something stuck on the bottom of their shoes. "Is there a problem?" I call them out to the rest of my squad. "Is there something you dislike about what you see?" 

The cold duo recuperate their expressions just in time. When all eyes are on them, the two seem harmless and kind. "No...everything looks perfect to us." Mrs. Harrison lightens her tone to seem agreeable. "We're just admiring Jessica's talent." 

"Thank you." Jess smiles ear to ear. Her geek mode is adorable enough to mellow me out. I let their hatred for gays slide...I knew this already from the talk with Jace. This wasn't unexpected...it just hit a nerve. But I want to rub it in both Kim and Meredith face. "I can't wait to throw the bouquet at you, Jess...so you two can tie the knot next." 

"I feel special." My holds her heart.

Lil pinches her girlfriend's cheeks. "You are, fia fia."

"Fia fia...? Is that a pet name?"

"Something like that." My sis smirks.

Jess imports the guest list. "So far it's 620 for your and Jace's family. That can change since there's still time for RSVP's. But we'll go with 1k to be safe." She imports clothed manikins into the guest chairs.

"Oh, that is cool!" Trish leans closer to the screen. "You have them dressed and everything! You go, girl!"

"You're witnessing my latest fashion line, Charmed. Attire for any formal event there is. Available in cream, white, and gold." She self-promos.

"Very professional plug, Jessy!!" I clap.

"She's on her way to the big leagues." Mom applauds with me. We start a sort of applause train. Lil and Meredith joins. Kim takes a few seconds to participate. She's still giving bitchy vibes. We wrap the arrangements by 3pm. I end up staying on the roof to take a break from my in laws. The forest keeps drawing my attention. I wanted to flee there...now I think I was overreacting. Today was rough, but it got better. I'll endure this. 

JACE

I assumed wrong. My mother wasn't behind the ordeal with Tom. Madi confirmed this. But I still have a problem with my oldest brother. He has to apologize. I want to see and hear him do it, so I know it's genuine. The time reads 5pm. The bots prepare dinner in the kitchen. Macaroni and Brie with Crab. This is where I find Tom. I had to check security cameras to locate him. He's snacking on caramel popcorn enjoying a basketball game. The family room is attached to the kitchen. An open floor plan. I step to him. He's sprawled in the couch. "Tom." 

"I don't need to hear it." He waves a dismissive hand at me, while watching the screen. "Mom already told me to apologize."

"When will you?"

"On the commercial break."

I stare at the 100-inch screen, there's 5 minutes left in this quarter. Bulls vs Bucks. "I'll go get her...so you don't forget."

"That's not necessary."

"It is." I walk off.

I hear him get up from the couch. "Look, I apologize."

"You actually have to say the two words for it to count!" I turn to face him.

"I went too far judging your manhood...and your fiancé. It won't happen again. I'm sorry."

"I'll consider accepting your apology. Until then, I'll go get Madison." While looking over the cameras for my brother, I saw her on the roof. By herself. I don't like it when she's alone...her mind eats at her. The clouds filter out most of the sun. The pristine rooftop is clean and bright. The white gazebo is where I find her. She's at the railing peering into the forest. "Bunny." 

She twists around. There's a slither of stress in her eyes. I wonder why. Did I wreck her nerves today? I was pretty upset with my mother...and she was caught in the middle. "Hey, lovebug." Her voice is weary. 

"What's on your mind?"

"Nothing...I'm just enjoying the view."

I join her, swiping her hair behind her ears. "I'm sorry about earlier...I was pretty pissed."

"That's okay...you don't need to apologize."

"I feel I need to. I shouldn't have questioned your loyalty. I'll add that to my vows. To always trust your word."

"I actually have to write mine."

"Me too."

"We can work on that tomorrow. I need you to come with me." I take her by the hand and guide her down the stairs. By the time I return to the kitchen, the commercial break is on. Tom is filling a mug of beer. I clear my throat to get his attention. 

Tom sets down the mug and bottle, then approaches us. "Hello, Madison. I'm sorry about what I caused earlier. I hope we can start over and move on."

"Of course, we can, I forgive you."

"Awesome, you just won points with me!"

"I'm glad." She grins sweetly.

Tom lifts his hand for a high five. My baby whacks it, she has to tiptoe in order to do so. "Great...now we can go back to being in laws. I'm still working on scaring you."

"I look forward to it...although I'm not easy."

"We'll see."