by S. C. Adams
Starting all of this off was my dad. He’s someone I have no memory of. All I know is he left when I was two. Veronica doesn’t like to talk about him much, but from what I gleaned over the years, he may have been the only man she’s ever truly loved.
Marlon came second. He was a jazz saxophonist and actually pretty cool. Definitely the nicest of the bunch, but I swear Veronica didn’t even like him. I think she was just lonely, and Marlon was the warmest, closest body. Plus, she hates jazz, so I never understood why they married one another.
Then, there was Croy, the douchiest and sleaziest of them all. Every week with him was a new get rich quick scheme. It made no sense to me because Veronica makes enough money for us to be comfortable. I swear it was because Croy was on drugs. He was probably addicted to all kinds of different chemicals. Plus, every other night was a huge argument between the two of them. It was a dark time.
And finally, I’m about to meet husband number four at tomorrow’s party. Frankly, I can’t imagine how this guy will be any different. A pattern is a pattern for a reason.
But at least this time, I’ve managed to be completely removed from the entire situation. Going away to college gave me that option. I haven’t even met the guy yet because it’s part of my strategy. If he’s going to be around for one year max, it’s best to minimize my exposure. As you can see, I’m a realist. Being Veronica’s daughter will do that to you.
But I didn’t come home to start drama, I came home to participate in this wedding thing.
“How has planning been going?” Because I’ve distanced myself, I have zero idea what’s actually going on with the wedding. The only thing I have any information on is the date.
“Oh, there is so much to do!” my mom exclaims. “Jane has been helping out as much as possible, but it’s still rather stressful. I don’t have my dress for the big day yet. Hopefully this next fitting will be the final one, and then there’s stuff with the caterer and the florist, and the piano player has been haggling me on his rate,” she sighs.
“I’m sure you’ll get it all figured out. You always do,” I say in what I hope is an encouraging tone. In the end, it won’t really matter because she’ll end up divorcing this guy in six months, anyway.
“What does that mean, Kylie?” Veronica says, eyeing me suspiciously.
“Huh?” I’m sure I didn’t say that last part out loud.
She sighs and tilts her head.
“I know you think I just like getting married over and over again, but I’ve told you, Tanner is different. He has his own money, so he doesn’t need mine, and he’s extremely powerful. Not like all those losers I used to date. He’ll actually be able to take care of me for a change.”
Everything she’s saying sounds nice, but money isn’t what makes someone a good life partner. But Veronica is Veronica, and she can’t be changed.
“I totally understand Mom. But didn’t you just get divorced? Like six months ago? Don’t you think it would be nice to take things a little slower, and maybe be single for a while? What’s the rush?”
But I know better. Even when she wasn’t married, there was always a man in the picture. Veronica might be one of those people who only knows how to function in a relationship.
“I mean, think about it,” I continue. “You could use the time to find yourself. See what it’s like to just be you. You don’t need a man, Mom. You make good money as a real estate agent, and it might be fun to be unattached. You can do whatever you want, go wherever you want to go, and there’d be no one you’d have to answer to.”
I’ve phrased it as delicately as possible, hoping my mom will listen, but it doesn’t seem to make a difference.
“Kylie, you should count your lucky stars,” she scoffs. “This guy is a billionaire. A billionaire, do you hear? Do you understand how much money that is? After I marry him, our lives will only change for the better.” I shake my head because there’s nothing I can say that will get through to her. Veronica’s been misguided for more than twenty years now, and anything I say isn’t going to make a difference.
I sigh. I suppose there is a slight chance that she’s marrying someone not half-bad, but the historical evidence doesn’t support that theory. Her fiancé is probably just another gross guy that’s into my mom because of her big blonde hair and huge boobs. He’s probably willing to drop a fortune to have a gorgeous woman on his arm.
After all, Veronica Mitchell has always been a beautiful woman, and she knows it. Unfortunately, she often uses her good looks in the worst ways. I hate saying it, but a lot of the time, my mom is vapid and materialistic. Her personality isn’t very enjoyable, and it’s a miracle she does pretty well at her job.
“Just think about all the fancy things we’ll be able to do once I tie the knot. We’ll be able to do whatever we want, like eat in the best restaurants and get the best seats at the opera,” she waves her hand dismissively.
I cringe.
“But Mom, you don’t listen to opera,” I say in a skeptical voice.
“I don’t have to go to the opera,” she says dismissively. “I just like to know that I have the option of sitting in the best seats if I want to,” she says with a queenly air.
I try not to cringe. Her reasoning makes no sense, but then again, who am I to judge? I just hope she stays married for at least a year. Any less would be embarrassing.
“Okay Mom,” I repeat.
We fall into a bit of a silence. But I came downstairs for a reason. It’s morning which means time for breakfast, and I am kind of hungry.
“Hey Mom, did you want something to eat? I think I’m going to make some pancakes.” Since Veronica was never much of a cook, I ended up learning how to handle the stove.
“Oh, Kylie.” She rolls her eyes. “I can’t have any carbs before the wedding. No unnecessary carbs or fat. The only indulgence will be alcohol because I still want to be “fun.” I just don’t want to look bloated in my dress because it’s fitted. But if you don’t care about how you look, then I can’t stop you,” she says in a dramatic way. Geez. Veronica could have just said no.
But I don’t retort with a snappy comment. Instead, I just make my breakfast as quickly as possible and then take it back upstairs to my room. I don’t need her judgmental eye turned on me while I eat.
With my tray in hand, I sit on my bed, placing my food in front of me. I stare at my plate. Every time Veronica comments on my weight, it gets to me. I thought I was over this, but evidently not. It still stings and my eyes feel watery.
Oh, screw it.
I cut into my pancake and take that first bite. Good god, I’m amazing at making pancakes. If I’m going to get through these upcoming nuptials, and everything related to it, now is the time to grow a thicker skin. It’s inevitable my mom will say a boatload of insensitive things, offending people right and left.
I can make it though.
I will make it through.
I just hope I’ll be able to flash a genuine smile when I finally meet Husband #4.
3
Kylie
Saturday comes and goes and now it’s Sunday morning. Time for the engagement lunch. Unfortunately, getting out of bed this morning is especially difficult because yesterday was absolutely awful. I got roped into going to my mom’s fitting. I had no idea why I had to be there because it was only for the bridal gown, so it wasn’t like anyone was worried about my outfit. Plus, it was boring as all hell. Veronica fished for compliments as she twirled this way and that, surrounded by tailors bobbing their heads while doing her bidding.
At least my Aunt Jane was there. She agreed to be the matron of honor, and it’s probably because no one else would have said yes. My mom has a way of turning people off, to say the least.
I’m seemingly all alone in a random corner of the shop. We’ve been here way too long, and I’d very much like to leave.
“How has she not found a dress yet?” I mumble. I look up to see Aunt Jane standing in front of me.
“Oh, I
don’t think she’s going to find a dress for at least another two hours,” my aunt breezes. I stifle a laugh because I don’t want to draw any attention to myself.
“That’s unfortunate.”
My aunt grabs a chair and drags it to be right next to me. She looks nothing like Veronica, and in fact looks a lot like me. We’re both curvy women with curly brown hair and ample figures. She gives me a wink, and sits down.
“How’s the planning been going so far?” I ask tentatively, dreading the answer.
“Over the top. I don’t know if I can take another day of this,” Jane says. It’s worse than I thought, and I sigh.
“I don’t blame you. Is there anything I can do?” Of course, I don’t really want to help, so it’s more of a courtesy question than anything. But before my aunt can reply, my mom’s screechy voice cuts through the store.
“Jaaaaane!” My aunt sighs and gets up, going back to help the bride-to-be.
“Sorry, sweetie. We’ll have to talk later.” she promises, and I flip my phone open with resignation, praying for this shopping trip to end.
Finally, after what feels like hours, Veronica is done and we’re able to head home. I avoid my mom for the rest of the day and manage to stay squirreled away in my room. But now, it’s the morning of, and I have to make an appearance. Gingerly, I pick up the dress my mom bought me for the party. I saw it last night and almost gagged. It’s something that a twelve-year old would wear. Make that an unfashionable twelve-year old, come to think of it.
I couldn’t even bring myself to put it on last night. The dress taunted me at the back of my mind, but now it’s time to accept my fate. I stick my head and arms through the fabric and pull it down. My eyes are closed as I turn to face the mirror. One opens, then the next, and, finally, I see myself in the mirror.
I. Look. Ridiculous.
The dress is an explosion of pink and poof that manages to be too big, but also too small at the same time. The pink frills of the skirt practically drag on the floor, and yet the décolletage is so revealing that if I’m not careful, I’ll end up stealing Veronica’s spotlight when I accidentally flash all her guests. Either that, or this bust is just going to tear, and my boobs will be out.
Ugh! Why did I agree to this? Right, because she’s my mother and this is her special day. Sighing, I give myself a final once over. I’m itchy, uncomfortable, and distressed, but I’m still going to this thing. I’m going to be humiliated, but it doesn’t matter. I just have to survive.
With stilted steps, I come down the stairs. At least I have the house to myself this morning. My mother left early to get to the venue and meet up with her fiancé and Aunt Jane. She’s really going all out for this engagement. I was hoping this one would be more like her wedding with Croy, low profile and over before it even began. I guess that’s too much to wish for.
I down a quick breakfast of cereal because I’m running late. I spent way too much time fidgeting with this filmy mess, and hopefully, no one will spend too much time looking at me. If the gods are kind, I’ll just hide in a corner until this whole thing is over.
I call a cab and get myself over to the party. It’s already in full swing by the time I make my way in. At least I’m not so late that everyone’s already sitting down to lunch.
I sneak myself in and spot Aunt Jane. Oh, she’s my favorite. Even though she’s the youngest, my aunt has always been the level-headed one of the two Mitchell sisters, and she’s saved a spot for me.
“Kylie, hi!” She waves me over, and I sink gratefully down next to her. The table covers most of the poofiness, fortunately.
“Hi Aunt Jane,” I give her a big hug. I know I just saw her yesterday, but it’s always good to see her again. She keeps her arms on my shoulders as we break our embrace. Her eyes go up and down, eyeing my dress. She’s clearly not a fan.
“Oh, baby girl. What are you wearing?” Her almost grimace broadens into a smile. “I mean, you look lovely,” she says while backtracking. Jane tries hard to make me feel good, but I know for a fact that this dress is a nightmare.
“Don’t worry about it. Mom picked this out, and I know it’s a mess.” I really think Veronica still sees me as a twelve-year-old girl.
“Well, you make it look nice,” she says diplomatically.
I roll my eyes.
“I don’t know about that.”
My aunt laughs kindly.
“Come on, Kylie. You’re gorgeous. No matter how hideous the dress, you’ll always stand out, okay? You’re like a model; they always look good in whatever they wear.” I smile despite myself. Jane is always doing what she can to lift my spirits. She’s the total opposite of my mom, who’s always finding things she wants to ‘improve’ about me, typically centered around my appearance.
“Thanks for always making me feel better, but I know I’m not model material,” is my rueful reply. I give her another big hug as thanks.
“Not a problem, care bear,” she laughs.
We let go of one another and get down to the real business.
“So, how’s school going?” my aunt asks quizzically. Now this, I can handle.
“It’s going pretty well. I have a midterm coming up in a couple weeks, so I need to start studying for that. My professor passed out flyers saying that our school library is looking for extra help, so I’m thinking about applying.” I decided to study English, and maybe after that, I’ll go into library administration. Most of my free time is spent there, so working in one would be a dream.
“Yes! You’d be perfect. If they don’t hire you, send them my way and I’ll let them know they made a huge mistake.”
“Okay, Aunty Jane. I’ll make sure to do that,” I giggle. There’s more I want to tell her about this library job, but something has obviously caught her attention. I crane my head to look.
“Is everything okay?” is my confused question.
My aunt’s face has an expression on it that’s impossible to describe. She’s awe-struck and rueful at once.
“Hmm? Yeah, but I think your mom’s fiancé just walked in,” she says with a sigh. Jane hasn’t said much about this new guy. I think it’s because she tries to avoid saying anything bad about her sister, at least directly.
“Where is he?” I ask, twisting my head while trying to get a glimpse of this mystery groom-to-be. “I don’t see him yet?” Even though I’ve blissfully ignored the whole engagement so far, curiosity takes over.
“Oh really?” asks Jane in a wry tone. “Well, seeing that this is your mom’s fourth marriage, I guess it makes some sense. Do you want to meet him?” She lowers her voice a bit. “I haven’t really gotten much of chance to suss Tanner out, but he seems okay.” She looks around to see if anyone’s listening. “A lot better than the last guy she was with,” she says for only me to hear.
“Yeah, I guess I should meet him then,” I say with a rueful smile. “It’s time, seeing that I’m the daughter of the bride.”
Jane pulls me up.
“Alright, come on.”
Together, we weave through the crowd, making our way closer and closer to this mysterious person. I’m not even sure what I’ll say to him, to be honest: Hi Dad Number Four. You do realize you’re Number Four, right? Should I even call you Dad?
I guess ‘congratulations’ should cut it.
We get close enough, and I can see my mom. Veronica looks beautiful, as always. Her blonde hair is swept up into a chignon, and she’s draped in a pale peach dress that highlights her svelte figure. Her expression is animated, and she’s got her hand on the arm of a man next to her.
It must be Tanner, her new fiancé. From the back, he looks fine. His dark hair is swept back, and his broad shoulders are emphasized by a perfectly-cut suit. Much else, I can’t see.
My mom catches sight of me and Jane approaching.
“Jane, Kylie!” she calls while waving. “This way!”
She pokes her fiancé, and as if in slow motion, he turns. It’s like a movie where everything is happe
ning at a snail’s pace. His shoulder turns. Then his chest. And then, I get a glimpse of his profile. I nearly faint because holy shit on a stick! It’s the guy! And when I say the guy, I mean the guy! The one from Friday night. The one I so unceremoniously made love with in the VIP booth of a random club two nights ago.
He’s marrying my mom? How is that possible?
The universe literally stops dead in its tracks. I wouldn’t be surprised if the earth stops moving, and the sun pauses in its ascent over the sky.
This can’t be happening. No, absolutely not. This is a disaster of titanic proportions.
But then the man turns towards me, and recognition flashes in his eyes. Is he feeling the same abject horror I am? Does he want to curl into a ball and die? Does he wish the earth would swallow him whole?
Because I do.
Oh god, what am I going to do? What does one do when you’ve made love to your mother’s fiancé?
4
Tanner
I’m standing here, listening to Veronica drone on and on about some random topic I couldn’t give two shits about, when I hear her sister, Jane call out.
“Oh, it’s Jane and Kylie. You finally get to meet my daughter!” twitters Veronica with a bright smile. I’ve been mentally preparing for this moment. Veronica’s told me a little bit about her daughter, but I tuned it all out because I’m not interested in being a stepfather. A long time ago, I decided I wouldn’t make much of a dad, and stuck to my guns.
But you have to act a certain way in public sometimes. I put on a fake smile, ready to go through all the necessary steps to say the right things. It’ll lead to fewer problems in the future.
