So Wrong So Right

by Erica Marselas

  “We’re just going to make a lot of others,” Colin jokes and pulls me back into his arms, kissing my head.

  My mom chuckles. “I had to be blind not to see the love you have for each other that shines now before my eyes. I can look back now and it’s as clear as day. I took it as more as being siblings—”

  “Stepsiblings,” I cut her off, reinforcing the statement.

  “Of course, step-siblings, that were close and goofed around. Victor mentioned Colin seeming to take an interest in you, but I let that one go. I grew up close with my brothers, well not that close,” she adds, and I laugh. “So, I brushed it off till I saw it. It’s not something you easily wrap your mind around. You were still my daughter, and it felt wrong, but anyways, I should’ve listened to you.”

  “All that matters now is that you know the truth, and this is real.” I pat Colin’s chest, and my new jewelry shines in the bright overhead lights.

  “Yes, I do.” She grins, and maneuvers herself to sit up a bit more. “Colin? Do you think you can give us just a minute?”

  Colin looks at me and puts his hand under my chin. “Will you be okay?”

  “Yeah,” I answer honestly, as his dazzling, concerned, blues search my hazels.

  “Alright.” His apprehension washes away, and he places a kiss on my cheek. “I’ll be right outside.” He moves to my mother and leans down to hug her. He whispers something in her ear, but I can’t make it out. My mom mouths something back and she touches his cheek as he moves away.

  Colin gives my shoulder a reassuring squeeze and leaves the room. I sit back on the bed and look at her with a raised eyebrow. “What was that about?”

  “Nothing you need to worry about; just me now knowing fully he loves you.” She pats my leg, and I figure I’ll let it go, for now, storing it to ask my husband about later. “I have something for you. At least I hope that I can get it to you with no problems because it was meant to be given to you when you turned eighteen.”

  “What?”

  “When Victor and I got married, I had sold the house you and I lived in before. It ended up being a good investment. Anyways, since Victor paid for his house, I decided to put that money I made for you in a trust. He never knew I did that, but I wanted to make sure you were taken care of.”

  “You did? I didn’t—” I shake my head astonished. I think I’m going to cry.

  Who am I kidding? I’m crying. Always freakin’ crying.

  She grabs my hand. “I was horrible to put your needs last to Victor’s. I thought what we had was perfect. I made so many mistakes and I’m sorry, sweetie. This money won’t make up for anything, but I do hope it helps you get on your feet because the last thing I ever want for you, is to struggle. But please when you can, go to college. I used to always feel you had something special up your sleeve.”

  “Thank you. It will help—so much.” Along with Colin’s trust, we're going to be set. Maybe get through college without having to worry where the money is coming from.

  “I’ve always and will always love you, honey. I’m so glad you came even though I don’t deserve it.”

  “You know you taught me something when I was young, that everyone deserves a second chance. You’re my mom, and I would probably give you a million. I’d hope the baby would for me too.” I run my hand lovingly over my stomach. “I think a part of me always knew the real you was hiding in there somewhere. Victor was vile, and I didn’t ever think he would be violent until I saw him hit Colin. But I did think he was always the devil among assholes.”

  “I can agree to that now more than ever. Come here.” She waves her hand at me to come hug her and I do. “You’re going to be such a good mom, sweetie. I’m so proud of how strong you are.”

  We talk for a little bit more, as the ghost of Victor around us fades and is no longer mentioned. She starts to get sleepy and when I tell her goodbye she promises to visit soon.

  I walk out of the room, feeling brand new and ready to start again. I find Colin playing on his phone, slumped in one of the black folding chairs in the hallway. Bouncing my way over there, I plop down next to him, and kiss his cheek, startling him.

  He tucks his phone into his pocket and smiles. “I’m guessing everything went okay in there?”

  “You could say that. I got my mom back, and she actually left me some money.”

  “Really?”

  “Yep, and you know since we aren’t going to Paris, maybe we should talk about where we want to settle. I mean in seven months I think we need a place with another bedroom.” I smile, knowing we can even just rent an apartment and spend days walking around naked and fucking wherever we want.

  “Sounds like a good plan to me.” A mischievous grin spreads on his face and I know he's thinking the same thing. “Now, why don’t we stop and see your friends, and then bust out of this town?”

  “That sounds like an even better plan.” We both stand, and he grabs my hand to move down the hall.

  “Wait!” I tug on his hand stopping him, remembering I need some information. He looks at me with his forehead wrinkled, confused. “What did you say to my mom? She wouldn’t fess up.”

  “You’re so nosy.” He chuckles and swings his arm around me, pulling me back down the halls to the elevator.

  “Duh? Tell me.” I bat my eyes and wrap my arms around his stomach.

  “I just told her thank you, and also thanked her for having you. That I do love you, and I promise from now on I’ll always keep you and the baby happy and safe.”

  Oh, be still my heart.

  “You said all that?”

  “I did. Something wrong with that?” He glances down at me, as he reaches out to push the down button.

  “Nope. Not at all.”

  Because I know now more than ever it’s a promise he can keep, and one I also plan to return. We’ve been knocked down, beaten, but we got back up, making our union stronger. Colin is truly my light, and as we continue together driving on this crazy road called life, I know he’ll help keep the path bright. It may never be perfect, but I can’t complain about spending the rest of my days with my husband, my best friend, my ex-step-brother, and with the family we create together. I’m finally free from the darkness.

  4 YEARS LATER….

  I'm walking down the hall, admiring the beautiful crown molding with gold accents like I always do when I come here. There's a large crystal chandelier and family photos lined on the walls that go through every generation. I love it here.

  Paris has become my home away from home. This house belongs to Naomi and, though Colin and I never moved here, we come and visit whenever we can get away, especially in the summer.

  Our main home is back in Maryland. We lived with my dad for a bit before the baby was born, then we rented an apartment close to his place for a couple years. When we get back home from this trip, we're going to settle on our first home together. I was able to get my GED a couple months before I gave birth and proceeded to spend the first six months of settling into the role of being a mom before I started college, studying social work at Towson University. The same place Colin ended up getting a scholarship from my dad’s company.

  I make it to the bedroom and spot my still sexy as sin husband standing in the mirror messing with his tie. I bite my finger and let my eyes linger on how good his ass looks in those grey slacks. I didn’t think after our wedding I would see him wear a suit, except for special occasions like today, but now, I’m blessed he has to wear them to the office, where he works with my dad as a mechanical design engineer.

  “Yummy. You always do clean up good.” I purr, and Colin turns to me and lets his eyes roam over me, licking his lips.

  “Well, if it isn't my favorite sister.” He smirks, putting the final loop in his tie. “I have to say she's looking mighty fine.”

  “Shut up.” I glare at him, but I'm not able to keep my lips from twitching. He inches closer to me and grabs me around the waist, pulling me to his chest.

  “Why? It's on
ly the truth. You look fucking amazing.” His eyes gleam, and he kisses the side of my neck. I do feel amazing in this strapless gray dress which flows down the length of my body and accentuates my breasts. Hence what my husband’s eyes are zoning in on. Yeah, he still has this way to overtake my whole body and make me feel desirable.

  “I meant the sister part. What have I told you about that?”

  “It’s true though, especially after today. But you said never in front of Gabe. And…” he looks around the room then back at me, “I don't see him anywhere, so fair game, sis.” I shove his chest, and he teeters backward laughing it up.

  “He'll be making his grand entrance soon. He just had to potty.”

  “So, are you telling me the maid of honor and the best man don’t have time to mess around?” He places his hand over his heart, feigning hurt.

  “Yes.”

  “That’s too bad. Maybe at the reception we can sneak away? What do you say, sis?”

  “I say if you call me that again, your balls will remain blue for eternity.”

  Colin puts his hand over his groin. “Damn. Alright, brat. I’ll settle, for now.” He blows me a kiss and walks over to the edge of the bed and grabs his coat.

  I’m seconds away from lunging for him when the hurricane we call Gabriel Liam Wagner comes storming into our room, “Mama,” he yells and dives right onto the bed. He’s three years old, a ball of insane energy, and our entire world. “I’m all ready. I look like Daddy.” Gabe jumps on the bed and then dives into Colin’s arms, and my stomach lodges in my throat till I see him safe in his dad’s arms.

  Gabe is the ring bearer for the wedding and is wearing a matching grey suit and tie, just like his dad. Gabe is a daddy’s boy through and through. Since he was a baby, he’s had Colin wrapped around his little finger. I swore that I was going to be the one melting at his pout and the one always carrying him. Nope. Don’t get me wrong, he loves me just as much, especially when Daddy is at work, but their bond is special. I’m hoping the next one we have will be more of a mommy’s girl.

  “Daddy, swing me.” Gabe cheers and Colin proceeds to grab him around his knees and hang him upside down, making our little boy’s hair hang and sway into a mess I’ll have to brush again.

  “I swear, he’s the Energizer Bunny.” My mother appears at the door, wearing a mahogany sleeveless swing maxi dress. “I tried to keep him busy, so you could finish getting ready. I look away for one second and poof.”

  Yeah, that’s a pretty fair analysis.

  “It’s okay, we should be getting ready to leave. Don’t want to be late. Is Naomi ready?”

  “Ready as she’ll ever be she said.” My mom grins, and it’s amazing to see how far we all have come in the last years. Mom and Dad are actually friends, and she gets along famously with Naomi when she moved back to the states.

  Even though they’re all close it’s a little odd for the ex to be at the wedding. But whatever, my mom is thrilled by the events.

  Sometimes I find myself wondering if this is all real? If I told my sixteen-year-old self this was my future, I would have wondered what the fuck I was smoking to ever dream this up.

  It’s been a whirlwind for sure.

  “Alright, let's get these two lovebirds married.”

  We arrive at the Musée Rodin rose garden where my dad and Naomi are getting hitched. There are beautiful sculptures that line the garden, tables, and chairs lined around the grounds for the reception later, and white tents set up in front of the large Victorian museum. I’m in awe at how stunning this is all set up.

  “Holy crap girl, this place is amazing. How far out do I have to reserve to get married here?” Tamara gasps in amazement. She's wearing a dress that matches mine and holding her bouquet. My best friend ended up going to the same college as me, and I’m so thankful to get to have the person I consider my sister around. She truly has filled the role of a crazy aunt. I think it might be her fault Gabe is so hyper. “I’m so thankful Naomi let me a part of this.”

  “Me too. Wish Sandy could’ve made it.”

  Sandy, I don’t get to see as much. She jetted off to California for school with her boyfriend turned fiancé, Ryan. She’s studying to be a lawyer and needed to take summer courses, so she couldn’t get away.

  “Yeah, but we’ll see her in three months when she gets married. It might be good she didn’t see all this. She’d be changing locations again. Have you seen your dad?”

  “Yeah. He’s all sweaty palms and anxious. I had to send Colin in with a whiskey to calm him down.” I giggle, remembering finding him pacing in the groom’s room, muttering to himself.

  “Cold feet?”

  “Nah, I think it’s just normal nerves and being antsy to get the ball going.” I shrug, remembering my up and down and back and forth emotions the moments before I got married.

  “Girls? You ready?” Naomi's soft voice makes us turn around. She’s standing in a striking, sleeveless, embroidered, Schiffli lace, sequin, and tulle, A-line gown. Tendrils of her hair fall around her face, and the veil flows behind her head.

  “We’re ready, Mom.” Whenever I call her mom she never fails to break out into a bright smile. I’ve been calling her that for about four years, but I still get the reaction. Now, it so happens, she’ll legally be my step-mom.

  She engulfs me in a hug and kisses my cheek telling me she loves me.

  My son is first to walk down, and by walk, I mean run and fly into his grandpa’s arms. The over one-hundred guests laugh, and he soaks up the attention before he’s put on his feet in front of Colin who is now whispering in his ear to be quiet and still.

  Tamara walks down, and I go behind her, followed by the bride. My father, this big six-foot-three, burly man, breaks down in tears when he sees Naomi. I notice Colin covering his mouth with his hand laughing, and if I was close enough I would kick him, reminding him of his own tear at our wedding. Or when he broke down like a big old baby when Gabriel was born.

  When she gets down the aisle, my dad and Naomi connect hands. The priest goes on to talk about commitment and eternal love. The words are quite beautiful, it goes on for a little too long for my taste, but to see them both happy is worth it.

  I make eye contact with Colin who gives me a seductive wink, full of promises. If only he knew what surprise I had in store for him later. I blow him a kiss, and then glance at my mother who wipes a tear from her eye, and behind me, my best friend swoons. All while my little boy stands in front of his dad zooming his pillow around like an airplane, finally having enough of the ceremony. I’m surprised he stayed still for as long as he did.

  “I now pronounce you man and wife, you may kiss your bride,” the priest finally announces, joining the couple in holy matrimony and blending Colin and me as a family once again.

  We’re now one big, crazy, happy family.

  It's a starry clear night, a fresh breeze is blowing, and the dance floor has just lit up with a hundred little lights, making everyone glow into the night. The music blares the words of John Legend as I dance with my husband and my son who is cradled in my arms. Gabe is half asleep, resting his head on me and his arm halfway on his dad's shoulder. He’s been the little life of the party on the dance floor, making moves with both his grandmas and all the other ladies.

  “Maybe we should get him a dance floor in the basement, so he’ll pass out like this every night,” Colin jokes and pushes Gabe’s dark curls back.

  “You know for a fact that will only work once,” I chuckle. A hand touches my back, as someone joins our tiny dance circle.

  “Why don’t you let me take him?” my mom offers, holding out her hands. “I can take him back to the house to get some sleep.”

  “You sure?”

  “Oh yes, I’m exhausted myself and you two need some time alone.” She nudges her head at Colin. The woman has no chill. She knows my surprise for Colin because she stumbled upon it this morning.

  “Yes, I guess you're right.” I hand over Gabe to my mom’
s waiting arms and like a little spider monkey he wraps around her, still in his dozing state.”

  “I'll see you two tomorrow for brunch. Have a good night and have fun.”

  My mom walks off with our son and Colin scoops me back into his arms. I lay my head on his chest as we sway to the music, and spot Naomi and my dad dancing a little way away lost in their own world. Happy and content, much like myself.

  I had learned the hard way, there’s no such thing as the perfect family. The evil that once consumed our lives is now just a distant memory. The name Victor is no longer muttered. Once in a while, it crawls into the forefront of my mind, but it gets easily pushed away when I see these people who surround me now. No matter how dysfunctional it all seems, like becoming your husband’s step-sister two times over, or to know your mother killed the ex-husband of the woman who has just become your step-mother. Who have also managed to become the best of friends. Maybe it’s the way that life comes full circle in the oddest way, but hey, I wouldn’t change this for anything.

  We’re safe, protected, and free.

  “Would you both like a drink?” A waiter carrying a tray of champagne offers Colin and me one, and though the sparkling drink looks delicious, I pass.

  “Since when do you pass on champagne?” Colin raises his eyebrow and I sling my arms around his neck, as the next song comes on.

  “Since I'm not allowed to have it anymore,” I say, with a slight shrug, trying to contain the wide smile forcing its way across my face.

  “What? Why?” His whole face scrunches up in confusion and his eyes search mine for any tell of something being wrong. I wanted to wait until later, but this moment feels more than right with lyrics singing about how bright the future is with the one you love.

  “Remember how we talked about having another baby when the time was right?”

  “Yeah?” he questions, but his face stretches out and a smile crosses his face as it dawns on him instantly. “You’re pregnant?”