Sandi Lynn - Love in Between

Youre the most beautiful bride that Ive ever seen.

You have to say that; youre my mom. I smiled.

I stared at my white A-line strapless dress, embellished with rhinestone flowers that cascaded asymmetrically over the bodice as I ran my hands down my sides. I turned my head to make sure my cathedral bridal veil was placed perfectly amongst my elegant curly updo.

I cant believe youre finally getting married! Giselle smiled.

Youre picture-perfect, Lily Gilmore, Gretchen said as she snapped a picture with her phone.

I was so nervous; my hands were beginning to sweat. I couldnt believe this day had finally arrived. The past year of planning the perfect wedding was torturous, but exciting. Hunter stood by my side and had agreed with everything that I liked. I think he just wanted to keep the peace, or he just didnt care. He didnt want a big wedding; he wanted to run off to Vegas and get married at one of those drive-by chapels. Ive always dreamed of a big wedding, and he understood, so he nixed the idea of Vegas. Plus, my mother would have killed us both if we eloped.

People were gathered in the church, waiting for the ceremony to begin.

Lily, wheres your sister?

Im not sure, mom. She said she had to go get something and that shed be right back.

Shes your maid of honor, and she needs to be here; the ceremonys about to start.

I sighed and headed out of the dressing room. I walked down the long hallway that connected to a small kitchen. I figured she probably went out behind the church to have a cigarette, so I proceeded through the kitchen and stopped when I heard a noise coming from one of the rooms off to the side. I put my hand on the knob and slowly turned it as I pushed opened the door. Nothing had prepared me for what I saw.

I pulled the door shut, and I ran out of the church. My heart was racing, and my stomach felt sick. I heard my mothers voice following me from behind. I stopped when she asked me to. I put my hand on my head and paced in circles, not believing what I just saw. My breathing was rapid as I looked up and saw Hunter standing there, looking at me, and my sister standing behind him. Tears began to stream down my face as he slowly started walking towards me. I put my right hand up before he took three steps.

Dont you dare come near me, you bastard! I screamed.

Lily, Hunter, what the hell is going on? my mother asked.

I stood there, pointing my finger. Why dont you ask that cheating bastard over there and his dirty whore standing behind him?! I spat.

My mother turned her head and looked at my sister, Brynn. She stood there, shaking her head; then looked at Hunter. By this time, a crowd of people had emerged from the church and were gathered around to see what all the commotion was. The way my mother was looking at Brynn and Hunter gave me the feeling that she knew what was going on between them.

Lily, please let meHunter started to say.

Dont you ever say a fucking word to me again! I screamed, cutting him off.

I stood there, feeling about as small as an ant, and raised my arms up in the air. Well, it looks like there isnt going to be a wedding today, folks! Unless, my whore of a sister over there wants to marry this cheating bastard! I yelled as I pointed to Hunter.

Lily! Thats enough! my mother commanded.

I looked at her with disgrace and slowly walked towards her. You knew, didnt you? You knew they were screwing behind my back!

She stared at me with a look of guilt. She didnt have to say a word; her reaction said it all. I shook my head as I looked at my sister who was standing on the steps, crying. Why are you crying? Isnt this what you wanted? You can have him, baby sister, because the two of you were made for each other!

I ripped off my veil and threw it on the ground as I turned on my heels and stomped away. Giselle and Gretchen followed behind, and we took the limo back to their hotel room.

We stepped into the hotel room, and I immediately sat on the edge of the bed. I was still in my wedding dress. The only tears that fell were the ones outside the church. I was still in shock until Giselle sat down next to me and told me that it was ok to cry. I broke down as she held me. Gretchen walked over and sat on the other side as all three of us hugged each other.

Its going to be ok, Lily, Gretchen whispered.

How could he do this to me? I sobbed.

Hes an asshole, and its better that you found out now, Giselle said.

Shes right, honey, its better now than five years from now, Gretchen spoke.

I sniffled as Giselle handed me some tissues. What are you going to do now? Gretchen asked.

Gretchen! Giselle scolded.

Its ok. I dont know what Im going to do. I cant go back home, and I cant face my family. I cant believe my mother knew about Hunter and Brynn. How could she do that to me after what my father did to her?

I dont know, sweetie, its pretty fucked up that she knew, and your sister, my god, why would she do that to you?

I feel like Im going to be sick, I said as I sprang from the bed and into the bathroom, shutting the door behind me.

I stayed in the hotel room for an entire week. I didnt get out of bed except to use the bathroom. I kept my phone off and gave strict instructions to Giselle and Gretchen not to let anyone know where I was staying. They went out and bought me a new cell phone so that we could keep in touch, because they needed to get back to California for their jobs. I ordered room service when I felt like it, but I mostly stared at the ceiling, thinking about how much my life sucked. I cried until it felt like my eyes were going to fall out, and I didnt understand why Hunter would do that to me. Oh wait, yes I do. Its because hes a man, and thats what men do. Theyre cheating, lying bastards who cant commit to one woman. Are all men like that? Im starting to believe they are. Then, there was my sister.

It was Wednesday, so I knew my mother would be at her charity meeting and that my sister would be having lunch with her friends. It was something they did every Wednesday. As the cab pulled up to the house, I stared at it for a minute through the window.

Miss, are you getting out? the driver asked.

I looked at him, and it took my brain a minute to register what he asked. Yeah, Im sorry. I paid him the cab fare, got out of the cab, and stood in front of the long winding driveway that led to the only house that Ive known my entire life. I slowly entered the house, making sure no one was home. I couldnt face my family; not after what theyve done to me. I went upstairs to my room, quickly grabbed my suitcases from the closet, and began throwing only the necessities inside. I needed to do this quick before someone came home. I grabbed a handful of clothes from my closet, my makeup, bras, underwear, and shoes. I had two suitcases packed and ready to go. I opened the top drawer of my desk, pulled out my bank book, and I stood in the doorway, looking at my room. I headed down the stairs with my suitcases. As I was approaching the front door, it opened, and my mother walked in. She froze when she saw me, and tears started to fill her eyes.

Lily, my baby, I was so worried about you. Where have you been?

I looked at her with a stern look, and I instantly felt sick to my stomach. It doesnt matter where Ive been. The only thing that matters is Im gone and out of this family forever. What you did to me, by not telling me about Brynn and Hunter, is unforgivable. You helped me plan my wedding, knowing he was fucking my little sister. You were going to let me marry a cheater and a liar. What kind of mother are you?! I started to cry.