It was the day before my wedding. Gabby finally had a day off, and I wanted to spend it with her and my mother. I was so nervous, and I just needed them to calm my nerves down. I pulled my dress over my head when the doorbell rang. I grabbed my brush and started brushing my hair as I went to the door. I opened it, and my best friend stood in the doorway.
“I told you to be ready,” she nagged.
I rolled my eyes at her, “I am ready. I just was touching up a few things”.
She laughed. “Okay well let’s go your mom is waiting for us. No I’m not telling you either. Just know everything that happens today is for you and your health”.
Of course, now why would I think she would tell me? Everything has been a secret between her and my mother lately. I don’t worry about it; if I don’t like it, I’ll shut it down without a second thought, and I’m sure they know it. I finished getting ready, and so we left my apartment. Yes, I still live alone. Gabby had her driver driving us around. We went to a high-end boutique store. I didn’t say anything; no point in me arguing.
We got out, and she linked arms with me. “Everything is on your mother. This is her surprise for you”. I nodded and followed her into the store. I tried on about 20 different outfits, and I was exhausted after I was done. My mother purchased 15 of those outfits, including accessories and shoes to go with the outfits. As we walked out, I opened my mouth to question my mother, but I shut it knowing she wouldn’t say anything.
For the next few hours, we went to many places. Places I hadn’t even thought to visit. First, we went to get a mani-pedi. I chose to keep my nails natural; I didn’t want to give birth, dig into anyone’s hands, and leave marks. I chose the color red, and it was my favorite. Next, we got lunch, just a simple lunch. A place called Jacks Place. My mother knew the owner, and she got us in. Usually, it could take months to get just on the waiting list. After lunch, we went to a spa. We got in a mud bath, then took showers. Afterward, we got a full body massage that felt good and relaxing.
It was around 4 pm when we finally went back to my place. We had been out and about since early this morning, and my feet were tired. My whole body ached. I missed Odell and wanted to see him even though it was bad luck to see him the day before the wedding. I didn’t know where he was at the moment; I knew he had his version of a bachelor’s party going on. I hope he was enjoying himself. I cast my thoughts on my baby as I entered the baby’s room. It was all neutral colors. I picked a theme color of gray and yellow. The floor was grey with yellow walls. I had a customer crib made for my little bub. I can’t wait to find out the gender and to hold my baby.
~A couple of hours later~
It was around 9 pm when I got a text message, but Gabby stopped me before I could look at it.
I looked up at her, “What’s wrong”? She was legitimately crying. We all had been hanging out at my house to get ready for the wedding at my place together. Unless my mother upset her, I had no clue why she was crying. Then my mother came into the room. She was crying too.
“You’re going to be married soon; my baby growing up,” Gabby smiled. I pushed her away from me, laughing. My mother came and hugged us both.
“I want to see Odell. I’m so nervous,” I told them.
“Then let’s go,” both Gabby and my mother said. I smiled; I knew they would have my back. We all got into the car and headed to Odell’s place. When we got there, we had to park in the street, because there were so many cars. We walked into the house, and the music was so loud my baby started kicking. I couldn’t hear anything; it was so dark I could barely see. There were people everywhere. This is not a bachelor’s party; this is a party.
I yelled in their ears, “I’ll go check upstairs; Gabby, you come with me. Mom, you stay at the door”. They both nodded, and we went up. We checked every room and started to head back downstairs when I remembered the secret room Odell had shown me. I pulled Gabby back up the stairs, and we went to the location; it was a door that blended into the wall. I pushed on it, and it opened up. We both went into it. We heard a noise, and so we followed it. We found the source. I think both our jaws dropped. There in the bed having sex was Odell and some random chick. I couldn’t find my voice just stood there.
Gabby found her voice, “What the actual fuck”? It was quiet in the room; both Odell and the girl looked at us. His eyes widened when he saw me. I could feel the tears sliding down my face. I still couldn’t say anything. Odell quickly got up and walked over to us, completely naked. Gabby stood in front of me.
“Ash, please this- I can explain. I -” Odell blubbered out. He couldn’t even come up with a reason. He reeked of alcohol.
“The wedding is off, Odell” that’s all I could get out. I grabbed Gabby and turned to leave. Odell tried to grab me, but Gabby pushed him back. Him being drunk, he lost his balance and fell. I didn’t even look back; I just kept walking. We met my mother, and I just ran into her arms. She hugged me so tight, like she already knew. On the way home, Gabby sat with me in the back. I stared out the window, numb. When we returned to my place, August was waiting with a smile. As soon as he saw me, he lost his smile. When he hugged me, I broke down and couldn’t stop crying. August took me to my room and sat with me until I cried myself to sleep.
