I wasn’t asking, but she felt the need to tell me anyway. Everyone else is carrying on about the wedding. For once Melina isn’t making sure everyone’s attention is on her, not when she’s up to something she shouldn’t be. I don’t blame her. If I had someone to sneak out with, I would. I’m nineteen, I shouldn’t be sneaking. She’s twenty-one and she’s whispering that she’s going to hang out with her fiancé. It’s all ridiculous and I grew up living like it should be normal.
Maybe I can sneak out. I’ll be alone and I’ll have the car my sister and I share. I could go somewhere and no one would ever know. My mind drifts to the possibilities, but I can’t think of anything to do. I’m too young for a bar and I’m past the age when everyone hangs out at the movie theatre or the mall. At least I think I am. My parents never let us go with the other kids.
We only got to hang out with kids they knew, and for some reason I never clicked with anyone. Melina did because she can get along with anyone if she wants to. I only got stuck going out with her and her friends because I think my parents wanted me to watch over her. They thought if I was with her she couldn't do anything bad. They were wrong.
I know for a fact she and Brandon have done the deed. They’re always going at it when they have a free moment. I swear my sister thinks when I’m reading I don’t hear sounds. Or she doesn't care that I can hear them. Either way it’s gross and I’m glad she’s ditching me. I’d rather not be dragged to where it is they’re going. Brandon gives me the creeps and it’s even weirder when he kisses my sister but keeps on looking at me while he does it.
“Doesn't Brandon have a brother?” Penny asks, bringing me back to the moment.
Penny already knows the answer to that. They all think it’s a mission to try and marry me off. I told myself if I had to marry someone like Brandon I would just become an old maid instead. I’m starting to get it now though. Marrying Brandon means my sister gets to escape our home.
“He’s an only child,” Melina sighs wistfully, and I ignore her jab.
“JoAnn always did want a daughter. Now she is going to have one,” Penny adds excitedly.
I’m relieved that the focus is off me as Melina gives a fake smile. I know she hates Brandon’s mom with the fire of seven suns. I’ve heard her mutter words about her that make me shiver.
“Soon we’ll be doing this for you.” Penny’s attention comes back to me and I want to cringe. “If we can find someone.” She shakes her head, still butt hurt I turned down her cousin Steven. He’s gay. He’s open about it, too, but she keeps on trying to set him up with women. I want to reach out and bop her on the head like Mom did when we were little and we did something she didn’t like. It always got us to stop doing whatever it was we weren’t supposed to be doing. Maybe it would work on Penny.
“I’m not really looking,” I respond instead.
“Are you still going to the school?” Penny rolls her eyes as she asks the question.
Why is she so focused on me? This is Melina’s shower, not mine. I nod, not playing into that one. They’ll give me the same song and dance about how it’s silly to go to the local community college when I should be finding a husband. I’ve only completed one semester so far and I still haven't picked a major. Nothing has piqued my interest, but it’s better than spending all day working at my dad’s office. Melina runs that place as if she actually does work when she’s there.
The only reason I’m getting away with community college is because I’ve been taking the classes my dad suggested—the ones he thought would be useful at the office.
Everyone goes back to idle chat, but I can tell now that Melina has a game plan. She wants out of here as fast as I do. I thought for a moment tonight might be fun. I was told I had to be eighteen to come to this, but the only things they’ve talked about are cake and who didn’t put the lid back on the marker correctly. This is a bunch of baloney.
My mind goes back to what I can do when I leave here. It’s still early. Maybe I can go downtown and find some place to eat dinner then wander around a little. It would be different and better than going home. I look down at my frilly dress and flats, wondering if this is too dressed up or not enough.
“Let’s clean up and get out of here.” Melina lets out a fake yawn and stands up.
I pack up our things and clean while she plays on her phone. It’s not long before we say our goodbyes and walk outside.
“You drive,” Melina says and gives me the keys. “Take me down the street a bit. Brandon is waiting.” I do as she says and get behind the wheel. “Don’t wait up.”
When we get to the end of the road I pull over and she jumps from the car. She takes off toward Brandon’s car without a backwards glance, and as she does my phone chimes. I pick it up thinking maybe it’s Mom or Dad, but I see it’s Brandon.
Brandon: You look pretty tonight.
I glance out of the windshield to him. He’s in his car and I can see his dark eyes locked on me as my sister leans over and kisses him on his cheek and neck. He pays her no attention. It’s rude and makes me feel bad for her. Isn’t the man you’re going to marry supposed to look at you like you’re their whole world? That’s what I want at least.
Me: Thanks
What else do I say to that? It’s so weird and I never know if he’s trying to be nice or if it’s just creepy. I blame it on my sheltered life.
Brandon: Tried to talk her into bringing you along.
Me: Have fun
I put my phone into my purse and pull away. He’s still looking at me while my sister is pretty much trying to climb into his lap and it makes me uncomfortable.
They can go have their fun. I’m going to see if I can do the same.
* * *
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