“I think Emily has talked more about her shoulder this weekend than I’ve talked about my wedding.”
I stared at her.
Daniel’s mother did too.
“No, she hasn’t.”
Vanessa laughed.
“I’m joking.”
The sentence came out too quickly.
Daniel’s mother looked uncomfortable.
I said:
“It’s okay.”
Vanessa turned to me.
“See? She knows.”
Then she walked away.
I should have left.
That thought returned many times afterward.
But leaving felt like proving her point.
Whatever her point was.
So I stayed.
At four-thirty, speeches began.
Not official wedding speeches.
Just welcome remarks.
Daniel thanked everyone for traveling.
His father made a joke about the cost of flowers.
My mother said she was happy Vanessa had found someone who “made her softer.”
I saw Daniel’s eyebrows rise at that.
Vanessa gave a speech too.
She thanked people.
Thanked the resort.
Thanked her planner.
Then:
“And thank you to my sister Emily, who managed to survive major surgery just in time to make my wedding.”
People laughed politely.
I did too.
What else was I supposed to do?
She continued.
“Although judging by the attention she's getting, maybe we should’ve scheduled a second reception for her.”
Less laughter.
Daniel looked at Vanessa.
She noticed.
“I'm kidding.”
Again.
Always kidding after the injury landed.
I went inside.
Not dramatically.
I simply needed distance.
The terrace connected to a quieter courtyard wrapping around the pool.
I walked toward the far side where nobody was gathered.
A railing overlooked the water.
Steam drifted upward.
I placed my left hand on the stone ledge and breathed.
Behind me, heels clicked.
I knew before turning.
Vanessa.
“Are you seriously sulking?”
“I’m not sulking.”
“You walked out during my speech.”
“After your speech.”
“Same difference.”
I turned toward her.
“What do you want?”
She folded her arms.
“For one weekend, Emily.”
“One.”
“I would like one weekend where everything isn't about you.”
My exhaustion disappeared.
“What exactly have I done?”
“You show up injured.”
I stared.
“You think I scheduled the accident?”
“Don't twist it.”