Broken

Chapter 20

"Everything looks amazing," I told Jen, commenting on how her and Zac's engagement party had turned out.
"Yeah," she smiled. "My parents outdid themselves for sure."
I nodded, "The wedding is going to be beautiful."
"Are you nervous?" she asked, changing the subject.
"Nervous about what?"
"You know," she said in a hushed voice. "Seeing him again."
"I don't know," I lied. "You said he was seeing someone so I'm sure it'll be fine."
"And you're sure you're okay with walking with him down the aisle?"
I chuckled, "Well I guess I have to be don't i?"
She had already informed me that Taylor would be Zac's best man. They had prearranged this year's ago that Zac would be Isaac's best man, Isaac would be Taylor's, and Taylor would be Zac's so they would each get a turn. And when Mac got married they would figure that out when the time came.
She shared a half smile with me, "Well you know I would understand."
I shook my head, "Stop. I'm fine. This is about you, not me. I will be fine."
"You're sure?" she asked again.
I sighed before motioning for Zac to come over.
"I think you need to whisk your bride to be off to mingle with other people," I told him when he approached us.
"She overthinking everything again?" he grinned.
"Yep," I chuckled.
"Come on babe," he said putting his arm around Jen. "My parents just got here. Let's go say hi."
I smiled watching them walk away. I was glad things were less tense between Zac and I now. It had taken years but I think he finally was starting to like me a little.
I went over to the bar and ordered a martini before making my way to a table to sit. I eyed the crowd sipping my drink. I saw Zac and Jen talking with Zac's parents. I made a mental note to go say hi to them in a little while. It had been so long since I had seen them and they were always so kind to me.
"Hey you," I heard a familiar voice say. I glanced up and saw Isaac standing there with a pretty brunette.
"Ike!" I smiled and stood to hug him. "It is so great to see you again! This must be Nikki?"
I pulled away from him and extended my hand to hers.
"Yes," she said warmly, taking my hand. "It's wonderful to finally meet you, Amelia. I've heard so much about you from these Hanson boys."
"Oh boy," I chuckled.
"Only good things I promise," she laughed.
"How've you been?" I asked turning back to Isaac.
"Really great!" he said and went on to tell me about the bands latest album. Most of which I already knew thanks to Jen and Zac, but I didn't want to be impolite.
"That is so wonderful," I said. "I am happy things are going good for the band."
"And what about you?" he asked. "Zac was telling us that you are in school?"
"Yes," I said. "In another month I will have my Bachelor's in Social Work. I am so excited."
"That is really terrific," he said. "You will make an excellent social worker!"
I smiled and thanked him.
I was truly grateful to see Isaac again. And Nikki was a delight. They joined me at the table and we chatted for a good hour before I heard someone clear their throat behind me.
Still in mid laughter from something Ike had said I turned and saw Taylor standing there. My laughter immediately caught in my throat.
I swallowed hard before uttering out a simple hello.
"You look good Amelia," he said with a small smile.
"So do you," I said chewing on my bottom lip.
"And so do I!" That's when I noticed the pretty blond standing next to Taylor. She laughed at her own joke before introducing herself as Taylor's girlfriend, Krystal.
"Nice to meet you," I said, shaking her hand. "I'm Jen's maid of honor, Amelia."
"Oh," she said nodding in recognition. "You're the addict."
"Krys!" Taylor said, shooting her a look. Nikki bit her lip and looked away uncomfortably. Isaac shifted in his chair, shaking his head.
"Recovering," I said with a forced smile, releasing her hand. "I should probably go see if Jen needs anything. It was nice to meet you ladies and to see you guys again."
Taylor nodded, "It was good to see you too."
I forced another smile before turning and walking away. I took a deep breath as I approached Jen.
"How's everything going?" I asked putting on a fake smile.
"Amazing," she said, then glanced behind me and saw Taylor, Isaac, Nikki, and Krystal.
"I see you met Krystal," Jen observed.
"Yeah," I said, trying to think of something nice to say about her. "She's, uh -"
"My sentiments exactly," she giggled. "But Tay seems to like her..."
"Well that's all that's important then," I said.
"How can you be so cool about this?" she asked, dumbfounded.
"What choice do I have?" I asked. "He deserves to be happy."
"I know but -" she said.
"No but's Jen," I cut her off. "It is what it is. End of story."
"Alright," she sighed. "You're right."
I smiled and excused myself to go to the restroom.
I locked myself in a stall and sat on the toilet burying my face in my hands. A few tears escaped before I took a deep breath and forced myself to stop. I dabbed my eyes and headed to the mirror to make sure my make up was still in tact. I was about to turn around and head out when the door opened and Krystal walked in.
"Have a good cry, did ya?" she asked with a small smirk.
"No, I'm fine," I lied and forced yet another smile.
"Oh you purposely did that with your makeup then?" she asked scrunching up her face. "Well to each their own I guess."
"Don't hit her, don't hit her," I repeated in my head while still giving her a fake smile.
"Anyways," I said. "Hope you're having a good time tonight."
"It's alright," she said. "Taylor and I's engagement party will be way bigger -"
"You're getting married?" I asked in shock.
"Well not yet," she giggled. "But I know it's coming. We're very much in love."
"That's great," I said. "I'm very happy for you both."
"That's really sweet," she smiled, before her face suddenly turned serious. "And I hope you mean that. Because Taylor is mine and we don't need you ruining anything we have."
"Excuse me?" I asked, taken aback by her words.
"You heard me," she said. "I know who you are. And I know your type. Leave Taylor alone."
Without waiting for me to respond she turned and walked back out of the bathroom leaving me standing there stunned.
"Who the hell does she think she is?" I grumbled, my surprise turning to anger.
I had had no intention of taking Taylor from her. I was trying to be happy for them but now I was just pissed. I stormed out of the bathroom and searched for Taylor. When I spotted him standing by the bar by himself, I marched over to him intending to tell him what a sniveling bitch his girlfriend was.
"Can we talk?" I asked when I approached.
"Yeah sure," he smiled. "What's up?"
"It's about Krystal," I said.
"Isn't she great?" he asked, his eyes sparkling.
"Oh yeah she's a peach," I said sarcastically.
"You don't like her?" he asked, his face falling into a frown. "I mean I don't expect you two to be friends, given our history but I hoped that you two could at least like each other. She's the first girl since you that has really made me feel something."
I sighed and lost my nerve, "No, she's wonderful. I'm so happy for you."
"Are you sure?" He asked his face brightening some.
"Honestly," I said. "You two are a great couple and all I want is for you is to be happy."
"I am," he said. "I didn't think it was possible but I really care for her."
"That's great," I said forcing another smile.
"It really was great to see you again," he said pulling me into a hug. "Zac has kept me updated on how things are going for you."
"He has?" I asked a little surprised.
"Well I ask," he admitted. "And I am so proud of you."
I closed my eyes shut forcing myself not to cry again.
"Thank you," I struggled to say.
He pulled away, "You take care of yourself, and I'll see you at the wedding."
"You're leaving?" I asked.
He nodded, "Yeah, Krystal isn't feeling well. She went out to the car already. I stayed back for a minute in hopes of getting to say goodbye to you."
I nodded, "Okay well then I guess I'll see you at the wedding."
He smiled and kissed my cheek before turning and walking away.
I leaned back against the bar, the encounter leaving me feeling dizzy.
"You okay?" Isaac asked coming over to me.
"What?" I asked. "Oh yeah I'm okay. Just not feeling well I suppose."
"Hope it's nothing in the food," he joked.
"Huh?" I looked at him quizzically.
"Tay said Krystal was ill also," he explained.
"Oh right," I said smiling.
"Of course they never stay long," he continued. "There's always an excuse for them to leave early. But enough about that, you really don't look well."
"Yeah," I said. "I think I'm gonna call it a night as well. Will you let Jen and Zac know for me? Tell her I'll call her tomorrow?"
"Of course," he said. "I hope you feel better. Call me sometime, Nikki really wants to get to know you better, maybe we can all do dinner one night or something?"
"That sounds great," I said.
We hugged and said our goodbyes and I headed for the door.

I had just walked out to the parking lot when I heard a woman screaming at someone. My eyes followed the sound and I saw Taylor and Krystal standing by a car arguing.
"I was being polite," Tay said. "And saying goodbye. I've known her forever."
"Yeah I know," she growled. "I've heard all about how she was your first love. You're with me now. You shouldn't be off hugging your exes while I'm sick in the car!"
"It didn't mean anything," he said. "I swear. You know I care about you!"
"I walked in there and I saw you kiss her!" She yelled.
"On the cheek," Taylor defended. "It really meant nothing!"
I knew I shouldn't have been listening to this in the first place but that was where I couldn't listen any longer. I walked over to my car and climbed in. I started it before putting my head down on the steering wheel and finally letting myself break down into tears.

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Authors note:
I thought about making the girl Taylor with be Natalie but I couldn't bring myself to make her that nasty. Lol