All My Life

Chapter 5

I finally left the bathroom, but my make up was ruined. Badly.

I bumped into my mother on the way.

"Ohmygod! What happened? Did you cry??"

"Um, no.. I- I accidentally spilled some juice.." I lied.

"Ok, here, let me help you fix it.."

-

We made our way to where Ian's family are, and settled down. "Oh, you're here! Nina, your mom was so worried about you! Where have you been?" Ian's mom chirped when she saw me.

"I- I, uh.." My voice trailed away when I caught Ian's gaze. His eyes widened in mock horror when he realised the girl was actually me. Me.

He studied me carefully, before finally regaining a sense of recognition. He blinked several times, and I looked away almost immediately.

I couldn't bear to look at him anymore. Not now, not ever. Not after what happened.

I should have known. I should have known the moment he left his girlfriend. Was he cheating on her all this time?

I really didn't know Ian was like that.

I really... didn't know him.

"She spilled some juice on herself." My mother chipped in.

We watched as the groom walked down the long hallway and up the stage.

Only there was something strange.

The groom seemed oddly familiar...

Something was prickling at the back of my neck, but I don't know what.

Beside me, my mom shivered a little, even though she was wearing a jacket.

I looked at her wierdly, then back at the groom. And then everything clicked together.

"D-dad?" I gasped. All these time, not seeing him, I couldn't recognise him anymore.

My mom shifted uncomfortably beside me, and tried to avoid my gaze.

"Mom, tell me what's going on. Why is the groom dad?" I demanded.

"You shouldn't talk during the ceremony.."

"Mom!" I snapped. Many eyes turned to me, but I didn't care.

My father was remarrying?

Sure, he could if he wanted to, but... why? Why invite my mom?

He should know it would hurt her. Hurt her to see him so happy and able to move on while she couldn't.

It happened quite a while back. Maybe years. I don't know. Seeing my mom and dad fight, and finally divorce.. wasn't a pleasant experience at all. Not wanting to face all these adult problems, I directed my attention to Ian. Somehow, amidst all those unpleasant things happening, just being around him made me feel at ease, and a sense of... security. Like he's there for me.

Only he isn't.

"She's my good friend," My mom finally said. "Elaine... she's my good friend. She doesn't know he was my husband once."

"Then why didn't you tell her?" I fumed.

"I didn't want to take the happiness from her, Nina. Her ex-husband abused her and her son when her son was only a baby. She never believed in love again. Never trusted anyone. I'm glad she's moved on, and found someone else." Tears glistened in her eyes as she told me.

"But dad is not just someone else! He freaking slept with other women. How could he bring happiness to her? He'll only break her heart. Just like he did to us." I growled.

"She needs to believe it, Nina. I can't just take that away from her, when she finally believed in love because of him."

"No, you want to believe him. You want to believe dad didn't do it," I pointed out.

"Nina.."

"Dad isn't the guy you think he is!" I got up and stomped out, hot tears stinging my eyes.

The cold bit my skin once I reached outside. Oh, no. I forgot my jacket.

But I didn't care. Who could care about the weather in a situation like this?

I squatted down against a wall, letting the tears fall freely. My cheeks felt numb in the cold, and my hair blew wildly against the wind.

Suddenly, all the emotions came rushing at me.

My mom and dad, fighting. Seperating.

My brother, always picking on me.

Ian, never thinking of me.

Shimin, having all I've ever wanted, and stealing Ian's sister, Jace, from me.

All my friends aren't true friends.

I've got no one else.

My mom, still stubbornly believing dad isn't the guy we all know he is now.

I squeezed my eyes shut, not wanting to think. Not wanting to feel.

But my chest swells in pain, and tears streak down my cheeks continuously.