Shattered

People Change

If I were the old Gemma, I'd be fussing about how Allyson just acted as if I dont know how many guys she's fucked.

But really, I could care less about her stuck up behavior.

It's only moments after Alyster walked in and call me smart for being able to read him like a book, because I can tell from the third row that this guy is hella nervous.

He is in a black tuxedo with a white dress shirt.

His brothers are the groom's men, and I look at Armani who was just four last time I was here.

The boys look amazing. Adam, is the best man. Which is ideal as he is the eldest of the boys after Alyster.

The entire crowd stands and we know what that means.

First it's Aaliyah who walks in, then Ava and then Anastasia. Amy is the last one in and then there's Willow.

She looks stunning. Like a goddess. Her ginger hair is in a curled position.

She reaches the altar and they start saying some words to each other. Alice sheds tears as Mr Black comforts her.

I almost scoff when Alyster says that Willow is the first woman whom he truly loved.

Yea, sure.

I dont know who I've become, but I like her.

Soon its time for the reception.

Ethan comes running with a little boy who is just about four and Armani.

"Aunty Gemma, it's nice to see you again." Armani greets, embracing me.

"Its wonderful to see you too Armani. You've grown a big deal." I tell him, ruffling his hair.

Nathan and I are seated on the table nearest to the window.

The house is not that big, but its fit the entire crowd.

Nathan is too quiet for my liking.

"Are you okay?" I ask him. He nods .

"You can tell me." I push.

"No really. It's just that I'm tired, I didnt want to make you leave." He says smiling.

I nod. He rests his head on my shoulder and intertwines our fingers.

This feels good you know. I feel safe in the space of my mind. Being with Nathan like this brings ease into my mind. It somehow allows me to believe that my Murphy's law isn't that bad.

He honestly is the first thing to go right for me, and I dont want to mess that up. Which is why, I dont want to establish any names or labels to our relationship. 

I'm in the solace of my own mind, with a sleeping Nathan on my shoulder when I hear clicking on it's way here.

I look up to see Willow and Allyson.

"Hi Gemma." She says my name as if it's a pack of rotten cheese.

"Hello Willow. Afternoon Allyson." I nod my head in acknowledge to both the women.

"I dont remember inviting you." Willow bluntly says.

Oh so this is how it is bitch?

"Niether do I.  But my boyfriend woke me up in the fucking morning to a surprise.  He had the dress readied for me and had readied my son. He didnt tell me where we were headed and tada, I found myself here." I smile sweetly.

"Did you say boyfriend?" Allyson speaks for the first time.

"So she's not mute. Hallelujah!" I say sarcastically.

Her eyes widen.

"Gosh Gemima, what the hell happened to you? It's that New York place isnt it? Or is it him?" She asks pointing at Nathan.

"She has always been like this Ally, you were just blind to it. " Willow says.

"I dont know this woman you've become." Allyson says.

"People change Allyson." I simply say.

"But that doesnt mean you should be so rude and mean to us. We care about you." She says, her voice is thick with concern.

The only thing you should be concerned about is yourself and your family.

I want to tell that to her so bad but I decide otherwise.

"People change Allyson, and the people around them adapt to that change. I just simply adapted to the way you changed." I tell her.

Nathan stirs in his sleep and then wakes up. Oh gosh, he looks so adorable when he's sleepy. He reminds me of Ethan.

"Who wouldve thought, and here I was thinking we'd be friends again." Allyson says.

"Why bother yourself with me? Willow is here for you." I say.

"Baby, let's get prepared for going." I tell Nathan. He is not to say the least, shocked by my pet name for him.

"The ceremony was absolutely beautiful. And congratulations on your pregnancy Ally, motherhood suits you." I say.

"What was that about?" Nathan asks when we're far from hearing shot for the girls.

"That my darling was me dealing with Mean Girls the sequel for when they're out of high school." I tell him. He laughs.

"Let me go get Ethan and we'll get going." He says and I nod.

He leaves, I watch his retreating back in awe. He is a beautiful man.

"You can come to my baby shower if you want." Allyson says.

"Ugh, you again?" I dont hide my annoyance.

"Sorry, but I wanted to say that I meant what I said about wanting to be friends again. We can try again." She begs.

"Oh, I'm so thrilled." I say sarcastically.  Showing her jazz hands.

"Look Allyson,  this isnt college anymore. I don't need you, I don't have to have you as my friend. Trust me on that one ." I tell her and then stalk off to say goodbye to the ones that matter.

This time it's me who is driving because I have a surprise for the boys.

The drive is only forty five minutes. I find myself turning onto a familiar street.

Each passing house brought me back to my  childhood. The times I'd play around her with my entire life friend Maddison.

I pull onto the familiar driveway and I grab the key from my mom's fake daffodil. The house is just like I remember .

I smile.

"Where are we?" Nathan asks.

"We're in Charlotte." I tell him and he nods.

"Where can I put him?" He asks gesturing to our sleeping son in his arms.

I lead him upstairs to my room.

Its filled with pictures of me from my young and tender age.

He lays him on the bed and then walks closer to me.

"Where are we?" He asks again.

"My house." I simply say.

I dont take a moment to register what his face may look like. I just walk downstairs to the kitchen.

I have to go out and get some food.

I missed this house so much.

My house.