𝙩𝙚𝙢𝙥𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙛𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙨

Act 21

"Woah, you've been on the radio before? I've always wanted to be on the radio!" Mae marveled. 

"It's nothing special really. It doesn't do my voice justice," Dice bragged. 

"Oh come on, it's everybody's dream to be on the radio. You must be famous," James said, pouring him another cup of tea. 

"I am. I'm the host of a night club show," he responded, taking a sip of the tea.

"Wow," all of my siblings said in unison. 

Dice was telling stories about his life, and had gotten my whole family amazed. I'm pretty sure Mae is trying to make a connection with him so that he'll maybe let her go on stage. That's never going to happen. Dice is already too protective over all of them. 

"So, when's the wedding?" Cathy asked.

"It's going to be next week. I never told you the bad news about it. It's going to be held at the Devil's casino," I say, treading carefully with my last words.

"There is no way that we're going to put ourselves in danger for that," Todd yelled from the kitchen. 

"There is also no way my parents will let me go to that. What priest is even going to go near that place?" Giana adds. 

"The Boss is going to wed us. He has more power than a priest," Dice explained. 

"Just tell your dad you're going to go see some friends in town. You're twenty, after all," I wager.

"I guess-," she unsurely whispers.

Cathy butted in, "We may be putting ourselves in danger Todd, but this is a big event. We all need to be present for it. Besides, what's the worst that could happen?" 

"We could die. Accidently give away our souls when we sign the guest book," Todd answers.

"At least my partner isn't a rich girl with a stick up her ass," I jab.

"That's bold coming from someone who's partner is a famous gay prick," he counters.

"Todd!" me and Cathy scold.

"Oh no it's ok, he's got half of that right. Thank you for your encouragement, Chips. We both know you told him to say that," Dice comforts.

Chip was teaching Todd how to play cards in the dining room. I'm pretty sure Chip was also introducing him to a bottle of whiskey. I didn't care. Todd needs something that will hopefully get him off of his high horse. 

"So, what's the line-up? Who's your maid of honor? What dress are you wearing?" Cathy urgently asked.

"I plan on wearing Mama's dress. I have someone in mind for maid of honor, but that's not really important right now. I just want to make sure that everyone I want to go will be able to go," I think out loud.

Giana and Cathy's faces light up. I try to change the subject because I know it would break both of their hearts to know that I want Pirouletta because she's helped me get through life at the casino. I don't think Dice has ever even been to a wedding or know how it works. I forgot to explain that to him. I looked at the clock. It was eleven-thirty already? We needed to be back at the casino at one! Knowing this, I tried to wrap up my thoughts.

"So, next week. Friday. Me and Dice would be delighted to have you all. You won't die, and it'll give you a chance to see our home," I declare.

"Wait! Before you go, at least try on the dress first and see if it fits," Cathy halts, running to the closet and taking out a covered dress.

"But I have to get to work-," I stop her. 

"We have time. Chip is a little too wrapped up in something to go anyways," he explains. 

Crashing came from the kitchen along with some yelling. Todd beat Chip at cards obviously. 

Without warning, Cathy drug me into my old bedroom and locked the door. She took the dress out of its cover and laid it on the bed. Unzipping the back, she admired its elegance and beauty. It was whiter than my skin, with yellow ribbon tracing the edges. There was also a white veil with a tiara and a pair of white gloves with yellow flowers on the ends. The yellow colors were iffy, but I could get her to replace them with a very subtle purple ribbon and flowers. Purple had become my favorite color now. She also pulled out a pair of white heels from under the bed. 

"Take your time," she said, and slipped out of the room. 

Putting on the dress was a struggle, especially with how poofy it is. It slimly fit my torso and hugged every one of my curves. I looked like a princess. Though, it would look better with purple accents. The heels fit on my feet nicely, and the gloves were a nice addition to my arms. I didn't keep the veil though, it was a little too much. I called Cathy back in there to zip me up.

"Oh, It's just lovely on you! Mama would love it! So, what is Dice going to wear?" she exclaimed.

"I'm not sure. He'll find something. Could we change the yellow to purple? It's our favorite color," I inquire. 

"Yeah sure, I'll fix it and bring it to you the day of the wedding. More importantly, who's going to be your maid of honor?" she repeated.

"I don't know, I was thinking of my best friend at the casino Pirouletta," I mumble, twisting the dress and making sure it was comfortable. 

"Oh- ok," she sighs. 

"But I want you and Giana to be my two bridesmaids. Ya'll are just as important," I declare. 

"If that's what makes you happy," she mutters, unzipping the dress. 

She leaves the room again, and I take off the dress. It looked nice, but it was super itchy. I just wanted it to be danceable in. Putting my clothes back on was easier than when I first got hurt. My arms were still weak though. I would ask Dice to come help me, but none of my family can know that he's seen me without my clothes before. I guess I'll just have to suffer in silence. I walk out of the room and find Dice. He was patiently waiting for me with Chip. His face lit up when he saw me, which made my heart happier.

"Where's the dress?" he questions.

"You can't see it yet, idiot," Chip remarks, pushing up his hat. 

"Why not?" he asks. 

"Because the groom just can't. Just tradition. It makes it more special when you see me for the first time with it on," I say, walking up to him. 

"It must be very elegant then," he says, standing up beside me. 

"We've gotta get back to work," Chip demanded. 

"You're right, Let's go and tell everybody bye," I reply. 

Chip walks off, but me and Dice stay in the living room, alone.

"Darling, I've got a different job for you tonight," he says.

"What is it?" I ask.

"You know how we've been practicing all these weeks with your singing? That song you wrote?"

"Baby, I don't know if I'm ready for that yet-"

"Oh come on, you've had plenty of practice. I had to pull a lot of strings to get you this time. This can get you out of washing those crummy old dishes."

"Will you go up there with me?"

"Wasn't planning on leaving you. I'm going to play the piano."

"I'll do it. But if I don't like it, I'm not going back."

"Agreed. I love you"

"I love you too."