The Good Intentions

Chapter 10 - Bethany

Bethany

"You two are so darn cute!" I gush, snapping a photo of Paige and Caleb under the balloon arch made of gold and light pink balloons.

"Wait one more, B," Paige says before planting her lips against Caleb's cheek. I snap the picture. "I can't wait to have these printed for the album." She takes the camera from my hand and looks through the photos.

The backyard has been completely transformed into some kind of twinkling fairy garden. The sun has set and beautiful orange lights light up the entire yard. An LED light dance floor takes up a majority of the space and circular tables covered in pure white cloths line the perimeter. The chairs are covered in the same cloth but are enhanced with a large pink bow around each one. And the wall of white and mauve-colored roses is absolutely breathtaking.

It's minimal, tasteful, and beautiful. Mom spared no expense for this night. Her first-born daughter is getting married. This night had to be perfect no matter what.

As guests arrive, they flood into the backyard and all share the same marveled expression when they see it. They also waste no time getting a drink from the three bartenders Mom and Dad hired tonight.

"These are so good," Paige says, handing me back my camera. "Be prepared to take a lot more tonight."

"I will," I blush.

"Oh, my parents just got here," Caleb says and the two of them walk off.

Huge parties and gatherings like this are not really my cup of tea. Even if they consist of family and friends. They just give me anxiety. I'm not one for dancing either.

Cam says I should try taking a shot of tequila, that it'll help me loosen up a bit. But just the smell alone makes me want to vomit. And, I see what it does to my dad. He's already had four shots and is a complete mess. I mean, then man is having a good time, laughing with his friends, but that's not how dad usually is.

I can't help but laugh at him though as I watch him across the yard trying his best to dance to the music the DJ is playing. He's playing "WAP" by Cardi B. It's not a pretty sight. And I think if he were sober he would be pretty appalled by what the song is actually about.

I wish Cam was here. But he's been sick as a dog all day. Since this party is for my sister, I'm staying. But if it were for anyone else, I would have bailed to go take care of him.

Not being able to endure another moment of watching my dad bust a move, I walk back into the house to see if my mom needs any help in the kitchen.

The inside of our house is just as packed with people. I shove my way through the crowd. A few of my family members stop me to say hello and hug me. I only linger with them for a few seconds before pushing my way to the kitchen again.

"Need any help, Mom?" I ask as soon as I see her uncovering trays of food.

"No, baby, I'm good."

The doorbell rings above the chatter of everyone.

"Will you get that? I think someone must've locked the door."

I give a quick nod and make my way to the front door. I adjust the skirt of my lavender dress and run my hands over my straight hair to smooth it out.

Swinging open the door, my breath catches in my throat. My eyes practically bulge out of my head as my mouth falls open and I choke out a single word. "You."