Melanie

Eighteen

Christmas Eve had finally arrived, and the day was Vivian and Jonah's wedding. It was disappointing to learn that Jake wouldn't be able to attend the wedding, but Jonah had called and asked me to be his second best man. I hadn't called or contacted Melanie at all, but she had been calling, texting, and leaving voice messages about how much she missed me. I set my phone to not disturb since I needed to concentrate on getting dressed. Mom was the maid of honor in Vivian's wedding, so she has been really busy recently.

It was early in the morning; mom had woken me up at five early in the morning since Vivian and Jonah's big day was today. I wished I could sleep more, but I couldn't. For the last week, I couldn't sleep. Arguing with Melanie was the correct decision, but I still felt horrible inside. I had no idea what had gone wrong with me. I'd been overthinking a lot recently, and that made me want to talk to her. When she wasn't there, it wasn't the same as when she was. When I needed it, she made me joyful and comfortable. I felt like I was back in the old days at this point. Before I ever knew she existed, it was just Jake and me. I missed her.

Mom and I arrived at the wedding venue two hours later. Mom was fine, but she couldn't recall the accident. Her memory was returning slowly but steadily. She was doing well and going to treatment. She planned to return to her nursing job once she regained her memory and talk with investigators about her hit-and-run case.

However, I brought the black and white tuxedo and looked for Melanie, who I hadn't seen in quite some time. I was concerned about her. So I decided to send her a text message. "Hey Mel, I hope you're doing well. I don't want to offend you, but distance is the best. I know you're still angry at me, and you have every right to be. Your feelings are absolutely genuine, as are the ups and downs of our relationship."

"Son, I need to get ready with Vivian and her bridesmaids, so you should find Jonah to be with the grooms. I'm disappointed that Jake will not be present. He's going through a lot right now, and I hope he's doing well," she remarked.

"Yeah, mom and I get it. I haven't seen him in over two weeks, and it's been difficult. I wish I could ask him how he is feeling. I should've listened to him," I admitted. Mom bowed her head and kissed me on the cheek. She took my one hand in hers for support. She looked at me and made me feel a bit better, but not completely. I felt like I had transformed into someone I was not supposed to be. I intended my senior year to be this amazing, but life has its ups and downs.

"Daxton, you're finally here," Jonah said as he passed by. He seemed fatigued, but he was overjoyed about his marriage. It was the most important day of his life. He loved Vivian, and I couldn't be more proud of him for helping Vivian find love again after Vivian's divorce. Vivian's ex-husband was verbally and physically abusive. She hadn't spoken up, but her mother had mentioned her. Mom had always been there for her. They were genuine.

"Hey man, today is your lucky day," I said to Jonah. We conducted the typical American male handshake. His smile shone brightly. He had been with Vivian for three years, and it was difficult for Jake to embrace Jonah's role as a stepfather.

"Man, I really wish Jacob was here, and thank you so much," he remarked. "He doesn't deserve to be there." I listened to him as I stuffed my hands into my sweat pockets while carrying the tuxedo. My hair was already shaved with a fade on the bottom following a necessary trim.

"Of course, I agreed. I know you and I have a love-hate relationship, but you genuinely care about my best friend," I explained. He nodded and told me to give me directions to where the grooms would be.

"Yeah, I agree, but he's one of the best sons I've ever had," Jonah said. "However, I missed him around here. He demonstrated a lot of growth in his own personality, yet he's difficult to get along with." As we passed each other on the walkway, I nodded.