The Beast Within

Six

Three months later...

I was at the mall with my mom and Kora. We were spending the day together while also going shopping for the wedding, buying little things. Riley gave me his credit card, saying that I could buy whatever I wanted, to not think about the prices. But I didn't wanna use up all of his money. I used his credit card for my nails and some new clothes.

The wedding is in two more months . My mom and the wedding planner Riley have hired has been ecstatic planning out this wedding. They already chose an amazing venue and we've already scheduled a rehearsal dinner and have picked out an amazing DJ. Everybody who knows have been so excited about it.

Everyone except for Kora.

She puts on an act like she's excited and happy, but deep down I know she isn't. She scowls at Riley like he's her enemy. I don't know what her issue is but I plan on talking to her tonight. Riley came to the house this morning for breakfast and Kora was just so rude to him. It made him uncomfortable that he had to leave. He's going to be my husband, I don't want life to be like this.

Mama called her out on it, only for Kora to raise her voice at her and stomp up the stairs. Mama had almost uninvited her from going out with us today but I told her to put her feelings to the side for today, that today was special to me because this was the first time in a while that we've spent a day just the three of us. It felt nice.

Tomorrow night, I'm having a dinner with Riley, Rhyan and Riley's older cousin, who's like a brother to him, I think his name is Ralph. Riley told me only a little about him, but that he had wanted to meet 'the beautiful lady who was marrying his cousin.' I felt flattered and agreed to go to the dinner. I asked permission to bring Alexandria who said yes. She's already shown me the dress she bought for it. She loves to show out.

"I should get a tattoo," I said. It was silent between the three of us.

"Tattoo of what?" Kora asked.

"A rose," I replied. "Because Riley calls me Rose. He has a huge rose tattoo on his back, it's beautiful. I've thought about getting a rose too. But a small one on my arm. How does that sound?" I asked.

"Amazing."

"Stupid." They both said at the same time.

I couldn't take Kora's attitude anymore. I rolled my eyes. "I would like to go now," I said. We walked to the car. This day was now ruined because Kora's negativity. I can't take her attitude anymore and honestly am starting to think about not having her in my wedding. She's my maid of honor, the second special person, other than the groom. Why is she trying so hard to make me feel bad for marrying the love of my life?

When we got home, I immediately walked upstairs. I texted Riley to see if he could pick me up because I honestly didn't wanna be around her energy anymore. She was so miserable for some reason and instead of talking to me about it, she's just trying to make me miserable as well. Riley texted quickly.

What's wrong? Was the mall trip not as good as you hoped it would be?

He knows me well. I wanted to tell him the truth but don't wanna talk bad about my sister to him.

no it was fine lol I just wanna see u.

I place my phone down when I hear a knock on my door. Mama walked in. "Hey, chica."

"Hey, Mom," I said back. "Mom, what's wrong with her?" I asked her. "Why is she so negative?"

"I don't know, baby," she said. "She's your maid of honor, so honestly, you should talk to her about it. She's still here. She's downstairs making herself a cup of tea." I nodded and walked downstairs while my mom went to her own room.