Everything To Lose

Chapter Seven

At least the colour was something I couldn't complain about as I stood staring at the blood red silk material in my hands, I couldn't really call it a dress as I am sure a dress requires much more material, like maybe an actual skirt part. I mean what do I know about dresses I only own three, well two now that Dominic ruined my nude one. Do not go there right now. Honestly I know some brides make their bridesmaid suffer hideous dresses, it's tradition, but I expected ruffles or taffeta. Maybe snot green or orange. Not to look like a hooker, albeit a very nicely dressed hooker but still a damn hooker.

"Erm Lucinda?" A little voice that could barely be heard over the constant chatter of the swarm asked. The owner of the voice is Dominic's cousin Ruby, who like me really doesn't fit in with this group with bright red hair and curvy figure. She has barely said two word since we arrived and I can hardly blame her.

"What?" My Darling Sister snarls back as she spins around flicking her blonde hair over her shoulder, a constant snarl etched on her face. You would think that she had just insulted her rather than called her name.

"I don't think... I mean I'm not sure..."

"Speak up little mouse..." Lucinda sneers cutting off a flustered Ruby and her choir of bitches start to snigger. It feels like high school all over again.

"I said I don't think..." She repeat a little louder than before only once again to be cut of by the she devil.

"That's right you don't think. If you did you would realise that I don't want you here, the only reason you are here is because I can't say no to your cousin although looking at you it's hard to believe you would be distant relatives, never mind close." Ruby's face floods with heat and her head drops. My anger spikes as I bite my lip not wanting to cause any more abuse to be thrown at her.

"Lucinda Darling please, remember where we are." My Mother complains placing gloved hand on her arm but not once does she spare a glance at the girl her beloved daughter has just cut to shreds in front of six other woman, in fact I am the only one who looks appalled. What the hell is wrong with these people.

"What is it you 'think' Ruby?" My Mother asks still not looking at the woman even as she addresses her. She is far too busy running her hand through my sister hair like she is some kind of doll or better yet dog.

"I don't think I can wear this dress." She mumbles keeping her eyes firmly on the floor and I just want to go over and hug her, tell her to hold her head up because she is a far better, more beautiful person than all the other women combined. But sadly I don't I just stand there numb watching it all play out. Does that make me as bad as them?

"Why?" My Mother questions her eyes finally zoning in on her victim.

"Because, well because... I am err...."

"Your fat." One of my sister's airhead friends comments the rest smirk and chuckle hell even my Mother has a cruel smirk.

"I don't think I can wear mine either." I finally step in because I can't allow these bitches to tear her down anymore. It does no good as once again I become conveniently invisible.

"Sweetheart." My Mother utters in the most patronizing voice she can muster up. "Maybe if you tried eating a little less, maybe tried doing a little more exercise you wouldn't have this problem. On the bright side you have six weeks to practice so if you work really, really hard..."

"Like don't eat anything until then." Lucinda chips in nastily but my Mother doesn't pause her assault.

"You may be able to look as good as the others. It's really not that hard to look after yourself if you're committed. Can you do that for me sweetheart, you don't want to embarrass your family on your cousin's big day do you?" She turns back to the group of hyenas that surround her without waiting for a response but judging from the tears streaming down Ruby's face I assume my Mother was pleased enough not to require one.