Nadine

94. Keeper

We get in the door and we are all just standing in the hallway.

Momma looks at us. "This is a formal event. But it is also informal in ways. There is only one other family here and we have been friends for years. So, please don't be stupid and ruin that friendship." We all nod at her. "Also since Tye is here. He is royalty equal to the new queen somehow. I'm not even sure anymore who outranks who." She looks at my dad. He shrugs his shoulders. "Well I'm still the queen." She smiles and we all nod again. "Great. I'm lining you up so the right people can sit closer together."

"Gunner, Omar, Bud, Frode, Dracul, Kane, Me, Tre, Tye,... Ok stand here and let me think... Gunner go in and sit at the bottom table on the left. Omar to the right. Bud left. Frode right. Dracul left. Kane and Frode switch places... Ok Gunner, Bud, Dracul, Me. and Tye go left. Each one get closer to the top seat. All the others go right. Omar, Kane, Frode, Tre... That should be good." She steps in line with daddy. "Oh and Tye. Will you dance with their princess please? They don't have a prince old enough." Tye nods.

Daddy looks around. "HI everyone! I'm in the middle." They all start laughing.

I look at Dipak and then to mom. "YOU FORGOT ME MOMMA."

"No I didn't." Momma runs back over. Everyone laughs again. Mary walks over to assist. I stare at Mary. What the hell are they doing?

Momma pulls the veil and tiara off me. My eye's get so big. I start pulling at the gloves.

Mary jumps. "NO. Jewelry." She gets the bracelets off me. Then takes the gloves off and puts the bracelets back on. Then she fixes my hair. I see the crown box coming and I about fall over.

Dipak notices me falling and comes and grabs me. I look at him and he's as confused as I am.

Momma opens the crown box and it's the village crowns. It's not my crown. She picks up the queens crown and puts it on my head. I start to cry right away.

"NO MAKEUP." Mary starts fanning me.

Momma picks up the kings crown and puts it on Dipak. He gives me a hug and just holds me. I know he's emotional too.

People start getting pulled in.

"Ok you 2. Just come in last. Tye drag them in after you somehow. Don't let them forget to come in."

I look at him with the crown on his head. "My king."

"My queen babygirl. I love you."

"I love you too."

He gives me a deep kiss.

Tre comes over and pulls me away. He looks at Dipak. "You are going to make her eyes black to walk in the door."

Dipak wipes his eyes off and nods. Then he walks and stands beside me. We're behind Tye and Dorseti. Tre is doing something to make my dress more poofy.

"Are you new Mary sir?"

All 3 of them and Dorseti start laughing. "Apparently I am baby, Mary already went in. You're not getting a go. Just figure it out Dipak."

"Great yea, I've done this 1 other time now."

Tre looks at him. "Do you want to switch? Now it your only chance."

Dipak shakes his head. "I'll get her ass to the seat."

Tre starts laughing and stands by Elkie. They get called in right away.

I look at Dipak. "Very comforting dear." He nods at me and Tye and Dorseti both crack up laughing.

"I'll carry your ass if I have to. But I will get you there."