I really don't need a dad!

Chapter 4

The bells from the church rang but instead of being the sound of joy it was the calling of an impatient decision. Me and mom were in a room to get her ready but the amount of people who came to do her makeup and get her dressed was so overwhelming I had to step out. Once I saw five or more people leave I stepped back inside. "Oh wow" I said with my mouth hanging open. My moms black curls have been decorated with pearl adornments and her makeup brightened her face. Her dress had pearl detailing on the bodice with a flowing skirt and sleeves.

"Am i allowed to be this happy" mom said while holding back tears "of course you are, you deserve the world momma" I reassured her while pulling her in for a tight hug. We were interrupted by a knock on the door, and a man in a tuxedo opened the door stating that it was time for us to make our way to the hall. I handed my mom her bouquet and took her by the arm as we walked out of the room. It was a small walk but before we could enter "hello there t.j" i snapped my head around so fast 'why didn't i hear him walk up' "Angeline will be walking down the aisle alone and i was told to take you to sit with the family" Bryce said. I looked at mom "are you going to be okay?" I could tell that she was a little worried but she gave me a nod saying that she was excited that this was happening and that I should just go with Bryce.

Bryce

"Do you want to get some air?" I asked t.j, she looked exhausted. I must say however that Ax did a great job in choosing matching dresses for the girls. It was a light pink corseted top covered in flowers and a flowy skirt that came till the ankles. T.j wore light pink high heels and had her hair free so it flowed with every movement she took. In comparison Julie wore the dress with sparkly white flats and her hair in a high ponytail and flower hair clips. "I'm okay, I don't want to miss any part of the wedding," she replied, staring at the floor.

I simply nodded and led her to a door that was closer to the officiant and we took a seat in the front row. I felt bad for her because there was no way that she didn't feel the burning eyes of all the guests. This was exactly why we should have waited and immersed them into our life since t.j hasn't even met all us siblings. Despite the eyes and the constant murmuring her eyes stayed forward. Her posture was impeccable and her poker face made her look sophisticated. It was almost as if she was trained for the spotlight.

T.j

I don't think I've ever been so uncomfortable before. Sure, people looking at me are fine. I was prepared for that but I could feel lasers burning through my skull from a girl who was a little taller than me and wearing the same dress. I guess that's jewel, or Julie or Juliana? Shit what was her name? I really hope she doesn't talk to me. God knows how she even feels about all of this, if she's anything like her brothers maybe I might get slapped.

*fast forward to the ceremony getting over because i am lazy asf*

As countless numbers of photographers chased after mom and large numbers of guests flocked to my new step-siblings I was left all alone in the front row. I rose to my feet still hearing the whispers "someone said she works in a club" "her father isn't in the picture" "i wonder if she'll burden Aiden" "poor Julie she'll have less attention now". Without lifting my head from the small flower bracelet on my wrist I walked out of the church away from the heavy discussions and clear hatred. Julie was her name, I guess it's a good thing that people gossip.

I walked way out to the road and looked from side to side but there weren't any stores nearby, I was hoping to get a smoke but oh well. I let out an audible sigh. "What's wrong? Is the party a bore?" a fluttery voice said. I immediately snapped around, what is with everyone in this goddamn family being a level 9 ninja. It was that Julie kid "oh, i was just a little overwhelmed is all" I said trying my best to force a smile. "That's a surprise, you're always in the presence of rich men so I thought you would've fit right in" she said while innocently smiling.

I think she was expecting a different response but I was bent over laughing, she's still a child, I thought to myself. That was probably the nicest thing someone had said to me all morning. At least she was straight up about it "why are you laughing at me you freak? You ruined my family!" she was practically hollering. "Look, I had nothing to do with our parents getting together. I didn't even know until the wedding was already done" i said while still holding my stomach "if it makes you feel better you can curse me out a bit more though".

Julie

When I saw t.j leave the church I knew this was the perfect opportunity to finally give her a piece of my mind but now I'm really just at a loss for words. Whenever I've passed a comment like that while smiling before people would get really uncomfortable or it would shock them pretty well. After waiting for a minute or two t,j stopped laughing, she was carefully wiping tears probably not to smudge her make-up.

After calming down "you know I really like you, my name is t.j" she said while beaming, holding up her hand to shake mine. I just sort of started at it. She then retracted her hand "haha my bad i tend to be a bit overfamiliar". I just looked at the floor, should I just let it go? But she was the reason my brothers have had such a hard time lately trying to cover up where she works and scrubbing any pictures and videos of her.

When I looked up I noticed her just staring at the sky. It was a bright day with scattered clouds and light breeze, a truly pleasant day. Her black hair was flowing in the wind, it made a truly serene picture. "You really didn't know about our parents getting together" i asked carefully "nope, i found out at the same time as you. Though I can't say I rebelled against the idea as much as you guys, I don't plan on invading your space so don't worry." t.j said looking straight into my eyes. "But dad said you were moving in with your mom so i was-" "woah hold up princess, that's not going to happen, I made it very clear to my mom that i wasn't moving anywhere. My mom would feel antsy if she moved away from me so I don't think anything is going to change immediately". I didn't know if I should have trusted those words but the sincerity in her face was hard to ignore. The fact that she called me princess made it difficult to decide if she was being genuine or mocking.

T.j

I hope I won her over, she seems like such an adorable kid. Finally after maybe a minute of consideration she held her hand up and introduced herself as 'Julie' so that's what it was, but i think I'm going to stick to princess. After a couple minutes of introductions I've learnt a couple things. Number one: everyone in this family is way too tall for their age and I'm older than Julie and her twin Jaxson. Number two: Aiden is very insistent on getting me and mom to move so he's set new rooms in their house. Number three: I have to watch out for a second set of twin brothers because they apparently hate everything about me, just great.

We both decided to walk back to the church since they probably needed us to take group pictures. I heavily protested going back but princess said it may help clear my name if we went together. When we approached the church we were called to come to a little flower garden that was on the right of the church. As we got closer I felt a heavy arm pull me into place. I looked up and it was Bryce, his gaze focused on photographers in front of us.