TLWM: The Hate Experience

\XXXIV/ Marvel

     Letty knew how many people should've been in her house. Exactly 23 heads were invited, not including her two munchkins, mother, and brother. But still, she knotted up when her stiletto moved off the last step and onto the hallway floor. Prince decided to "nap" and show himself a little later when the number of house occupants were in the single digits, and Letty's anxiety didn't mind that.

In her pink cashmere dress, she walked into the living room, the hub of the party, and her heart broke a little when she saw her great-grandmother Dolly cackling from the couch with a cupcake in hand.

"Gran-Gran," Letty pouted, approaching her grandmother with open arms, and when she reached, she bent to give her a big hug and kiss on the cheek. "I'm so sorry I missed your arrival, honey."

As Letty stood up straight, her left hand was stolen by Gran Dolly. "Letty, where this come from? When you get this?" Then her eyes were drawn to the diamonds that adorned over Letty like a fine jewelry mannequin.

A nearby cousin was looking too over her glasses, and within seconds, The Red Prince was a silent siren. The music lowered, spotty chatter died away, and all in the house were magnetized towards the statement piece on Letty's finger. Not only was its placement exposing an engagement, but the jewel itself was a marvel everyone was fighting to see up close.

Letty wanted to tell Jackee, Ace, Jax and Julian first, that's who she was initially looking for, but they were pushing through the crowd when Letty confirmed all the questions flying around her. "Yes," she said, shoulders lifted with a huge smile. "I'm getting married ya'll."

The room came alive. One uncle pretended to faint, sending a few aunties to grab paper plates and start fanning the old man on the floor. A squad of squealing kids were spinning around, bumping into everybody. A few female cousins were bumping hips, singing Dixie Cups Chapel of Love. Then Ace ran up to her and after slapping his hands on his cheeks, screamed over everyone else, "Oh my goodness, you look so beautiful, Ms. Wizzo!"

Letty was so overwhelmed with the acts of love, excitement and puzzlement that she started to tear up again. "Thank you, my love bug," she said hugging Ace.

"Daddy told me when we come here that he was going to marry you so I can have my sister! When is she coming!?"

Ace's outburst arched eyebrows and sent a roll of mumbling through the room.

Before Letty could rid her chuckles to answer him, Jackee was in her face, looking her up and down. "Oh Good God! Look at my baby!" She pulled Letty into a tight embrace, screaming for joy.

"Mommy!?" Letty laughed.

And Julian had Letty's hand in his, admiring the hues of the diamond as light bounced around it. "Shit," he said, then as someone else took her hand, he took her right wrist. "You was up there playing dress up? Diamonds and pearls?"

Letty shot him a look, one that said please hush.

"Where he at?"

Jackee repeated the question and Gran Dolly followed suit. "Yeah, where he at?"

"Who is he?" Letty's favorite uncle asked.

"Yes, Ms. Letty," older cousin Lynn said, dragging her words like she just woke up and needed her cup of coffee and cigarette. "'Cause you know we were starting to think you was a secret lesbian, and if you are, don't be scared to bring her—"

"He's busy," Letty said. Prince didn't sleep enough so a nap was essential. She couldn't bother him. "But I promise you'll meet him soon."

"He left?" Jackee asked. "He's not upstairs hiding?"