We're Not Related Anymore...

A Thousand Yellow Daisies

Maddie: Present Day

The weeks leading up to the wedding pass me by in a blur. Before I know it, I'm standing at the airport terminal, waiting for my mom to fetch me. As I do, my hand goes into my pocket and finds the piece of paper Jacob gave me before he left.

I'll wait.

I've read the words so many times that the paper's worn through. Jacob has obeyed my letter's instructions and hasn't dared reach out to me. I'm glad he hasn't. It's given me some much-needed time to think.

"Well, well, if it isn't my favorite black sheep," I turn around when I hear my mom's voice and the click-clack of the ridiculously high heels she's wearing. "Are you ready for this wedding? Or are you still hoping there'll be an earthquake and it will be canceled?"

I slide the paper back into my coat pocket and start wheeling my suitcase to my mom. "Why an earthquake? Let's be proactive and set up explosives at the venue."

"Shhh, don't joke about that kind of thing at an airport. Wait until we're in the car until you tell me your bomb scheme." She helps me with my other bag and together we walk out into the sweltering hot day. "Can you believe it, your brother is getting married?"

"Yuck," I say as we near her rental car. It's adorably cute and I can see she's already contaminated it with all of her take-away food wrappers. "It's so weird thinking about Josh getting married. I remember when he used to run around the house naked because he didn't want to take a bath."

"Aww, I remember that. He was so disgusting. Have you guys been in contact since you last saw each other?" She asks and pops the trunk so that we can bundle my bags away.

The last time we saw each other was the day after our dad's funeral. At least, I think it was. I've been so busy that my short stint back here has been more of a blur than anything. But, considering the last time we had a proper conversation, he was telling me to mind my own business, I didn't exactly leave thinking, 'OMG! I can't wait to Skype with you when I get back home!'

"Hm, not really. Have you?" I ask as we get back into the car. My mom waits until I'm secure in my seat before she starts the car. I can't believe she's attempting to drive in those shoes of hers.

"Yes, actually." And I can tell by the shy smile on her face that she's really pleased by this development in their relationship. "Since your dad passed, he's been a lot warmer towards me. I was even thinking of taking a few months off of work so that I could spend some quality time with you guys. I'll spend a few months in the year with you and then him."

I'm a bit shocked by her words but I try not to let it show. For years my mom's globe trotted around the world for work. I can't believe she's finally ready to settle down and lead a more traditional life.

"Sounds great, Mom," I tell her even though I doubt she'll enjoy shacking up with me in my merry, overflowing apartment. Or maybe she'll get a hotel. Speaking of hotels... "What's this monstrosity I hear they're having the wedding at?"

"Oh, the Marilyn Hotel? I also threw up when I heard about that."

Betty and her father have graciously booked out the entire hotel for the wedding this weekend. Every guest attending is getting their own suite of rooms and I just about passed out trying to imagine how they paid for all of that. Sometimes I wonder if it wasn't only Adrian fattening up his pockets illegally.

"But at least we'll all be together for the days leading up to the wedding. I think it will be a lot of fun. And you know what, Lilian's less of a bitch these days," she says.

I peer out of my window, enjoying the view of endless rolling green hills and clear blue sky. We pass by a cow and I have to smile. Gotta love the country. "I somehow doubt that. Can't ever imagine her being cuddly."