We're Not Related Anymore...

Let Them Eat Cake

Maddie: Present Day

When I wake up the next morning, Jacob's gone. Before he left, he took my shoes off and tucked me under the sheets. He left the letters next to me on the pillow.

I smile down at them, feeling like I'm on cloud nine. Ugh, why do I have to go to Josh's wedding? Can't we just skip out and spend the day together? It sucks that he's the best man. 

The wedding's at ten and I've already wasted away most of the morning by sleeping in. I get dressed in the dress I picked out. It's a cheap, red satin number that I found while thrift shopping. I don't do my own makeup and instead go over to the twins' room. 

I've barely finished knocking when the door is thrust open. 

"Please tell me you're here to ask me to do your make-up. I mean, good for you if you're going for the fresh-face look," Shelley says. I push past her and laugh. 

"Just shut up and work your magic," I tell her, waving at Mary who's lying on her bed reading a book. "What do you think about all of this? I can't believe this day is already here."

"We're actually more interested in what happened between you and Jacob after you guys left the pre-wedding lunch. You guys both missed the rehearsal too." 

Shit. I'd completely forgotten about that. 

"Were people mad?" I ask as Shelley opens up her makeup case. 

"Nah, besides that crotchety old aunt of yours, I don't think most people gave a shit. A lot of the people here are Betty's guests anyway so I don't think anyone knows who you guys are. So, did you guys have sex?"

"Shelley, that's disgusting," Mary says but she's sat up and now leaning in like she wants to know the answer. 

"No. We just talked."

"Talked?" Shelley says with disbelief. "For almost a whole day? Why and how?" 

"That's not really romantic," Mary agrees and shuffles on the bed so that she's sitting on the edge. "I mean, I thought he would do something cool like perform a grand gesture to win you back."

"I didn't realize you were such a romantic, Mary." I also didn't realize they were so invested in our relationship. "And the conversation was everything I needed to hear." Shelley shushes me as she starts on my foundation. We're quiet while she finishes off her final touches and I can see Mary stewing to ask another question. "Actually, can I get your guys' advice on something?"

"Us?" They say at the same time. "Sure, go ahead."

Ok. Them speaking in sync isn't creepy at all. 

"Hypothetically speaking, if I know something bad about someone... something that could alter this person's entire perception about the other person's character-"

"Ok, I'm going to stop you right there. I'm lost. Just name names. I won't say anything."

"She will spill the secret to her entire Instagram," Mary corrects. "But go on. Is this about Josh?"

I nod. "It's about both of the soon-to-be-married couple, actually. Josh cheated on Betty and Betty's the one that posted that video three years ago."

The twins stare at me in shock for a moment before I snap my fingers in front of their faces. 

"Josh cheated? Good for him," Shelley says nodding her head appreciatively. 

"Shelley," I chide but I would be lying if I hadn't thought something similar in the back of my mind. I mean, no one deserves to be cheated on but if I had to wish that kind of thing on someone, it would be Betty. I just wish it wasn't my brother that had to do it.