Something Great (Sequel to Something Borrowed)

Chapter 29: No Reply

A/N: Hey readers!! Sorry this took so long. It's been a busy week and weekend for me but here's your update! I personally feel it sucks but I hope you all will like it.

The words wedding and worry seem to go hand in hand. While weddings are meant to be joyous occasions, the preparations for them sure are stressful. Most brides-to-be worry about if their dress will fit, if they’ll remember their vows, if they’ll trip while walking down the aisle. But the thing I was most worried about was who all was coming to the wedding. I hadn’t even started a guess list yet. I for sure that mother would be there. My father was deceased so obviously he wouldn’t be in attendance. I’d informed Harry about my engagement and he seemed okay with it but he didn’t seem too thrilled either. I wanted him to come but I wasn’t sure if Harry would come considering the circumstances he left under.  Plus, I wasn’t sure if Leif would be willing to pay for another plane ticket when Harry wouldn’t be staying very long. I really wanted him to be there but I guess I understood if he didn’t come. Then there was Brooke.

 I’d been thinking a lot about what Mother had told me. I had to make things right. But I just didn’t know if it’s pan out. Brooke had told me she was through with me. I truly believed her. Brooke was the type that held grudges. When she was mad, she meant she was mad. She was one tough nut to crack.

I slowly sipped my morning tea as I stared out the kitchen window. I’d been thinking about the wedding. Thoughts about my wedding day ran through my head 89% of the day. There was so much I had to do in so little time.  “You’re far too beautiful to worry.” Jacob tells me as he makes himself comfortable at the table with his cup of coffee.  I turned to him, smiling slightly. “How do you know I’m worried about something?” I asked running a hand through my messy bed hair. Jake smiled a twinkle in his sleepy blue eyes. “I think I know you well enough.” He replied. I smiled widely. God knows how long I’ve been waiting for someone who understands me to come around.

“I figured it’s time we start making a guest list.” I declared casually before sipping my tea. “Don’t you think it’s a little too early for that?” Jake asked.  I shook my head. “Sorry to break it to you babe, but April’s almost over.  If we want to tie the knot by June we better get started.” I replied.  He shrugged. “I work well under pressure. Who do you have in mind?” Jake asked. “Well, I already know your mother’s gonna invite everyone in the Carrington family tree so we must save room for them.” I replied playfully. Jacob rolled his eyes. “Don’t remind me Erin.  What about your family?” He questioned. I sighed.

“Well Mother will be there of course. “ I replied softly. At this point, that was the only person I knew for sure would be there for me. I’d invited Michael but I couldn’t be sure he’d actually be there.

Jacob raises an eyebrow at me before sipping his coffee. “You’ve gotta invite more people than that, babe.” He says. I sighed. “Well, I bumped into Michael a few weeks ago. I invited him but I don’t know if he’ll come.” I replied. “It’ll be interesting to see him. You haven’t talked to him in ages.” Jake declared matter-of-factly. “What about Harry? Brooke?” He suggested. Oh boy. Why’d he have to mention her??  I sighed. “I don’t know if Harry will come. He didn’t seem too excited when I broke the news to him. And Brooke and I don’t talk anymore.” I blurted. Where’s a time machine when you need one? I did not mean to say that.

Jake furrowed his brows. “Wait, why don’t you and Brooke talk anymore?” He asked. I could feel a knot of nervousness in my stomach. I still hadn’t told Jacob about my falling out with Brooke. If I did I’d have to revisit a past that I wanted him to know nothing about. Jake knew about Michael and Brooke’s divorce and acknowledged the fact that the family no longer got together for family dinners but I guess he’d assumed that Mother had arranged it that way because he figured Michael and Brooke couldn’t stand being around each other. If only he knew it was me that Brooke couldn’t stand to be around.

I looked down at my mug and noticed that I’d drank all the tea. I quickly got up from the table and dumped the tea bag in the trash. I always busied myself when I wanted to avoid trouble or I was worried and Jacob knew that. I sighed and prepared to answer his question to avoid suspicion. “Well, you know. Brooke’s been really devastated about her divorce. She has the tendency to isolate herself from everyone when things happen to her.” I lied. I felt really bad for lying to Jake. He was such a great guy and he’d be my husband in a month or two. There shouldn’t be any secrets between the two of us but I just couldn’t bring myself to tell him about rendezvous with Michael.

I took my seat back at the table. “Well, I don’t think that should be a reason to stop talking to you. You’re a wonderful fiancé. I know for sure you make a great sister.” Jacob replied with a grin. I smiled nervously “Brooke’s a complicated person.” I replied. Boy was that ever true.

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Just turn around Erin. This is stupid. You’re wasting your time.  I told myself as I pulled up to the beautiful Tudor style home that once belonged to both Michael and Brooke. I still remember when they first bought it. Brooke had about three housewarming parties just to show off her new home to everyone she knew. It had been nine months since I’d been here. The home always had the peaceful ambiance on the outside but it didn’t feel like that when I pulled in the front drive way.

After my slip up this morning with Jake, I figured it was finally time to make things right with Brooke. It would eat away at my conscience if I didn’t. I was beyond nervous. I had no idea how to approach the situation. The least I could do was try.

I took a deep breath as I approached the front door. My hands felt clammy as I rang the door bell. I let out a nervous breath as I waited for the door to be answered. Usually, whenever I came over one of the girls answered the door.  Not this time though. I studied the flower beds to keep myself entertained while I waited. They could really use some water. Brooke seemed to be letting herself go since her divorce. This was so unlike her.

The flowers quickly became boring and I wondered what could be taking Brooke so long. It was a Saturday. I wasn’t sure if the girls had any extracurricular activities today but it was well into the afternoon. They should be home by now. Something is up. I decided to go around to the back.  I quickly observed that Brooke’s vehicle was parked in the drive way. She had to be home. Seeing her car under the car port gave me a strong feeling that Brooke was home and ignoring me on purpose.  Anger slowly rose in the pit of my stomach as I firmly knocked on the back door. I folded my arms as I waited. Five minutes had passed and not a soul had answered the door. I knew for sure that Brooke was ignoring me.

So that’s the way Brooke wants to be. I drive all the way out to her home to make amends with her and see how she’s doing and she refuses to answer door. What a slap in the face. It’s been nine months and she can’t put her anger aside for five minutes to talk to me and hear me out??? I knew I should have turned around. I knew I shouldn’t have wasted my time.

Maybe it’s best if Brooke isn’t a part of the wedding at all.