Unbearable (Unexpected Sequel)|✔️

27- Bridesmaid Duties

When Natalie told me I was going to be a bridesmaid, I was too blinded by my shock to really question it. I was more focused on the fact that someone actually liked me enough to invite me to their wedding party. It was quite a shock coming from her.

So when she texted me to come over the following Saturday for "Bridesmaid duties" I was a little confused. The term was vague enough to keep me on my toes. I was totally excited to be involved, but a little nervous too. It didn't help that I had no idea what a bridesmaid did.

If I'm being honest, I thought it was more for show and she wouldn't include me in the actual traditions and whatnot.

Regardless, I was jittery with nerves as I pulled into her parent's driveway. I had the route memorized by now. I could drive there with my eyes closed – not that I encouraged that.

But why was I so nervous? I was meeting her fiancé for the first time. Ethan was technically her husband because they got married in a courthouse, but she refused to acknowledge him as such until they had a real wedding.

With the nerves running through me, you'd think I was meeting my husband.

Before I could turn on my heel and disappear, I pressed on the golden doorbell. The chine rang, followed by barking from Fluffy, their dog. A smile immediately came to my face. I hadn't seen her in a while.

The door swung open and I was met by the familiar petite lady. Her kind green eyes lit up at the sight of me and she quickly pulled me into a tight hug. For a short woman, she sure had a tight grip.

"Bella!" She grinned, pulling away and dragging me into the house. "It's been so long! You never stop by the diner anymore."

"Hi Mrs. Cullen," I smiled.

"Come come, I'll call Dean down." She ushered me into the living room.

I froze, making her stop with me. I braced myself to repeat myself for the millionth time. "Actually, Dean and I broke up."

She had the same reaction as her eldest son. Her jaw nearly unhinged. "Did I hear this right?"

"Yeah," I awkwardly mumbled.

Luckily, Fluffy came to my rescue. She bolted toward me, nearly knocking me down. I had a lot of practice with Ryder, so I saved my back from the pain this time.

"Honey! Did you know that Dean and Bella broke up?" Mrs. Cullen called out, probably to her husband.

Great, just tell it to the whole neighborhood, why don't you?

A tall man with peppered hair appeared from the kitchen with a bewildered look. "What?"

I bit back an eye roll and stood up straight. "Hello to you too, Mr. Cullen." It sounded a little snotty, but that's just how it worked with Dean's family. From hanging out at the diner to being invited to family occasions – without Dean, mind you – our relationship strengthened. They were like my second family.

"Everyone's in the kitchen," Mrs. Cullen smiled, nodding toward the entrance. I took the hint and went ahead while they whispered behind me. My name being thrown around was an obvious hint at the topic for discussion.

I walked in, Fluffy trailing behind me. The first thing I saw was Lily sitting in her high chair. She had food smushed all over her face. Standing next to her was the woman of the hour, looking super frustrated.

I cleared my throat. Natalie's gaze finally landed on me. I expected a hug or something, but instead, she shoved the baby food toward me. "Feed her, please."

I laughed and took it from her hand. Everyone knew I was good at feeding Lily. I wasn't sure why, but it might've been the fact that I let her play with my hair while she ate. It was a small sacrifice to get her fed.