crisis part 1
927 Words
Heather's pov
The first stop at the pub concluded on a nice, emotional note. A lot of people congratulated me and offered to buy us more drinks, but I was already so tipsy I had to decline. Some even went to the extreme of ordering bouquets from online shops. I couldn’t believe there was a flower shop open that late at night! Now, the girls and I were on the street, enjoying the cool night air.
“Wow, you have to admit, the ending was super cool,” Jenna gushed, clutching two bouquets of flowers.
“Yeah, it was really beautiful, everyone. I had a great time,” I said. I wasn’t lying; it had been a one-of-a-kind bridal shower. Brian even gave a surprise striptease to commemorate my wedding, and since I’d been outvoted by the crowd, I’d had no choice but to enjoy it.
“Tell the truth—you loved the strip show the most, didn’t you?” Megan teased, grinning as I scoffed to hide my blush. She had me pegged.
“It was… alright,” I said, waving my hand dismissively as I tried not to look flustered. Somehow, I was the only one not carrying any flowers in our group.
“You lie! I saw you sweating from his hotness all the way from the stage,” Sally joked, and I shot her a glare.
“You’d better pray a video of me doesn’t end up online, or you’re all dead,” I warned, only half-joking.
“What? Scared your parents will see how wild their daughter really is?” Jenna laughed.
“Or that your groom will see that hot, feisty side you’ve kept hidden?” Wendy added with a smirk.
“You know what?” I huffed, playfully stepping away from them. “I should be mad! You got me drunk and booked a stripper. I’m so done.”
“Oh, come on, Heather! It’s your girls' night out before the big day. Of course, we had to pull out all the stops!” Natalie exclaimed. The other girls nodded in agreement, backing her up.
I rolled my eyes, trying to hide my smile.
“Anyway, for the last event on the bridal shower itinerary, let’s head to the nearest cafe for some cake and coffee,” Sally suggested. That was so her—cake and coffee in the middle of the night.
“I don’t know, guys. I really should get going...” I started, knowing that just because the wedding was set for tomorrow afternoon didn’t mean I should stay out all night.
“Oh, come on, Heathz! Just one more thing together, and we’ll drop you off,” Jenna pleaded.
“Guys—” I began, but then my phone rang, interrupting me. The familiar tone of Megan Trainor’s Mom played, and I quickly fumbled to answer it.
“Is that the groom? Don’t answer! This is our night with you, no distractions!” Wendy warned, eyes wide as she saw me take out my phone.
“It’s my mom,” I replied, rolling my eyes.
I picked up the call. “Hello, Mom,” I said warmly.
“Hello, Mom!” Jenna and Wendy chimed in.
“Hello, Mom!” Sally, Natalie, and Megan added, and I couldn’t help but scoff. Whose mom were they even greeting, after getting me so drunk?
“Don’t listen to them, Mom; don’t talk to these traitors,” I joked.
“What? Heather’s being mean again, Mrs. Harrison!” Sally chimed in.
“I am not being mean! You guys did me dirty!” I retorted, and we all started bickering playfully.
“Yo! Could you let Mom speak?” Veronica, my sister, suddenly shouted over the line, silencing us all.
“Sorry, Aunt Mavis,” the girls said in unison.
“Sorry, Mom. What’s up?” I asked, still smiling.
“Hi, Sally, Wendy, Natalie, Megan, and Jenna. Did you girls enjoy planning the bridal shower?” Mom asked, and I felt a flash of jealousy. Wasn’t I her daughter? Why did she speak to them first?!
“Yes, we did! She had fun, we had fun,” Jenna replied cheerfully.
“That’s good, girls. Thank you for taking care of my lazybum,” Mom said with affection, using my infamous, hated nickname.
“Mom! I’m here, your daughter! Why are you talking to them first? Especially after what they did to me?” I protested, feigning offense.
“Heather, honey, hello to you too,” she replied with a laugh. “Did you enjoy the activities your friends planned?”
“Yes, I did. They’re even trying to take me to a café for coffee and cake now,” I mused.
“Well, I’m glad you had fun, honey.” Her voice softened, an uncharacteristic pause following her words. A slight tension crept in, the kind I’d usually hear from her only if something was off.
“Mom?” I asked, the lightness in my tone vanishing as I picked up on her hesitation.
There was a faint sigh on the other end as if she was struggling to find the right words. “Heather, honey… there’s been a change in plans for tomorrow,” she began gently.
My friends stopped laughing, picking up on the tone in my voice and the worried look in my eyes. “What kind of change?” I asked cautiously.
“We… we won’t be able to make it to your wedding, honey,” she said, her voice low and apologetic.
- Writer
