MADISON

I get a text from Jace:

My sister and mother are waiting at the pool. I'll see you tomorrow my little devil 🤍

I text back:

🤍👰🏼‍♀️

We're getting married tomorrow! It's finally here. These 3 weeks have felt like a lifetime. Especially with everything that's happened. The family feud. Jace's fake love child. The crazy woman with the knife. The earring bombs. The attack on my studio. The mafia. I've lived multiple lifetimes of trials and tribulations.

No...let me correct that. We've lived it. Jace and I. We overcame everything...every challenge and disagreement. Our love only grew stronger. He's my heart...and I'm his. That should be a part of my vows. I'll have to write them tonight. I end my zoning out and come back to reality. "They're waiting for us."

"The salty bitches." Lil's eyes slit with loathing. "Let's go return the favor." My sis's Napoleon complex is hilarious. A tiny wrecking ball. I love her devotion to me. Lil leads the way. My mom loops her arm into mine.

Jess hustles to catch up to her boo. "No swinging."

"Oh, right...the bat. I totally forgot. We'll have to make a stop." I laugh out loud at her ability to say this in a leveled tone.

The mall is our first stop. Mom and I wait by the elevator while Lil and Jess browse for a baseball bat. "The nerve of that woman!" My mom stews in anger. "I have so many names to call her." She places her hands on her hips and pace back and forth. "She's going to wish she was never born. Her and her daughter!"

"Don't start the drag train without us." Lil rounds the corner with a metal bat. "All aboard!" Her boss bitch walk is so badass. Did she practice it?? I find her hasty walking amusing.

I can't lie and say I don't want a resolution. I do. No way can I sit back and let Mrs. Harrison win. My comfortability with being a victim has to end. The bitches await us at the poolside. Lil approaches them fast. So fast that she incites fear.

Mrs. Harrison stands, toppling a lawn chair over. The baseball bat has her sweating bullets. "What's the meaning of this??!!"

"WhAt'S ThE MeAnInG oF ThIs??" Lil clowns her. "Sit your plastic ass down." She threateningly jerks her chin towards the chair. "Or I'll make you." My sis effortlessly twirls the bat around. You'd think she was in the pro league by how she handles it.

My mother-in-law eyes me for an explanation. I don't think her panic is fake. "Madison, please!"

"Don't you fucking talk to her!" My mom bellows.

Lil paces forward, still swinging the bat around, helicoptering it. "I won't repeat myself."

"MOM SIT DOWN! THEY'RE ALL CRAZY!" Kim pulls at her mother's dress. She leans far back in her chair. I spot her legs shaking.

Meredith stumbles back into her seat. "Leave us be, you've already won!" She hisses at Lil.

"True...but there's always a victory celebration...isn't there?" She stands between the chairs, now waving the bat from side to side to freak them out. This stirs up their fright. "Next word to leave any of your mouths will result in my using it." Lil smiles as menacingly as the joker does. Pure bliss and madness rules her expression. "Sit and listen." She doesn't take her eyes off of them. "You're up, mama bear." She signals to my mom. Who charges their way like a bull.

I don't like how hostile she is. Intensity radiates from her body. Mom is liable to use her fist. She's a wildcard right now. I've never seen her this way in all of my life. I hope she doesn't get physical! I make to go to restrain her, but Jess stretches her arm out to stop me. "She has to do this."

Mom huffs and puffs over the two, who recoil away as whimpering puppies would. She zeros in on Meredith. Mother versus Mother. "You spineless snake! Unlovable hag! Undesirable piece of shit!!" She yells like a drill sergeant. "You only want control over my daughter because you have no control over your life! I'm sure your husband is cheating...that's usually the reason!! DON'T EVER SPEAK TO MY DAUGHTER AGAIN!!"

"Useless tramps." Lil jumps in on the roasting . "Superficial cunts."

"Worthless Queen!"

Lil eyes Kim. "Inbred whore."

"Aging beast!" Mom stays focused on Meredith, while Lil goes in on Kim.

"Satan's Slut."

"Fugly bitch."

"Crypt's Keeper."

"Unwanted slug!"

"Saggy serpent!" Mom speaks the final insult. Meredith and Kim are appalled and too afraid to say a word. I think of children facing punishment by their parents. The utter dread is equivalent to a doomsday.

"It feels nice being abused, doesn't it??" Lil grins, then jumps at them like a boogeyman. Their shrilling screams of horror are priceless. They inch deeper into their chairs, almost welding their flesh into them. Little turtles retreating into their shells.

They don't make a peep. The metal weapon keeps them in check. Mom mugs down Meredith. "Don't even think about joining the bachelorette party." She storms away, back inside the mansion. I clinch up as she passes by me. I haven't been this scared of mom since my teen years.

"Bye punk asses." Lil rests the bat on her shoulder before strutting off.

"My Harley Quinn." Jess flirts with her boo.

"The one and only." My sis smirks. "Now let's get ready to party, miss bride." She takes me by the hand, leading me to a literal club room.

I swear this place keeps surprising me. I guess this is the chosen bachelorette destination. My aunt whips up a row of domino shots. There are shot glasses balanced atop each cocktail glass. She's so cool. I love how she has the whole bar counter covered. It'll be a 360 show. The drink of choice is vodka. I analyze the drinks, easily reading the ingredients within them. Tequila Gold, Patron Anejo. Coffee Liqueur, Patron XO Café. Heavy Cream. 1 dash Orange Bitters. "Show off." I squint, a bit jealous.

"I'll teach you how to do it." Trisha winks.

I go to sit in a bar stool next to mom. "You okay, she hulk?" I jab.

"I'm getting there..."

Trisha looks between us. "What did I miss?"

"You'll only get worked up." Mom says.

"Why?"

I let the cat out of the bag. "My in laws tried to break me and Jace up. Mom and Lil gave them an ear full."

"When?!" My aunt is stunned. "And why wasn't I included???"

"You can get them at the wedding." I say to amend things. My sis and her boo accompany us at the bar stools.

"Why are they still invited?!" Her face reddens. My crew's eyes fall on me. My aunt follows their line of vision. "Maddy...why in the hell would you allow that?!"

"I have to keep some sort of peace..."

"I had a feeling about the mom."

"I did too...from day one. But she fooled me." My mother grumbles.

"Yeah...that lady can act." Lil chimes in.

"The whole family is despicable." Jess states with loathing.

"They are...but I'm keeping them close for Jace."

"No...he said you persuaded him...meaning he was ready to send their asses away." Mom recalls the talk in the library.

"I can't have a bad relationship with my in laws. I know I shouldn't care about that, but I do." I confess. "Now, can we please drop the subject and enjoy the party?" I plead.

Mom sighs. Trish folds her arms. I hope that's the end of the drama. Honestly, I just want to focus on getting married. Trish tilts one shot glass over, creating a domino effect. Each one topples into a cocktail glass in a pleasing uniform line. Falling one after the other. The drink fizzes up, bubbling like a scientist experiment. We all clap at the impressive trick. "I'll let the hot bodyguard know I made enough drinks." She wiggles her brows. "He can be my papi, anytime he wants."

Lily does a catcall whistle. Mom laughs. "He is impeccable...the accent and the body."

"And the killer machine background. I looked him up."

"So did I."

"Mom!" I blush.

"What, just because I'm married, doesn't mean I can't have eye candy. Your dad hates my celebrity husbands so much." She titters.

"Yeah, but everyone has the hots for celebrities...Alonso is actually around you."

Trisha rolls her eyes. "Ah...the first marriage effect. Am I right?" She and mom tap their cocktail glasses together. "Let her discover it on her own." What are they talking about?? Are they saying catching feelings for someone else is normal when you're married?? I don't see myself wanting any other man than Jace. He's my true love. My dream.

"Let's get some karaoke going!" Lil battle cries.

"Open the windows and blast it, so the scum in laws can hear." Jess eggs her girlfriend's on.

My bestie does so. The sound system is immaculate. One created specially for rave parties. The height and width of the ceiling speakers are gigantic. As the bride to be, I'm first up. Mom gifts me with something old. Her and dad's first dance song. Fire by The Pointer Sisters.

I know the song word for word. They slow danced to it every anniversary. I always found this adorable as a kid. Even as a teen. I walk onto a neon stage, with a microphone in hand that flashes and booms out bass vibrations. The soulful music revs through the speakers. The bass guitar and drums key up.

"I'm ridin' in your car. You turn on the radio. You're pullin' me close. I just say no. I say I don't like it, but you know I'm a liar. 'Cause when we kiss, ooh fire." My gang whistle and applaud me as I prance across the stage to the beat. I can't help but giggle at my own goofiness. "Late at night, you're takin' me home."

I do a sexy hug dance, slithering my body with it. My mom exclaims in laughter.

"You say you want to stay. I say I want to be alone. I say I don't love you, but you know I'm a liar. 'Cause when we kiss, ooh fire." I do my best rock star performance, head banging, air guitars, a bad version of the moon walk. "You had a hold on me right from the start. A grip so tight I couldn't tear it apart. My nerves all jumpin', actin' like a fool. Well, your kisses they burn, but my heart stays cool." I imitate the chair scene from Flash Dance, only the water is missing.

"Well, Romeo and Juliet, Samson and Delilah. Baby, you can bet...a love they couldn't deny." I pull the chair along with me while I strut the stage, swinging my hair. "My words say split, but my words they lie. 'Cause when we kiss, ooh, fire!"

"FIRE, BABE!!" Lil hollers.

"GET THAT SPICE, GIRL!!" Jess snaps her fingers.

"SHE GOT HER RYTHM FROM ME!" Auntie shouts with pride.

"WOOT WOOT!" Mom, of course, does her favorite dance. Raise the roof.

"Ooh fire. Hot kisses like fire, burn me up with fire." I add a breathiness to my voice, so it sizzles with horniness. "I like what you're doin' now. Fire. Touchin' me with fire. Touchin' me, burnin' me with fire. Take me home!"

The standing ovation I receive is hilarious, and a lot louder than I knew my peeps could be. They sound like a roaring concert audience with all their screaming and clapping. Lil runs up to speak into the microphone. "Take her home, Jace. I know you hear us!" I buckle over with untamable, gut-wrenching laughter. The pain in my stomach is so sweet.

JACE

The nightclub is across the way from the bar we're in. The sound system is set to the max. I heard Lily's challenge. And I heard by babies obnoxious, cute performance. "I may be a little out of date...but I believe that was a call out, sir." Alonso speaks in an entertained tone.

"If it's a challenge, they want." I stand from the bar, "then that's what they'll get. Alodia, max volume. Play Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go."

I go to open French doors that lead out. The vocals and drums bang from the room. "Jitterbug. Jitterbug. Jitterbug. Jitterbug." I locate a microphone and go out to a balcony to serenade the room my bunny is in. "You put the boom-boom into my heart. You send my soul sky-high. When your lovin' starts. Jitterbug into my brain, goes a bang-bang-bang. 'Til my feet do the same."

My singing is similar to my speaking voice. I'm no match for the great George Michael. But it's the effort that counts. Even if I sound monotone.

"Wake me up before you go-go. Don't leave me hanging on like a yo-yo. Wake me up before you go-go. I don't wanna miss it when you hit that high. Wake me up before you go-go, 'cause I'm not planning ongoing solo. Wake me up before you go-go, ah. Take me dancing tonight. I wanna hit that high, yeah, yeah." I make a decent enough high note at the end.

The ladies burst into hysterical hackles across the way.

"You take the grey skies outta my way. You make the sunshine brighter than Doris Day. You turned a bright spark into a flame. My beats per minute never been the same, cause you're my lady, I'm your fool. It makes me crazy when you act so cruel. Come on, baby, let's not fight. We'll go dancing, everything will be alright." The music cuts off mid-way while I'm still singing. Huh?? What's going on?

"Pairing successful." Alodia speaks from the ceiling.

"That's not fair, I didn't cut you off!" I complain to their window.

"Jump On It pounds from the speakers. "Ho, ho, ho!!" The ladies bellow together into the microphone. "Tonto, jump on it, jump on it, jump on it Kemosabe, jump on it, jump on it, jump on it. Custer, jump on it, jump on it, jump on it. Apache, jump on it, jump on it, woo!!!"

Paul staggers over from the bar, a little drunk. "Let's show 'em how to do it!" He slurs. "Alonso, come."

My guard looks awkwardly to the side. "I'm afraid I'm not qualified."

"Party pooper!" He drunkly stutters his words.

"Forget Secret agent man, let's go." I wave Paul over.

"Tonto, jump on it, jump on it, jump on it. Kemosabe, jump on it, jump on it, jump on it." We sing off with the bachelorette party. "Custer, jump on it, jump on it, jump on it. Apache, jump on it, jump on it, woo!!!" "Woo!!! Ho!!! Woo!!!" We call out as macho military men would. When the song ends, we yell at each other from across the way. The screaming war is downright insane. The women are ramped up. Are they as drunk as we are??

"I'll go get more drinks."

"You're into my sister-in-law!" Paul exposes Alonso. "I see that little smile of yours!"

"I enjoy live wires." He replies smoothly.

"She's more than a live wire...she'll chew you up. She's a man eater. Watch out boy!" He sings the classic song from the 1980s.

"I've had worse."

Paul cackles. "She stabbed her last husband. Tread lightly, my friend." He burps and sways his body like Jack Sparrow.

"I'll be back." Alonso heads to the door. "Then I'll take Paul up on his claim."

"What claim?" My piss drunk father-in-law grimaces.

"You told senior Harrison that he'll fall to the floor faster than I could whistle. Shall we test out your swing in the boxing ring?" He turns sideways to smirk.

"Not fair!" Paul slurs. "You haven't had one drink, of course you'll win the bet!"

"I've had several...my tolerance is high."

"Have several more and I'll consider it." Of course this doesn't happen. Alonso brought back twenty shots and downed seven. Paul passed out on the bar after two extra drinks. I see where Madison gets her weak stomach. Everything quiets down after that. I'm guessing the bachelorette crew passed out. They used a lot of their energy tonight. They deserve a good rest.

I crash on the sofa...preparing for sleep. Only I'm interrupted half way into my snoozing. I think my ears are mishearing a sound. The sound of moaning...and it isn't quiet. I sit up and stare at the door leading to the hall. The loud groaning of lust continues. I leave the sofa to go investigate.