“As I was saying, we’re here for you, Jules. You can call me anytime. I’m also up for a good chat,” Sarah continued to say.
“I can’t imagine what that would actually get you from a blabbermouth,” Nikki said not so quietly.
“Really, Nikki?” Dianne threw at her cousin.
“I’m going to get some punch. Does anyone want any?” Sarah asked, getting up. The look of hurt was evident in her hazel eyes before she walked away.
“Why did you do that, Nikki? She’s your brother’s wife. Why did you have to be so mean to her?” Dianne continued to chide her.
“You’re acting like it’s my fault that she can’t keep her mouth shut,” Nikki defended.
“It was one time, Nikki, and she only told Mitch because she was worried about you,” Dianne reasoned.
“It still wasn’t her secret to tell,” Nikki defended.
A silence fell over the group once more.
“Sometimes it’s best not to say anything at all if it will hurt the person,” Erin encouraged.
“You’re one to talk. You’re such a basket case that you don’t even know what you want. You keep stringing your ex along like a puppet on a string because he’s so hopeful that you’ll finally choose him. How pathetic.”
“Nikki!” Dianne threw her hands up in frustration.
At this, Nikki rose and left the group.
“I’m sorry about her,” Dianne apologized. “We used to be so close, but ever since she was in that accident two years ago and her best friend died before her eyes, she hasn’t been the same,” she went on to explain.
“Wow. I’m sorry to hear that. It can’t have been easy to go through something like that,” Erin expressed regretfully.
“It’s okay. She’s grieving, but it doesn’t mean she has to be mean to everyone around her,” Dianne responded.
"Grief can make you act in some crazy ways," Amy chimed in. "She has to deal with it, though, or it could destroy her. I remember when my adoptive mom died. It felt like my world had shattered into a million pieces. I started shutting everyone out and becoming destructive. If my dad hadn't stepped in and demanded I see a counselor, I don't know where I'd be now."
"I'm sorry you lost your mom, Amy." Sophia reached across to squeeze her arm comfortingly.
"Thanks, Sophie." Amy smiled appreciatively. “I'm much better now, plus I've got a bonus mom, two amazing sisters, and a whole family that I never bargained for. I couldn't have asked for more."
"To family." Rory raised her glass of punch in salute.
"To family," the others replied in unison, holding up their own drinks.
As Erin brought her cup down to take a sip, her mind flashed back to what Nikki had said, and her heart sank with the realization that she was indeed a basket case. She couldn’t make up her mind about what she really wanted, and Brian had been suffering as a result of her indecisiveness. He didn't deserve that. Now that he'd stopped communicating with her, maybe it was a good time to make a clean break. That way, he would finally be able to move on and find happiness.
She released a heavy breath, and her shoulders caved in defeat. She wondered if she would ever get it right. She made an effort to keep a positive attitude for the remainder of the day, laughing at the goofy jokes that her granduncle and her cousins told, engaging in conversation, taking part in the gaming activities, and enjoying the delectable food that was prepared, but the emptiness that she felt remained regardless of what she did to try to keep her mind occupied.
"It’s time, guys!" Uncle Luke called from the waterfront. The barbecue had carried on way into the night as the family waited for the fireworks to start.
Erin followed the lawn lights that cast their glow on the path that led to the waterfront.
“It should be starting any moment now,” Uncle Luke said, peering at the illuminated numbers on his LED watch.
Erin was able to find a place to stand that was separate from the other couples, who were already embracing one another while they waited for the event to begin. It was too much for her to bear to watch as they affectionately embraced one another while also being aware that she would probably never feel that way again. The thought of Brian flashed through her head, and her chest contracted in despair as her heart compressed itself against it.
She turned her head toward the water just as the first explosion of light brightened the darkened night sky in the distance. Her family cheered loudly as the explosions became more frequent and coordinated. The multitude of lights went off high in the sky. Erin watched in awe. Feeling someone's arm brush against hers, she turned her head to see Jules standing beside her.
“How’s Becca?” she asked.
“Out like a log. Mom and Jamie are looking in on her,” her sister responded.
