Work Text:
“You’ll never believe what we got in the mail today,” Powder said when Vi stepped into the kitchen after a long shift at the gym.
“What happened to hello? How are you? ” Vi shrugged her bag off her shoulder and sat down at the counter. “ Sit down, can I get you something to drink after a long day at work? You’re my favorite sister, the most perfect person– ”
“Now you’re laying it on thick,” Powder interrupted, turning to grab a glass from the cabinet. “But, hello , then. How was work?” She filled the glass with tap water and handed it to Vi.
“Honestly, it was really good. I had a couple of clients and then I taught the weekly kickbox class for kids, which is always fun,” Vi took a sip of her water. “How was your day?”
“The usual. I got to build things, explode things, annoy Viktor,” she said. “But the best part was coming home and going through the mail.”
“So, we’re back to the mail. What is it? It better not be more hex crystals. You’re still on that government watch list.”
Powder raised her right hand in promise, “I know now to never order illicit technology to the house–only to the lab. I learned from my mistake.” She paused. “This is worse.”
“Oh, gods, Powder, what did you do?”
“Nothing! This isn’t from me or about me.”
Powder opened a drawer and pulled out an envelope with “Vi Lanes, Powder Lanes, and family” written in elegant cursive. “Open it.”
“What is this?”
“Just…open it.”
Vi opened the already unsealed envelope and pulled out an ivory invitation, accented with blue flowers. Her eyes scanned the invitation: “Please join us to celebrate the marriage of Madelaine Nolen and…Caitlyn Kiramman! What the fuck is this?”
“An invitation…to your ex-girlfriend’s wedding.”
“Yeah, I can see that, but…wait, how do we know this is real? This has got to be some sick joke, Caitlyn would never invite us to her wedding!”
“It looks pretty real to me. It has a date and a location and an RSVP number and everything.”
Vi threw the invitation onto the countertop and dropped her head into her hands. “Why would she invite us to her wedding? It doesn’t make any sense.”
“I mean…it makes a little sense,” Powder said.
Vi glared through her fingers and Powder continued, “now, not to support the Piltie or anything because I’ve always been her number one hater but she was like a part of our family for years . And you were like a part of hers. Yeah, you guys broke up, but those memories are still there.”
“But, like you said, it was years ago. You and the rest of the family haven’t seen her since before we broke up.”
“Well, that’s actually not true…”
“What do you mean, Powder?” Vi shot up.
“I mean, I’ve seen her occasionally, when I go out with Viktor after work because Jayce will sometimes come because they’re dating and then Caitlyn will sometimes come with Jayce because they’re best friends and work together. And Caitlyn has always been nice to me when she comes, she’s not, like, resentful or anything. She asks about the family.”
“So, you knew she was getting married and that we could potentially be expecting an invitation?”
“No! No, I didn’t know anything. I haven’t seen her in a couple of months and neither Jayce nor Viktor have said anything…I didn’t even know that she was seeing someone, I unfollowed her on social media so long ago.”
Vi sighed. “So, what do we do?”
“ We? Vi, this needs to be your call, one-hundred percent. I mean, this is your ex-girlfriend,” Powder said.
“I feel like we shouldn’t go. We shouldn’t go, right?”
“I don’t know, I feel like if we were invited that there’s obviously a reason for it. You could call Piltie and make sure it was purposeful.”
“There’s no way I’m calling Caitlyn. I haven’t talked to her since the breakup,” Vi said, “because, you know, she broke up with me!”
“Why was that, anyway? You never really told me details.”
“It was a culmination of things,” Vi waved her hand dismissively. “My alcohol habits, her work habits…our lifestyles weren’t ‘compatible anymore,’” she used air-quotes.
“Uh-huh,” Powder nodded, slowly. “So, it’s not like you two broke up because you weren’t in love anymore, right?”
“I don’t love her anymore, if that’s what you’re suggesting.”
“No, I’m not suggesting anything, especially not that you’re still in love with your engaged ex-girlfriend.”
Vi glared. “I’m going to take a shower. Will you order dinner from Jericho’s?”
“Aye, aye,” Powder saluted as Vi picked up her duffel bag and walked out of the kitchen.
***
Powder Lanes to Lanes-Vanderson Family Groupchat (Including Ekko): you guys will NEVER guess what vi and i got in the mail today
Mylo Vanderson: What?
Powder Lanes: try to guess
Vander Vanderson: I don’t want to guess, just tell us.
Claggor Vanderson: A court summons?
Powder Lanes: nope
Ekko Savior: more hex crystals?
Vander Vanderson: Jeez, I hope not.
Powder Lanes: unfortunately not, vi said i can’t order those to the house anymore
Mylo Vanderson: Oh, I know!
Mylo Vanderson: That middle finger you lost in that fight three years ago!
Powder Lanes: good guess but no
Powder Lanes: tell em vi
Vi Lanes: I really don’t want to
Powder Lanes: do it
Vi Lanes: Ok, fine
Vi Lanes: We as a familial unit received an invitation to a wedding
Vander Vanderson: That’s not bad.
Ekko Savior: i love weddings
Vi Lanes: To Caitlyn’s wedding
Mylo Vanderson: You’re joking
Ekko Savior: NO WAY
Claggor Vanderson: You’re getting punked, that can’t be real
Vander Vanderson: Do you want me to reach out to Cassandra?
Vi Lanes: I will figure this all out
Vi Lanes: Just wanted to let you all know
***
A couple of days later, Vi dialed the number on the invitation. When she typed it out, Cassandra’s contact photo came up. She sighed with relief–she had not wanted to talk to Caitlyn or anyone from Madelaine Nolen’s family.
Cassandra picked up on the second ring. “Hello?” she said with poise typical of a Kiramman woman.
“Hi, Mrs. Kiramman, this is Violet Lanes.”
“Hello, Vi, darling,” Cassandra replied, “after all these years you know to call me Cassandra. How is your family doing?”
“We’re doing well. Powder is loving her job at the lab, so that’s nice.”
“I’m glad to hear it. And how is business at the gym?”
“Good, I have so many clients that it’s hard to keep track of them sometimes. Anyway, listen, Cassandra, I’m calling because I was just looking for some clarification on something…you see, I received an invitation in the mail the other day…an invitation to your daughter’s wedding…”
“Ah, yes, Caitlyn is finally getting married. It’s been a bear trying to plan it, with the future in-laws and all their demands, but you didn’t call to hear about that. What did you need clarification on, exactly?” Cassandra asked
“I–we–as in my family and I–weren’t sure if we were meant to get an invitation. I mean, Caitlyn and I broke up years ago…on not great terms. I just wasn’t sure that she wanted us there and didn’t want to text her and potentially cause issues,” Vi explained, “I’m sure wedding planning is difficult.”
“Violet,” Cassandra’s voice was firm, even through the phone. “Caitlyn isn’t paying for the wedding, Maddie and her family aren’t paying for the wedding, I am. And if I want to invite her beautiful ex-girlfriend and her lovely family, then that is my right. Your attendance, my dear, will not cause any issues. In fact, Tobias and I are looking forward to the prospect of reconnecting with you and your family.”
“Oh…okay, then.”
“So, will you be attending the wedding?”
“Uh, yeah, we’ll be there.”
“Excellent,” hummed Cassandra. “I expect there will be six of you: Vander, your brothers, Powder, Ekko, and yourself.”
“Yeah, that’s right.”
“Would you prefer the steak meal or fish meal?”
“Steak meal for all of us, except–”
“Ekko, I remember. He’s vegetarian.”
“Yeah, that’s right,” Vi said, her eyebrows raising in surprise.
“Okay, well, it was great to talk to you, Vi, but I’m getting another call. I’ll see you at the wedding.”
“See you then,” Vi barely blurted out before Cassandra hung up.
She opened her family group chat and typed out a message.
Vi Lanes to Lanes-Vanderson Family Groupchat (Including Ekko): We will all be attending Caitlyn’s wedding
Mylo Vanderson: I thought you said you’d figure this all out
Mylo Vanderson: Why are we going?
Powder Lanes: because vi wants to smooch caitlyn still
Powder Lanes: she’s been celibate for too long and she’s horny
Vander Vanderson: I don’t need to hear about that.
Vi Lanes: I’m NOT horny for Caitlyn Kiramman
Vi Lanes: We have been broken up for YEARS and, maybe more importantly, she’s GETTING MARRIED
Powder Lanes: what other reason could we be going to this wedding for except that you’re horny?
Vi Lanes: Fuck off
Vi Lanes: I just had a nice conversation on the phone with Cassandra and she expressed that she and Tobias would really like us there
Vi Lanes: So we will be there
Mylo Vanderson: Do I have to wear a suit?
Vi Lanes: Yes, it’s a wedding
Powder Lanes: yeah dumbass what did you think you would wear? a fucking swimsuit?
Mylo Vanderson: Fuck
Mylo Vanderson: This
Mylo Vanderson: Shit
Vi threw her phone onto the bed and flopped face-down onto the plush comforter. Caitlyn had picked it out years before, when they moved into their first apartment after college graduation. Vi had gotten to keep it after the breakup.
Sighing, she picked up her phone and searched Instagram for Caitlyn’s account. She had unfollowed Caitlyn after the breakup and, now, she was unable to see any of her most-recent posts; Caitlyn’s account was private. She searched up Madelaine Nolen and could not find any results. Not one to give up, Vi went to Mel’s account and scrolled through her recent tagged photos. Sure enough, she was able to find Caitlyn’s fiancée’s profile, public under the username @maddieNolen .
The most recent pictures were engagement photos with Caitlyn extending her left arm toward the camera to show off her ring. They both wore huge smiles and the caption read, she said yes!
Vi threw her phone back onto the bed and screamed into her pillow.
***
Caitlyn sat at the table with Mel and her mother, flipping through the meticulously organized binder. As they waited for their lunches to arrive, Caitlyn went through her checklist; despite the wedding being a month out, it felt like the coordinating never ended. Maddie wasn’t much help, working the long shifts that Caitlyn no longer had to as the Sheriff of Piltover.
“So, Maddie and I are meeting with the photographers at the venue on the sixth to take some practice photos and figure out where they’ll be stationed during the ceremony and reception,” Caitlyn started, “and then we both have makeup and hair consultations on the seventh. Other than that, Mother, do you have the updated guest count? We need to send numbers to the caterers this week.”
“Yes, Mel and I had to call a few stragglers but every guest is accounted for,” Cassandra said. “I think we can now start to make the seating arrangements.”
“I can do it, I have templates printed already,” Caitlyn replied. “How far in advance does the venue need to know to set up namecards? I won’t have time this week but next week I should be able to sit down and–”
“Let us help you,” Mel reached over and grabbed her friend’s hand. “You don’t need to do all this planning yourself.
Caitlyn took in a breath. “Thank you. This whole planning process has been…stressful. And then Maddie and I have been so busy with work.”
Cassandra scoffed. “This is stressful because your partner isn’t helpful. When your father and I planned our wedding, I was not nearly as stressed because he took some of the load off of me.”
“Maddie is under a lot of stress at work–”
“And so are you, darling. Yet you still put all of your free time into planning,” Cassandra took a polite sip of her ice water.
Caitlyn was silent. Her parents never became close with Maddie, for reasons unknown to her. It was blatantly obvious when she chose to speak to Ambessa Medarda, her political rival, rather than Maddie at the most recent high society gala that her mother was not a fan of her fiancée.
“I also wanted to make you aware,” started Cassandra, “that I added a couple of guests to the list after you approved it. It slipped my mind and I seemed to have forgotten to tell you before I sent the invitations.”
“It’s alright,” Caitlyn said. “Who are they? Some business partners?”
“Vi and her family.”
“What?” Caitlyn demanded. “Why would you invite them without asking me?”
“I already told you, I forgot. There were so many guests to keep track of, I must have wanted to send out the applications before it was too late and there wasn’t proper time for them to RSVP.”
“Mother,” Caitlyn pinched the bridge of her nose, “Vi is my ex-girlfriend. This is my wedding. Why can’t we let sleeping dogs lie?”
“A wedding is representative of family,” Cassandra said. “And, for a long time, Vi and her family were like our family. Your father and I thought it was appropriate that they should be included.”
“But aren’t weddings about the future, too? Why is the past being brought up?” asked Caitlyn. She mumbled, “Maddie is going to be so pissed.”
“What does she have to be angry about?”
“None of her exes were invited to the wedding.”
“Well, Vi and her family were invited. They have RSVPed that they will be attending the wedding. I apologize that I forgot to tell you sooner.”
Caitlyn sighed. There was no reasoning with her mother. Cassandra had adored Vi for her determination and humor and loyalty, despite the two coming from seemingly different worlds. “There’s nothing you need to apologize for,” Caitlyn said. “Vi and her family were…like family. I know you and Father loved them. They should be there. I’m just going to call Maddie and let her know.”
Caitlyn stood up, dialing her fiancée’s phone number. As she walked away from the table, Mel stifled a laugh, “you simply ‘forgot’ to tell Caitlyn you invited Vi, huh? Governor Cassandra Kiramman, type A perfectionist?”
“I knew you’d see right through me, dear,” Cassandra flashed a toothy grin. “But, for now, let’s keep this between us, alright?”
“Alright,” Mel nodded.
***
Vander had just returned home from the grocery store with his arms full of bags when his phone started buzzing in his phone. The screen flashed the name Cassandra Kiramman . He called to Mylo, “start unpacking these bags, I need to answer this,” and stepped out of the kitchen and into the garage.
“Hello, Vander,” Cassandra greeted.
“Hey, Cassandra, how are you and Tobias doing?” he asked, leaning against his truck.
“We’re faring well, thank you,” she replied, politely.
“And how is the wedding planning coming along? The big day is coming up,” Vander deflected.
Cassandra let out a dry laugh. “This wedding is a nightmare. If it were up to Tobias and me, this wedding would not be happening at all.”
“Oh?”
“We just don’t think that Caitlyn and Maddie are a good fit. Romantically, that is. Maddie checks all of the high society boxes and Caitlyn seems to be happy enough but we’re still skeptical. But that’s neither here nor there, so tell me, I have you and your family marked down as six guests, but I wanted to double check that there was no one else coming with you. Do any of the kids have partners they would like to bring?”
“Mylo and Claggor are not seeing anyone, if that’s who you mean.”
“Vander, you know that’s not who I mean.”
It was Vander’s turn to laugh. “No, Vi does not have a girlfriend.”
“Lovely,” Vander could practically see Cassandra’s scheming smile through the phone. “Well, if Vi has interest in Caitlyn–any interest at all–she should object at the wedding.”
“Cassandra, you can’t be serious.”
“Oh, I’m serious, Vander. Tobias and I always wanted you and your family as in-laws. That hasn’t changed.”
“We’ll see…I don’t think objecting at a wedding is Vi’s style.”
“Hm, I hope it can become Vi’s style, then,” Cassandra clicked her tongue. “I’ll see you at the wedding.”
“See you there,” he said before hanging up.
***
“I thought you quit,” Mel said, not a question, not accusing, just a statement.
It was the rehearsal dinner and Caitlyn stepped out ten minutes prior to “get some fresh air.” Mel and Jayce found their friend sitting on the concrete ground outside the back exit of the hotel. Her legs were spread out in front of her and she had pulled back her navy hair into a messy ponytail.
“I did,” Caitlyn exhaled the cigarette smoke away from her friends and curled her legs into herself. “But I’m so stressed, I needed this.”
“Why? Sprout, everything has been smooth sailing so far,” Jayce knelt down beside her as Mel leaned against the brick siding. “And with Mel and your mom running this wedding like the fucking military, tomorrow will be perfect.”
“The wedding…I know it’s going to be so beautiful but I feel sick to my stomach,” Caitlyn replied, hiding her face in her hands.
“Is this about Vi coming?” Mel started, her eyes flickering to Jayce in confusion.
“No!” she exclaimed. “Not at all! Her and her family are more than welcome.”
“Do you still have feelings for Vi?” asked Jayce, her voice soft.
“No,” she grumbled, “there are no feelings of any sort to Vi. This has nothing to do with her.”
“So, does this have to do with Maddie?” Jayce continued, reaching out to pull her hands from her face.
Caitlyn took in a breath. “Maddie and her family have not made this wedding planning easy on me. Mel knows–they’ve had so many demands. I would just have us go to a courthouse and elope but Maddie insisted on this big ordeal. Which is fine, I want her to be happy–”
“And we want you to be happy, Caitlyn,” Mel interrupted. “This is your wedding, too.”
“I am happy. Really, I am. I just needed a moment to breathe.”
“Then, we’ll stay here with you. We can go back in when you’re ready,” Jayce said, taking the cigarette from between Caitlyn’s fingers and taking a hit.
“Stop,” Mel knocked the cigarette from Jayce’s hold. She stomped on it, despite her friends’ protests. “Let’s just breathe in the fresh air.”
Caitlyn pulled a package of cigarettes and a lighter from her pocket. “Not tonight,” she lit up a new cigarette.
The friends sat outside in silence until Caitlyn finished her cigarette. Then they went back inside to bid their goodnight to the guests at the rehearsal dinner. After all, they needed their rest; there was a wedding in the morning.
***
The Lanes-Vanderson family (including Ekko) arrived at the hotel early. The wedding ceremony would take place in the courtyard with the reception held in a traditional ballroom.
“This is a fancy shindig,” Mylo commented, eyes scanning the foyer.
“You can say that again,” Powder said.
“This is a fancy–”
“Not literally, Mylo,” Powder held up a hand.
“I feel underdressed,” Ekko whispered.
“No, we’re dressed fine,” Vi assured. “Vander even got out his nice shoes.”
“Where’s Caitlyn and her lovely bride to be?” Powder asked.
“They’re probably getting ready now. The wedding starts in,” Vander checked his watch, “thirty-five minutes.”
“Hm, I wanted to see her before the big event,” she huffed.
“I don’t know if Caitlyn would want a run-in with chaos incarnate right before her wedding,” Vi said. “She would probably assume you’d want to glitter bomb her.”
“And who says I don’t?”
“Powder, please tell us you did not bring a glitter bomb to Piltie’s wedding,” Ekko said, his tone cautious.
Powder just smirked before calling out, “Cassandra! Tobias!”
The older couple, who were across the foyer speaking to another couple, turned. Cassandra smiled upon seeing the family and she and Tobias excused themselves.
“Powder,” Cassandra pulled Powder into a hug as Tobias greeted the rest of the family, “thank you for the interruption–it’s been much too long.”
“Yes, it’s been–what–five years?” Vander replied.
Cassandra groaned, stepping back from Powder to hug Vander. “We should have made an effort to keep up after Caitlyn and Vi’s breakup. We’ve missed having you around. Caitlyn has missed you all, as well.”
“Well, it’s nice to see you both again,” Vander said, moving to shake Tobias’ hand.
“Vi, look at you,” Cassandra hugged Vi next. “You’ve always been such a beautiful girl.”
“Oh, well, thank you,” Vi’s cheeks flushed with embarrassment.
“In all transparency, we’d rather have you–” she started, but was interrupted by Tobias, who said: “Thank you for being here. Caitlyn’s side is right of the aisle, if you’d like to sit there.”
“Sounds great,” Vander said. “Let’s get a move on, crew, and let Cassandra and Tobias get back to the other guests.”
“But first, I have a quick question: is there a restroom nearby?” Powder asked.
Cassandra motioned down the hallway. “Caitlyn’s bridal suite has a restroom attached. She’s likely moved to Maddie’s suite at this point, so it should be free for you to use. There’s a blue ribbon on the doorknob.”
“Great, thank you,” Powder answered. “Vi, come with me. We’ll meet the rest of you out there.”
She grabbed her sister’s arm and dragged her down the hallway. “I literally feel like I’m gonna piss my pants.”
“Ew, Pow,” Vi said, “that’s so gross.”
“Can’t help nature.”
The sisters found the suite with the blue ribbon tied around the doorknob, the great oak door ajar. Powder pushed it open to reveal three figures throwing back shots.
At the sudden noise, the figures turned towards the door, in shock. Mel looked the same as she did years previous, her braids pulled up into a tight bun and adorned with gold jewelry. Jayce had a stubble beard and hair that brushed the tops of his ears, his suit a. And Caitlyn, well, Vi thought Caitlyn was stunning. Her navy hair was in a loose bun at the nape of her neck, and had matching pieces of sapphire jewelry. Her white satin gown was a low-cut square but appropriate, cinched at the waist to create an elegant train.
“Oh…hey, Powder, Vi,” Jayce let out an exhale, “we were totally not taking shots. Because that would be pretty irresponsible right before walking down the aisle.”
Mel turned to Jayce and laughed. “ What? ” she asked.
“Shit, we’re sorry. We didn’t know anyone was in here, Cassandra told us you cleared out by now,” Vi stumbled backwards, “we’ll leave–”
“So, how are you all doing?” Powder interrupted with a smirk. “It’s about time, isn’t it, now?”
“Uh, yes, we were just about to meet up with Maddie and her bridal party,” Caitlyn’s cheeks flushed. She stepped forward, coughing slightly; Vi remembered she would do that to compose herself when she felt awkward. “Thank you for coming.”
Powder pulled Caitlyn into a hug. “Wouldn’t miss it, but we were surprised at the invitation,” she said.
“I meant to reach out, but life got…busy,” she replied, loosening her hold on Powder.
“Yeah, I’m sure wedding planning takes a lot of time,” Vi added with an accidental bite to her voice.
Caitlyn turned to her and smiled softly. “Hi, Violet.”
Caitlyn looked uncertain of what to do, so she stepped towards Vi. Immediately, Vi pulled her into a hug.
“I’m going to go to the restroom. Not in this suite, though,” Powder gestured to the door.
“And Jayce and I will go to Maddie’s suite,” Mel grabbed Jayce’s sleeve and hightailed towards the door. “Just meet us there when you’re done.”
Powder slammed the door behind them as Vi pulled away sheepishly. “You look beautiful, Cupcake.”
“I–uh–thank you,” Caitlyn stuttered. “You look–well, you look–”
“Stupid, I know. I fucking hate wearing suits.”
She shook her head. “I was going to say that you look stunning ,” Caitlyn responded. “This suit was made for you.”
“You’ve always been a sweet-talker.”
“Well, it’s true,” Caitlyn fell silent, looking down at her hands. She breathed deeply, “I can’t believe you’re here.”
“Like Powder said: the Lanes-Vanderson family wouldn’t miss this.”
“But, why? I treated you terribly towards the end.” Caitlyn didn’t need to repeat what had been said all those years ago, despite remembering them vividly.
“We treated each other terribly,” Vi said. “Besides, I’ve matured. I can forgive and forget.”
“You’ve forgiven me?”
“Of course. Have you forgiven me?”
Caitlyn nodded, “I could never stay angry with you. Not even after the breakup.”
“You know…” Vi started, cautiously, “I had always thought this would be us one day.”
“Oh, yeah? I thought you didn’t want to get married?”
“I wasn’t ready yet. But, I think I’m ready now,” Vi said. She chuckled, shaking her head, “I’m not even seeing anyone and here I am talking about how I’m ready for marriage.”
“You’re not seeing anyone?”
“No, you were my last relationship.”
“I see…”
They stood in silence. It was uncomfortable, and both of them felt an ache in their hearts. Everyone–including them–had thought they would get married at a time. They were so in love, halves of the same soul. But then it seemed that the universe had other plans and they broke up. Vi didn’t think she would ever love again.
“I guess I should go find Powder so that we can sit down, huh?”
“I suppose so.”
“See you later, Cupcake.”
Vi had her hand on the doorknob when Caitlyn called out, “Vi!”
When she turned around, Caitlyn added, “you really do look stunning in that suit.”
Vi smiled and nodded, before leaving her ex-girlfriend standing in her bridal suite alone.
***
The officiant, the guests, the music, the impending first dance and cake…none of it mattered anymore. Caitlyn felt like a ghost as she walked down the aisle, arms locked with her father, bouquet held tightly. Her conversation with Vi kept replaying in her head.
So much was left unsaid and Caitlyn had so many questions. Why didn’t Vi have another girlfriend yet? Since when did she want to be married? Since when did Vi forgive her? Why–oh, gods, why –did Vi just let her go again?
Once at the front of the aisle, in front of all her friends and extended family, she couldn’t meet Maddie’s eyes. She scanned the crowd, despite to find Vi. Once she finally found her pink-haired ex-girlfriend, the officiant began speaking and Caitlyn had to use all her will to turn towards Maddie.
The ceremony dragged on and Caitlyn’s anxiety grew. This didn’t feel right–this couldn’t be right. She couldn’t marry Maddie, not when Vi was twenty or so feet away from her.
“Do you, Maddie, take Caitlyn to be your lawfully wedded spouse?” the officiant asked.
“I do,” Maddie’s smile was radiant.
Caitlyn’s heart pounded in her ears as the officiant said, “do you, Caitlyn, take Maddie to be your lawfully wedded spouse?”
“I…” began Caitlyn, pulling her hands out of Maddie’s grasp, “I can’t.”
Maddie’s face fell as members of the crowd gasped. “What do you mean? What can’t you do?” Maddie demanded.
Caitlyn began hyperventilating, her chest rising and falling quickly. She turned to Jayce and Mel, her best man and bridesmaid, who watched her with caution. “I need–I need to sit down–I can’t–”
Jayce immediately grabbed her arm and she stumbled back down the aisle with him, Mel in tow.
“What is going on?” she heard Maddie’s mother shout from the crowd. Caitlyn wasn’t sure who she was speaking to.
Caitlyn felt as though she blacked out on the way back to her bridal suite. Suddenly, she was sitting in a chair, a glass of room-temperature water being thrust into her hand. Mel was telling her to take deep breaths, “in and out, in and out.”
“What’s wrong?” Maddie demanded as she burst through the door, Cassandra and Tobias behind her. “Is Cait alright?”
“Give her a second to breathe,” Jayce said. “She’s obviously overwhelmed.”
“Back off, Jayce, she’s my fiancée,” Maddie snapped, kneeling in front of Caitlyn. “Cait, baby, what’s wrong?”
“I can’t–I can’t do this,” Caitlyn said. “I can’t marry you, Maddie.”
“What are you talking about?” asked Maddie. “I don’t understand–what did I do?”
“You didn’t do anything, I just can’t do this anymore.”
“How come you’ve suddenly come to this revelation? We’ve been planning this wedding for months and everything has been paid for and it’s too late to have cold feet–”
“Caitlyn! Are you okay?” Powder said as she and the rest of the Lanes-Vanderson crew entered the room. Vi was at Powder’s side, head tilted in worry.
“This is a personal matter, it doesn’t concern you,” Maddie said, glaring at the sudden disruption.
“We just wanted to make sure she was alright,” Vi said. “She looked like she was going to be sick out there.”
“Oh, I know who you are,” Maddie looked her up and down. “Violet Lanes–you need to leave. This room, this ceremony, this venue. I don’t care where you go but get out.”
“Hey, don’t speak to her like that,” Jayce snapped.
“I’ll speak to her however I want, this is my wedding,” Maddie turned her attention to Jayce.
“No, this is not your wedding. There is no wedding. Not anymore,” Caitlyn’s voice shook as she spoke. “Maddie, I can’t marry you. I’m so sorry, but I–I just don’t love you. Not like…”
“‘Not like’ what, Caitlyn?” she asked.
Caitlyn’s eyes found Vi’s and she smiled. “Not like I love Vi.”
Maddie scoffed. “Fuck you.” She stormed out of the bridal suite, leaving Caitlyn and Vi’s families shocked.
“Damn, what happened when I stepped out to use the restroom?” Powder asked. “You guys just, what, reunited for the first time in three years and realized you’re still horny for each other?”
“Shut up, Powder,” Vi said, moving towards Caitlyn. She said, “you’re really going to call off your wedding for me, Cupcake?”
“I think I would do anything for you, Violet,” Caitlyn replied. Her cheeks were still streaked from her tears and her eyes were rimmed red but she grabbed Vi’s lapels and pulled her into a kiss. Vi kissed her back.
“You know,” Cassandra said, breaking the couple apart, “there’s a whole wedding ceremony set up outside and we have the officiant for another hour…if you two are interested.”
Caitlyn and Vi looked at each other for a mere moment before Vi yelled, “let’s get hitched!”