"Have you seen the groom?" Jeff asked his mom.

"I think your question needs rephrasing. I am pretty sure you meant it that way: have you met the groom? And the answer is no. I am really surprised by your cousin's behavior. Not only she dated that man in secret and never told her own family, but she also decided to marry the man who she only met five month ago. How dare she bring a stranger to our family this way?! If she hadn't been in need of an adult's help, I would've never came today. I feel utterly disrespected. I wonder where she picked such a disrespectful attitude," and with that she looked at me.

That's the thing about Aunt Stacy: she's a bitch.

"You know what? That's it. What the hell are you doing here anyways? You know you're not welcomed. Is that's why you're here? You can't withstand that one of us is happily moving on with her life. You want to tear her happiness down, don't you? But you can go to hell. She doesn't owe you anything! Why do you even expect her to come tell you all about her boyfriend?! Who are you anyways? Our aunt? Well you never mastered that role. So stop acting like one. And what do you mean with 'adult's help'? Do you mean help with finishing all the Champagne? Because it's already the fifth glass you hit, and it's not even noon yet. Have you even checked at Caroline once? I don't think so. So stop with your lectures and just keep sipping on your drink. Leave her alone," I said before thinking.

Wow. Did I really say that? Oh my god. I totally did. I don't know if I should finally feel relieved to have said it all. Or pissed at myself for being too selfish and out of control because this is the most unsuitable timing. Or should I feel bad for being so rude to an elder, after all she's mom's sister. The mom I never met. The thing is that I don't feel any of that. I only feel sorry for saying that to Jeff's mom right in front of him. That makes me a bitch too.

Stacy never hid her surprise. She was a wide-opened mouth mannequin with confused eyes. Like she wanted to ask me if I was okay but also wanted to attack me right there. I wouldn't mind the fight if it wasn't for Caroline. Then he grabbed my hands firmly and dragged me away. Someone actually is dragging me. I am being dragged. Why on earth am I letting him do this?

"Jeff Michael Gandros, come back here. How dare you choose this thankless creature over your mother?"

"Thankless," and I felt my body struggle to get rid of Jeff's hand and get ready to jump at the lady, "why should I ever thank you... you fre..."

He pulled me back, and scooped my shoulders with an intensity that surprised me. Then looked me hard in the eyes with both shame and frustration. I also might've caught a glimpse of sadness.

"Silver, we need to find the groom. Leave this matters to after the party. Now move."

All I could do was nod in response to the urgency in his voice.

****************

We walked shoulder in shoulder, searching for the groom who seems to be too irresponsible enough to disappear, god knows where, in such timing. Guilt swirled inside me. While I don't even slightly care about that Stacy, Jeff is my best friend. I never admit that out loud, but he really is. He's the brother I never had. I love him, and I wouldn't want to hurt him.

"I am sorry," he said to my surprise.

"What? You? Why?"

"I know my mom isn't the best person ever. You had a tough childhood... because of her," he said remorsefully, looking at the floor.

I stiffened.

"It wasn't her fault. It's no one's fault. Don't pity me, Jeff. You know I hate that."

"I am not I swear. I think you're great. But sometimes I feel like life was unfair to you and Caroline. And my parents could've helped, but they only made it worse. They became an odd that you have to deal with. I am I couldn't help either," he said, eyes not leaving the ground.

"It's too late now, isn't it? Plus, I don't care. It's over now. I have a whole new life, a degree, and a job that provided me with a fancy house and a brand new car. The past is not something I want to discuss. I just had to make something clear to your mom. And I am sorry you had to hear that. I know she's your mother after all."

"Nah. It's okay. She wasn't just a bad aunt. She was a terrible mother to be honest."

And with that we both laughed.

"Ughhh! Dude, where could this man go anyways?! It's such a small resort. How come no one saw him all day?"

"Maybe he's not in the resort then."

"Do you think so?"

"Yeah. Maybe he needed to get something important. Or maybe a last minute gift. According to Caroline's stories, that's so like him."

"So she told you stories."

"Yeah. Didn't she tell you any?"

"No."

"I am not surprised. You arrived like five hours ago. And since you saw her face you were indirectly telling her to call off the wedding. Like what the hell?"

"Seriously? She complained to you? I was been logical. She barely knows the guy."

"No Sil. She gets to decide if she knows him well enough or not. And I think she made it clear enough that she's sure about that step."

"Five months? Is that enough to marry the guy?"

"You know that the time means nothing, right? It's what you feel during that time."

And I am so angry. I don't know if it's because I know that's true or because I have to give in and admit I'm wrong.

I nodded.

"Now let's go ask the front gate's guard if he saw him leaving," I said, looking away.

"Why can't we just call him?"

"Do you have his number?"

"No. We can still take it from Caroline."

"And freak her out? Are you in the right mental state right now?"

"Okay. Fine. Let's just ask the guard," he said taking my hand in his, reminding me why I hated human race and their physical interactions.

"Tell me about Justin. The stories?"

"God. Where to start? The dude really is awesome."

"Just tell me all about him."