Planning

Planning a wedding was easier said than done. Maria had done it once, but even then her mother was the show runner. She stood on the sidelines waiting for her mother's directions. "Maria do this. Maria do that." It was as if what she wanted didn't matter.

However, this wedding was going to be different. Maria wanted it small, unlike the one she will forever regret. It had to be elegant. No traditional Spanish wedding. Although she loved her heritage, she wanted it to be her own. No church. She didn't want that,no. A small backyard wedding. That's what she wanted.

Yet, she didn't want to take the wedding experience from Nicole. That, and that alone, made her worry what Nicole would say.

"Sweetie, can I talk to you for a minute?"

Nicole looked up hearing the hesitation in Maria's voice. "Sure, whatever you want."

"It's about the wedding. ...I want to know...to know, if you don't want to that's fine-"

"Can you please just tell me. You're kind of worrying me."

Maria dropped her head in her hands. "Iwantasmallwedding!"

Nicole let out a laugh, turning a slight reddish color. "What did you say?"

"I want a small wedding but, I didn't want to take the experience from you. I know you may want that-"

Feeling soft lips connecting to hers, she relaxed.

"Listen to me, I don't care if you want to get married on a farm, in mud, naked. I would marry you at city hall if that's what you wanted. I love you and that's all that matters. Got it?"

Maria smiled. "You're spoiling me. Better hope I don't become a bridzilla."

"I'd still love you."

_____________________

Maria sat behind her desk. 'What could be possibly have to say?'

The door to her office opened. "Hi Maria. How are you?"

"Better than ever. I'm surprised you didn't bring her with you."

"She's...Never mind. What can I do to say I'm sorry?"

"I don't know. Love me and not let that evil woman run you. Like she always has."

"Maria, sweetheart, she's your mother."

"I don't care."

"You should!"

"WHY!? Why give a damn about her when she disowned me for finding someone who treats me like a queen?"

Her father eyed his shoes. Always a soft spoken man, he voice seemed soft.

"What?"

"She's...Dying. Has been for awhile now. She wants to see you."

"Why?"

"Because you're her baby girl."

"No. Why tell me now?"

"She just wants to see you."

"Papa," she cleared her throat, forcing the emotions back down. "I...if I go. I go on my terms."

"Sí hija!"

"Meaning, Nicole comes too."

"Ok. We still love you."

"Could of fooled me."

"Maria-"

"I'm busy. I will see you this weekend. I have to go."

Maria walked out of her office. This was what she didn't want. Her mother. That woman. Is dying and yet she had no real feeling. Some would say she is heartless but that's just not true.

How do you show love when the one person who is always suppose to love you doesn't. It's an achey feeling. Empty almost.

______________________

Jesse ever the maid of honor. Nicole and she were out looking for the perfect dress. "Nic, you're really going to wear a dress?"

Nicole nodded. "Yup. I'll change for the reception but I want a dress."

"Sellout."

"Oh fuck you! I've always wanted to get married in a dress."

"Oh yeah. Since when?"

"Since forever. I don't tell you everything you know."

"You should though. Like, is Maria really Latina in bed?"

"What? What does that even mean?"

"Oh come on, you know. Hot, spicy, wild? Is she a screamer? Does she bite?"

"What!? Get away from me!" Nicole said, nudging her.

"She dominates you, doesn't she?"

"This conversation is over. Now."

Laughing Jesse wraps her arm around Nicole. "It's ok. I won't tell."

"Get off me."

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Ok so...? I tired. Enjoy!

Much love

-M