Hangover

Chapter 20

Rose

I hurry out the car and keep my head down and pray something will shield the sun. The dark shades I'm wearing is not doing the job. I wanted to puke but I didn't have time to think about certain actions because someone is dragging me by the arm and into the estate. I moan in pain because my body feels like someone drove a tracker over my body. I squeeze my head, shit, I need to puke. I continue to be dragged up a few more steps and my feet is barely keeping up. I'm surprised I haven't fallen face forward on the floor.

Finally, a door is being opened and I'm being pushed inside a huge room with bright lights and people everywhere. I'm thrown in the nearest chair. I sigh gratefully to be off my feet.

"Get her face and body together. We have thirty-minutes tops." Austin hisses looking around at the staff. "Now!"

My eyes widen, and I twist in my chair, looking around for the nearest bathroom. Austin really has become the mini Miranda. The staff scrambles quickly. Two holding my face and three in my hair. "Where is the bathroom?" I try to ask.

"No time." The young girl replies. "You're late."

The doors are suddenly pushed open with so much force it bounces off the wall. My heart beat against my chest aggressively. I didn't have to turn around to know who is entering the room. The heels clicking against the hardwood floor confirms my suspicion. I am royally fucked. The staff part like the red sea and Miranda walk towards me with a snarl on her lips.

"Where is my daughter?" She questions and her eyes are blazing in rage and if she could spit fire I would be ashes right now. I really need to puke. I think to myself. I hurry and stand, and Miranda moves quickly out my way. I hurry to the nearest bathroom and cradle the toilet as I release everything from last night. "Ugh." I spit. "I'm such an idiot."

I should have told Nathalie no.

I hear heels behind me and I don't even turn around, "Just kill me." I tell her. "Make it quick."

Miranda tap her feet against the floor and say, "You're going to get up right now and get your shit together because you promised my daughter a beautiful wedding and that is what you're going to give her. Hopefully, once she walks down the aisle she'll decide to leave you, but until then you will do any and everything to turn this disaster around."

I squeeze my head because of the harsh words that are hitting me like a wave of disappointment. Before I could say anything, Joy and Sam is rushing into the bathroom. Sam's eyes widen, "Oh shit. Hey Miranda." She squeaks. I'm guessing she is just as surprised as me to see the devil this early in the morning.

"This is your fault." I scream at her. If Sam would have not decided to go out. All of this could have been avoided.

Sam touches her chest in confusion and Miranda turn around and I smirk knowing the attention is off me. Joy comes further into the bathroom and hands me ginger ale and medication. I watch as Sam nervously rub the back of her neck as Miranda begins to question her.

"What the hell happened last night?" Miranda questions. "Why do you have a black eye? Why does Rose have a bruised cheek? Did you two fight each other and where the hell is Nathalie?"

Sam open her mouth but then close it, "What do you mean? Nathalie should be here."

"Use your brain." Miranda hisses. "She's not here."

Sam's eyes widen. "Fuck. She must never woke up." Sam's eyes widen even further. "That means she's still at the apartment. Sleeping."

Miranda inhales through her nose and I really think she's going to turn into a dragon and burn us all alive. She grabs Sam chin aggressively and snarls, "The wedding starts in thirty minutes and you're telling me my baby girl is trapped on the other side of town with no phone." Miranda pulls out her phone and tosses it toward the wall. It shatters. "If she's not back in twenty minutes. I will obliterate the both of you."

Sam laughs nervously, "No worries." She chuckles. "No need to freak out—"

24 Hours Ago.

I wake up in a fright. My clothes are soaked in sweat and my heart is pounding against my chest. I pull the pillow in my arms to replace the body I wish was here. Austin comes into the room and turns the lights on. "Up." He orders. "You've slept long enough. We have a very strict agenda today."

I roll my eyes and sit up slowly, "How did you get here?"

Austin goes into my closet and tries to find something for me to wear, "Joy let me in. Did you pack a bag?"

I roll my eyes again and ignore him. "I don't feel good Austin." I tell him. "I had a dream that once Nathalie made it down the aisle I threw up on her dress."

Austin turns around and cackles in laughter. I frown and pick up the nearest shoe on the floor and aim it toward his head. Unfortunately, he ducks out the way. "Fuck you." I say. "You're supposed to be my friend."

"I have no friends." Austin replies in a short chuckle. "Friends don't exist when you're working for Miranda and she wants this wedding to be better than perfect. So, you're not throwing up at the altar. I'll make sure of that."

I roll my eyes again and say, "You're a dick." I then get up and hurry and get into the shower.

I stand in the shower and let the hot water fall onto my body. I try not to over-think my dream, but it is becoming impossible. It is too late for take-backs now. I shake my head and get rid of all the negative thoughts. Austin is right. The wedding is going to be perfect—better than perfect. I step out the shower and dry myself off and wrap a towel around myself before staring myself in the mirror. "You got this, Rose. You love Nathalie and she loves you. Don't throw up tomorrow."

I jump when someone bangs on my door. I open it and Austin hurry and rush in, "Hide."

"What?" I ask with confusion. "Austin seriously. I'm not in the mood."

"Hide." He says again. "Nathalie is here."

My eyes widen. "What the fuck? Why? We aren't supposed to see each other until tomorrow."

"I told her you slept at home." Austin explains. "I didn't know she would come here to give the twins their dresses personally."

"What the fuck." I wanted to scream but it comes out in a low and dangerous hiss. "Are you stupid?"

"You wanted me to tell her that the reason you stayed at Joy's is that you're freaking out about the wedding and having nightmares." Austin argues. "Then she's going to start to freak out. Do you want that Rose? Cause I don't need a nervous Rose and a scared Nathalie cause guess what." He pauses. "You get a real mad Miranda!"

"Fuck you." I hiss lowly. "You can't use Miranda as an excuse all the fucking time—just admit you've fucked up!"

Someone knocks on the door. "Austin." My eyes widen. It's Nathalie. Great. I think to myself. Austin looks around and if my wedding wasn't on the line I would laugh. My bathroom is small and it is literally nowhere for me to hide.

"Austin." Nathalie calls. "Come on. I need to pee and grab my robe."

"Use the other bathroom." Austin calls. "I'm blowing this one up. I had chili-dogs earlier."

I turn my nose up in disgust.

I can hear Nathalie exhaling behind the door. "Hurry up. The twins are using the other bathroom."

"Fuck." Austin silently screams. He looks around again and I roll my eyes. This is useless. I head for the door, but he grabs my hand and pulls up the window before pointing.

"Hell no." I silently say. Austin read my lips very clear.

"How much do you love Nathalie?" He whispers. "Don't do this for me, Miranda, or yourself. Do it for Nathalie."

I give my middle finger and wrap the towel tighter around my body. I climb out the window and onto the branch. Austin gives me the thumbs up and moves the curtain to hide me. I sit there and the wind blow against my semi-wet skin.

I hope I don't get sick.

I can hear Austin and Nathalie small conversation before Nathalie is using the bathroom. I sit there calmly and once the toilet flushes, I prepare myself to move but I make a mistake and look down. I clutch the trunk and yelp.

My heart begins to beat against my chest and I don't remember this tree being this high when I use to sneak out as a teenager.

"Did you hear that?" I overhear Nathalie voice.

"Huh. What?" Austin replies. "Must be birds."

I shut my eyes and squeeze the trunk as tight as possible. If I could I would wrap my legs around it. I'm going to kill Austin. If I don't die myself.

"Oh my God." I hear Nathalie voice, but I refuse to open my eyes. "Rose baby. What are you doing out here?"

My body begins to shake. "Nathalie. Please come get me."

I don't open my eyes, but I can feel the pressure of another body on the tree. "Sweetheart. I'm right here." I squint my eyes open and she gives me an encouraging smile. "What are you doing out here?

I'm not sure why but I can't hold in my feelings anymore. "I had a dream that I threw up on your dress." I whine. "I'm so nervous and I just want everything to be perfect for you and I'm already fucking up. The first wedding rule is to not see your spouse the day before because it's like bad-luck or some shit. So, I climbed out on this stupid tree."

"You're afraid of heights, Rose." Nathalie smiles and squeezes my hand.

"I know, I know." I reply. "I'm stupid. I didn't even think about any of that."

Nathalie leans over and kisses me on the cheek. "I love you so much." She tells me. "I'll marry you right here wrapped in a towel on this tree." She cocks her head to the side. "A perfect wedding sounds nice but I just want you to be mine." She pauses. "I want to raise kids with you." She chuckles. "I want to laugh along with you as we show embarrassing pictures of our children to their first dates, I want to bury my face in your shoulder and cry as they leave for college, marry, and even birth our grandchildren. Rose, I want to grow old with you and ask you do you remember when you got stuck in a tree before our wedding day. I love you, Rose. I promise you won't throw up on my dress tomorrow."

I open my eyes and Nathalie is looking at me with a wide smile on her face. She leans over and connects her lips with mine. "Plus, I don't believe in old traditional wedding rules. I think it's boring." She winks. "I was planning to visit you tonight anyway."

"Yeah." Someone voice screams. "No one does that anymore!"

I look down and it's Sam. She is standing there with Miranda next to her eating on a bag of chips. She oddly reminds me of myself. I clutch the tree again in fear. I shut my eyes.

"Sam." Nathalie hisses annoyed. "I have this!"

"Sorry." Sam squeaks.

"Should I call the fire department?" Now it is Miranda. "Tell them a scaredy-cat is stuck in the tree."

"Mom." Nathalie hisses. "Not helping."

Nathalie finally guides me back into the bathroom and I honestly could kiss the floor. "Solid ground." I smile before pulling Nathalie in a deep and passionate kiss instead. "I love you." I tell her.

[][]

I walk downstairs fully dressed and walk into the kitchen. Joy is cooking and there is food everywhere. I shake my head. I'm not sure why she volunteered herself to cater but she wouldn't let Miranda, Nathalie, or myself refuse her.

Miranda looks up from her laptop, "Oh you didn't fall?" I frown. She sounds disappointed.

"Mom." Nathalie hisses. "I swear—

Sam slides between them with a smile on her face. "I thought it was hella romantic." She says. "I'm thinking about stealing your idea."

"Under my dead body." Miranda mutters while continuing to type on her laptop. Sam lean over and kiss Miranda on the cheek. She then looks up at me, "I got some pictures." She smiles widely, and I haven't seen this much happiness glowing off her in such a long time.

Viv comes into the kitchen with Lily on her back, Piper pulling on her hand, and Delilah saying, "It's my turn." While trailing behind her.

"I agree." Viv smile. "It was super cute."

"Damn." I frown. "Why are all of you here?"

"They are here to get you for your bachelorette party." I turn all the way around and it's Diane. She is walking through the side door with more groceries. She looks good in her ripped boyfriend jeans and a basic white shirt. Her hair is pulled up in a high ponytail and it's annoying how much she resembles Wonder Woman and her name is Diane. I literally wanna just call her Princess Diana of Themyscira at this point. I look to Joy, and her eyes light up at the new guest in the kitchen.

Miranda roll her eyes and I give a fake gag movement with my hand. Miranda smirks toward me and I believe this may be the only common ground we have.

"Hello everyone." Diane speaks politely.

"What's up, Diane." Sam speaks first, and I want to nudge Sam and tell her that we need to give Diane a tough time. But, they were friends before this and Sam is too much of a puppy. It's annoying. Of course, Nathalie speaks politely with grace, Viv gives a hi and cute wave, and Austin waves his hand without looking up from his laptop.

Miranda however, "I didn't expect to see you today." She speaks with elegance and control. "Especially since Joy has so much work to do."

Diane chuckles and places the bags down. "I'm helping out. I didn't expect you all to be here." She pauses. "Ya know, cause Joy has so much work to do."

Joy wipe her hand on her apron and look up from chopping some type of vegetables, "Right. All of you. Out of my kitchen."

I roll my eyes and try to steal a yogurt and brownie combination. Not sure what it is but it looks delicious. Joy smacks my hand. "Out. Now."

"Ughhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh." I whine.

[][]

The guys set up lunch by the waterfall just for the two of us. The food is divine, and I take three cheesecakes to go. Nathalie only chooses to eat a salad and light soup because she is afraid she will gain weight overnight.

Afterward, the driver takes us to a famous spa retreat and I cannot stop myself from moaning the whole time.

Nathalie and I almost—almost have sex in the sauna. It's sad really because it's me who get paranoid and stop her before things get far. Nathalie only gives me a few kisses and say it's okay next time. I roll my eyes at myself because I know for a fact Miranda and Sam would have risked it all.

Lastly, we visit the museum of arts. We are escorted to the back at the end of the tour and there is a large portrait of Nathalie and me. I'm dressed as a royal highness in heavy armor and Nathalie is sitting elegantly in a chair with a 1800s royal dress and crown. It's fucking beautiful. Nathalie cries and the tour guy smile, "One of your wedding gifts. Congratulations."

Finally, we arrive at Nathalie and Sam place after an amazing day. I lean my head on Nathalie's shoulder and yawn in my hand. "Please tell me it's okay to sleep in the same bed together?"

Nathalie kisses me deeply, "Of course, love."

We both lazily walk up the steps and once Nathalie unlock the door we both jump back in confusion.

"Surprise!"

Music starts to blast in the room and it's dark but there are lights flashing like a Rave. We walk deeper into the apartment and Sam is smiling hugely with a red solo cup in her hand. I'm guessing things never change even though we're all graduating soon.

"Sam." Nathalie cries. "What is this?"

"Your bachelorette party." Sam grins mischievously. She pulls the two of us into the living room and most of the furniture has been moved.

"Sam." Nathalie covers her face at seeing one of the male strippers. "We decided not to do a bachelorette party."

"You guys said you didn't want to do a separate one." Sam smiles and sips on her cup. I could tell she is already slightly tipsy. "You said nothing about having one together. Is this not a good idea?" She pushes the two of us into a chair and the strippers begin to give the two of lap dances.

I laugh the entire time because of how Nathalie keeps screaming like a shy schoolgirl and covering her face.

Afterward, we play silly sex games.

They place a blindfold over everyone face, to see who can put the sticker as close to the nipple as possible. I'm not surprised that Nathalie is the winner. She jumps up and down in my arms and I know at this moment she is fucked up.

"Let's go to the bar!" Austin screams and he's obviously fucked up too.

"Hell yeah!" Sam screams.

I shake my head about to decline but Nathalie throws her fist in the air, "Yes! Royal Flushes for everyone!"

"That's my girl." Sam smiles lazily.

Viv get off one of the stripper's lap and turn around, "Can we bring the strippers?"

I groan. I'm the only sober one. Nathalie throws her arm over my shoulder and pull me in for a passionate kiss. "Mhmmm. Come on baby."

Dammit. I can't resist Nathalie.

"One hour. That's it." I say as firm and direct as possible.

"Yes, daddy." Nathalie winks before turning around and staggering towards everyone else. "One-hour bitches!"

[][]

4 hours and 15 shots later.

"Nathalie." I pull onto her arm. "Come on now."

"I need my credit card." Nathalie whines. "Bartender." She screams. "Bartender. Throw me my credit-card. I'll catch it." She slurs.

I roll my eyes and mutter, "You didn't pay for anything. I have your things."

Nathalie turns around and kiss me sloppily on the cheek. "I love you." Her hair is wild and surprisingly she is still wearing her I'm getting married bitches sash that Viviana gave the two of us. I re-adjust mine on my body and say, "I love you too, but your mom is going to kill me if I don't get you home. It's four in the morning. We'll have to be up in four hours—" I pause and look around. "Where the fuck is Sam?"

"I'm an adult." Nathalie pouts and screams for the bar to hear. "I'm getting married to this beautiful woman and she will have to just accept the fact that I love Rose. I'm going to tell her." She looks me dead in the eye. "I'm going to tell my mother that she has no choice but to be nice to Rose for now on. Or I'll I'll I'll run away." She finishes with a satisfying grin.

Mostly everyone in the bar cheers, "I hear ya sister."

I groan in my hands.

Fuck. She's done and I'm dead.

"I should call her now and tell her the news." Nathalie slurs. I rapidly take her phone.

We head outside so Nathalie can get some air and I let her sit on a nearby bench and pull her phone out to dial Sam number. She doesn't answer. I try her again seven more times before trying Austin and Viv. I really didn't want to leave them, but the limo is here, and I need to get Nathalie home.

Plus, I refuse to call Miranda for help. She'll kill me.

Someone bumps into me and I don't even look up from my phone, "Watch it." I say.

"You watch it dyke."

I look up and it's a huge man. I roll my eyes and choose to ignore him. I've learned from past situations to be the bigger person. It's never worth it. However, Nathalie stands up, "What did you say asshole?"

I drop Nathalie's phone and step between the man and Nathalie. "I said watch it dyke! You're staining our country."

"Move back dude." I mutter up at him with anger in my eyes, but I keep my cool. "Keep walking."

Nathalie, however, is not having it. "Fuck you!" She screams. She then looks him up and down and her nose twitches in disgust. "I'll hate myself too if I decided to carry myself in cheap denim. You're the stain in this country. Too lazy and self-entitled to open a book and educate yourself. What?" She pushes. "You dropped out of high school because you were brainwashed into thinking everything will be handed to you instead of earned. So, you married your high-school sweetheart and now you hate your life and blame all the immigrants for the reason you don't have a job and blame the LGBTQ community for your sex-less life and a small dick. Fuck you! Fucking homophobic asshole." I push Nathalie back, but she doesn't let up. "Fuck you! Don't you ever speak to my wife that way."

The guy turns beet red and he pulls his fist back and I step in the way and it connects with the side of my face. "I'll kill you bitch." I hurry back to my feet and try to tackle him but he's too big. Nathalie tries to help by swinging her expensive purse on the top of his head but she's too drunk to keep up. She hits him a total of three times, "Stay back Nathalie." I say. I didn't want her to get hurt. But, she continues to scream in anger and swing her purse at this shaved head.

Gratefully, Sam, Austin, and Viv are running towards us and they jump into the fight. He elbows Sam to the eye, but Austin gets him onto the cold ground. He punches him in the lip and I kick him, and Viv breaks a bottle before putting it toward his neck.

"Try it bitch." Viv snarls. "I'll slice and dice your ass right here and right now."

"Leave me alone you fucking fags." The older man shouts.

I roll my eyes, "So original."

"Kiss my gay ass." Austin slurs cause he's also still drunk.

"Yo. Get out of here. They are calling the police." Someone in the crowd scream.

I look down at Sam's hand and it's bleeding bad. "I cut it on the end of the bench." She explains. I hand a drunk and pissed Nathalie over to Austin and Viv. "Get her home." I order. "I'm taking Sam to the hospital. She'll need stitches."

We arrive at the hospital and we both collapse in the seat. "Nathalie wouldn't let it go." I explain to her. "I've been called worse. It didn't bother me. I didn't know Nathalie had so much fire in her. She just exploded. I couldn't stop her."

"She loves you." Sam explains. "She will kill for you." She then starts to laugh so hard that tears build up in her eyes, "Dude. She said he had a small dick. That's classic."

I laugh along with her and we both watch the sun come up. "Those Grayson's." I comment.

"Yeah." Sam replies while wiping the tears from underneath her eyes. "Miranda is going to kill us."