Emily Berrigan is a 23 year old transwoman who hasn't seen her twin in six years. Why? Because her parents threw her out when she told them who she really was. Now, her older sister Stephanie is getting married and wants Emily there - as a bridesmaid. Will sparks fly?
---
This is it. Stephanie's wedding day. Thanks to everyone who stuck with my story.
---

Saturday morning, Emily got up as quietly as she could. She put on light makeup and the jeans and button down shirt she had taken out the night before, picked up her shoes, put them on in the hallway and went downstairs.

She went into the restaurant and saw her dad sitting there. She went over and kissed his cheek, and he didn't flinch. “Good morning. Where's mom?”

“She's too nervous to eat, besides I wanted one on one with you.”

“Everything ok? Are you ok? Is mom? Do you not want to tell Stef something?”

“Relax,” he laughed, “Everything’s fine. I just wanted to talk to you about everything.”

Em looked at him. “What's everything?”

He took a breath, “Today…”

Emily looked in his eyes and saw concern? Fear? She decided to try and shift the conversation, today was about happiness. “I know, it has to be bittersweet, giving away Stef.”

He laughed, “You think Stef is mine to give away? The last person to have Stef was your mother, and that ended in the delivery room,” then, “you know what I’m talking about, them.”

The waitress came over and they ordered coffee and breakfast. When she left, Emily said, “I know. I told you and mom…and Rob and Jeannie…and Stef and Jordan that I was never going to let myself be alone. But, I don’t want you to think about it. Today, you should just be happy and not dealing with me and them and stuff.”

He looked at her. “Emily, I told you that I’m not proud of how I handled things when you were younger, but,” and he held up his hand, and she was amazed by how his fingerprints had been rubbed off from years of work, “this is our family. It's not,” and he held up three fingers on one hand and two on the other.

“Yeah, well, I mean I’ll tell you what I’ve told everyone else. I’m not going to let them live in my head all day. I let them do everything to me when I was younger because, I dunno, I thought maybe one day they’d like me but now I know that isn’t happening and I don’t want it. I know that we’re related but they’re not my family. You and mom and Stef and Jordan are, and Rob and Jeannie and Liam. Anyone else who wants a relationship with me has to make me want it too.”

Her dad smiled, “Good.”

“Good?”

“Yeah, good. You’re standing up for yourself, setting terms. That’s good. It’s what I tried to teach you when you were younger.”

The waitress brought their breakfast and her father said, “I wanna tell you, I’m proud of you.”

“Thanks? For what?”

“I'm really proud of you. For everything you’ve been through, that we put you through, you came out of it really well. And again, everything you’ve done for Rob and Jeannie…”

“K, stop.”

“I mean it. Since your mother started with that therapist, we have been going over this. Way too much, more than I can handle,” and Em laughed, then he continued, “but in between all the stuff about toxic masculinity and learned behaviors and a bunch of stuff I don’t want to understand, she did mention being grateful for what we have, not upset at what I don’t.”

Emily felt herself tear up. “Wow.”

Her father was looking at his plate instead of her. “Yeah, wow.” Then, he looked up. “We have three great kids. Look, is this how I thought my life would turn out? No. Do I want to hear about your….” And she could tell he clenched his legs shut.

“It’s not contagious,” she laughed.

“I mean it though. When your mother was pregnant, I thought you’d be Jordan and Jordan would be you, it just turned out that way in reverse.”

“Huh?”

“Forget it,” he laughed. “Just know that I’m proud of you and the pers…woman you’ve become.”

“Thanks. I always thought you wanted Kev or PJ or them.”

He looked at her, a mix of sadness and anger. ““Do you really think I wanted Kev or PJ? Really? I can’t stand them and Mikey and Trev aren’t any better. They’re miserable little SOBs like their fathers, and incompetent to boot. You know how many messes we have to clean up regularly? You know what else, they’re shitty, excuse me, people who don’t think of anybody but themselves. You? You take care of Rob and Jeannie and Liam and Steffie and Jordan. When someone needed help, you were the first to offer. Like I told you at Stef’s birthday, I should’ve been proud of you for you and maybe sometimes I didn’t do things I should have. But you really think that?”

“I did. Sorry but I did.”

“I didn't. I may not have understood you or tried to, but that doesn't mean I wanted them. I'm glad that you told me though. I think you and I have something in common. Don’t look at me like that, we do. We’re both afraid of disappointing our fathers. The difference is you don’t disappoint me.”

“Jennifer?”

He laughed, “No, this one is all me. Bringing up your grandparents with your mother is never a good idea, not even before this.”

“Grandpa Pete is a jerk. He shouldn’t be disappointed in you.”

Her father took a sip of coffee. “Yeah, well,” and he shrugged.

They ate breakfast quietly. “Jared’s good for your sister.”

“He is. I really like him. I hope I meet someone like that someday. Sorry.”

He looked at her quizzically, “For what?”

“Talking about guys and stuff.”

“Emily, I knew from when you were two that a girlfriend was not in your future. Plus, you weren’t exactly subtle about Johnny Harper.”

She buried her face in her hands, “No….”

“I mean I was kind of jealous. No one was ever that head over heels about me.”

“I think I’m going to kill myself,” Emily muttered.

“I mean, all that was missing was little cartoon hearts around your head,” then, more seriously, “he never did anything to you, did he?”

Emily smiled, “Actually, no. He was the only one who never did. He actually protected me sometimes.”

“Good. He’s a good kid. So do I want to know everything that’s going on today?”

Emily laughed, “Probably not. I mean, it’s nothing but us getting ready and everything but yeah, I think you’re better off not knowing too much. If there’s something you need to know, I’ll let you know but it’s just makeup and clothes and mom probably losing her mind and stuff. You just show up in your tux and leave the rest of it to us.”

He smiled, “I figured as much.”

—
While Em was downstairs with her father, Stef heard a knock on her door. “One sec,” she said, as she put on her bra from last night, then her t-shirt. She opened the door to her mother standing there with coffee and bagels, “Hey mom,” and she gave her a kiss.

“Hey, sweetie. Today's the big day!”

“I've heard,” Stef laughed, still unsure why her mother was here, they'd see each other all day, but then remembered Aunt Jackie asking her to indulge her, “come in.” Stef looked at the bagel, “I really shouldn't have carbs.”

“One bagel won't kill you,” she laughed, “besides, you won't get to eat too much today. Are you nervous?”

Stef looked at her. “I mean, kinda, and then I think, I love him, we live together, it's not like I'm exactly worried about my wedding night,” she laughed, “just in case you wanted to have that discussion.”

Her mother smiled, “I think we're, what, ten years past that.”

“OK, so why am I thinking about it?”

Her mother put her hand on Stef's arm, “It's totally normal, this is a one-time thing, unless you're Aunt Mo, which you aren't, you and Jared are perfect together, but it's totally normal to have butterflies.”

“It's just, there's been all this buildup and in less than 24 hours, it's gonna be over. Like there's been all this planning, all this,” and she paused to find a better word than drama, “everything, and then it's just over.”

“Steffie, enjoy the moment for itself. I know who you are but, for this, just enjoy the moment and don't worry about what's next. That's life, you have big moments - falling in love, getting married, having kids, things like that - and little moments, but try and stay in the moment whenever you can,” then, “I know sometimes I screw up, but always know how much I love you and how proud I am of you.”

Stef felt herself tear up, “I love you too. I know I'm not always the easiest person to take.”

Her mother smiled, “No one is but you've been a great daughter.”

“I'm not going anywhere, you know that, right?”

“I know. I just wanted you to know that,” and she teared up and hugged her tightly. “And you've been a great older sister, even when, especially when, I haven't done my job.”

Stef paused, wiping her eyes to buy time. “I tried my best.”

“You succeeded. And your father and I love Jared, he's a great guy and a great person.”

“I always thought dad thought he was soft or something.”

“Not at all. He thinks he's very smart, he doesn't understand what he does but he knows he's good at it, and he knew that you were never going to marry someone who wasn't. Did he try and scare him? That's his job, Grandpa Frank basically growled at him at the beginning and one day, if you have a daughter, Jared will do the same.”

“K.”

“Like I said, this is your day, just stay in the moment today as much as possible,” and she hugged her again.

—
Jordan and Kira were in their room, getting ready. Kira came over and adjusted Jordan’s tie. “This suit looks really good, pook.” Jordan was in their navy blue suit, a man’s style but cut for a woman, white shirt and a solid blue tie. “I know you can’t wear them to work but you rock this look.”

Jordan smiled and ran their fingers through their hair, “I do look good, don’t I,” then, “you look beautiful.”

Kira was wearing a blue knee length dress, sleeveless with a v neck, two bracelets on each arm and blue heels. “Thank you.”

“I hope this doesn’t get too weird,” Jordan said.

“It won’t, pook.”

“You don’t know that though.”

Kira came over and put her hands on their shoulders. “I told you. They’re them but we’re us. We’ll hang out with whoever we want and they’ll hang out with each other. It’ll be fine. I’m not worried. Besides,” and she grinned, “there’s no Nehlen tradition of football at weddings, right?”

Jordan rolled their eyes, “Weddings are for roller hockey. Shit, I forgot my roller blades.”

“Oh well,” she laughed. “I guess you’ll have to sit this one out. I’m actually really excited. I love weddings.” She saw a look come over Jordan’s face, “Not ours, don’t worry, but,” and she smiled, “it’s good to know where I stand.”

Jordan looked at the wall. “I didn’t say anything.”

Kira kept laughing, “Relax, pook. You’re 23, I’m 22, I’m not looking for a ring just yet.”

“Just yet?”

“Oh, you have at least two weeks…seriously though, I love you but I’m not ready to get married.”

Jordan laughed, “Wow, I didn’t even propose and you rejected me. I’m really hurt,” then, to Kira’s eye roll, “I’m not ready either. Plus, I remember my mom talking about someone proposing at someone else’s wedding and she said it was classless.”

Kira kissed their lips, “And you are nothing but class, pook. Try not to eat anything too drippy today. You have bad luck with drippy things.”

“Uh huh.” They pictured the hors d'oeuvres and made a mental note to avoid anything with sauce. “I know.”

“Seriously though, do you ever think about getting married?”

Jordan shrugged, “Yeah, I guess, hypothetically, like if you really love someone and want to spend your life with them, why not? You?”

“I mean, yeah, like I haven’t thought about my wedding since I was six or anything, but yeah. Plus,” and she grinned, “when I met Ronnie, I was like, ‘oh wow, I want to stay in her arms forever.’”

Jordan laughed, “I could see that. You two have real chemistry. I’ll miss you but I can’t stand in the way of true love.”

Kira tapped their nose. “Nope. I love you. I mean once she didn’t give me the time of day, I looked at you and,” and she shrugged. “I know you were getting over other Kayla, and rebound romances never work, but…”

Jordan laughed, “Please do me a favor. If I ever end up - even for a day - with her, just shoot me twice to make sure I’m dead,” then, “I really do love you.”

“I love you too, Jordan,” then, “we should start heading to the Botanic Garden.”
—---

Emily's phone buzzed and she looked at the text. “Jeannie, Rob and Liam are here. Is it ok if I go say hi, Stef?” They were in the bridal room at the Botanic Garden.

Stef was busy getting made up and she laughed, “I didn't expect you to stay welded to my side, Emmy. Take your time, say hi for me.”

Emily walked out and saw them, Jeannie in a short sleeved, knee length black dress with a v neck, and Rob and Liam in their navy suits and white shirts. “Hey!” And she went over and hugged them.

“I love this dress,” Jeannie said. In the end, they had chosen a sapphire blue, tea length with short lace sleeves. It didn't really do anything for Arden's arms, not that there was anything wrong with them, but it made her happy.

“You look gorgeous, Emily,” Uncle Rob said, “Absolutely gorgeous.”

From behind him, a voice said, “He looks ridiculous.”

Jeannie took a deep breath and said, “Hello, Dori.”

“I cannot believe that this wedding is going to be a freak show.”

Liam looked at Emmy, “So you got the trick with your eyelids down? Cool.”

His grandmother glared at his father, who held up his hand, while stifling a smile. “Liam, stop,” then, “Mom, what is it you're trying to accomplish?”

“As always, your brother gave in to Stephanie and Laura, and this is the result. He is going to flounce down the aisle and our family is going to be humiliated.”

Jordan came over. “She doesn't flounce, Grandma, she walks normally.”

“I don't think you're one to make that judgment.”

Em could see Jordan taking deep breaths, and she said, “I've got this under control, Jor. In fact, why don't you all go take a look around, Jeannie, they're all in there, if you wanna say hi? Seriously, I can handle this myself.”

Rob looked at his mother, “There better not be any problems when I come back. You sure, Emmy?”

Emily looked at her grandmother, looking ten years older in her black dress, with her roots a month past a touchup. I know you hate Stef, she thought, but you couldn't get your hair done for a wedding? She smiled, “Long time, no see. How have you been,” then, “seriously, everyone, I've got this.” Everyone walked away, glaring at her grandmother. “Say what you want to say, we're both grown women here.”

“One of us is,” her grandmother sneered.

Emily gave a theatrical yawn. “Is that your best? I'm really disappointed,” then, “I know what you all think of me, you've been crystal clear about that my entire life, and I know how you feel about Stef and my mom. I hope that you’ll show some courtesy to your son, since the rest of us aren’t getting any, but I also think that whatever’s gonna happen is gonna happen, regardless of what I do. So, let’s just cut to the chase.”

“Why are you here?”

“Well, Stef is getting married and…”

“You know what I mean. You left. You went off to California to do whatever it is you did to yourself and now you’re back. Why are you here?”

“Because I love my sister and Jared, and they are getting married and there is no way in hell I would miss that, regardless of what you and the rest of your family think or do. That’s why.”

“Why would you embarrass your father like this?”

“Did you ask him if he’s embarrassed? He doesn’t seem to act that way.”

“He should be.”

“Whether that’s true, did you actually ask him? I’m pretty sure he’d say he isn’t.”

“I know you think you can prance around in a dress and call yourself whatever you call yourself…”

Emily held up her hand. “Stop. I’m fully aware of what you and people like you think. I don’t care. My family and friends don’t care. If you want to hate me because of this, go ahead. If you want to make fun of me behind my back or to my face, well, you’ve done that for 23 years, I don’t imagine you’re going to stop but I’d ask that you, if you care at all about your son, not do it at the wedding. Belittle me when no one else is around, or in the car, or wherever, I don’t care. I’ll meet you somewhere and you can all call me all the names you want but I am asking you nicely not to ruin my sister’s wedding. OK?”

She looked Em up and down. “Well, it seems like you’ve learned to stand up for yourself.”

Em looked at her. “The world didn’t give me a choice.”

“The world doesn’t give anyone a choice,” and then she coughed.

“Would you like some water?”

Her grandmother looked surprised. “Yes, thanks.” Emily saw a tray with water, and brought one to her. Her grandmother slowly sipped it. “Why would you choose to mutilate yourself?”

Emily sighed and looked at the ceiling. “I didn’t mutilate myself. I made myself whole. I don’t expect you to understand that but…”

“You didn’t have to.”

Emily looked at her. “Look me in the eye and tell me that if I didn’t do this, it would’ve changed what you and your family thought about me one bit.”

“So, you’re blaming us,” she sneered.

“No! It had nothing to do with you or my parents or anyone else. I am a girl. I was always a girl. I told dad, I knew it long before I knew anything else and nothing anyone did or didn’t do to me was going to change that. My desire to tell you to go to hell has nothing to do with my name or my body or anything else. It’s you and them and how you treat my family and me. I'm asking nicely that you try and pretend to care until the wedding is over.”

“Don’t you dare tell me what to do or not to do!”

“I’m not telling you anything, besides would you even listen to me?” Her grandmother gave a small smile. “Can I ask you a serious question? Forget me, why are you here today? You don’t like Jordan, you don’t like my mom, you really don’t like Stef, so why? Why did any of you come?”

Her grandmother smiled, “Did it take you chopping things off to get a backbone?”

Emily smiled, “Apparently.”

Her grandmother smiled. “Your aunt told me you’d toughened up.”

“Is she why you came today?”

“No, I came for your father but she and Robert think the world of you.”

“I think the world of them and Liam,” and she played with the butterfly necklace.

“I’ve been told that you’ve been very supportive with the whole Robbie mess.”

Emily looked at her. “I try. I can’t even…”

“It was her side that did it.”

“Because the Nehlens are so psychologically healthy?”

Her grandmother laughed. “I thought you were nice and that one,” and she pointed at the bridal room, “was the one who…”

“Nice try. Anyway, I’m not going anywhere and I hope you’ll stay, if you and the rest of them can behave yourselves, but regardless I’m staying. If your family wants to beat me up, I don’t suppose I can stop them but I hope they won’t.”

“Christopher…”

“Emily…”

“Whatever your name is, I can’t stop them.”

“You can, but you won’t.”

“Excuse me?”

“You heard me. Everyone thinks your husband runs the show. He doesn’t, you do. They won’t go to the bathroom without your say-so, so spare me, please.”

“Do you think I will stop them?”

“If you do, you do. If not, not. How long are we going to play this game?”

A smile and, “you’re a little bitch, aren’t you?”

“When I have to be,” and she tried not to play with her hair. “Again, I’m here. Why are you?”

“Family is family.”

“Are they?”

“Stop,” and she held out her hand, “we can call a truce for today.”

“Truce,” and Emily shook. “What do you plan to tell them,” she pointed towards her grandfather, now joined by her uncles and aunts.

“Not your concern.” Emily shrugged and her grandmother looked at her. “It isn’t.”

“Nope, just curious.”

“You really look like a woman.”

“Because I am.”

“You look like your mother.”

“So everyone says.”

“We’re through.” Her grandmother looked back towards her uncle, and waved him over. His grandfather and uncles started to walk with him, and she held up her hand, pointing at her father and mouthing, ‘just him.’

He walked back over. “Is everything OK, Emily?” His mother went to speak and he said, “Emily?”

Emily smiled, “It’s all good. She gave me her word that no one would do anything to you or me today.”

“If one hair is harmed on her head…”

“Robert, I stand by my word.”

“I believe her, Uncle Rob. Plus, you know what, there’s nothing we can do to change them.”

“I gave you my word,” and she walked away.

He smiled, “You're a tough one, Berrigan. Good job standing your ground.”

“Did I have a choice?”

“Did she say anything?”

“Nothing you wouldn’t expect from her. I told her that I knew she really ran the show and I think that confused her.”

Her uncle laughed, “Good girl,” then, “you remember our deal?”

Emily sighed, “I don’t go anywhere by myself.”

“And?”

“I don’t let them see me sweat. Don’t worry about that. What else can they do to me, say to me? They want to make fun of me? Whatever.”

“If any of them start with you…oh, by the way, your father and I have a surprise for them.”

Emily’s eyes widened. “What?”

“You’ll see.”

“No fair, you can’t tell someone there’s a surprise, and then not tell them what it is.”

He laughed, “Who told you life was fair?” Then, “I mean it though. If anyone says anything or does anything, you find your father or me. Understood?”

“I understand. I like this suit. It's a good cut for you.” He kissed her cheek and rolled his eyes at the snickering of his family, whispering, ‘please tell me Stef put us with regular people.’

She walked back in to the bridal room and her mother said, “Where did you go?”

“I went out for a second, and then they came in.” Her mother took a deep breath and glared. “Nothing happened. I mean, I spoke to her…”

“And?”

“I won’t bore you with the details, you know how she is, better than me, but we declared a truce for today. She said that she’d tell them to leave me alone.”

Her mother sighed, “I don’t believe that, do you?”

“I know that, in the end, there's nothing I can do. I told dad I won't go anywhere by myself and I still have my pepper spray,” and she grinned, “but I'm not going to let them ruin my day or anyone else's.”

“I'm just worried.”

Emily smiled. “I'm not,” she lied.

Just then, there was a knock on the door, and it opened slightly to reveal Grandma Linda and them. “Can we come in?”

Stef sat in her gown, getting made up. “Hey, Grandma. I'd get up but…”

“Stephanie, you look absolutely beautiful,” and looking at Emily, “so do you. Are those my mother's earrings?” Emily smiled and nodded, and her grandmother continued, “Thank you. There's nobody better to continue the tradition.”

Emily smiled, “Thank you. I really appreciate being part of it.” She turned to Jamie, Brooke and Arden. “These always go to the youngest girl. My mom gave them to me yesterday.”

Her aunt looked at her. “I love that color for all of you.”

Stacy came over to Stef. “You look amazing, Stef,” and then she sighed, “I can't believe it's ten years. Sorry, today is about you,” and then she looked at Emily. “You should've totally been in the wedding.” Emily shrugged and then she laughed, “Of course, then you and Jamie,” and all the women except Emily laughed.

“I have no idea what you're talking about.”

Mia laughed, “That would make you the only one.”

Before Emily could speak, her mother said, “When Stacy got married, while Jordan was tortured being a junior bridesmaid, don't ask, it was painful, Emily was spending time with the groom’s cousin Jamie.”

Emily looked at the three women who weren't at Stacy's wedding, “He was showing me his form,” which made everyone laugh as Em turned red, “his running form! He was a cross-country runner, he said I had a good body,” which made everyone laugh harder, “for running! He was teaching me the right way to run.”

Arden smiled, “You know, so many of the guys I've gone out with do not know how to run,” which made everyone laugh. “And they won't accept running lessons.”

Her aunt Jackie laughed, “It’s a marathon, not a sprint…”

Stacy and Mia, in unison, said, “Mom!”

Brooke came over, “Was he a good runner?” Everyone laughed.

Emily took a deep breath, remembering how they kissed, not fully closing their eyes, to make sure no one saw them. “He was…definitely one of the better runners I've known,” which got laughs, and Emily smiled, having finally landed in the country where she spoke the language.

—------
They began lining up down the path where the ceremony would take place, the catering director lining everyone up. Em stood next to Vish. “Hey,” she smiled, “Are you ready?”

“Do you think we should've practiced some more?” He laughed. “I mean, fifteen feet is a long walk.”

“I think we'll be ok,” he said, as they linked arms, her bouquet of baby's breath and blue roses in her left hand. As they turned the corner, she took a deep breath. Her cousin Kaia, greeted with a chorus of ‘awww,’ threw rose petals overhand while her mother said, sotto voce, ‘underhand, the way we practiced.’ Em looked at Kaia’s dress and the flowers in her hair, and then banished a thought.

When she and Vish walked in, she heard stray snickers and looked straight ahead. This is not about them, or you, she thought, it's Stef and Jared and only them.

The string quartet began the wedding march and then Stef walked in with their parents, a vision in an elegant white, floor length, slip dress with a sort of cowl neckline, a bouquet of white roses and calla lilies in her hand. No over the top tulle and beading, just sophistication, like Stef. The crowd gasped as they walked down, water forming in the corner of her father's eyes, even as he smiled.

A rabbi and priest each offered blessings over them, a melding of traditions neither Jared nor Stef practiced with any regularity. The ceremony ended with each smashing a glass, a Jewish tradition that Arden had explained to her had, ‘something to do with the destruction of the Second Temple because we're Jews and we can never be totally happy.’ Emily decided to go with the rabbi's ‘may your marriage last as long as it takes to put the glass back together.’

As the DJ told the wedding party to come dance with the happy couple, Emily heard her uncle Kevin groan and say, ‘unbelievable.’ Well, fuck you, Kevin, I'm here and you won't ruin this day.

—
“And now Stef wants to dance with her first love,” the DJ said, as Stef took her father’s hand, and ‘Isn’t She Lovely,’ by Stevie Wonder started playing.

He put his arms around her waist. “You look beautiful, Steffie.”

She smiled, “Thanks. Would you tell me if I didn’t?”

He laughed a little, then his voice caught, “I mean it. You look absolutely beautiful and I’m proud of you and everything you’ve done and the woman you’ve become.”

Stef felt herself tear up, “Daddy…”

“I mean it. I know you didn't get it from me, but you’re truly amazing and I love you.”

Stef wiped her eyes. “I love you too, daddy.”

“And I like Jared, a lot, but if he ever does or even says anything…”

Stef smiled and rubbed his neck, “He won’t. You really are the best, you know that, right?”

He smiled, and she saw tears, “Would you tell me if I wasn’t?”

“I mean it. I know I didn’t say it enough, but you really were, are an amazing dad. Everything you’ve done for me.”

“Thanks. I tried my hardest.”

“I mean it. I wasn’t easy.”

“You were fine. I couldn’t have asked for better kids. I told you, you all came together in spite of everything we did.”

She smiled, “Don’t go there. You did your best, which was pretty good, all in all.”

He just smiled and kissed her forehead, which got an “awww” from the crowd.
–
“And now, our maid of honor, Dr. Arden Winnick would like to make a toast.”

Arden stood up and introduced herself. “So, Stef and I did not meet each other under the most auspicious of circumstances. It was the first week of our first year at Michigan,” which got a cheer from their college friends, “and Stef and I both went to the same fraternity party. Well, anyway, we both…ate some bad potato chips,” which got a big laugh, “and the next thing you know we're in the third floor bathroom at Markley, me holding Stef's hair. Again, bad potato chips, watch out for them…”

“Tell me you didn't have pretzels before,” Doug laughed, “you never want to mix chips and pretzels…”

The crowd laughed and Arden continued, “Well, anyway, from that first night began my best friendship. When I first met Jared, I felt he needed to know some things. She is terrible at washing dishes, but that’s not really a problem because she rarely does them. She is smart, scary smart. She has been known to express her opinion from time to time,” which got a big, ‘nooo,’ “she is always right and God help you if you point out when she may not be,” which made everyone laugh, “she doesn't like to lose - at anything. Again, Jared, I told you this and you still went through with it,” and Stef rolled her hand in the air, “she is not the most patient person as you all see…but, when Stef cares about you, she will do anything for you. My dad always says a true friend is one who will help you bury the body, no questions asked. Well, I know that, if it came to that, she would do it for me, no questions asked. She would tell me I'm doing it wrong and have to shovel faster than me,” which made everyone laugh, “but, seriously, she is the most caring, loving, loyal person I have ever known and for nine years, she has been by my side, my best friend, and Jared, I give her to you with all my love and a warning that you better not make her unhappy or you'll have to answer to me. So, let's all raise our glasses, and, to combine traditions, ‘May you have love that never ends, lots of money, and lots of friends. Health be yours, whatever you do, and may God send many blessings to you! And mazel tov!’”

—
Emily was sitting by herself at the table, having danced for over an hour. She took off her heels and took a sip of water when she heard, “Hey.” It was her cousin Mike and she flinched. “I'm not gonna hit you, don't worry.”

She stared at him, “What? What do you want?”

He looked almost hurt, then stared out at the room. “God, we have a fucked up family.”

Emily looked at him, “Fuck you, Mike.”

“I didn't say you're fucked up, I said we have a fucked up family.” He looked at a roll by someone's plate. “Think someone wants this?” She gave him a ‘go ahead’ shrug and he picked at it.

“Anyway,” she said.

He looked at her. “We really are fucked up. You ever think about that?” She smiled and held her fingers a tiny bit apart. “Stupid question,” he laughed. “Like look at us. Everyone hates everyone else. We're all miserable and we all stay around like maybe if whoever is ahead of us in line dies, it'll get better. Except you guys. You're the only ones with any common sense.”

“Wow. I didn't know you felt that.”

“Yeah, like I was in one of the meetings…”

She laughed. “What happens in those meetings?”

“Don't ask. Anyway, I was in a meeting and you came up,” and she tensed up, “yeah, it was that bad and I remember looking at everyone and thinking who the fuck cares about her.”

“Gee, thanks.”

He laughed, “Not that way. More like you're not here, you're not part of any of this, it's like let her do what she wants…”

Just then, Liam came over and looked at her. “Is he bothering you, Em?”

She smiled. “It's fine, Lee. Thanks.”

He looked at Mike. “There better not be a problem.”

Mike laughed. “Relax, Liam. We're just talking about how fucked up everyone is.”

“Is that true, Em?”

She smiled. “Yes.”

He walked away, glaring at Mike, who laughed. “He really cares about you, huh?”

“I really care about him too.”

“Mad fucked up about Robbie.”

She took a sip of water. “Yeah, it is.”

“You think he's more or less screwed up than the rest of us?”

She laughed. “At least he's not spreading his shit to multiple generations.”

“You and Jordan and Stef were smart, getting away from all this. I really need to.”

She looked at him and cast caution to the wind. “So do it.”

“And do what?”

“I dunno. People change jobs all the time. What if the company went bankrupt? You'd have to do something then.”

“Why did you do it?”

She looked up. “I was thrown out, you know that. Or did you just need to hear me say it? Fuck you.”

“Sorry. I meant I know why you left, I meant…never mind. Anyway,” and he looked over at their grandparents, at his grandfather sitting and smirking, while three of his sons stood. “Look at the old man. Sitting there like the fucking king.”

“Does anyone feel like you do? Kev, P.J.?”

“Probably, but they don't say anything and I won't be first.”

Just then, Aunt Julie came over. “Why are you talking to him?”

Emily smiled. “He came over.”

Her aunt sneered. “I was talking to Mikey.”

Emily smiled sweetly. “I know.”

Ignoring Emily, Julie turned to Mike. “You might think about who you're seen associating with, Michael. About what's in your long-term interest,” and she left.

“JFC,” he said. “What was she trying to prove?”

Emily laughed, “She's a bitch?”

“She covered that years ago. Anyway, I'm sorry about all the shit I ever did to you.”

Emily shrugged, “Thanks I guess.”

“You ever wonder about what it would have been like if you were always a girl?”

She almost began the lecture then stopped. There was no point and he was apologizing. There was a time and place, but not at Stef's wedding. “Sometimes. But did you ever listen to them with each other? Same shit, just different type of shit, y’know? Like your mom and Julie are, no offense, just as shitty as your dad and Pete, just different, no offense.”

He laughed, “So like, sorry your mother's a bitch. I mean, she is but I'm sorry I had to say it.”

“Sorry.”

“Don't be. My sister hasn't come for holidays for like three years because she doesn't want her daughters to go through the same shit.”

“Seriously?”

“Yup. Anyway, I don't know. I just felt like saying something to you.”

“Thanks for coming over. If you're ever in LA - alone - we can hang out if you want.”

“Maybe.” She knew he wouldn’t. She suddenly felt the need to pee and, forgetting where she was, put back on her shoes and got up to go to the bathroom. She was washing her hands when she saw them behind her in the mirror - her cousins Cat and Kelly.

“Look what it is,” Kelly sneered. Emily continued washing her hands, then went for a towel.

Cat put her hand over the towels. “This is such bullshit. Your sister has her wedding in Chicago and so you get to use the wrong bathroom.”

Emily went to move her hand. “Let me dry my hands and you can do whatever you want in here without me.”

Kelly came closer. “I don’t think so, Chris.”

She almost corrected her and decided it wasn’t worth it. Instead, she stood up and looked at her. “Really? What do you plan on doing?”

“What should’ve been done years ago.”

Emily laughed. “How old are you? You’re going to hit me at a wedding? Trust me when I tell you that we will never see each other again after today, so just get out of my way please.”

The two women laughed, “Or what?”

Emily took a deep breath. “Try me.”

Kelly moved completely into her personal space. “Oh, he/she’s suddenly become so tough. You think that because you’re a guy, you can kick my ass, really?”

Emily looked at her. “I just want to dry my hands and get out of here.” She hated the plaintive tone in her voice. “Forget it. I’ll just use my napkin,” and she went to leave and Cat blocked the door, grinning malevolently.

“I’ll let you go when we decide it’s time, not before.”

With that, Emily jammed her heel into Cat’s foot, opened the door and ran out, running into Aunt Jeannie. Jeannie looked at her. “What’s wrong?”

Emily felt her eyes well up and the story spilled from her in fits and starts. Jeannie was hugging her, when Cat and Kelly came out. “What did you two do to her?”

Ignoring Jeannie, Cat sneered, “He’s still the same as he ever was. Except now that his real mommy threw him out, he runs to Aunt Jeannie. He’ll take anyone.”

Jeannie looked at her. “What did you just say?”

Cat smirked, “You heard me.”

“If you think I can’t - or won’t - make your life a living hell, Catherine, you are sorely mistaken.”

“Try it.”

“Leave her alone,” Emily yelled. “You wanna take a shot at me, at a wedding, you’ll just prove what everyone has always said about you, but you leave her alone.”

Cat and Kelly laughed and pushed her away. “Go away, Chrissie. This doesn’t concern you.”

Just then, a security guard came over and looked at Emily and Jeannie, “Excuse me, ma’am, miss, are these two bothering you?”

Kelly snickered and pointed at Emily. “I found him in the ladies’ room.”

The guard glared at her. “Under Cook County Human Rights Law, she can use whatever bathroom she wants. You can’t go around assaulting people.”

“Assault? A man,” and she snickered, “comes into the ladies’ room and I’m the one to blame? Are you serious?”

“I am and this is county property, so I suggest you move it along unless they want to press charges.”

Jeannie pulled Emily in. “Catherine, Kelly, you have ten seconds in which to leave.”

Kelly looked at Cat. “This is such bullshit, but it,” and she looked at Emily, “isn’t worth it.”

The guard looked at her. “I can have a squad car here in ten minutes…”

Emily sighed, “No, it’s my sister’s wedding and it’s not great for the cops to suddenly come in…” The guard laughed. “I’m serious. I haven’t seen them for six years and I won’t ever see them again, I just want to go back and try and enjoy myself.”

“You do that. Don’t let people like that ruin your day, but, if you change your mind…”

“Thank you,” and the guard walked away.

Jeannie looked at her, “Emmy, I thought we had a deal, you don’t go anywhere alone. I’m not blaming you…”

“I went to wash my hands and I didn’t think anyone would be in there…”

“I’m just glad nothing happened to you,” and she hugged her and kissed her forehead.

Her father and Rob came out, looking upset. “What just happened,” her father asked.

Jeannie looked at him. “Cat and Kelly tried to start a fight with Emmy.”

Rob looked at Emily. “Seriously? What happened in there?”

“Nothing, I was in there washing my hands when they came in. They started calling me names, I told them I wanted to be left alone, they wouldn’t stop, Cat blocked the door and I stomped on her foot with my heel…”

Her father and Rob both started laughing. “Good girl,” her father said, then, gravely, “they didn’t do anything to you, did they?”

“No, they were just jerks. Nothing I didn’t expect.”

“We had a deal about you going anywhere….” Rob said.

Emily looked at her father and uncle, “I know, I know. What are they saying?”

“What you would expect of them. They were freaked out because you were in the ladies’ room, blah blah blah. It doesn’t really matter, does it?”

“I guess not. I’m sorry this happened,” and she looked at her father. “You’re supposed to be enjoying the wedding or being sad that Stef grew up or something like that.”

Jeannie went to speak and her father held up his hand. “Emily, you have nothing to apologize for. You didn’t do anything. You didn’t start with them, they started with you. I’m glad you stood up for yourself but you didn’t ruin my day or anyone who matters’ day,” then, laughing, “your sister grew up when she was five, we just were waiting for her body to catch up.”

“Are you sure?”

Her dad looked at Jeannie. “Emily, yes, I’m sure.”

“I imagine you’re going to hear about this.”

“If I do, I do, but don’t ever think you have to take abuse to protect me, got it?” Emily nodded. “Good, go back inside. I need to talk to Jeannie and Rob for a second.”

Emily walked into the party, her father’s eyes on her the whole way. As soon as she was back in, he turned to Jeannie and Rob. “Part of me wants to tell them now.”

Jeannie smiled, “Me too but don’t do that at Stef’s wedding even though I’m pretty sure she’d love it.”

Rob laughed. “I’m surprised she hasn’t announced it to everyone.”

“I wanna thank you guys again,” her father said.

“Doug, it’s not necessary…” Rob said.

“Yeah, it is.”

“Doug, stop,” Jeannie said.

“No. I’m serious. I look at her and I see this happy, confident young woman and I know it’s nothing we ever did. And I know that you’re the ones who got us back together.”

Jeannie shook her head. “That wasn’t us, that was all her. She did it, not us.”

“Yeah, well, anyway, I can’t ever repay you.”

“Doug, we owe you too,” Rob said. “It’s no secret about what she’s done for the three of us and I’m not just talking about her being Liam’s older sister. You know what we’ve been through and to have her has meant the world to us. I wish she was my daughter…”

Doug looked at the ceiling and then him. “She is.”

“She’s yours, yours and Laura’s…”

“She is but she’s yours too. I know that, Laura knows that and we’re OK with it, seriously. Kid’s lucky to have four parents who love her.”

“Doug…”

“No, I mean it. Since Laura’s been seeing that therapist, we’ve been talking about everything,” the last word sighed, which got a laugh, “and we both realize that. After growing up in asshole ground zero, she deserves everything,” and he shrugged.

Jeannie gave him a hug and kiss on the cheek. “You’re better than you think, Doug. Anyway, let’s get back in there. I’d hate to miss any fireworks,” and everyone laughed.

—-
They went back in and saw Emily dancing in a group with Arden, Stef and Kira, Jordan watching off to the side. Doug walked over and looked at the group. “Everything OK?”

“Yeah,” their eyes following Kira.

“Did anything happen when Emily came back?”

“They were pointing at her and complaining, but nothing else. You know that I wouldn’t let anything happen and neither would Liam or Stef.”

“That’s your job.”

“I know,” they groaned. “Did Emily really crunch her foot with her heel?”

Their father laughed, “That’s what I’ve heard.”

“Cool. You’re not worried about…”

“You can’t live your life wondering what if.”

“I just don't want anything to happen to any of you.”

“Me either.”

They stood there in silence until Kira came over and took Jordan's hand. “Let's dance.”

“Umm,” and they looked at their father, who laughed. “Just do it, Jordan. You're going to have to sooner or later.”

Jordan went off and started dancing with the group, and their father stood there watching until he felt a tap on his shoulder. He looked over and saw his father. “Hi, dad.”

“You proud of that crew you have there?”

“You know what, dad? We can talk about this Monday but don't try and ruin this for me, ok? Can you do that?”

“Douglas, your mother and I don't approve of the way they live their lives.”

“You've made that very clear.”

“You and Laura did this.”

He took a deep breath. “Did what? Stephanie made law review at Northwestern and probably makes as much as me, and now she’s married to a great guy who cares about her. Jordan started four years at Purdue and now has a great job and a great girlfriend,” and his father’s face turned to a sneer.

“And Christopher?”

He watched his youngest dance, arms up in the air, laughing. “Emily paid her way through college, got a commercial and a movie and is really happy, dad. Leave her alone.”

“Had you and Laura done your jobs correctly…”

He turned to him. “What do you see out there? Because I see my kids laughing and dancing together, not yours. By the way, mom lied.”

“Excuse me?”

“Cat and Kelly, in the bathroom. She didn't keep her word to Emily.”

“He made a choice to use the wrong bathroom.”

He opened his mouth, then stopped. “I'm gonna go see if my wife wants to dance.”

“Expect consequences if you leave.”

He walked away.

—