Swearing to Love You

“Maddy. Let’s get going, hun.” My cousins practically have to drag me away from him. Luckily, they are quite chatty in the car and before I know it, we are pulling up to Boutique de Crawford.

I love this shop. It is owned by Ava, Kennedy, Rosa and Penny Crawford. They are all married to one of the Crawford brothers of a town just 15 minutes from us called Moosehead. The clothes they sell are not only beautiful, but they can only be found in their store because they are the exclusive designs of Migan Jorgensen.

“Maddy. Finally. We have been having the best time trying to figure out what to do for your official girls’ night.” I look at Ava. Smiling at her because she has this super serious face on right now.

“Well, we can think of something. But right now, I would like to introduce you ladies to my cousins. Meredith and Aubree, I would like for you to meet, Ava, Kennedy, Rosa and Penny. They own the boutique. This is Migan. She is the designer of every article of clothing you see here. And finally meet Lanie. She is my boss’s wife.” Phew. that was a mouthful.

Everyone shakes hands and then the camaraderie commences. I am not sure how long we are there, trying on lingerie, modeling some of Migan’s new designs, drinking champagne and generally having a good time when it comes to an abrupt halt.

“My, my. Isn’t this cozy. The little bitch finally found some friends.” My worst nightmare just walked into the shop. I am stuck to the seat of the boutique unable to move or speak.

“Veronica, what the hell are you doing here?” I am so glad Aubree asked the question because my voice just doesn’t want to work.

“Mind your own damn business, Aubree. You know, I never did like you or your nosy ass sister. Oops. Well, hello Meredith.” She feigns sheepishness. See my stepmother is evil. She is the most vial women that ever lived. I don’t know what my dad saw in her. Other than he was out of his mind and lonely.

I try to gather whatever courage I can and get her out of here as soon as possible. Before she ruins everything.

“Veronica. What can I do for you?” I ask as I straighten my back.

“Well you little bitch, I want the money that is owed to me.” Say what now?

“Money? I don’t owe you any money.”

“Your father left you everything when he died except for the house. The fucking house! That’s all I get, and I was married to the boring son of a bitch for two years. Two freaking years and he couldn’t even get it up.” Oh my god. I am speechless right now. I can see Lanie and the other girls begin to get uncomfortable and I need to try to diffuse this as soon as possible.

“Veronica. I am so sorry my dad didn’t take care of you. I wish there was something I could do to help.”

“I wish there was something I could do to help,” she mimics me. I begin to fidget as I get more and more uncomfortable.

“Screw your fucking help. You can stand there and play all innocent and shit. But don’t forget I know the truth. You may have everyone fooled, but I know you’re just a…”

“Ma’am, this is my store and I am going to have to ask you to leave,” Kennedy asserts, walking to the door and holding it open.

“Leave!!! I am not leaving until this bitch…” I know I should be standing up for myself, but this whole situation is taking me back to my last two years before I turned eighteen when she made my life a living hell.

“Your venomous bitch. Veronica, we all know how you make your living. Marrying rich guys and then taking all their money. You’re just mad my uncle knew better. Now get the fuck out before I make you.” Oh. Now she has made Aubree mad. Oh boy. I am about to step up when suddenly, all I hear is yelling and then before I know it, she is on top of me, yanking my hair as her fist connects with my face.

I am trying in vain to push her off me. I can’t move because she has me pinned between the dressing room and the corner.

“GET THE FUCK OFF ME!!!” I yell at the top of my legs, kicking her in the stomach. But even that won’t propel her to let me go. This is worse than high school.

“Screw you, you goody two shoes bitch. I have hated you since the moment I met you. EVERYONE fucking babied you ‘cause your mother wasn’t around. You weren’t even worth her time. Well, WHOOP DEE FUCKING DOO!!! Does the man you’re marrying know what a whore you are?”