First Visions: Second Sight Book One

Chapter Sixteen

"Oh god, they put us at the reject table," Kate mock whispered to her mother as they arrived at her cousin's wedding on Saturday evening.

Her charcoal colored dress was pretty spectacular and Kate lamented over the fact that her date was her mom. It was strapless with a sweetheart neckline and fitted bodice. She swore her boobs never looked so good. Kate wasn't a big fan of her stomach or butt and loved how the ruching style of the chiffon hid every flaw. The hem lifted to her knee while staying longer in the rear. Although she felt like a goddess in the dress, she couldn't help but note how her cousin had stuck her in the farthest and darkest corner of the ballroom.

"Kate, I'm sure the seating was done arbitrarily. It must be extremely difficult to arrange the tables," her mother said.

Her mom could see the bright side during Armageddon. Kate was impressed by what a knockout her mother looked like. Maybe finding an older gentleman to sweep her mom off her feet could take Kate's mind off her own dismal love life. Kate's mom wore an eggplant colored gown with an empire waist and cap sleeves. They both had gone to the salon earlier for manicures and to have their hair styled. Her mother had settled on a formal updo, while Kate had decided to keep her hair down, but had the stylist add soft waves using large rollers.

Kate examined each of their tablemates and couldn't help but think the slight was deliberate. "We're not even sitting with anyone from our family? I'm guessing this was definitely on purpose."

Their dining companions included two preteen boys, a couple whose idea of formal wear consisted of jeans and a collared shirt for the guy and a dress for the girl that looked like a beach cover-up and an elderly couple who looked like they'd rather be anywhere but there.

Collapsing into her chair, Kate took a swig of the champagne in front of her. Her mother slapped her hand. "You're not supposed to drink the champagne until the toast."

Kate rolled her eyes and noticed one of the boys across from her giving her the stink eye. "What?" she challenged, staring back at him while knitting her eyebrows.

"You're the weird girl that my mom says is full of shit." Both the boys began to snicker as if they were the funniest assholes in the room.

"Well, my mom says you're a mouth breather who won't amount to anything in life," she retorted.

Her mother gave her a painful pinch on the leg. "Ow!" she exclaimed as her mom gave her a look that said stop acting like a brat. She turned back to the boy. "Ha-ha, just kidding." The tension level increased at the table and she knew the rest of the guests were wondering how they ended up at this freak show.

The happy couple was introduced and Kate could barely manage a slow clap for their entrance. She told her mom it was a bad idea for her to come when she was in such a sour mood. At least she got out of attending the ceremony earlier in the afternoon by claiming she was suffering from a horrible bout of menstrual cramps. Her mom didn't buy it, but let it slide since she figured no one would notice if Kate wasn't at the church. The reception had been non-negotiable.

After she had reconciled with Julie, Kate foolishly thought she could get past everything including her heartbreak. She assumed Jared might try to make further amends and reach out to her again. However, she had not received one single call or text from Jared all week. Dick. Nikki must have threatened to cut off his balls if he had any further communication with her. Put this on top of Cori still being missing and she wanted nothing less than witnessing a wedding, such an ostentatious display of love.

The only bright spot of the week besides Julie's visit had been the conversation with her dad last night. He took her up on her offer to spend time together over the Labor Day holiday. His friend owned a property along the shore and he was going to check to see if they could stay there for the weekend. It would be just the two of them. He decided it would be too soon for her to meet his lady friend. Maybe the weekend would give them a chance to sort out a few of their differences.