Shadows of the past

Chapter 4

I sit in back of cab gazing out of the window and think how I’m going to beak the news to my parents. We’re heading to my parent’s place Joe’s parents will also be there. The drive is short, we reach and unload our luggage. I stand at the entrance, “Ready?” Joe asks. “Not a bit. But let’s get over with it.” I reply. Inside we are greeted by Greta my parent’s housekeeper. “Welcome home Ms. Swan and may I say congratulations on your wedding mam.” “Where is everybody?” I ask her ignoring her greetings. “They are in the backyard mam waiting for you all, though I must warn you things are getting pretty intense there, they’ve been arguing for a long time now about who is going to pay for your wedding reception.” I glare at Amy who is looking everywhere but me. I give a worrying glance to Joe who has the same expression as me, “Let’s get over with it. Shall we?” He offers me his hand I take it any move towards backyard. The weather is pleasant outside, the flowers are blooming, everything is pleasant just like always. I was privileged to live in such a heaven, being the only child of my parents I was the apple of their eyes. I was my father’s little princess, my wish used to be his command, my parents always loved me unconditionally and addressed to all my demands and I was just about to shatter their lifelong dream. I felt terrible. Greta wasn’t exaggerating, thinks are pretty heated up here, I heard my father saying “I know Joe is your son but Ella is our only daughter, you still have Amy but this is our only shot, we won’t have another wedding in the family.” Joe’s mother sees us and walks towards us, she embraces me “Oh! I’m so happy I got another daughter today.” She leaves me and walks towards Joe “This is the best decision you’ve ever made, although I am mad that we were not a part of the ceremony, but it can be rectified we’re going to have a grand reception…” “Mom listen to me…” Joe interrupted. She continued “I’m not listening to you we’ll have a grand celebration and I’m telling you that not asking you.” She seems pretty excited, she’s going to be so hurt when she gets to know the truth. I make my way towards my parents my father hugs me “Can’t believe my little girl is all grown and married now, it seems like just yesterday when we brought you home from the hospital and here you are now all grown and married. WOW. I still can’t wrap my head around that you’re a married woman now.” Joe’s dad is standing right behind him and is the next to greet me “Welcome to the family dear.” My mom’s the next one in line “I didn’t knew you both were dating. Your father’s way too happy right now that he can’t think things through but I know you, when I heard the news I was more shocked than surprised that you would run off to Vegas and get married without even consulting us and it’s not like you and now by looking at your face I know that everything’s not right so tell me what’s all this?” “Oh! Mom” I hugged her she always knew when something was bothering me, I looked into her eyes she was waiting for an answer “I’ll tell you everything soon I promise.”