1. Evie

one

Evie

Here we go. I pinch back a smile as it's the start of one of the happiest memories of my life.

A tinted burst of light filtered through the stained-glass windows, casting colorful rainbow beams on the nearby wooden pews. Fresh blush rose petals lined the center aisle, decorating the path to the altar. As the organist struck her first chord, Elizabeth's three magenta-clad bridesmaids paired off with their groomsmen and strolled down the aisle, two by two.

I held back, waiting for my turn to walk, just before my sister. I couldn't stop smiling as I was so proud of my little baby sister. Just four years younger, she seemed to grow up right on my heels, following me around like a little pet. I'm not surprised she's the first to get married. She was a hopeless romantic, the opposite of me. She spent her days playing house, and pushing around little baby dolls, while I had spent my life—literally since I was four years old—working on television sets. I always knew she'd get her happy-ever-after relationship. I smiled wistfully at all the memories.

The last of the three bridesmaids made it down the aisle, and it was now my turn. Me, the maid of honor. I smoothed out the bustling hideous skirt that Elizabeth made me wear—fuchsia in color and with ruffles. I had begged her to let me wear something less colorful, but she insisted today had to be a "bright day" for us in all the ways. I tossed a look back at my sister, tucked between both of our parents as they waited for their turn down the aisle. She smiled warmly at me, her face radiating all the blessings she was gaining with her new life with Hank.

I raised my bouquet of magenta and blush roses, hooked my free arm with Hank's twin brother, Harold, and together we paced forward. Harold was shorter than me by a good three inches, and the very top of his head was bald, with glimmery sheen. I tried to fight it, but my eyes kept sliding over to study it. Not sure if that was due to a waxing situation or what, but I'd never seen such a shiny bald head before, and under the soft church lighting, it reflected sparkles. It was oddly beautiful.

Eyes forward, Evie. It's rude to stare at his head.

I pinned my gaze forward as Harold and I approached the altar, and then we parted to take our spots, waiting for Elizabeth. The music switched to the traditional wedding march, and the crowd rustled as everyone rose to their feet.

My heart thumped with happiness. Both my parents walked my sister down the aisle. Mom had big hair, reminiscent of 90s updo (even though we left the 90s thirty years ago), and she modeled a nice mother-of-the-bride, beige dress. Dad donned a formal tux, with magenta tie. I really do think Elizabeth took this magenta thing too far, but everyone willingly did it for her.

Elizabeth glided, her nine-foot, silk train— that I paid for because they didn't have the money for their dream wedding, and I wanted the very best for her —trailed behind her. Tears pricked the backs of my eyes as I couldn't take my eyes off her.

I was overflowing with pride.

Elizabeth hugged both my parents, and they took a seat in the front pew while Elizabeth joined Hank, whose eyes were glued to her. It was the sweetest thing to see my sister be so loved.

Father Jon made the sign of the cross and began to pray. Just as I bowed my head, a loud commotion came from the back of the church, and an imposing barrage of cameras rose in my peripheral vision, all aimed at me .

My absolute worst nightmare.

Paparazzi.

At least half a dozen seemed to pour out of the woodwork. I had no idea how they even got into this private ceremony. One started taking photos, and they all followed. The guests started to buzz, and a few people shouted at the party crashers to get out. My jaw dropped at the despicable behavior, and my joyful heart pitters shifted to a lower gear, thumping out anxiety.

Did they have no respect?

I didn't know how to stop it without shouting, and I certainly didn't want to make a scene. I cut a glance toward Elizabeth, her pleasant smile had fallen. Thankfully, the ushers made their way up front, but by now with so much stirring, the whole place was in an uproar. They pulled the photographers out by their forearms, but the wedding crashers laughed their way down the aisle. The arched wooden doors slammed behind them, echoing into the cathedral, and finally a heavy silence was restored in the church.

With a giant sigh of relief, I turned back to Elizabeth, ready to give her a weary smile, but her angry gaze was locked on me. Her dark golden brow lowered, and she planted her feet shoulder width apart. Her stance startled me so much, my head jolted back. I started to stutter out an apology, but she cut me off with a storm of words. "I hate you!" She screamed, planting a palm on her hip, sharply angling her elbow. "Just for once, can you let someone else have the spotlight! It's my wedding!"

Desperation filled my lungs, and before I could say anything, Harold had stepped out of line, hooked my arm again, and started to pull me back up the aisle.

"That's right," Elizabeth screamed after me. "Leave. You don't even deserve to be here. I never want to see you again. You just ruined the most important day of my life!"

"Let it go. It's not about you today," he whispered but it wasn't that whispery, and I'm sure everyone heard it.

Not about me!

I never made it all about me. I was here to support her! It's not my fault the paparazzi had snuck in. They follow me everywhere. She can't blame me for this!

My feet were unmoving bricks, and Harold used force to drag me away from my sister. It was probably for the best because if I had spoken, I would have told everyone how horrible this family really is.

How my parents had used me since I was a child, forcing me to go to every audition. For years, they stole my money to supplement their lifestyle, going on vacations without me, while I worked. My mom spent every penny she had. When there wasn't money left over for groceries, I'd bail her out with my money. A ten-year-old shouldn't have to put food on the table. I did it because inside I was suffering the loss of my childhood, and I wanted to ensure that at least one of us, Elizabeth, could have that perfect carefree innocence.

I even paid for this whole wedding!

I bit hard on my bottom lip, allowing Harold to pull me up the aisle. My eyes fixed on his gleaming bald spot like it was a flashing yellow caution light, guiding me to a safe exit.

Maybe it was time.

Nothing I could say would ever make my family see the sacrifices I'd made for them, and the lack of appreciation they'd given me. If they could honestly sit there and be silent when Elizabeth screamed her hatred at me, then I didn't need them.

It was finally time.

I'd dreamed of this moment for so many years. When I got to a point where I could walk away from all their drama and controlling ways to start my own life, free of them. This was the final straw. I jerked my arm back from Harold, dug my heels down to pick up my pace, speeding past him. "I can see myself out, thank you."

I didn't need to formulate a plan because I'd been fantasizing about my getaway for years. I was truly leaving my family, and this entire country behind. I'd go by sea; on the yacht I bought last year with my own hard-earned money. Once I get out to sea, nobody would be able to reach me. I would finally be freed of my mooching parents and ungrateful sister.

I picked up my pace, steadying myself on the slippery marble and raced out the front door.

To the yacht, where my new life awaits!