The main room was spotless when I walked out of the bathroom. It was hard to believe just half an hour ago a girl was murdered in this room. It almost made it seem unreal, as if I had dreamed it. Sometimes I second-guessed things because it all seemed too surreal. Had I imagined him killing her? My sense of reality blurred every day, and I was terrified that it meant I was starting to lose it like Rose. Not once had she or Poppy asked me to call them by their real names.
On the side table was another newspaper, but I refused to look at it. It was torment to see my family’s faces.
I went into the bedroom, ignoring Rose watching me, and climbed into bed. I started to think that I was the one worse off. Sure, Rose and Poppy didn’t have anyone looking for them—that we knew of—but that also meant they didn’t miss anyone so much it made them feel sick. I missed all the special little moments I had with my family and the things I’d done with Lewis, even the silly things, like going bowling or shopping on the weekends.
Rolling onto my stomach, I buried my head under my pillow. Had I really reached a new low where I wished I had no one? My heart broke, and I sobbed into the sheet.
Saturday, June 5th (2010)
“Lewis, come on. You need to get up,” I said, shaking his arm gently. Every time we had to go somewhere or do something early, I had the same battle to get him out of bed. He was worse than a child!
He groaned. “Baby, you gotta let me sleep.”
“Nope. Up,” I said, pulling the quilt off him. He groaned again and rolled over, burying his head in the pillow. We were going to his aunt’s wedding and needed to leave in an hour. I had already been up over two hours, had breakfast, showered, got dressed, brought my dress to his house, done my makeup, and straightened my hair. “Lewis, seriously, we have an hour.”
“An hour?” he mumbled into the pillow.
“Yes!”
“Then wake me up in thirty minutes.”
I sighed in frustration. He was so impossible in the mornings. I suddenly thought of something that would get him up. “Okay. You sleep. I just need to take this bra off—it’s so uncomfortable,” I said casually and removed my top. I saw him twitch, but he didn’t look over—he didn’t think I would actually do it. I smiled and dropped my top to the floor. The noise got his attention. He rolled over at ninja speed and pushed himself up on his elbows.
“Hey, I thought you were taking your bra off?” he said, narrowing his eyes playfully.
I shrugged. “It’s not hurting now, but since you’re awake, you should just get up.” I jumped back as his arms shot out to grab me.
“That’s not fair. Tease!” I giggled to myself and walked away. “Summer?” I turned around and gasped at how close he was to me. I hadn’t heard him get up over my laughing. He wound his arms around my waist and pulled me against his chest. “I love you,” he said, staring into my eyes, making me feel like I was floating.
“I love you too. Now get ready!” I pushed his chest and he must not have expected it because he stumbled backward. He groaned and pouted, making me roll my eyes at him. Man-child.
***
We arrived at the church ten minutes late and had to sit at the back. I was so annoyed with him as everyone stared at us. I scowled at Lewis and he mouthed, “I love you” to try and get back in my good graces. Not happening, buddy! I frowned and turned my attention to the bride and groom.
His aunt Lisa and her almost husband, Brian, read out their vows. They had written their own and they were beautiful. I loved weddings, especially when they were so personal.
“Are you crying?” Lewis whispered, bumping his shoulder against mine. He looked like he was trying not to smirk. Every time I cried at something happy he teased me.
“I’m sorry I’m not dead inside like you!” I hissed. He burst out laughing and quickly turned it into a cough. Everyone in the church fell silent and turned around to look at us. My eyes widened and my face burst into flames. Being with Lewis felt like bloody babysitting sometimes—most of the time.
“Sorry,” Lewis said, faking another cough and slapping his chest. Could I move seats without anyone noticing?
Once the ceremony ended, everyone made their way outside for drinks, canapés, and photos. Lewis grabbed my hand, rubbing my palm with his thumb. It was hard to stay mad at him. “Late as always hey, Lewis?” Lisa teased, pulling him into a hug.
“Yeah, sorry. Summer was taking ages doing her hair.” I stared at him with my mouth hanging open. Was he seriously blaming me for this?
“Don’t worry, hon. I know the truth,” she said and winked at me.
“Good,” I replied and narrowed my eyes at Lewis. “Anyway, congratulations!” I hugged her, kissing her cheek.
“Yeah, what she said,” Lewis said, nodding his head toward me.
“Thank you,” Lisa replied sarcastically and pinched Lewis’s cheek. He frowned, turning his nose up and batting her hand away. Ha. “Well, I’d better keep moving, gotta get around to everyone before I have too many drinks.” She smiled at us and walked toward Lewis’s parents.