There was Bradley, teary-eyed, handsome. A gentle breeze blew Melissa’s tendrils, and the guests sat down. Melissa handed her bouquet to Ophelia and kissed her cheek, pretending that the child didn’t pull away, then joined hands with Bradley.
Surely, this was the most beautiful moment anyone here would ever see.
“I love you,” she whispered.
“I love you, too,” he whispered back, and it was so romantic!
“Dearly beloved,” Reverend White began. “We are gathered in this beautiful place to join this man and this woman in the holy bonds of matrimony.”
Melissa felt herself sparkling. Sparkling!
Then she heard the murmur. Looking at the crowd, she put her hand to the back of her head to make sure her veil was in place. It was. Ophelia was gaping, open-mouthed, at something in the distance. Everyone was gaping.
Melissa turned. Brad turned. For a second, the image was too bizarre to process.
“What . . . what is that?” Melissa said, and the microphone picked up her words. People were standing now, taking pictures, murmuring in excitement.
Something—someone—was standing out on the mud flats, not thirty yards from where Melissa stood. Someone freakishly tall and dressed in a long, black robe or dress or something. Its face was huge and gray, and dreadlocks flapped out behind it. The garment was shredded so that long rags of black fluttered in the breeze. It looked like one of Harry Potter’s Dementors . . . or the angel of death.
Bradley’s face was frozen in horror. He wasn’t scared, was he? Should she be?
“Is that Lillie?” someone asked.
Oh, my God. “Bradley? Is that her?” Melissa said, her voice shrill.
“I—I don’t know!” he said. “Hannah? Hannah!”
“On it,” she said, hustling toward the shore. She stopped and murmured something to the caterer and kept going.
Oh, gosh darn it! Everyone was taking photos. They better not use her hashtag!
“Get security!” Melissa called, an edge of panic in her voice. “Get her out of here! She’s ruining my wedding!” Her voice was too loud—crud, the microphone! Tears blurred her eyes, and her makeup would have to be touched up.
“I guess there’s a slight delay, folks,” said Reverend White. “Why don’t you two sit down?” he suggested.
She didn’t want to sit down! Her magnificent dress would wrinkle! But Bradley led her to the front row, where Ophelia sat, smirking.
“It isn’t funny,” Melissa hissed.
“You sure about that?” Ophelia said. “？’Cuz I think it’s awesome.”
This couldn’t be happening. It could not happen. Melissa started to cry, and Bradley put his arm around her. She shoved it off, furious. He should’ve known this would happen! Everything was going to be ruined now. No one would be talking about her!
She deserved so much more.
CHAPTER 14
Lillie
I watched as my sister approached in her bare feet, her rose-pink dress elegant. On the lawn, waiters were passing out champagne, and yes, the wedding seemed to be on hold. The breeze blew a little harder, and my dress flapped in a most gratifying manner.
“Hey,” Hannah said.
“Hi,” I answered.
“That is some mask.”
“Thanks. Amazon.” It really was an A-plus mask . . . latex, super creepy with its gaping, fibrous maw and too-big eye sockets.
I should probably see a therapist. Nevertheless, I was having a great time.
Hannah cocked her head. “How are you so tall? I’d pick up the hem of your dress, but I don’t want to ruin the illusion.”
“I’m standing on a bucket. I was clamming an hour ago.”
“Did you make the dress yourself?”
“Goodwill with some alterations.”
“Mm.” Hannah stood for a second, looking out to the horizon. “Beautiful day, huh?”
“Weather-wise, yes.”
“So . . . any chance you’ll leave?” Hannah asked.
“Nope. Sorry if this hurts your business.”
“I’ve already been paid. It might hurt yours, though. There are more than a few townies here. I’m not sure they want a Dementor delivering their babies.”
“Eh. I think everyone will understand, and I’m beyond caring.” My voice was calm. “Also, can they really prove it’s me?”
“I have to give you credit, Lils. This is legal and everything. Not like the skunk.”
“Skunk?” I said, but I was smiling under the mask.