Chapter 6: Put in her place
I wake up with butterflies that lasts till I go downstairs for breakfast. Renae leaves the table earlier than usual to go "prepare", but for what though.
" Mrs Moreen Colbert is coming over for a visit". The announcement throws me off balance , the tea turning to sand in my mouth.
"She called me yesterday morning and I already informed Renae to prepare, so you don't have to do much" She takes a sip of her tea.
I turn to look at Sarah who gives me a shrug indicating she had no idea about this visitation too. This is mum's plan, she wants me to look out of place so Renae can shine.
Her next words " I doubt they're even here to see you" confirms my intuition.
I sigh and say " I understand mother " before taking my leave.
In my room Sarah and I brainstorm on what to wear and the hairdo for the evening when a knock on the door steals our attention.
"Sally, your Mum wants you downstairs" Vivian announces from outside the room then there's reseding footsteps
"What could she want from you this time, I'm already tired on your behalf" Sarah whines. I comfort her with a pat and a smile while we make our way downstairs.
"This is my second daughter Sallyanne, The one that caused the mix up at the wedding" Mum announces immediately I enter the room.
Already sitted in the living room is Mrs Moreen and Stephen's two paternal aunts, Rosie Colbert and Mary Colbert. I'd initially thought they were arriving in the evening but clearly mum waited last minute to tell me so I don't get time to prepare at all
Mrs Moreen frowns, clearly displeased about Mum's comment. Renae is present too sitted next to mum in a short baby pink dress, displaying her slender legs and matching pink heels, her hair is styled to perfection while I'm in a sundress with my hair barely combed.
"I must say Gisele you have two very beautiful daughters that are nothing alike, just like my sister and I" Aunt Mary compliments with a smile. She has the family's signature green eyes and Jet black hair and she looks just like Stephen's father.
Aunt Rosie nods in agreement. She on the other hand possess the features of a sophisticated opera singer, layered wavy blonde hair, siren light brown eyes and plum red lips, she looked nothing like a Colbert. She looked so different but carried the same aura.
"Oh Mary, my two daughters are nothing alike" She says with implications in her words and Renae's sinister smile does nothing to hide the intentions.
Mrs Moree throws her cigarette on the floor stomping a bit too hard on it "come sit next to me my dear"
Before I can make a move, Renae is already in front of her ready to sit but Mrs Moreen halts her with a stern stare.
"Not you, my son's wife" She says
"But mother . . ." Renae tries to reason with her but she's stopped mid sentence with a finger
"I'm not your mother, Renae. I only have a one son and a daughter in law, now step out of the way for my daughter " Mr Moreen says, her tone leaving no room for negotiation.
Renae steps back with a nod, her cheeks bright red from embarrassment and I step forward. Mrs Moreen makes me sit next to her and the trio coos over me.
"I'm sorry it took so long to come see you my dear, I've been so busy" She says cupping my cheeks and squeezing them lightly.
We have a hearty conversation, they throw unending questions and tell me amazing childhood stories of Stephen that have me laughing my heart out. In the middle of the conversation, Mum suggests that we all go shopping together for the welcome party on Friday and they all readily agree. I ride with Mrs Moreen.
"Is Stephen giving you a hard time?" She asks breaking the silence
I shake my head "No"
She takes my hand in hers " if he ever gives you a hard time, don't hesitate to reach out to me okay?" She says and I nod, " Stephen is a loyal man, he might seem complex to the world but he's very easy to understand. He doesn't have friends cause of his hostile nature, you're his only companion please don’t betray him" she sighs
"I won't " I say and she gives me a side hug
We enter every Isle looking at trendy new pieces. Aunt Mary and Aunt Rosie keep teasing me with lingeries, urging me to buy a lot of them for "stressful days" or to settle fights. My cheeks burns as I listen to them talk about intimacy in extreme details, how not all men "work" the same and how they enjoyed being single cause it let's them explore. I take mental notes of their pleasure advice incase I need them sooner or later. Mrs Moreen scolds them about talking dirty in public from time to time earning a laugh from everyone except Mum and Renae.
"We need to talk in private" Renae whispers before yanking me away from the group. " What do you think you're doing Sally " She says fury written all over her features
" I don't know what you're talking about" I say clueless about what I must've done to piss her off
She screams and stomps her feet in frustration earning the attention of the shoppers around us "First you sabotaged my wedding by poisoning me and stealing my husband then you cling to his family and now you're trying to act all innocent with me?"
I turn around to see people watching me with judging eyes
"You know that's not true" I argue back, " I never. . . "
"Shut up" she yells pointing her finger in my face, " You've always wanted what's mine. You've always wanted to be like me. You could've taken every other thing I own but why my husband?" She breaks down in tears
"And now, after promising to give him back you're here talking about intimacy with him"
"Renae" I yell pissed at her silly display and white lies
Whispers erupt "I thought the two families agreed to change the bride, who would've thought she stole her sister's place" Someone in the crowd tsks
"Renae stop this madness right now, behave yourself" I order
She scoffs "madness?, I'm saying the truth. My husband doesn't even like you" the whispers grow louder
"I said stop this right now"
"Your just a fat whore trying to act all innocent when you're not" She yells and a loud echoing slap follows
Time stands still, there's a collective gasp in the Isle. . . . .