The Cabin

Being questioned at the police station, mascara stains all over my white wedding dress, guests and attendees screaming.

What the hell just happened? 

9 HOURS EARLIER...

The bridesmaids gave a soft giggle over their silk red velvet dresses. They covered their face with concealer and rubbed their lips together with shiny dark red lip-gloss, they curled each strain of their hair perfectly, giving it a loose bounce as they walked. They strapped on their modern black open toed heels. They practiced strutting across the room, resting a small  bouquet of ruby red daisies and white tulips in their hands. They presented themselves as models getting ready for an upcoming photoshoot. They had every right to be, our photographer would be arriving fairly soon. I on the other hand hadn't wiggled my tiny body frame into my wedding dress quite yet. My makeup was done with a glossy finish and my brown chestnut hair was in a pristine curly bun with a white rose resting gently to the side. I anxiously opened the mustard yellow window curtain standing before me and appeared  outside. We were on the second floor of a rustic cabin my grandfather Bill had owned. It overlooked a sandy lake. Real estate agents loved his property. They would often come by, knock on his front door and urge him to consider selling the lot. Bargaining, negotiating, informing him what a unique home it was and all it's potential. However, he always refused to sell. He would often shrug or slam doors on relators as soon as they handed him a business card. This wasn't just concrete and foundation to him. He spoke about how it had sentimental value. It was his home and it was truly irreplaceable. He grew up in this cabin lodge as did my own father, Drew. 

Freshly painted white patio chairs surrounded the sandy shoreland. A large wooden arche stood in the center of the sand covered in red roses and ivy's surrounding the beams. Bright yellow, burgundy orange, and a fiery red colour scheme casted a very appealing, warm atmosphere. Small wooden lanterns were hung gently by large willow trees, creating unique shadows dancing with the wind as the sun slowly began to set. It brought the rustic wooden look together. Creating the perfect hue of colours. The cabin was perfect for outdoor scenery as well as plenty of seating for guests. When Ryan asked me to marry him seven months ago at the carnival fair I instantly thought this cabin could be the perfect venue to  hold such an event. I had asked my grandfather Bill when I saw him the following months after, he was ecstatic and in love with my brilliant idea. The cabin was secluded, away and hidden from any neigbours or noise. It was very peaceful, only hearing the sound of leaves being ruffled in the wind and humming birds in the distance. We had to drive thirty minutes just to go to the nearest town and even then there wasn't much to see. The town consisted of one supermarket, a few gas stations, a liquor store and a small strip mall. It wasn't much but my grandfather Bill grew up here and spoke highly of this place, he always made it seem better then what it actually was. He often took fishing trips during the blazing hot summers. He would bring a few buddies onto his boat along with a "couple cold ones." As a child I didn't know what those words meant but as I reached adolescence I soon realized he meant beer and lots of it. They would fish until dawn and barbecue the biggest catch of the day. My grandfather Bill also loved to hunt. He would often unload a few guns and place them on the wall for display. He loved hunting, along with mudding with his rusty run down pick up truck. He would wait patiently for a heavy rainfall, wait until fresh mud had formed the ground creating a soggy, moist feel with puddles so deep that when he began to rub his engine to rip across an empty field his whole truck would get drenched in mud with large tire tracks molded into the soft ground behind him. He would arrive home and spray his whole truck down before sitting down at the table for dinner. He loved the outdoors along with a honest day of work. He would take care of the yard maintenance that needed to be maintained around the cabin. His own mother would scold at him daily if it wasn't completed on time. Grandpa Bill always spoke about how all those hours of free labor built him into a man. He learnt at an early age how to prioritize work and fun. Bill soon met a pretty young lad and got hitched and started a family here. My dad Drew was born years later, being the only child that they had. Until he too found a loving woman of his own named Sarah and made her into his wife and soon a mother. They wed at eighteen and received many disapprovals from others within the community but they made the marriage  work and they made it last. Although my grandfather Bill loved this town and everything it had to offer, my father did not. My father, Drew was desperate to get out and to make a name for himself without continuing any legacies my grandfather had created. My father didn't care to fish, nor to hunt. They often bumped heads as they were both so different, often wondering how on earth they shared the same DNA. My father was into mathematics and chemistry very intelligent but lacked social skills. My mother Sarah however made up for that aspect as she was bubbly and charismatic and had a way with people. Years after marriage they bared two daughters of their own. me, Roberta I had just turned twenty three this summer along with my younger sister Susan who was my maid of honor, two years shy of turning eighteen. My father and mother raised my sister and I in my grandfather's cabin as kids however my father landed a new job and moved our family from the small suburban lifestyle to New York City and we soon left everything we had known as kids behind us and ventured off into the unknown city of overflow traffic in the morning, pedestrians shouting in the streets and huge line ups at coffee houses. But every Christmas, or celebrated occasions we always returned back to Bill, my grandfather's rustic old wooden cabin lodge with a amazing breath taking view of a water front, over looking an enormous lake. We built many fund memories here. The smell of freshly cut grass in the morning, the co co clock that would chime in the front foyer, the collection of antique glass figurines tucked away neatly in a glass cabinet in the kitchen. The smell of fresh caramel hot Choco on a cold winter day and the collection of stacked books presented on book shelves in the den, above a toasty warm fireplace. This cabin was large, it seemed as though every year my grandfather Bill was renovating it and adjusting the property value. He knew he would some day get too old to maintain it but he kept wishing the more he repainted the walls, or fixed the leak in the ceiling the more it would stay standing. Perhaps staying here until his final last breath. We often wondered to ourselves that perhaps that was his dying wish. 

Upstairs there were two full bathrooms along with five bedrooms. All decent sizes but there was one room we were banned to go to, the upstairs attic. There was rope hanging from the ceiling in the middle of the hallway. When you gave it a rough pull, a latch would drop from the ceiling and soon a ladder would come crashing down before you. The ladder was old, it wasn't sturdy and it often wiggled the more you climbed upwards. When you had reached the top of the leader, your head would peek into an obsolete dark dusty room, collecting cob webs in the corner of the walls. I often wondered why it was left so bare and unkept for several years. I had wondered if perhaps the unsteady ladder might have made my grandfather Bill uncomfortable and nervous. But for what ever the reason that room was always off limits and left completely bare. The attic gave my sister and I the creeps. Susan and I avoided it at all costs. We knew when we were little to never choose that room as a hiding spot during our many rounds of playing hide and go seek in such a large cabin. 

"Roberta what are you doing by the window?" I heard a voice call from behind me. I turned around, there was Lizzie my childhood best friend since fourth grade sipping on some bubbly champagne. She had bleach blond hair with piercing blue eyes. She was volleyball captain, was on the cheerleading team and even won prom queen in our senior year of high school. we were un separatable all our lives. One year however really made us stronger. Lizzie's father hit a dark depression, one year after high school and he committed suicide by jumping off a bridge. Lizzie became deeply traumatized by the big ordeal. Her mother soon became addicted to cocaine and drinking. Not long after the funeral she was admitted to drug facility by a family member in an attempt to keep her clean and off the streets  exchanging money for a quick fix. Lizzie needed a fresh start and to get out of the place she once called home. Everything there reminded her of her deceased father. That same year I had received devasting news myself. I was failing university and and I wouldn't be given the opportunity to walk across stage to receive my diploma. I was a failure and I didn't have the guts to tell my parents. I wanted to do psychology but it seemed as though it wasn't meant to be. I loved frat parties and drinking and doing bong hits with Lizzie in our dorm rooms. College wasn't for me. I dreamt of freedom , sitting somewhere on a beach with warm sand beneath me and soaking up the sun, sipping on a dripping wet cold iced tea. Not burying my face into thick textbooks until the crack of dawn. That's why Miami seemed like the perfect fit. Lizzie and I had agreed to move there for a year and become room mates giving ourselves the fresh start we both needed. I felt as though I was her saviour as she was mine. We bought an apartment of our own facing the water front. Lizzie and I would often gush over cute athletic boys jogging on the beach. They would often jog early in the morning, then after the jog their muscles would start to become sweaty. They would strip by the ocean into their boxers and dive deep into the water current getting themselves wet. As they stood up to leave the ocean waves, little drops of water sprinkled down their abs. They would fluff their hair then soon return to their bottle of water laying on a towel. They would undo the led and begin to drink. Then they would proceed to leave the beach bringing their belongings with them. Lizzie would easily get aroused "That's right boys, you got to stay hydrated." I often giggled at her comments. Lizzie and I loved our time in Miami, it felt as though we were living in paradise. At night her and I would hit the beach with our freshly tanned glowing skin in the moonlight and howl at the moon. We felt young and free. We would smoke pot daily and drown ourselves with hard liquor and we would have deep intellectual conversations about life and how we felt. She was truly my soul mate. Then soon I landed a job at a surfing store where I sold beach hats, surf boards and overpriced sunglasses. It was perched near a broad walk, it attracted many tourists who were new to the area. Beside my store there was an ice cream parlor. I went there all the time to have a vanilla soft cone. Those soon became my favourite, my signature must have dessert. I even got familiar with the cashier. She had shoulder length dirty blonde hair with brown eyes, she always wore her up in a messy bun with chopped sticks in her hair. She loved baggy T shirts and overalls. Her style was quite unique but I adored her for not following the latest fashion trends. Her name was Lily. She was very down to earth. Her and I quickly became friends. One day I walked into the shop and ordered my usual, she was wearing white overall jeans with a black crop top and handed me the soft cone. I sat down outside on a near by bench and admired the tropical sunset from afar. Nothing could get better then this I often thought to myself. I had lost myself in a train of thought as I suddenly felt my hands become unpleasantly sticky, cold and wet. I realized my ice cream was beginning to melt. I stood up to head inside when a handsome stranger had stopped me on my way. He handed me some napkins. Lily giggled "I knew you'd meet eventually! Roberta, this is my older brother Ryan." She explained. The rest was history... 

I returned back to my bridesmaids. "Sorry I'm just nervous. Any word from our photographer yet?" Susan spoke up "She'll be here in twenty minutes, she apologizes for the delay she said she had troubles finding this place." I poured myself a bubbly "It's okay. I'll finish this drink then climb into my dress." Susan squealed with excitement "I'm so hungry! Are they serving any appetizers downstairs yet?" I smiled "They should be, our closest relatives have arrived not too long ago. Why don't you go downstairs and bring something up for us to munch on?" Susan squeezed my arm then hurried down the hall. "Now let's get you into that wedding dress" Lizzie gave me a wink. I placed my champagne glass down and grabbed my dress off a near by hook and gently stripped down into my white lace bra and panties. My wedding dress was a very simple pearl white dress that had a smooth texture to it. The back was open which showcased my shoulders and bone structure. I gently slid my dress on, then sat down and buckled my toe pointed white heels and strapped on a red sparking belt  around my waistline to bring the red hues together to set a tone. Ryan and I were having a fall wedding. I re touched my lips with maroon red lip-gloss and rubbed and smacked them together. I glanced at my fingertips, a fresh manicure glared back at me. The shiny red overtone looked professional as well as sexy, and my large crystal rock of an engagement ring shined bright by the sun's reflection glaring through a near by window. I admired myself in the mirror, this was certainly memorable. My younger sister Susan appeared in the doorway shortly after holding onto a charcuterie plate filled with gouda cheese, freshly baked bread, dill pickles, a variety of different crackers, oven roasted artichokes and olives. She placed it down on a near by table. The bridesmaids were anxiously waiting for the photographer. They began stuffing their faces with food. I continued to sip on my bubbly. Then I heard my mother call from downstairs "Roberta, the photographer is here!" The girls squealed with excitement "Ahhh Photos!" I placed my champagne glass down and looked into the mirror one last time, looking for any minor imperfections.

Ryan

"This is it boys! Let's make a toast!" I poured some Heineken into a mason jar, I had grabbed from one of the bar shelves. I raised it up high in the air, my three groomsmen were sitting on wooden bar stools with cow tide cushions surrounding the rustic basement bar. Roberta had informed me that her grandfather Bill had just recently built a man cave from scratch in his basement. He built it from his own bare hands, I admired his hard work and  craftsmanship, I had asked him if I could use this room before the wedding. He gave me approval and handed me a small key. "Just don't tell my wife Robin about this room, she thinks I'm building her a wine cellar." He spoke with such secrecy. "It'll be our little secret." I promised him. I can understand why a man wants to be entitled to a few secrets, I too had a few of my own. Some however I must take to the grave. I unlocked the basement door and restacked and tarnished the bar with fresh liquor. Across the bar there were two black leather couches. They were facing each other with a large white ottoman in between them. A large plasma Tv was wall mounted, along with book shelves and a dart board. Bill had terrible home decor, mostly fish he had caught. Some were worth bragging about, large catfish's that took up most of the wall, while others not so much. Bill wasn't much of an interior designer. He didn't care for that sort of stuff. He would place anything on the wall and call it art even if his wife, Robin told him otherwise. I did however admire his many fishing and hunting trophies which he put on display. He had an act for it. If mounting fish on walls weren't enough, he would often display deer and elk heads all around the interior of his home. It drove our vegan guests insane with snotty rude comments to Bill, demanding he take them down at once but he would simply shrug and continue drinking a beer. It was his home, he wasn't about to change it to make the occasional guest happy or satisfied. My best man Peter rose up from a bar stool and walked towards the dart board and proceeded to play darts, "Any takers?" He asked. Peter had wavy blonde hair with brown eyes and had an athletic built, he was very flirtatious with the ladies. He was good looking and well aware of that. Him and I met in college, we were room mates our freshmen year and stayed close since then. Peter was loyal and had your back and would without a doubt get into a brawl for you if it ever came down to it. Leo stood up and took Peter on his offer. "I feel like winning today. I'll give it a shot." He exclaimed. Leo was the opposite of Peter. A work colleague I had formed a good relationship with. He was rather socially awkward but had a good head on his shoulders. He knew one day he wanted to own his own company, he was anxious for our boss's retirement. To claim the water company as his own with better health policies, a better team and overall better management. Our current boss was terrible, Mr. Woodstein treated us as if we were all dippshits. He would yell and scold at us daily, have impossible expectations and also slapped his secretaries buttocks every time she passed by. He was in his late fifties and together Leo and I counted the days until his retirement. Mr.Woodstein's son would occasionally stop by in the office but he would be reckless and careless and accidentally walk into things and cause a commotion causing thousands of documents to be scattered on the floor, or lost in an unpredictable mess. He would offer to help but his attempts to do so often made it worse. His father Mr. Woodstein would threatened him by speaking highly about military school and enrollment in the middle of the office. As if falling and accidently spilling your coffee over paper wasn't enough, now there's humiliation from your own father on top of that. We felt sincerely bad for his eighteen year old son to have been raised in such a hostile enviroment. Mr. Woodstein would often mumble to himself "Bloody Hell." He was a miserable man but we knew his days of working here were limited. Then there was Jack. He was my next door neighbour who was going through a nasty divorce. I was skeptical about making him a groomsmen. I often wondered if perhaps it was a mistake, the last thing I wanted to do was to remind him of his failed marriage but it was quite the contrary. He was proud that I had asked him to join me on my special day. A secluded destination escape was exactly what he needed to break free from lawyer fees and a nagging ex wife that consistently surrounded his life. Suddenly we heard a knock on the basement door, I walked towards it and openned it. Bill was standing in the doorway holding onto a crisp warm plate of corn chips with melted cheese, bacon bits, beef and salsa. "Do you boys care for some nachos?" He carried the hot plate to the bar and placed it neatly down with his oven mitts. "Enjoy yourselves boys." Peter stopped him on his way, "No, stay a while Bill. After all this is your place." I opened the bar fridge, "What's your poison, Bill?" Bill made himself comfortable and sat at the bar. "I've always been a whiskey man, myself. Make it shakened and not stirred." He added. 

Susan

I was the youngest of the girls, but I was honored when Roberta had asked me to be a maid of honor. I took my responsibilities very seriously and even carried around a clipboard in my hand. Roberta smiled at me and raised up her glass, she knew instantly she had made the right choice. She had just finished her own private photoshoot and up next were the bridesmaids. They looked truly stunning. Lizzie and Roberta even had their own signature pose as best friends should. I had pictured my special day and who I might marry and what it might all look like. Roberta looked elegant and beautiful with a fresh face of pristine makeup and her hair in a perfect undo, highlighting the bone structure of her face. Not a single strain of her hair was misplaced. "How about one photo of the two sisters?" The photographer asked. I placed my clipboard down. Roberta bent down to be at my height. I saw tears form within her eyes. Roberta raised her glass "To the best maid of honor ever!" She hugged me tight and I smelt fresh lavender perfume on her neck. My body was short and chubby. It was clear I hadn't formed into a woman's figure quite yet. Not like Roberta had. I glanced up at her and admired her natural beauty. Perky breasts, tall legs, a mature bone structure resembling a young woman's form, a very confident one at that. I was envy of my older sister. But I swallowed my pride and I knew she only wanted the best for me. Our age gap was certainly uncommon but our love was genuine and authentic. "I promise I'll protect you." I spoke up to her. She giggled "Did you steal a glass of bubbly? Are you drunk Susan? I won't tell mom if you don't." I smiled "Agreed."

Roberta

"You girls look lovely, oh Roberta that dress!" My mother opened my arms and gave me a hug. "How are you feeling? Do you have butterflies in your stomach, anxious? overwhelmed? Can I get you anything sweetheart?" I laughed. "I'm good, mom. Thank you." She brushed  my arm and then headed towards the kitchen glass patio doors. She blew me kiss and then headed back inside. Susan glanced at her clipboard. "Okay girls back inside, the ceremony is about to begin we can't have our guests seeing the bride before the wedding!" The Girls gushed with excitement and nervousness and we entered through a side door in the den. We heard chatter in the kitchen and glasses been clinked. "This is it everybody, find your seats" we heard a voice call from afar. "Lizzie how's my makeup?" I quickly asked. Lizzie smiled at me, "You look magnificent." Susan studied the girls "Do you all remember your placement and where to stand?" The girls confirmed "Yes, we do." We heard the sounds of soft violins playing in the distance. My mother and father came to the den to greet us. "Okay girls this is it." My mother exclaimed. One by one the girls did a polished elegant walk to the altar. Back straight, eyes forward, delicate smiles. My hands became sweaty "It's okay dear." My mother whispered beside me. "It's natural to feel nervous. Just ask your father." My father gave me a smile "You look beautiful, Kiddo." My father and mother linked arms beside me as we made our way to the altar. The glass patio doors in the kitchen remained wide open for us to enter. We walked slowly, admiring and listening to the soft sounds of the violinist as they played as a duet under a tall hallow oak tree. I saw my soon to be husband try not to shred a tear. My parents and I reached him and they gently shook his hand then found their seats. Ryan placed his hand into mine and brought me closer to the water. The officiant cleared his throat. "We are gathered here today-" 

Suddenly two large police officers turned the corner "We are sorry to stop this very special occasion but we are here to make an arrest." Voices began to carry with talks and whispers within the crown. Guests sat on the edge of their seats. "Jacob Gold on your knees!" They were referring to Ryan. He bent down on his knees and surrendered his hands. The police cuffed him and began reading him his rights. "Your under arrest for the double homicide of Megan and Lea Smith. Do you understand the words that we are telling you today?" The police tightened their grip on the cuffs. I raced over and spoke up "But wait! You have the wrong man, he is my husband and his name is Ryan not Jacob!" The police lifted him up "Ma'am we can assure you we have the right man. We got an anonymous tip he was going to be here today." I screamed in horror "No, This is a mistake! I'm telling you, you have the wrong man! His name is Ryan! Tell them baby!" They pulled Ryan up and proceeded to walk him to a near by cop cruiser "Watch your head." They spoke as they opened the back door and escorted him in. They slammed the door shut. "Baby tell them!" I began hitting and screaming at the glass window "Why are you silent? Say something! Tell them the truth!" I demanded. I suddenly had a whirlpool of emotions. A police officer pulled me off "Ma'am please don't touch the vehicle. I'm very sorry to do this to you on your special day but I'm afraid your soon to be husband is a wanted criminal, there's a warrant out for his arrest." But his name isn't Jacob-" The police cut me off. "Ma'am if you have any questions your welcomed to meet us at the station." He opened the driver's door and climbed in. Red and Blue flashing lights lit up the altar as they drove off, out of sight. I fell to the ground. "I don't understand." A small pool of mascara stains were surrounding my fingertips as I realized I was crying all of my makeup off. The bridesmaids came rushing over "Roberta!" They hugged me demanding answers. "I don't know. I'm so confused." I screamed. I glanced over at my own mother and she was speechless as was Ryan's. I ran inside "Grandpa, I need to borrow the keys to your pick up truck. I need to get to the police station!" I heard tiny foot steps follow behind me. I spun around, "I'm coming with!" shouted Susan. Bill handed me the keys to his truck. I opened the garage and climbed into the large truck. Susan was not too far behind me. "Wait!" Lizzie shouted, along came her as well as my mother. "We're coming too!" My mother shouted. She turned back at Bill "Get people on your boat, tell them your many fishing stories just keep the guests entertained. The police made a mistake I'm sure of it! Make sure no guests leave the wedding. My daughter is getting married when we return!" I started the car and adjusted the mirrors. "Step on it sweetie!" My mother called from the backseat, she was beginning to act like a backseat driver, she sounded like a maniac. "Double homicide my ass! That boy would never hurt a fly!" We drove off the property line onto the unpaved dirt roads. "Ignore all speeding zones, we're on a mission!" My mother yelled once more. "Mom!" I had never seen her like this before. "The police can kiss my ass!" She screamed. Susan giggled in the passenger seat "Way to go mom!" Lizzie spoke up "Guys I think someone framed him. The police said there was an anonymous tip..." The car suddenly fell silent.

Ryan

"Fuck!" I thought to myself. I didn't want it to unfold like this. I had seen dozens of crime  shows, I used to beige watch them all the time in college. I knew my best and only option was to stay silent until I had a lawyer present. I didn't know what evidence they had on me but I knew it wasn't good. They had used my name, my biological name before I changed it to Ryan Evergreen. I knew I couldn't escape my past eventually it would catch up to me. But why here? Why now? Somebody had tipped them off, somebody knew. This address was nearly impossible to find on google maps, you needed an actual paper map to show you the lot according to google maps that cabin doesn't exists. I tried to rap my head around it, re examining every last detail in my mind but I couldn't comprehend. I sat in an empty room in the police station waiting for further questioning. Suddenly, a large bulky bald police officer with thick glasses and a ginger mustache introduced himself to me along with his partner an African American mid forties male with neatly tucked back black hair and shiny white teeth, he was six feet tall with large muscles. The first police officer spoke, he wiggled his ginger mustache with every question he asked. He had a tremendously low voice. "Do you go by Jacob or Ryan now?" I cleared my throat. "My name is Ryan Evergreen. What's this all about?" The police officers had a file of paperwork stacked in front of them. "Do you know a young Caucasian woman mid twenties, black wavy hair with hazel eyes? She goes by the name Megan Smith. Does that name ring a bell to you at all?" I bit my tongue. I knew they wanted a confession out of me but I wanted a lawyer present. "She was murdered around the same time a young woman named Roberta Dillarose announced her engagement. They showed me a photograph of Megan Smith and I camping as well as another picture they had stole off of Roberta's Facebook of Roberta and I on the beach. The two separate photographs appeared to be a romantic relationship between two girls, nearly strangers who didn't know about the other allegedly sharing the same man. They placed the photographs side by side to each other. You have a lot of the same features. The same freckles, same odd chip in your front tooth and same eye colour and hair colour. We had a suspension you might be the man we were looking for to unmask this woman's killer. Although we couldn't prove it we had our eyes on you and watched your every move but we always showed up empty handed. Until luck would have it, we received an anonymous tip that perhaps confirms our theory. I folded my arms "Officer that sounds like an accusation not a question." The ginger police officer gave me a smirk. "well let's not get too ahead of ourselves, shall we?" It felt as though they were playing a game of cat and mouse with me. The second officer cleared his throat. What he wanted to ask you was "Would you like a lawyer, present? We highly suggest you get one." I was quick to respond, "Yes, as a matter of fact I do." The two officers stood up "Fair enough. No more questioning until we get you a lawyer." I leaned back in my chair and they both proceeded out of the room.  

Roberta

I couldn't stand the god awful silence in the car. Who was the mole who snitched and ruined the most important day of my life? I wanted to scream, drive off the road and crash onto oncoming traffic I couldn't believe this was happening! I had such intense raw overwhelming emotions. Anger filled my veins, my blood was boiling, I had mascara stains all over my wedding dress. I doubt the drycleaners could get the stains out even if it was a huge misunderstanding and the wedding proceeded, it wouldn't be the same. Lizzie was silent until she finally spoke up "Maybe the mole didn't do this for bad intentions  Maybe she or he-" I cut her off "Shut up! Shut up! Shut up! My husband might be going to jail for life! Who the fuck am I marrying? It's the biggest betrayal, all a waste, I can't get a single deposit back Liz, my dress is ruined, my makeup is a mess. I can't believe this!" Susan patted my shoulder "It's okay Roberta, we are almost at the police station. The police will explain everything soon." I wanted to hug Susan. Give her props for being single all these years and not giving up her virginity too soon to any high school boy who asked. She actually had  standards and values. She knew true love and what it supposedly looked like and felt like. Perhaps she learnt from my own mistakes, all those years of being my little sister and watching me grow, watching me fall for different boys over the span of my youth ending with the same disastrous result. A broken heart, locking myself in my bedroom for days. Crying over tubes of cookie dough ice cream and wearing the same pj's four days in a row until I got over the break up blues and got back on my feet and continued on with my life. But Here it was, the same cycle presenting itself to me once more but only this time it came with flashing red and blue lights and losing the love of my life to the justice system. I was disappointed, ashamed, hurt, humiliated but most importantly I wanted answers. I demanded answers! 

We reached the police station and found an empty parking stall. I unlocked the car doors and the girls climbed out of the vehicle, one by one. I felt a huge lump in my throat. Lizzie opened the front door of the building , she reassured me once more "We are here for you Roberta." I walked to the front desk and explained the circumstances that had just occurred. A secretary adjusted her oval glasses and twirled her curly black pixie hair. She was a much older lady, looked to be around mid fifties. She searched his name on the computer system. "Ah yes, Jacob Gold-" I cut her off "His name is Ryan Evergreen!" She nodded "My apologizes Ryan is being interrogated by the police right now. Do you wish to speak to a police officer?" I turned back at Susan, feeling fearful of what I was about to hear. She nodded back at me. She made me feel brave. "Yes, indeed I do." The secretary stood up. "Very well. I'll be right  back. You can have a seat." The girls and I sat on some empty chairs and waited. Lizzie kept biting her lip. "I have a confession to make. Roberta I'm so sorry-" I cut her off "It was you?! You told the police! You ruined my wedding?" I snapped back. "Wait no! Roberta truly I had no idea. I was going to say I smoke cigarettes. I know their terrible for you, cancerous even but I have an addiction and well after what happened... would it be okay if I went outside to smoke? It calms my nerves." I squeezed her hand "Of course Lizzie, I understand this is very stressful. emotions are running high just be back soon. I need you, okay." She hugged me and nodded and grabbed her purse and proceeded outside. The secretary soon returned and introduced a police officer who was handling the case. He was bulky, bald and had a bushy ginger mustache "Hi Roberta, I'm officer John I'm sure you have a million questions come on back this way." I looked around for Lizzie she still hadn't returned. "Can I bring someone?" I asked. He nodded "I suppose." I turned to my mother and Susan. Susan spoke up "I'll wait here for Lizzie, you can go ahead Roberta." I wiped the tears from my eyes. "Thank you Susan." She smiled "Of course." 

Susan

Lizzie was still outside coughing on her cancer stick and my older sister and mother were talking to an officer in the other room. I approached the secretary "Um excuse me?" I asked polity. The secretary glanced up from her computer "Oh hi dear, I'm truly sorry for what took place at your sister's wedding my deepest apology I hope your family gets the closure they need in order to move on." I was anxiously looking around for Lizzie. She still hadn't returned. I spoke up "Do you think I can borrow some tissues?" The secretary handed me a whole box "Help yourself!" She insisted. "Thank you" I spoke softly. Suddenly, I heard Lizzie open up the main entrance doors. She waved to me and sat down next to me. She opened her purse and pulled out a stick of gum, she unwrapped it and threw it in her mouth and began chewing. "Roberta is in there, speaking to police-" She cut me off. "Something just doesn't feel right to me. it isn't sitting well. Why would somebody deliberately ruin the wedding? All the planning, all the hard work? Do you think this person knew along and was sitting on this information for months, waiting for a perfect opportunity to spoil a bride's special day? Or perhaps they found out several days before and the police just happen to crash at such bad timing?" I tried to analyze the only information her and I knew and were going off of. I spoke up "Did he perhaps have a jealous ex girlfriend-" Lizzie shook her head  no before I could complete my sentence. "He never spoke of any ex girlfriends to me nor to Roberta." Lizzie folded her arms and became silent. I could tell she was deep in thought. Suddenly a hallway door flew open. Officer John came in to escort us into the room my sister and mother were being interviewed in. "Susan and Lizzie? Roberta is asking that you join her" I stood up, "Liz-" I spoke. I reached for her hand. She squeezed it tight. "I know your scared Susan but just imagine how Roberta is feeling right now." Her and I walked into a hallway together. We saw dozens of police officers. Some sitting at desks, typing on  computers. Others talking by a water cooler, some speaking loudly on phones. I had never seen so many police officers in my life. Officer John jiggled some keys and unlocked a door for us. I instantly saw my mother and sister. I ran in hugged my sister as tight as I could. She seemed shocked unable to breathe. I sat down beside her. "What did they tell you?" Roberta turned to Lizzie and I and reached out for our hands, she squeezed them tightly. She had a loss of words, she was in a state of shock. Mascara stains covered her face. My mother spoke up for her. "He... he had a girlfriend while he was engaged to Roberta." "That cheating scum bag!" Lizzie snapped. Roberta pulled her hand away from us and wiped away her tears. "That's not the worse part..."

Months Later, Court 

Roberta

I couldn't look at anymore photographs of Ryan or Jacob or whatever his name was. His whole life had been a lie, I felt as though I had fallen in love with a complete stranger. He was being charge with two cases of capital murder of the second degree which meant it will come with a sentence of the death penalty or life without the possibility of parole. I stared at him during the whole trail, he was emotionless. A blank look just remained on his face. It was as if he had no soul, no empathy towards the girl he had killed, who he had supposedly loved and cared for. Lawyers spoke about how she discovered she was pregnant and he was in fact the father but it was very problematic for him as he was already engaged to another woman, using another identity going by the name Ryan evergreen. He had built a  web of lies which he couldn't untangle, it only became harder to spin to the public. He had tried to convince his mistress Megan Smith to get an abortion and even drove her to a clinic but she escaped out the back door. Months later, she announced on her social media account that she was having a baby girl who she was going to name Lea. Lea smith. She had expected marriage from the father but he was too preoccupied planning a wedding of his own. We have reason to believe that Ryan Evergreen was only marrying Roberta to get a hold of her Grandfather's money. We have reason to believe he has good fortune as well as large aces of land and an enormous cabin along with boats worth a fancy penny often tied to the boat doc. Ryan Evergreen also known as Jacob Gold had found Roberta's  grandfather's will and tried to present it to the bank to somehow change it but it was ruled as an unsuccessful attempt and his offer was shortly declined. He knew the only way to inherit anything from Bill, was through marrying Roberta. However Megan and him were having problems in their relationship. We found significant evidence through text that she often complained that he wasn't present enough. He always went away on business retreats. During the derivation that they were romantically involved with one another, she was never introduced to any of his family members nor to a single friend. They had began to fight, creating a toxic and hostile atmosphere She wanted more while he wanted less. He was eager to break up with her but then there was the baby with a mysterious father. He knew people would eventually begin to ask questions and he couldn't have that. One day he simply couldn't take it, he brought Megan to a forest for a romantic picnic. She sat down on a warm blanket and they began expressing their concerns about their future. When suddenly, she accused him of cheating. In a sudden act of rage, he took a knife and decided that he would end Megan's life as well as baby Lea's. He stabbed her with a large butter  knife and slit her throat from side to side then he punctured her stomach, instantly killing the baby. He left her body to decompose in the woods and gathered his belongings then used a public restroom to clean up his mess and dispose of any evidence. He later returned home to Roberta to have sexual intercourse. We found Roberta's diary and the dates and time stamps are lined up perfectly about his missing where abouts, miss Roberta was beginning to suspect something as well but always convinced herself he was a faithful caring, loving man. There were also a wide variety of texts sent from Megan's phone to Jacob gold expressing a strong fear that he might have been unfaithful. They exchanged texts back and forth which confirms he was going to take her to a forest to have a romantic picnic date and to discuss problems in their relationship. I plugged my ears. I didn't want to hear anymore details. The jury had painted a very descriptive picture. It made me sick to my stomach. The Judge had called many witnesses to take the stand. First, a local hiker named Michael brown who spoke about how he first came across the deceased body in the woods and he called dispatch. Then Dr. Elliot who performed Megan's autopsy. He confirmed her cause of death as a homicide with knife wounds in her stomach and neck. They also had evidence of a strain of Ryan evergreen's hair stuck in Megan's index fingernail. The evidence was compelling and overwhelming.

The judge had called for a recess. The court room doors opened and a sea of people began walking out. Grabbing a sip of water from a near by water fountain and lots of crying from acquaintances or loved ones within the crown. I saw Ryan's Mother. She gave me an intense stare, Lily stared at me from across the room too. I could tell she wanted to speak to me but perhaps she just needed time. Lizzie found me almost instantly "How are you doing? I'm so sorry about all of this." I hugged her "Thank you Liz." Susan approached me "I'm sorry" I rubbed her arm "Thank you, little sis." I glanced back at Susan "I still don't know who the mysterious person is who tipped off the police? Do you think we will ever know?" I asked Susan and Lizzie. The girls and I studied the room. Lizzie spoke up "I think it's Lily. She's been acting strange." I snapped at her "Can you be more insensitive? Her brother might go to Jail." Lizzie spoke up "Well that's besides my point. She was the closest to him. How do you not know your brother is a murderer?" I folded my arms "I didn't know my fiancé had just committed murder, I'm in the same boat as her." Lizzie kept looking within the crown "Well, I don't know who it could be? It has to be someone close who knew Ryan Or I mean- Jacob or- okay what is his name!" I laughed "Let's just call him Dead. Because that's what he is to me." My mother suddenly found me, "Roberta it's time". I nodded. Susan, Lizzie and I returned back to the courtroom to proceed the hearing. 

All rise

Please be seated.

Today we are here to discuss a murder case of Megan and Lea Smith.

We have one more testimony. On the day of the wedding we had received an anonymous tip who wanted to remain unknown today however this person would like to make a statement and address it to both parties. The groom Ryan evergreen and the Bride Roberta Dillarose. In doing so this individual will be revealing their true identity.

The court room fell silent, the intensity and suspense spoke volumes. We were all eager to know who was it who tipped off the police. I anxiously studied the room. I expected Lily to stand up from where she was seating but she didn't flinch. I stared at Liz, she didn't move either. But who else? Who could it be? Then I heard a familiar voice take the stand. I turned around, instantly facing the front of the room. 

For the record please state your relationship with Ryan Evergreen. 

"I was the maid of honor at the wedding. Roberta is my big sister, Ryan was going to be her husband."

I gasped! "My own flesh and blood? My little sister? She knew but she didn't once speak up!" I stared at her intensely, arms folded I began to feel cold in my heart. How long was she sitting on this information? I turned back at Liz who was sitting one row behind me. She hadn't blinked since Susan first spoke, Lizzie was in a state of shock. I turned to my mother who was sitting beside me. She held a tissue to her eye to catch her falling tears, it seemed as though she didn't know either but why did Susan stay quiet all this time? I was eager to know Susan's perspective and her reasoning.   

Susan

I took a deep breath. "New York is huge. You could walk past a thousand people and one of them could be someone very important in your life but you probably wouldn't even know it. Allow me to explain. I used to volunteer at an animal shelter, I needed the community service hours to graduate high school. I also needed something that could possibly stand out to universities. I loved animals, especially cats and dogs. Those were my favourite. I always wanted a small dog of my own but my father always said our new place was too small. I would volunteers daily after school and Megan Smith was my mentor. I guess you could say she was my boss but the job wasn't exactly a paying one. She taught me everything about animal care and what animals need. Her and I chatted all the time. One day she told me she had found love. She met a boy named Jacob Gold and she wanted him to propose. My sister Roberta just recently got engaged and I chatted to her about Roberta's love interest as well. A guy named Ryan evergreen. We continued working together until eventually we stopped. I got my hours in and I was done but then one day I walked into a public library to check out a few books for my upcoming history project and I saw her reading quietly on a couch. Her and I caught up and I soon realized she was pregnant. She told me she was having a girl. I was curious and I had asked to see a photograph of her boyfriend which she was more then happy to show me. She showed me a picture on her phone of a guy named Jacob Gold. I asked if I could keep the photograph. She looked puzzled and asked why? Which I replied "Because your boyfriend is about to marry my sister."  

The defense attorney kept asking me for dates, which I had texts with time stamps to prove my accountability. As well as the photograph Megan showed me. It was a photo of her and "Jacob" camping. I showed her a similar photo of Roberta and "Ryan" at a beach. It was very clear it was the same guy. I knew this but I never told Roberta. I wasn't entirely sure how." I turned to Roberta and found her eyes within the sea of people. "I love you big sister, I'm so so sorry for not speaking up sooner, I hope you can someday forgive me." Then I glanced over at Ryan. "Ryan, Jacob Whatever the fuck your name is! You hurt my sister and you took two people's lives in the process I hope you rot in hell!"  

I heard Roberta scream from afar "I love you Susan, I always will and Fuck you Ryan!"

Ryan's Mother stood up "Stop shitting on my son! It's bad enough he might go to jail but stop fucking throwing F bombs, he's my son and I still love him!"

Roberta stood up and faced Ryan's mother "You still love that piece of shit? What is wrong  with you!"

The Judge interrupted them SILENCE IN THE COURTROOM.

Ryan's mother and Roberta got personally escorted out by security.

Roberta 

I walked away from her and waited on a bench for the trail to end. I kept anxiously watching the clock. An hour later, the court room doors flew opened. A sea of people came rushing out, some crying, others cheering. I couldn't read the situation. Did we win? Did we lose? I saw my mother rush near me. She gave me a tight squeeze. "So?" I asked anxiously. She smiled "He's guilty. He will be spending the rest of his life behind bars." I jumped up "Oh my god!" Lizzie came running over and hugged me. "It's over!" Susan peeked her head around the corner "Roberta?" I walked towards her "Come here" I smiled and gave her a hug. She began crying in my arms "I'm so sorry I didn't tell you sooner." I pulled away "I know." Lily exited the court room. She paused when she saw me. She gave me a nod and I smiled back at her. She grabbed her mother's hand and left the court house. Lizzie, Susan, my mother and I left the court house shortly after. We needed comfort in the only way we knew how. Ice cream. 

Days followed and I seemed happy to the public naked eye but deep down I suffered from trust issues and I was incapable of forming romantic relationships. I felt broken, unstable, wondering why I'm left so damaged. I often cried into liquor bottles as if I was swallowing my own fresh tears, I would do heavy drugs. The kind of drugs they would often warn you about, but I couldn't help it. After the trial had ended I felt numb. I wanted to feel something, anything! But instead I was left feeling empty. Susan went off to university to become a veterinarian, Lily returned to Miami, even Lizzie returned home. She moved back in with her mother but her mother had become clean and sober. Why couldn't I do the same?

1 year later 

Roberta

I was standing in the kitchen, scrolling through social media on my cellphone while slowly sipping on a warm urban tea. I had just had wakened up on a Sunday, no plans just my new dog and I resting in our new place. Normally I would have a room mate more particularly, Lizzie whom I used to room with. Her and I used to always make warm cinnamon French toast in the morning with freshly cut fruit to the side, we would make our own usual coffees. Mine plain dark roast, while she preferred sugar and lots of it. I grew used to her company but after the trial I had drown myself too many countless times into liquor and found myself in a drug facility program treating alcoholics and drug addicts. My little sister Susan used to visit  me every second weekend until suddenly she stopped. When I had visitors I used to be so  excited to see her but rather then seeing her in the front lobby, it was instead just my mother and father. Why wasn't she there? Maybe she was too focused on her studies? Perhaps she met a boy of her own who loved her dearly and she spent every second with him? My mind was filled with endless possibilities until I saw her for what seemed like the last time. She seemed unsure what to think of me, unable to hug me. Instead of a warm embrace it was replaced with worried eyes and a quiet soft voice being fearful I might pick up the nearest bottle and drink myself to death, or snort a line of cocaine. I never wanted her to see me like this, nor did I mean to ruin liquor for her. She was young, bubbly and filled with life. I wanted her to live her youth and enjoy it and want to drink on a casual Saturday night with her girlfriends and head to bars scenes but rather instead she was stuck babysitting me. It wasn't supposed to be like this. When I was released from the drug facility program, I gathered my things from the front desk. I entered the streets and whistled for a taxi. I didn't inform anyone of my release although it was a proud moment to be sober and clean, I was still embarrassed. Lizzie knew I was hospitalized for alcohol poisoning a few times but it triggered her PTSD, from her own mother. She visited once but then it became too hard for her and her emotional state. My best friend Lizzie once said to me many years ago "Life has a plan." I didn't understand this journey of mine and where it was supposed to lead me. I had questioned it many times. I returned to New York City and found a tiny studio apartment of my own, I quickly moved in and furnished it with second hand furniture to make it feel as though it was a home and not just a tiny space to place my belongings in. I went to an animal shelter and adopted a rescue a small grey Shih Tzu. I named him Teddy and gave him a new home. If I was getting a fresh start, so would he. I saw his photograph online and instantly fell in love. Suddenly I received a vibrate from my cellphone. A text message from Lizzie herself. I opened it. "Hi, this is Lizzie I got a new number. I'm sorry we haven't talked I've been really busy. Have you heard from Susan? She texted me and told me she wanted to do a girls brunch, she said she had an announcement to make but she wanted all of us there." I hesitated "Why didn't Susan text me first?" then suddenly I had received a phone call from an unknown number. I grew skeptical of who it might be. Then I picked up and heard a familiar voice I haven't heard in months. "Roberta? This is Susan." I instantly wanted to cry. "Hi, little sis." My voice became shaky." Can we meet?" Her voice sounded desperate.

One week later,

Girls Brunch

I opened the hallway closet door and grabbed my jean jacket off of a hook. I slid it on. I found my brown leather boots and did up the laces. Teddy jumped on me and gave me a sloppy, wet kiss. "Yes I know Teddy. You want a walk!" I grabbed his collar and leash and slid his body into his harness. I closed the closet door and admired myself in the full length mirror. My chest nut brown hair had grown longer, it hugged my breasts and the ends were tinted with purple hair dye. my blue navy jean jacket covered a plain white T. I ran my hands down my sobriety necklace the drug facility program had given to me on my last day. I wore it all the time as if it was some sort of medal. In a way it was. I could have stayed an alcoholic and drug addicted but instead my newest addiction was lemon water. My skin tight black leggings showcased my skinny legs. My fall brown leather boots covered my ankles but I much preferred it that way. My socks often had holes in them. I often bought my clothes from a second hand thrift store but I didn't want to showcase that I was poor and struggling. Mentally I felt free, as if I could take on the world but my bank statements often said otherwise. Turns out a lot of companies don't want to hire you after you stopped working for a soild year. I grabbed Teddy's leash and locked my place up and exited my apartment complex. Teddy barked, "Come on boy!" I added. 

The trees gently swayed with the wind, the sun lit up the autumn sky. Fall was my favourite season, I was happy that the girls wanted to meet. We had so much to catch up on. I often wondered about their lives and where they all ended up. We needed this reunion. It felt like the closure we never got to have. I walked down a few more blocks and then turned the corner and saw "Sally's Resturant." A small chic brunch restaurant with a large patio with tables suited for four with large umbrellas hanging over them. I walked in and spoke to the owner. "You can tie your dog on a patio beam outside. A reservation was reserved under the name Susan but she hasn't arrived quite yet." I nodded and said thank you. I found a spot that had an amazing view, it faced a park with a bench and a couple swing sets. I tied Teddy's leash to a nearby pole. I ordered a lemon water and scrolled through their menu. "Roberta, is that you?" I placed my menu down. "Lizzie?" I smiled with such delight. She gave me a warm hug "How are you?" she asked. I stared at her appearance. Her bleach blonde hair was in a messy bun, she wore a green university sweatshirt with black jeans along with grey runners. She had bags under her eyes, she seemed exhausted but I could tell from her sweater she had been working hard. A waitress came to our table and introduced herself. Lizzie was quick with a response "Iced coffee please." The waitress nodded her head and proceeded inside. Lizzie sat down "This better be good. I ditched Class for this." I sipped on my lemon water "What are you studying anyways?" Lizzie bent down and patted Teddy "I'm taking online classes for Criminal Law. I guess after what happened-" I cut her off. "Good for you, I'm proud of you!" She smiled back at me "Thank you, it's a difficult program. Very competitive but in the end it will be worth it. My dream is to be a private investor." Suddenly we saw a familiar face wave us down from across the street. She had dirty blonde hair in a bun with two chop sticks sitting out of her hair. We knew instantly who she was, we could recognize those chop sticks a mile away. "Hey Girls!" She crossed the street and walked onto the patio steps. She was wearing jean overalls with a yellow tie dye T shirt along with black ankle boots. "How are you?" She placed her purse down and sat down beside me. "Cute dog!" She added. She seemed oddly happy. Lizzie glanced at her. "Your in a cheerful mood, it seems the trial did more good to you then the rest of us." Lily giggled "I have a special announcement too but Susan sounded eager to tell hers so I will let her go first." The three of us grew silent "Where is she anyways?" Lizzie asked. We looked around the patio, we didn't see baby face Susan but rather instead we saw a young obese woman wearing dark sunglasses speaking to a waitress way off in the distance. She had wavy brown chestnut hair tucked back behind her ears in a messy ponytail. She wore a royal blue sundress with a thin black sweater along with white sneakers. Then suddenly the waitress pointed to our table. All three of us looked at each other in shock "Is that Susan?" Susan waved at us and made her way towards us. She was bigger then all three of us combined, we had wanted to ask her about her sudden weight gain but we weren't entirely sure how. she sat down and made herself comfortable. "My feet are killing me" She moaned. Lizzie was eager to know what the big emergency was. "So, Susan we're all here. What's the big announcement?" Susan opened her purse and pulled out a small photograph from her wallet and laid it out on the center of the patio table. It was an ultrasound. "Oh my god, your pregnant!" I wanted to hug her and touch her baby bump. To feel the baby kick for the very first time. She stole a sip of my lemon water. "Sorry I'm so thirsty it isn't easy carrying a baby around for months. It really takes a toll on your body." Lizzie gave her a smile "I bet." We examined the photograph closer "there's no... is it a girl then?" We were all eager to know. I spoke up "Do you have any names picked out?" Susan rested her hands on her stomach. "Indeed it is and yes, I'm going to name her Lea." I took a sip of my lemon water. "Because of Megan?" I asked. Susan nodded "It's the honorable thing to do." Just then Susan suddenly noticed the small dog, she bent down to give the dog a soft kiss on the nose. "Who's dog? I guess I'm not the only one with a new baby." She petted Teddy. I giggled "He's mine. His name is Teddy." I held on tight to my necklace "Ladies, there's something I have to say too." I took a deep breath. "I'm one year sober." The girls gasped "Oh my gosh, Roberta we're so proud of you!" Susan patted my shoulder "I'm so glad you said that Roberta because..." Susan stole another sip of my lemon water. "Well, the dad broke up with me. It seems he wants no part of it." Lizzie snapped "I'm so through with guys!" Lily shorted added "That makes two of us!" Susan continued "So, I was wondering... I'm eighteen with a new born soon on the way, I have no idea what I'm doing and how to raise a kid on my own. How would you girls like to be roommates?" Lily added "But that makes five of us! Where on earth are we going to be able to find a five bedroom place big enough to fit all of our belongings and within our budget?" I instantly thought of the perfect place! "Oh my gosh Susan! Are you sure?" Susan began to cry tears of joy. "We can ask Grandpa Bill, I'm sure it won't be a problem. He always spoke about wanting family close. We can even convert the attic into a bedroom. It just needs to be cleaned up with a new ladder in it's place." Lizzie paused "Wait, the cabin? Are you sure you want to go back there after what happened?" I squeezed Lizzie's arm "That cabin was my childhood! I'm not going to let my failed marriage ruin that place for me." Then Lily stood up, "I'm so sorry girls, as amazing as this all sounds I'm going to have to pass on that offer." We looked at her with such wonder. She cleared her throat "I have a special announcement to make too. I... I met someone." I stood up and gave Lily a tight squeeze "Aw, Lily we're so happy for you. What's his name?" She bit her lower lip. "Well... actually, that's the thing. Her name is Samantha. We're engaged and in love. I was afraid to say anything, I wasn't sure how you girls felt about that sort of stuff." We all stood up and gave her a big group hug. "As long as you're happy, we're happy. "Lizzie added. Susan suddenly spoke up "Where did you meet her?" Lily adjusted the chop sticks in her hair. She seemed nervous to answer "Well, it's ironic but I met her at my brother's-" She paused and looked directly at me "I guess your wedding. She was one of the caterers." I laughed hysterically. I began to feel hot flashes on my cheeks from laughing too hard. Susan gushed with excitement. "Lily, Let me see your ring!" Suddenly, Our waitress reappeared carrying an iced coffee and four waters on a thin black tray and placed them down neatly on our table. She handed us more menus and spoke to us about the daily specials. 

The End