I stood in front of the mirror, adjusting my lilac dress. The sparkles shimmered as I twirled, excitement buzzing through me. Today was Debra’s wedding—my cousin, childhood best friend, practically my sister.
“Kylie, let’s go!” Mom called.
I grabbed my purse, unaware that I wasn’t supposed to be going at all.
The venue was stunning—fairy lights, white roses, and elegantly dressed guests. Spotting my brother, Ryan, I waved.
“You look nice,” he teased, ruffling my hair.
“Don’t mess up my curls!” I swatted his hand. “I’m going to see Debra before the ceremony.”
I knocked on the bridal suite door. A bridesmaid answered, looking confused.
“I’m Kylie, Debra’s cousin.”
She turned. “Deb, your cousin is here.”
A pause. Then Debra appeared, looking breathtaking in her gown—until her smile faded.
“Kylie? What are you doing here?”
I frowned. “What do you mean? I came for your wedding.”
She glanced around, then stepped into the hallway.
“I didn’t invite you.”
The words hit like a slap.
“What? That has to be a mistake.”
“No, Kylie. I didn’t invite you.”
Before I could respond, Brian, the groom, walked up, grinning.
“Hey! So glad you came! Debra said you couldn’t make it.”
Debra’s face paled. “Brian, can you give us a second?”
After he walked away, I turned to her. “Why didn’t you invite me?”
She sighed. “Remember the Christmas party photos? Brian’s family saw them and kept asking about you—saying how young and beautiful you were. His mom even joked, ‘Are you sure she’s not the bride?’”
I stared at her. “You left me out because you thought I’d outshine you?”
Her arms crossed. “You wouldn’t understand. You’re always the pretty and smart one.”
I swallowed hard. “I thought we were family.”
“We are,” she whispered. “But I was insecure.”
Tears burned in my eyes. “I got dressed up to celebrate you, only to find out I wasn’t wanted. That’s cruel.”
Debra’s voice wavered. “I told everyone you had a school conflict.”
I shook my head. “That’s messed up.”
Her eyes glistened. Suddenly, she hugged me. “I’m sorry. I let my insecurities get the best of me. But I do want you here.”
I hesitated before sighing. “Fine. But not for you—for us.”
Her smile returned. “Thank you.”
The ceremony was beautiful, but at the reception, I kept to the edges. Ryan found me.
“Why the long face?”
I sighed. “Did you know Debra didn’t invite me?”
His eyebrows shot up. “What? Why?”
“Because Brian’s family thought I was too pretty,” I said flatly.
“That’s ridiculous.”
“Yeah, well. We talked it out. Sort of.”
Just then, a voice interrupted. “You must be Kylie.”
I turned to see Eleanor, Brian’s mother, elegant and composed.
“You know, when I saw your picture, I told Debra you could be a model,” she said.
I stiffened.
“I know Debra didn’t originally invite you,” she continued. “But you handled it with grace. I admire that.”
So she knew. They all knew.
As Eleanor walked away, I let out a breath. Insecurity can make people do terrible things—but love and family always find their way back.
Debra and I had a long way to go, but at least now, I knew the truth.