Beautifully Broken

by Bailey B

  “Oh we don’t…” I start but Cooper hands Rex a box, who then hands it to the pastor-man.

  “Before we commence the ring exchange, does anyone have a reason these two should not be married? No? Wonderful.” He opens the box. “Sweet mother of Jesus! Uh…sorry. I don’t do many weddings. Um. Here.” He hands me a silver band and Rex the box.

  “Piper, as you slide the ring onto Rex’s finger you are to say ’with this ring I thee wed.’”

  I take Rex’s left hand and push the ring over his knuckle. “With this band, I thee wed.”

  Rex takes my hand. He places a matching ring with a monster of a diamond at the end of my left forefinger. My jaw drops looking at it. The single stone is as big as my thumbnail. It must have cost a fortune or been his mother’s. Either way, I’m kind of scared to wear it. What if the diamond falls out? What if I get mugged and they take it?

  He slips the ring onto my finger, oblivious to the mini freak out I’m having. “With this ring, I thee wed.”

  “By the power vested in me, you may kiss the bride.”

  Rex cradles my cheeks, pulling me in. The kiss is quick and rough, like he fears it will be our last, but his tongue dancing with mine feels divine. Cheers erupt in the room, reminding us we have an audience. He pulls back, resting his forehead against mine and looks me in the eye. “I love you.”

  “I love you too.” We turn and face our family, which at this point is just our not-mothers who are taking a million pictures with their phones.

  Cooper slaps Rex on the back the way guys like to do. “You’re stuck with us now man.”

  “I wouldn’t have it any other way,” Rex says pulling me tighter into his side.”

  Logan extends his hand. “I think you guys are fucking nuts, but I’m happy for you.” There’s a sadness in his eyes, but I don’t say anything. Like prom, I can’t imagine how hard this day has been for Logan. How hard the past few days were for everyone?

  Rex takes Logan’s moody appearance in stride, oblivious to the storm brewing inside him. “She’s the one who’s crazy for marrying me.”

  “Hate to interrupt,” pastor-man says, “but I need you two to sign some papers before I go.”

  We fill in the blanks and sign our names. Pastor-man takes the marriage license into the back room, makes us a copy, then promises to put it in the mail before disappearing.

  “Okay lovebirds,” Gretchen says. “Party’s over. Piper needs to get back to her room to rest. She’s had an eventful day.”

  “I couldn’t agree more,” Mamma T chirps. “We need to do everything we can to get her discharged before Saturday.”

  “What’s Thursday?” I ask, trying to figure out what day it is and how long I was unconscious for. The last time I saw everyone was Saturday. I couldn’t have been here for more than a couple of days. What was the rush about Saturday?

  Rex groans but nods. “Graduation, Babe.”

  34

  Piper

  “It’s my honor to welcome your class valedictorian, Piper Montgomery.”

  I ascend the steps to the stage, white gown tickling my ankles to a mixture of applause and whispers. I set my hands on the podium and adjust the microphone. I was discharged this morning, much to the doctor’s dismay, with strict orders of physical therapy, follow up appointments, and a slew of medications I can’t pronounce. All so Mamma T could doll me up for one last high school experience. And now as I stand before all seventy-four of my classmates and their parents, I’m glad she made this happen.

  I scan the bleachers. Mamma T and Gretchen sit together in the center, whispering like a couple of chatty-Cathys, proud looks on their faces. Mr. H sits in the back with his new wife, uncomfortable as ever. But no Montgomery’s. Rex told me what happened at the hospital, but a part of me hoped they would be here to celebrate graduation with him. Oh well. It’s their loss. He’s a fantastic man and if they don’t want to be a part of his life then fuck them.

  The stadium grows quiet, waiting for me to speak. “In almost every movie, high school is the time of your life. It’s a time to live freely with minimal responsibilities before the real world hits us. A chance to make friends that last a lifetime, fall in love more times than you can count, and party until you can’t see straight. This magical experience was not mine. It was yours. I experienced the opposite. I was ridiculed for being accepted here on scholarship. Ostracized because of where my birth mother lived. And rumored to be the school slut. I’m sorry to disappoint you all, but I never actually slept with anyone. I kicked everyone who cornered me in the nuts and stole their cash.”

  Principal White jumps up from his seat. He grabs my hurt arm, attempting to pull me away from the microphone without causing a scene. I gasp and wince, playing up his touch to be more than what it is. The pulling sensation is uncomfortable at best thanks to the shot the nurses gave me before I left. I lean into the microphone but look directly at Principal White. “Please don’t touch me. You could rip my stitches.”

  The crowd mumbles and he takes a step back, hands up in surrender. “Sorry,” he mutters.

  I flash him a got-you-bitch smile and turn back to the crowd. “Oh yeah, and I was shot and almost killed the day after prom by a child molester.”

  More gasps. More whispers. The look of shock and horror on my classmates face is priceless. I smile, not because I’m happy about any of this, but because for the first time my classmates are really seeing me. I find Rex next to the empty seat I’ll return to when my speech is done, arms crossed, a grin the size of Texas, nodding in encouragement for me to continue. He helped me write my speech on the way here. I was just going to give a two sentence congratulations, but Rex thought these dimwits could learn something from my story. So, here I am.

  “I don’t tell you this to make you feel bad for me. I don’t want your pity. I’m telling you my story because when we leave these grounds for the last time, life will get hard. College will be fun, but challenging and then when we graduate, we’ll be thrown into the real world with bills to pay and jobs to do. Your life will never be easier than it is right now. And when you hit that moment, when the weight of the world is holding you down, I want you to think of me.

  I survived.

  I survived an abusive childhood, a terrible high school experience. I was nearly raped just one year ago and escaped by fighting my attacker. The same attacker who sought me out and failed to kill me. I. Survived. And you will too. No matter what life throws at you, you can’t give up. If I had, I wouldn’t be standing here today as your class valedictorian, married to the love of my life.”

  People turn in their seats, whispering amongst each other to look at Rex. It’s our first outing as a married couple. I’m sure someone will put this on YouTube and the paparazzi will have a field day with it, but we’re ready. Rex waves, purposefully using his left hand to show off his ring. “And so, Class of 2020, I congratulate you. We have overcome the first of many hurdles to come but we did it.”

  The stadium erupts in cheers as I descend the steps of the platform and take my seat beside my husband. He waits palm up for me to thread my fingers with his. I happily comply, enjoying the soft circles he traces on my palm. The rest of graduation passes slowly. The painkillers the nurse gave me are wearing off. My shoulder is throbbing, head is spinning, but I say nothing. This day isn’t about me, and I’m not about to ruin it for my family. I rest my cheek on Rex’s shoulder, waiting for our names to be called. When Principal White calls my name Rex stands and walks up there too.

  “Uh... “ Principal White stutters. “Piper and Rex Montgomery.”

  We take our diplomas and walk down the steps. Rex keeps his arm around my waist, steadying me even after we’re on the ground again. “Are you okay?”

  “My head hurts,” I tell him because it’s pounding. The painkillers I took at the hospital this morning must be completely worn off because I feel like shit. My whole body aches, the pain stemming from a throbbing in my shoulder.

  “Let�
�s go then.”

  I nod and Rex veers us to the right, away from our seats. He slips his hand under my legs, lifting me bridal style. I can walk, but knowing Rex’s got me is like a security blanket. It’s nice.

  “She okay?” Cooper asks, his voice coming from behind us.

  I look over my shoulder. Both he and Logan are a few steps behind, unzipping their graduation gowns. Crossing the grassy knoll with long strides to catch up. I smile, my head a little loopy from the pain. “I’m fine. You guys are gonna miss the cap toss.”

  Rex stops walking and turns us to face them. Stopping is probably a good thing. Knowing Mamma T, she probably saw us leave the stadium and will be here soon with Gretchen. I doubt Mr. H will show his face. Not with Mamma T around.

  Logan takes his cap off his head and tosses it in the air. “There,” he says as it falls to the ground. “Cap tossed.”

  I giggle and wince. Laughing hurts. Everything hurts.

  “Here,” Cooper says digging in his pocket. He pulls out an orange prescription bottle. “I swiped these from mom thinking you might need them sooner than later.” He twists the cap and shakes out two white pills, so big they look like a horse should be taking them. He drops them in my hand and I try to figure out how I’m gonna get these down my throat.

  “And what exactly is she going to swallow them with?” Mamma T asks. She twists the cap off her water and hands it to me. “Good plan, Son, but poor execution.”

  “I tried mom,” he says.

  Logan shoves his hands in his pockets. “This feels so final.”

  I toss the pills in my mouth and take a swig of water. They lodge themselves in my throat, requiring another sip before finally going down. Rex squeezes my hip. I love how he knows just what to do to make me feel better “What do you mean?”

  “Well, you and Rex are married now,” Logan says. “I’m going to Florida state, Coop’s headed to Gainesville. It just feels like this is the last time we’re ever gonna be like this.”

  “We’re only a few hours from each other,” Rex says. “It won’t be that bad.”

  Logan shakes his head. I see it again, the storm brewing behind his eyes. Too many major moments have happened this week. All things he probably never thought he’d face alone. “I don’t know.”

  Cooper puts an arm over Logan’s shoulder in true brotherly fashion. “Stop being so cryptic little brother. We’re family. Worst case scenario we have the holidays.”

  “You’re only five minutes older than me, dick.”

  “And that makes me five minutes smarter.”

  I roll my eyes. Eighteen years old, and nothing changes. They’re still the same as they were when I moved in ten years ago.

  “Well,” Mamma T says, “I should go. Your Dad is here, probably looking for you, and I don’t want to see that man.”

  “Me too. I’ve got a flight to catch,” Gretchen adds with a sad smile.

  “I’ll drive you,” Mamma T offers, clearly wanting to get as far from her ex-husband as possible. We exchange hugs and watch our moms walk away together. I’ve given up calling them our non-moms because, let's face it. These women raised us. They deserve the title more than the ladies who pushed us out of their vaginas.

  When Mamma T and Gretchen are gone the four of us stand there, staring at each other. Logan’s right, change is in the air and when we walk away nothing will be the same. Maybe that’s why we’re still here. Maybe no one’s ready to say goodbye yet. “I hate to do this,” Rex says apparently unaware of the change in the air, “but we’ve got to get you home for a nap if you want to see Bane tonight.”

  “How’s he doing?” Cooper asks.

  “They stopped the bleeding,” Rex tells him. He’s been amazing, going over to the hospital daily to check on Bane while I was held prisoner by my own. Bane’s dad did a number on him. Gerald beat him until he was unconscious and then some. He’s got a long recovery ahead, but I have no doubt he’ll make it through. “He’s a trooper.”

  “Alright.” I walk to Logan first and wrap my arms around his waist, snuggling into his chest. I don’t know if it’s the painkillers kicking in or some psychological bullshit, but I feel nothing. Just the warmth of arms around me. It’s nice. Logan rests his chin on my head, both hands pulling me into him. We stay this way a moment before I say, “This isn’t goodbye Logan.”

  His body rocks as he nods. The movement is uncomfortable for my shoulder but not painful thanks to those magical drugs. I pull back and look up into his eyes. “You’re not leaving for three weeks. I expect everything to be the same and for you to Facetime me at least once a week after you move into your dorm.”

  “You got it Pipes.” He takes a step back for Cooper’s turn.

  I turn to Cooper and hold my arms out. He does this half-laugh-smile thing I haven’t seen him do in ages and steps into the embrace. His arms wrap around me, pulling me tight against his body. I bury my nose in his chest, enjoying our hug for the first time in years. He dips his head, kissing my crown and I look up at him. Something passes between us, a glimmer of what used to be and could have been. I understand why he was so upset with me dating Rex this year. We could have been great, but the cards didn’t fall that way. Cooper must notice it too because his smile falls and he takes a step back. “Just because you’re married now doesn’t mean you get to be a stranger,” he says sticking his hands in his pockets.

  “Never.”

  “Ready, Babe?” Rex steps forward and holds his hand out. I reach behind me and lace my fingers with his. Walking towards Rex’s car, he slips his hand around my waist pulling me closer. The reality of today hits me full force. I’m married. I graduated. I was fucking shot!

  He opens the passenger door for me and waits while I get in. “Babe? Are you okay?”

  I shake my head, tears running down my cheeks. “No. I don’t know what happens next. I’ve only ever known Monica’s and the Harris’ house. Where do I go now? What do I do with myself? I didn’t apply for college because I thought I’d be on the run with Bane by now. The only job experience I have is working at the Red Onion and while I have a little money to keep me afloat, it’s not gonna last long. And what about physical therapy? The doctor said I need to go three times a week. I can’t afford that!”

  Rex shakes his head, grinning. “Piper, you’re my wife now. I will take care of you. You can do whatever you want with your life. Live wherever you want, although I’m kind of hoping it’s with me. And my mom’s already taken care of your physical therapy situation.”

  I wipe my nose with the back of my hand. “You want me to move in with you?”

  He laughs and pulls me into him. “Yeah, Babe. I want you to move in. I want to start a life with you and have kids one day.” He looks down his nose at me. “Are you regretting getting married?”

  “What!” I wiggle out of his arms look him in the eyes. “No. I just…I guess it hit me that we never discussed any of this. With today and going to see Bane later, I think I’m a bit of an emotional mess.”

  “You are.” He presses his lips against mine for a chaste kiss. “But you’re my mess.”

  Playlist

  Maroon 5-Memories

  Shawn Mendez-If I can’t have you

  Machine Gun Kelly-I think I’m Okay

  NF-When I grow up

  Drop Kick Murphy’s- Shipping Up To Boston

  Brooks ad Dunn- My Maria

  Simple Plan- I’d Do Anything

  Simple Plan- I’m Just a Kid

  The Killers- Mr. Brightside

  A note from Bailey

  Dear Readers,

  Thank you so much for taking the time to read Beautifully Broken. Being a new author is exciting but terrifying. The fear that no one will read your story is overwhelming, but the worry that people won’t like it is near crippling. If you enjoyed Piper and Rex’s story, please leave a review.

  Being an Amazon exclusive release, reviews are what makes or breaks a novel. Without them, the story gets lost in a slush pile and
almost never suggested to readers. Your thoughts and opinions are what keeps my dreams alive. It doesn’t have to be long. Something as simple as “I liked it” is all it takes.

  Thank you again, and I look forward to reading what you thought about our story.

  Lots of Love,

  Bailey.

  Review Here

  About the Author

  Bailey B is an up and coming New Adult author. She lives in Lehigh Acres Florida with her husband, twin girls, and two fur babies. She enjoys (but doesn't get to take part in because of her crazy daughters) the simple things like Disney+ binge watching, Netflix romcoms, reading and sleeping. She reads two to three books a week and thinks if narwhal's are real animals then unicorns might be too.

  To know what’s happening first, visit her social media or sign up for her newsletter at https://www.baileybbooks.com