Desperation and Resolve
The reception for the vow renewal went on into the wee hours of the night. Finally, Amber decided it was time to speak to her sister. She took a final sip of her sparkling juice, placing the glass on a passing server's tray with deliberate grace. She walked with a confident stride toward Jessica, a wide smile on her face, her eyes focused entirely on her elder sister.
Her emerald dress and ruby earrings played off one another with a sense of elitism, perfection, and class. She felt Jessica's awareness of her instantly; her sister's back tensed slightly, her shoulders rolling imperceptibly as if bracing for a physical conflict. It made Amber smirk inwardly.
Does she truly think I am as crude as she is?
Their mother, Virginia, Samuel, and even Dan watched—varying levels of anxiety laying heavy on each of their chests.
"Eldest sister. I am so glad you came to celebrate this moment in my marriage." Amber leaned in and pressed a kiss on each of Jessica's cheeks. Jessica reciprocated, but Amber noted the way her sister's hands trembled, her fingers pressing a bit too firmly into Amber's shoulders. Amber shrewdly noted it all.
"Of course, Amber. When I heard you and Dan were renewing your vows, I had to come." Jessica narrowed her eyes, and her voice dropped several octaves. "No one could have stopped me."
Dan, Virginia, and Samuel tensed as one at the words and the chilling way they were delivered. Dan looked at Jessica with unconcealed contempt, his fists clenched at his sides, his resolve strengthening.
Jessica saw none of it. She was so hyper-focused on Amber that she merely smiled, ready to finally air things out with the ungrateful sister who thought she could take anything away from her.
Amber smiled brightly, though the warmth never truly reached her eyes. She nodded knowingly. "Mommy is right. You're such a good person. I am so shocked we all missed it." Sarcasm laced Amber's words with amusement and a hint of danger. "And the tea? Is that a gift for Dan? He does love sea buckthorn."
Jessica reached into her bag and pulled out the blue and gold decorative tin of loose-leaf tea. A broad smile spread across her face. "I did. I really wanted to surprise him with it and see his face when he drank it."
The words were said so maliciously that Amber physically paused, turning her head slightly. She slowly smiled. "Your dedication to family is astounding, dear sister." She looked down at the tin with a new mindset. She internally refuted the idea of Jessica actually harming Dan; she hypothesized instead that Jessica was trying to incapacitate him.
Nearby, Virginia and Samuel shared knowing glances. The substance in the tea was meant for Dan, not Amber. Jessica was trying to do… what? Control him? They both made mental notes to have the sample fully analyzed.
Amber narrowed her eyes slightly as she continued the polite warfare. "Now that we are pregnant together, maybe we can go to the gym together, or just support each other with our mood changes."
Angelica smiled broadly as she moved toward them. Amber saw Jessica's eyes roll for a split second, but Amber had purposely spoken loud enough for their mother to hear. Virginia smiled at this, secretly proud of her scholarly sister. Amber was forcing Jessica to show her hand. It was strategic, and Virginia sipped her champagne, relishing every moment of it.
"I am so happy that you two are getting along better!" Angelica practically shrieked as she moved in, hugging Amber and Jessica tightly. "Later this week, we need a lunch date, and next week, another shopping day. Three grandchildren born so close together!"
Virginia looked to her father and saw his lips pursed. Daddy is not happy about Mommy being manipulated, she thought. But Amber has to start playing Jessica's game to fully expose her. I'll have to talk to him later.
Samuel was thinking much the same as he watched his mother dote on her daughters. It saddened him that she hoped for so much, knowing she might only gain a fraction of the peace she wished for.
Amber felt Jessica break the hug and smile apologetically to their mother. "My stomach is so tender these days. This pregnancy is so tiring, Mommy." Their mother looked down at Jessica's stomach with sympathy as Jessica continued. "I am ready to mend old wounds—if Amber is."
Both women looked to Amber. She forced herself not to laugh aloud at the sheer audacity of the performance. She smiled gently. "Of course I am, Jessica. I never wanted any issues between us. I hope you never felt that way."
It was perfection. If Jessica could play the victim for their mother, Amber could play the saint. She waited quietly for her sister's response, her smile broadening as she watched Jessica's fake mask slip ever so slightly.
Virginia and Samuel smiled as one. Dan was shocked, pride welling up within him. His wife was not just a spectator or a passive participant; she was not a tool to be used by others. Amber Ann Lance-Trace was a powerhouse.
In the midst of the chaos, Amber remained calm, poised, and collected, a cool understanding smile on her face.
You're not the only one who can play this game, sister dear.