During her speech at my sister Sarah’s wedding, her maid of honor made fun of me and brought up some of my previous heartbreaks. Everyone was shocked by what occurred next, even though the crowd laughed and I felt hurt. The entire evening was turned around by my sister’s unexpected response to the insult.
Hi to all of you! Here’s Emily. Have you ever known a sister that should have been your lifelong closest friend? The one you can trust and who is there for you no matter what? That’s not quite how things have gone between me and Sarah, my elder sister.
Please understand that I’m thrilled for her. The previous weekend she tied the knot with the love of her life, and it was all quite fairytale-like. The hitch is that, although though Sarah and I are sisters, we have never really been close.
We may have different personalities or it might be the age gap. For some reason, Robin, her best friend, has always been her “sister.” Robin was the maid of honor, of course, and let’s just say that she has never made me feel like a part of their close-knit group.
The event, which was modest and personal and attended only by close friends and family, was lovely. Toasts were being made, joyous tears were flowing, and everyone was having a fantastic time—all of the usual wedding fare.
It was then Robin’s turn to talk. A maid of honor’s speech should typically be filled with affection and well wishes, right?
False.
Robin accepted the microphone with a playful twinkle in her eye.
She started, “To Sarah,” to applause from the assembly. “The happiest bride I’ve ever met—let’s hope that some of us ultimately get lucky like she does! In particular, Emily, who For dramatic effect, she waited. “Let’s just say, it’s a miracle she didn’t screw up her bridesmaid assignment for once!”
“Emily, unlike some short stories we know, may your love story continue to flourish?” With a shiver running down my back, Robin continued.
“Relax, everyone has difficult times, even if they involve losing their job and breaking their engagement in the same week! However, at least you’ll have lots of time to assist Sarah once more with all the wedding preparations!
My cheeks started to heat, and my smile tightened.
I suffered a double blow a year ago when, in the same week, my fiancé broke up with me and I lost my job. Everyone was aware of how difficult the time was.
Everyone in the room started laughing, but I didn’t get the joke.
I had a different idea of Sarah’s wedding day than this one. A part of me was itching to pack up and get off, never to talk to any of them again.
Nevertheless, I stayed—mainly since it was my sister’s special day. Anything would make me not miss it.
A ruckus broke out at the head table just as I forced myself to smile and take a seat.
I turned to find Sarah looking very furious, wine glass in hand. Then it took place.
She “accidentally” tipped her glass, causing red wine to splash over Robin’s immaculate pink frock with a clumsy slip.
The sound of Robin’s cry broke through the laughs. With her smeared mascara and flowing crimson wine, she looked like a figure out of a horror film.
“Sarah, what the hell?” she said. “Are you aware of the price of this dress? You ruined it!
There was silence in the room. Everybody was staring at Sarah, whose expression was a mix of determination and rage.
“I’m so sorry! I apologize,” she responded with a sarcastic tone. That is the result of using glasses or words carelessly.
There was a noticeable tension. Robin’s expression, which was a mixture of rage and extreme shame, mirrored the stain on her frock.
She said, trembling, “You did that on purpose!” into the microphone. “How dare you humiliate me in front of all of them?”
Sarah squinted her eyes. She calmly remarked, “Maybe, but you deserved it.”
The room gave a collective gasp.
“You mean I deserved it?” I ask. Robin let out a cry. “It was only a jest!”
“That wasn’t,” Sarah firmly stated. It was inhumane. Since Emily had just experienced a lot, your “joke” amounted to bullying.
A mutter of concurrence permeated the assembly. A few folks gave me a quick glance as unexpected pity flooded their eyes.
Robin’s face darkened even more into scarlet. But all it was was fun, she stumbled to say. “Emma, don’t we all make fun of one other occasionally? Why is it such a huge deal?
She gave me a desperate glance, but all I could do was gaze back. I didn’t feel compelled to minimize someone’s unpleasant remarks for once.
Sarah cut in with a harsh “No,” making no space for debate. It’s not about having fun here. Respect is at issue here. Emily is deserving of better than that. I refuse to tolerate anyone treating my sister with such disdain. She is my sister.
Stunned quiet took the place of the fading laughter. Trapped, Robin attempted, as a last option, to use her guilt.
“But Sarah, this is your wedding day!” she whimpered. Will this truly lead to a conflict between us?
“Today is all about honoring love,” Sarah said, unaffected. “And love for my sister is a part of it. Robin, you stepped over the line, and the repercussions are real.
Once more, the audience gasped. They had not anticipated the speech to befit a fantasy wedding. However, that was my favorite part of the night.
Years of unsaid grief started to heal as Sarah’s eyes met mine in that wordless exchange.
Sarah said, resuming her position as my guardian, “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to check on my sister.”
She then left Robin stunned, standing in a pool of her own humiliation and red wine.
With a scowl, Robin’s lips moved inaudibly, probably mumbling obscenities she wouldn’t dare voice out loud in front of everyone. She rushed out of the reception, though, before things got any farther, throwing up her fists in disgust.
Sarah’s face showed concern as she walked up. “Em, are you alright?” she said softly. “I really apologize for what transpired.”
My eyes filled with tears. Yes, I croaked. “I simply… It’s unbelievable that you accomplished it.
She drew me into a close embrace, comforting me with her scent of lavender. She muttered, “I should have done it a long time ago.”
Years of untold scars appeared to heal in that hug. I had a long-dormant sensation of tranquility.
“You’re my sister!” she said, a little retreating but keeping her gaze fixed on him. And you have my love. Nobody has the right to diminish your feelings.
My cheeks washed with tears as the dam burst, tears of relief, anguish, and uncontrollable love. “Sarah, I love you too,” I snorted. “I’m grateful.”
Her face broke into a real smile that I hadn’t seen in years, and it made me feel warm inside.
Sarah and I had sincere chats and meaningful exchanges throughout the remainder of the evening. The first discomfort had vanished, and a new friendship had taken its place.
I experienced true inclusion in my sister’s life for the first time. And what do you know? Robin never came back. Red wine and public humiliation had been too much for her.
Looking back, I can see that Sarah’s protective nature went beyond just defending me. It brought back memories of our sisterly relationship, prioritizing family above an unworthy companion.
It was a watershed moment that cleared the air for years of unresolved hurt and opened a new chapter in our relationship.