Chapter 7 - SHIFTING TIDES
November arrived with cold winds and dusting snow across central Ohio. My bump was full and round now; at thirty-four weeks, I was undeniably, proudly pregnant.
With the wedding officially canceled, the atmosphere among our wider group of friends began to shift. The shock of the canceled wedding cleared away the remaining smoke, exposing Megan’s behavior for what it truly was.
Priya, Rachel, and Sophie came over to my house one Sunday afternoon. They brought armfuls of baby gifts, yellow infant onesies, handmade blankets, and a giant box of diapers.
We sat around my kitchen island, drinking hot cider and eating cinnamon rolls.
"I still can't believe she thought she could get away with it," Priya said, shaking her head as she unwrapped a box of baby wipes. "Ordering a size 10 for someone seven months pregnant is just cartoonishly villainous."
"It was so calculated," Rachel added, nursing her own coffee cup. "If June hadn't been the owner, Megan would have spun the story to make Lauren look like a flake who couldn't commit to her duties. She played us all."
Sophie looked down at her hands. "My parents aren't talking to me because I moved out and got an apartment with a roommate. They say I betrayed the family by backing Lauren and Ryan."
I reached across the counter and took Sophie's hand. "I'm so sorry, Sophie. You shouldn't be caught in the middle of this."
"No," Sophie said fiercely, looking up. "For twenty-two years, I watched my sister get whatever she wanted by crying, manipulating, or bulldozing people. You were the only one who always gave her the benefit of the doubt. Seeing her try to destroy you while you were carrying my future godchild? That was my line in the sand."
"Godchild?" I smiled, tears coming to my eyes.
"Yeah," Sophie grinned. "If you'll have me."
"I wouldn't have anyone else," I said.
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That afternoon, we didn't talk about weddings, magazines, or color palettes. We talked about baby names, pediatrician reviews, and how to install a car seat properly. Surrounding myself with women who saw me, respected my body, and valued true connection reminded me of what real friendship was supposed to feel like.
It wasn't a performance. It wasn't a photo op. It was showing up, holding space, and bringing diapers when life got messy.
