Dear Diary, after weeks of careful planning, the wedding of my dreams had finally arrived! The guest list was small but because my first wedding was rushed and, let’s face it, disappointing, I wanted the details of this one to be perfect.
To my pleasure and astonishment, Jem faded into the background as I’d hoped he would during this flurry of activity.
Right after my parents’ last visit and the confrontation with Jem, Perry and I had a long discussion where we decided Kara and I should move in with him. I made several attempts to tell Jem where Kara would be, but he was nowhere to be found. Finally, I left him a voicemail explaining the situation and asking him to call me to plan for visitations.
He never called, and I was comfortable to let him rest in the back of my mind until he disappeared completely and was no longer a thought. I figured if he didn’t want to see his daughter, that was on him. I’d left the ball in his court.
Kara and I were worked up to fever pitch by the time the day arrived. I’d really built this up for her as something exciting and new.
Our ceremony took place at the country club since it was where Perry and I first met.
According to Karen, she and Zack were “nearly” engaged. Whatever that meant. All I knew for sure was that I was thrilled for them even if he was suffering cruel and unusual punishment waiting for a firm answer to his proposal.
Kara wanted to wear white like Mommy but she insisted on wearing her favorite shoes which happened to be hot pink. I would have protested as they’re pretty beat up from frequent use, but she dug in her heels on that one. So, hot pink shoes it was.
It excited me to learn Perla and Alger would attend. When they arrived, I showered Perla with hugs and kisses. She called me “Darling” and I felt like my day was complete.
Mom and Dad were present but looked unhappy. When I inquired about their moods, they smiled and told me everything was fine, not to worry. Once they realized how they’d looked to me, they spent the rest of the day reminding each other to smile.
If it hadn’t been my wedding day, I would’ve been all over them, trying to find out what was going on.
The day was perfect with blue skies and a gentle breeze. I held my breath as the ceremony began.
We’re a family now, hot pink shoes and all.
After the reception, our guests came back to our house. Kara, Perry, and I posed for a portrait while people mingled and dug into some appetizers.
It was late, so after Kara had a snack, Perry and I tucked her in for the night.
She was sweet, asking him to read her a story. I stayed, as amused as she was, while Perry read “The Three Little Pigs,” hysterically voicing all the parts. Once she was settled under the blankets, I kissed her forehead and told her how much I loved her.
I’ll never forget the adoring look she gave me or how my heart overflowed now that I had everything I wanted.
Back downstairs, our guests were winding down. Well, I’m not sure Perry was. He seemed pretty stoked. But then, so was I.
Even though Mom was not in the best mood, he was animated enough to keep her laughing.
Perla joined me as I went into the kitchen to put dirty plates and glasses in the sink.
“Darling, let me help you,” she said, taking the pile from my arms and rinsing them off.
“I’m so glad you came all this way for the wedding.”
“There is no way I would miss this!” Her smile was contagious as she paused to regard me. “Besides, Alger loves to travel. I imagine us globe trotting right until the end.”
“I’m glad you’re so happy,” I said.
Her smile widened even more. “I could say the same thing to you.”
We stood there, grinning at each for a moment before Perla hugged me again.
“How is Jem handling all of this?” she asked.
As soon as she spoke his name, I felt my mouth tug into a frown. “I don’t know. I haven’t spoken to him in weeks. He won’t return my calls and he hasn’t asked for Kara even once since she and I moved here.”
“I’m sorry to bring up something that makes you unhappy, Darling. It’s only that I know he had quite a hold on you for a while. I can’t imagine him stepping aside and letting Perry be the sole father figure in his daughter’s life.”
I shrugged and sighed at the same time. “Well, there’s nothing I can do about him, is there? I mean, I can’t force him to pay attention to Kara, and I can’t force him to call me. I don’t even know where he’s been.”
She patted my arm with arthritic fingers and flashed a soft smile. “Yes, of course, you’re right. It’s up to him to be a grown up and work with you regarding Kara.”
Not long after our conversation, she and Alger left. I missed them almost as soon as I saw their cab pull away from the curb.
It seemed as if Karen, and Zack were ready to leave. In the morning, Perry and I would fly to a resort he’d booked. Mom and Dad would stay here and take care of Kara for us.
“Hello?” I asked, after my phone rang.
“Yes, hello, Dear,” Aunt Rosetta said.
A smile spread across my face. “I missed you so much today.”
“And I missed you, too. I apologize I could not meet Perry today. You know how my schedule gets when I am campaigning.”
Aunt Rosetta’s term was ending in a few months, and she was running for office again. To my mother’s dismay, I wasn’t the least bit interested in politics, so I had no idea whether she might win again or not.
“How do the polls look?”
I heard the tsk of her teeth before she answered. “Polls do not matter. People’s opinions do not matter. They do not understand what they need or what is good for them. There is nothing to worry about, however.”
Her response piqued my interest, and I glanced at my mother who was heading upstairs, probably to check on Kara.
“I’m not worried. Where are you right now, anyway?”
“I am in the ghastliest hotel. Honestly, if you saw this place with your own eyes, you would be horrified by the accommodations. I am standing in the bathroom right now and it is hideous! I specifically told them I expected them to put down carpeting in my bathroom suite. This treatment is atrocious.”
This was a situation I didn’t feel I could relate to, but I tried to commiserate anyway. “Wow, that sounds really… wretched.”
“It is,” she said with a huff, “and this will not go unpunished. How is your mother?”
I laughed a little. “You can’t go a couple days without her keeping things straight for you, can you?”
“I see. She did not inform you.”
“Uh, inform me of what?”
“I terminated her.”
“You… what?”
“Discharged her.” When I said nothing she added, “Dismissed her. Ended her employment with me-“
“-Okay! I understand!” No wonder my parents had been in such sour moods. “Why in the world would you do that? I thought you liked my mom?”
“That is precisely why. I had no choice if I want to keep her intact.”
“Aunt Rosetta, I don’t know what you’re getting at. What do you mean?”
Dread filled me as I heard her answer.
“I am attempting something that will change everything. It is vital I succeed. Your mother does not know about this operation and I would rather she did not.”
My pulse quickened and my voice became breathy. “Are you in some kind of danger?”
She paused. When she responded, her voice was lower. “Possibly.”
“Then stop what you’re doing! Whatever it is, it can’t be that important.”
“It is. And now, there is no turning back. I must go. No matter what happens, remember I love you.”
“Wait-” I said before hearing the dial tone.
As if on cue, my mother began screaming from upstairs. Dropping the phone, I ran with everyone else to the second floor.
Running into Kara’s room, I saw my mother, one hand on the crib railing, one hand clasping her mouth. I can’t begin to describe the look in her eyes… terror, shock? I don’t know, but it was bad.
“What’s wrong?” I asked as the others crowded into the tiny room.
Coming closer, I was confronted with an empty crib. The window next to it was open, the curtain blowing in the night breeze.
“Where is she?” I asked, my voice barely squeaking out.
Mom shook her head, unable to speak
“Where is she?” I demanded as my limbs began shaking in panic.
Mom shook her head, pointing at the crib. “I-I don’t know! It was empty when I came in. I-I used the bathroom before coming in to check on her and I didn’t hear anything. I don’t know how long she’s been gone!”
“Gone? What do you mean gone?” I yelled. I frantically searched everyone in the room as if I would find my little girl in one of their pockets or something.
When she didn’t answer, my panic rose. As my heart pounded, I ran from room to room, calling her name. I overturned tables, threw mattresses off beds, yanking open cupboards. At first, I refused to believe the worst, my mind wouldn’t go there, so I kept calling her name until my voice was hoarse.
But I couldn’t find her. I held my chest as if that could slow my heart down. My mouth was slack as I stood in the living room, wavering. Perry came in and saw me just in time to grab me before I collapsed into a sobbing mess.
“Where is she, Perry? Where’s my baby?” I tried to pull away from him, frantic to search once again.
Perry held me even tighter, trying to soothe me. “I couldn’t find her either. Your dad is on the phone with the police.”
Dad, Perry, Zack, and Karen searched outside for my baby. Even though I don’t think it had fully sunk in yet that Kara was missing, my knees felt wobbly and I had to sit down. I stared wide-eyed at my mom who paced, wringing her hands.
Everyone came inside once the police arrived. My brain felt sluggish as I tried to answer their questions. As they asked about Kara’s father, everything seemed to move in slow motion. Why didn’t they go faster?
“Why aren’t you looking for my baby?” I screamed as tears finally flooded my eyes, streaking down my cheeks. I crossed my arms in front of me as if she was there, as if I was holding her. “Find her! You have to find her!”
They tried to calm me. They all tried. Their words were useless. I didn’t know what I was saying anymore. I didn’t know what I was doing. I only wanted my little girl back in my arms where she belonged.
As we were being questioned, other officers were outside. I could see powerful flashlights moving in different directions. One officer came inside to report they’d found a ladder behind the bushes under Kara’s window and they were collecting evidence.
The officers spoke quietly among themselves. I was getting antsier by the minute and hissed to Perry, “They’re just standing there! They should be finding her!”
He stroked my arm, the worry in his eyes making me feel even more distressed.
The officer who’d questioned us rejoined us, his lips a thin, grim line. “It appears Kara was kidnapped through her bedroom window.”
He paused only a moment for that to sink in.
This isn’t real, I told myself as I rocked in my chair, my arms crossed in front of me, this isn’t real.
“We put an APB out on your ex-husband, Mrs. Wright. We believe he may have taken her. We have some people searching his home now. Do you have any idea where he might be?”
“No.” My heart was pounding so hard and rapidly, I thought it might burst. All at once, I felt detached from the situation. This isn’t real.
The officer must have seen I wasn’t well and he excused me. He said he would be in touch when he knew anything. I stood up, my knees buckling.
Almost at once, I felt Perry’s arms around me, steadying me. “Let’s go upstairs,” he said, and Mom came with us.
Mom hurried ahead of us to remake the bed I’d disheveled in my search for Kara. I’m not sure how I got up the stairs, I only know it was slow going and under Perry’s power, not mine.
Once in our room, I think I collapsed. Perry grabbed me and I heard Mom call my name in shock.
I was weak but not unconscious as Perry carried me to the bed.
“Is she okay?” Mom’s voice trailed off and I could hear her crying.
“Bea,” Perry said, his voice gentle but urgent, “can you hear me?”
“Mama,” I moaned, struggling to open my eyes. The room was no longer spinning but reality hit me again and my soul felt crushed as I remembered my sweet baby was missing.
As Perry eased me further onto the bed, Mom climbed up next to me and cradled me in her arms as if I was a small child again.
“I think she should eat something,” she said. “It will settle her stomach.”
“No,” I mumbled. “It isn’t that.”
“Of course not, Sweetheart,” Perry murmured. “It’s the shock.”
“And I’m pregnant,” I said, tears streaming down my face all over again.
Author’s Note: I’d like to thank Bee (Poses by Bee, Stories by Bee) for making such awesome poses! I used these packs in today’s chapters: Family Set 5, I’m Dizzy.
I would also like to thank Jes2G for making my very first ever Simself! She had the painstaking job of looking at pics of me and trying to figure it all out. haha Jess, you did a terrific job!
Stay tuned for Wednesday’s post because you will not want to miss what happens!
As always, thank you for all your support,
So many things happening!
First of all, I was so happy to see Perla and Alger. Perla is an awesome character, and I really missed seeing her.
The wedding was beautiful, hot pink shoes and all. LOL! Bea was a really beautiful bride. It’s just such a shame that her wedding day ended in a total nightmare.
Jem has Kara for realz. Where did he take her??? I want to totally get my hands on him and shake him until all of his teeth fall out. If Aunt Rosetta finds out and gets her hands on him, he will definitely not see the light of day ever again.
Speaking of Rosetta, I wonder what she’s up to and what mess of trouble she is in. She has always worried me all her life, and whatever she is up to can’t be good. I’m sure she will probably be reelected again, but in a way, I hope she is not. At least she took Ellie out of the mess so it doesn’t drag her down with her.
So, Bea is pregnant! I’m so happy for her, but what a way to tell her new husband. I’m sure she wanted it to be a special surprise for him, but now, they’re having to deal with this mess. This poor family!
I couldn’t not have Perla and Alger at the wedding. 😀 I love Perla so much. ❤️
Yes, Kara and those shoes! haha I’m glad you thought the wedding was beautiful, even if it did end the way it did.
Hold those thoughts on Jem because you’ll be seeing him realllll soon.
Rosetta is in a world of trouble right now, I won’t lie. It’s a good thing she fired Ellie.
Yes! Bea is pregnant and has a new husband, but now this…
I knew he was going to do something awful. And it’s even more awful when you take his mental state into account. Poor Kara.
Thank you. What he’s done is so horrible, but he can totally justify it in his mind. I feel bad for Kara, too.
The hatred and anger I feel in my heart against Jem is intense, I have to tell you. I can’t even begin to imagine the pain and worry that Bea feels – well I cna imagine some of it, but as I’m not a mother, it must be so much worse. Poor souls </3
Thank you so much 🙂 I don’t blame you for feeling that way at all. In fact, if you hate him that much, I guess I did something right. lol
Nooo! I was thinking Jem might do something like this at the beginning of the chapter, and feeling relieved that he hadn’t. Wait, I’m trying to connect the dots with his strange behavior. Wasn’t he covered in sawdust that night he visited them? Has he been constructing a hideaway for him and Kara? 😲
Rosetta is freaking me out a lot this time. I wonder if Ellie finally sees what Holden does about her. Why would you want carpeting in a bathroom anyway? 😛 Just to test the staff? Hmm, I don’t think it matters much which way people vote, Rosetta will win the election no matter what.
I hope the stress doesn’t affect her pregnancy! This was a whirlwind of a chapter!
Thank you, Heather. Your connected dots are correct. Bea noticed things like the sawdust, but had no idea what he was up to.
I don’t think Ellie sees what Holden does quite yet, but it’s coming. lol
Hopefully, the pregnancy will be fine, but you never know with the stress of everything that’s happened.
Aaah, I could just kill Jem with my bare hands right now! 😡 What did he do??! That wedding was so beautiful, everyone was so happy, but no. He just had to ruin everything! The only reason I don’t hope for him to crawl somewhere and die is that poor baby Kara is with him right now. I really hope they’ll find both of them soon..! 😥😦
Jem is a real piece of work, isn’t he? I think there is a posse forming to go after him. lol
That’s a good point. Hopefully, Kara will be returned soon.
Rosetta has always worried me. Her whole personality just screams dictator lol. Is it bad that I hope she doesn’t get re-elected? At least she had the decency to terminate Ellie and not drag her into whatever mess she is creating.
SO MANY EMOTIONS! You did such a great job with this chapter. I felt like I was living it with Bea, and I am so worried for little Kara. And I hate that Jem had to go and ruin what should have been a perfect day. He is so worried about Perry replacing him as Kara’s father, that Jem made sure he would be! Getting arrested for kidnapping your own daughter, so now Perry will be there for her in ways he physically can’t. I don’t think he would do anything to hurt their daughter, but I know Bea has to be thinking the worst. I can’t imagine how she must feel, but I would be ready to kill someone if my baby was stolen from me. Lord help Jem when he is found!
Towards the end, I had a sneaking suspicion that Bea might be pregnant and sure enough. Another moment that should have been a happy announcement that was taken from Perry and Bea. I hope once Kara is found that they can be happy again.
Thank you so much. 🙂 Yes! Regarding Rosetta. Her whole vibe does scream dictator. She’s in the middle of something pretty deep at the moment and I’m glad she cut Ellie loose, too.
Thank you so much for your kind words. I find them so encouraging. I love what you said about Jem sabotaging himself because, you’re right. If he’s put in prison for kidnapping, he’ll be eliminating himself from Kara’s life. Such a good point there.
You’re right about Bea, too. She’s probably ready to kill Jem herself at the moment. I don’t think Jem would actually hurt Kara… physically. But there are other ways to hurt someone even if you don’t mean to.
I hope they can all be happy again, too.
🛸 of course Kara will be abducted by aliens ^^ …
😂 I wish that were so. 😀
Why not ^^ to save her from crazy Jem.
I think it’s a great idea! 😂😂😂
lol it’s to think different from your readers ahaha
LOL I like how you think! 😂
xD
Noooooo I knew something would go wrong, but like other readers, I thought Jem would disrupt the wedding itself. It seems like him to steal away his daughter though. Hopefully Bea and her family can find him – Rosetta and the others will all have lots of angry words for him! As will I!!
Thank you, Raymond. There’s a posse forming, in case you’re interested. 😂
It’s too bad he didn’t just try to disrupt the wedding. Now we know his plans are much more devious.
Hopefully, you’re right and they will find little Kara soon.
It was all so lovely until that happened. I thought her parents were down because they knew Jem was up to something, so good (bad) surprise there. I think we need to sic Rosetta on him. She could handle it in no time.
What is so sad, is that Kara will be waking up so afraid. Poor little thing. It’s obvious she was asleep when he snatched her because she doesn’t seem to like him much and would’ve made a fuss. I didn’t expect that, again, what I was expecting was him disrupting the wedding, but this?!! What an ass. He’s got a screw loose, for sure.
Thank you, Jolie. He definitely has a screw loose. He waited until the day Bea should have been happiest. And, I agree with your point about Kara having been asleep when she was taken since no one heard anything.
I wish we could sic Rosetta on him, but, unfortunately, she’s in something right now – but more on that in the near future.
Hopefully, they’ll have her back soon.
Jem had better hope Rosetta doesn’t find him first. We’ve seen how she handles threats to her family!!
Thank you, Marj. I know that’s right! LOL Right now, she’s preoccupied with big stuff, so maybe Jem is in the clear for a while. 😱
I knew it! Something in the first paragraph foreshadowed this…. but what in tarnation is Rosetta up to?
Thank you, CT. You’re right about the foreshadowing. Things were going too well. lol
As for Rosetta… it’s big! 😱
Oh, Holden and Ellie. What are you guys mad at now? They should be happy that, a.) they could actually attend this wedding, b.) Bea is truly happy, c.) this is the real thing, and d.) Jem is alleged to be missing lol. Whatever it is, I blame Ellie.
“Polls do not matter. People’s opinions do not matter. They do not understand what they need or what is good for them. There is nothing to worry about, however.”
HA!!! This woman… The ghastiliest hotel, eh? LOL, looks pretty suite to me. See what I did there? he he he
She fired Ellie?! BAHAHAHAHAHA!! What in the world?! Looks like I owe Ellie an apology LOL. Geez, woman.
Gosh, what a terrible thing! The happiest day of her life turned into the worst, most scary day ever. Even if they do find her, their anniversary will never be a happy occasion. GEEZ!!
*GASP* She’s pregnant?! Oh boy!!! OH BOY! Oh no. This is a disaster!
Thank you, Jess. Whatever it is, you blame Ellie. hahahahaha That made me laugh.
LOL I’m glad you thought Rosetta’s suite was “suite.” LOLOL
Yes! Ellie was canned! So, it was her fault, but Rosetta started it. 😀
Eeep! That’s a good point about their anniversary!
I’m very curious about what Madame Sprague is up to. It’s never anything good LOL.
LOL Even though she believes whole-heartedly it’s the best thing for everyone.
Mmm hmm. We don’t know what we need, after all.
😂😂 That’s right!
Oh….so much in this one little chapter. Rosetta is up to something that sounds horrible and fires her mother. She gets married. She’s pregnant – and then finds out her baby was kidnapped! I hope the stress doesn’t cause her to lose the baby. That would be doubly horrible and I hope they find Jem. I think with Rosetta and maybe her father’s power or maybe even her grandparents help, they should be able to find him. I just hope it’s not too late. I can see him trying to kill her if they threaten to take her away. If he can’t have her nobody can….he’s insane.
Thank you, Audrey. I so agree with you; I hope she doesn’t lose the baby, too. I shudder to think what Jem might do next. More on that in Wednesday’s post.
Unfortunately, I don’t know how much help Rosetta will be right now. She’s into something big. Family is everything to her, but she’s in deep at the moment.
Hopefully, you’re right and they’ll find Jem soon. 😱
Oh damn. I had a nasty feeling Jem would do something like this. With you saying the chapter was a doozy and then Kara was put to bed with nodoby watching. I can’t wait to find out what happens, because this is really getting crazy. :O And on the wedding day. Jem really wanted to mess her up. The idiot. 🙁 Hopefully they find her soon.
Thank you, Louise. Yeah, you were right, then. Jem will be weighing in on Wednesday. 😱
Yes! This was the day he could hurt Bea the most. That’s a good point.
Hopefully, they will. 😱
What a frick frack snack of a wedding day! UGH!
Thank you, Allyson. And, right? 😱😱
Wow, it was supposed to be such a beautiful day for Bea and yet she learned Rosetta was doing something fishy. And now her girl is gone! Pregnant! I can’t imagine how she must be feeling right now. But I loved how you used Bee’s poses here. They fit perfectly.
Thank you, Jowita. You’re so right. The day started out so well with the wedding.
Rosetta…. omg… that woman. She is definitely up to something and, of course, she thinks it’s for the good of humanity. lol
YESS, so much better the re-write! I could feel everything she was feeling and now I am in despair…Kara, where are you??? Come back baby!
JEM!!! What are you doing???? If I could get my hands on you….Where is Jes? Jes! Time for a man hunt that will end in ghastly and messy results! Are you in??? Let’s get a possy together and teach this guy a lesson!
Thank you, Bee. 🙂 I’m glad for the rewrite and thank you for your input.
LOL I bet you and Jess would make a posse feared the world over! 😀 Go get ’em, ladies!
I’m here, I’m here!! I’ve already got a crew! And, uhhh, “supplies,” he he he. LET’S GO.
LOL Hold on, I have to make popcorn! 😂
Time’s a’wastin!!
Sorry, melting the butter! 😂🤣
*tosses popcorn to other side of room*
We have to go NOW!!
B-but …. my poppy corn! 😂🤣
LOL, you can stay here and eat! How bow dah? 😂
LOL No, I need to spectate up close. hahahaha
LOL
😂
What in tarnation is the popcorn for? Are we going to throw it at him??? Doesn’t seem very efficient in the punishment department! I could think of so many things…….am I horrific?
Noooooo you’re not horrific! But, I need the popcorn. 😱