Tomorrow Is Another Day

They arrived back home all relatively in one piece. No bombshells had been dropped, but Jason and Seth were acutely aware of the stares that their dad was aiming at them, throughout the rehearsal, especially when the vicar got to the "does anyone have any lawful reason to object?" question. Both Seth and Jason looked at the floor whilst Heidi who it had taken time to convince to come back seemed to be shooting daggers at her husband and her soon to be daughter in law with very little restraint. It seemed that only Riyle had control of his emotions, although he was shuffling nervously from one foot to the other, glancing frequently at Mercedes who was doing her best to look at only him and the vicar.

"Are you okay?"

Bart could sense Jason was nervous, but he assumed it had more to do with their plans for the evening, rather than whatever was going on with the rest of his family.

"Yeah, I'm fine."

He managed a small smile, but Bart was unconvinced.

"Seth? Are you okay?"

Something was definitely not right with him. He looked angry, guilty and stressed, in short like he was about to explode.

"Fine."

He seethed through gritted teeth.

"And then I'd pronounce you married."

The vicar continued valiantly under Riyle's instruction, in spite of the obvious tensions.

"I don't think I can do this."

Seth whispered only loud enough for Jason to hear him.

"Not now. Jason hissed. We agreed."

Bart looked between them in confusion.

"He can't do this. How can he do this to him?"

Jason grabbed Seth by the hand and dragged him unceremoniously out of the building.

"Let it go Seth."

Now that wasn't the voice he had expected. They turned to find their mum stood leaning against the wall, cigarette in her mouth.

"Mum?"

"Tomorrow. We will sort it tomorrow. I promise."

"You knew?"

Neither of them could actually believe how calm she seemed.

"Yeah, but this is Riyley's decision."

"But you…he…"

Seth stuttered incoherently.

"You did your bit, Love. Everyone knows, but now it is down to Riyle."

"Is he going to go through with it tomorrow?"

"I don't know. All I know is whatever he decides tomorrow is going to be a complete disaster. They smiled sadly as she held them both tightly in her arms. Come on. Stick a smile on your face. It will all be over soon."

"One way or another."

Seth mumbled mutinously as arm in arm they headed back into the suite and re-joined the McQueen's who had barely noticed their absence.

"Everything okay?"

Jason sat down and Bart squeezed his hand reassuringly.

"Yeah he just felt a bit sick."

Jason covered unconvincingly. He hated lying to him, but as their mum had said this was Riyle's decision.

"If you wanted we could cancel the drinks tonight."

"No don't be daft. I think I'll need one by then."

"As long as you're sure."

Bart couldn't help feeling slightly apprehensive himself, but he didn't want this to rub off on Jason.

"Of course I'm sure. He lied through gritted teeth. You were right. We can't hide forever 'especially after tomorrow' and we need to find out who is behind those messages. We need to prove we are stronger than this."

"I know, but with the wed-"

"Bart if you are too scared then that is fine, just please be honest with me."

He knew how hypocritical he sounded, but his patience was wearing thin.

"I am scared and before you say owt I know it was my idea, but you're right. We need to face them and we can do that together."

"Right, I'll see you in an hour or so then. Just let me have a quick kip."

BEEP BEEP BEEP 'I NEED YOU NOW' BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP

BANG

"Ow! Jason closed his eyes and rubbed his head, trying to get rid of the stars flashing before his eyes. What the hell?"

'Party has started. Where are you?'

Coming to his senses, he called in on Seth and together they raided Carl's supposedly secret alcohol stash and headed for the McQueen house. Tonight they were going to have some fun. He would make sure of that.

'Won't be long. Save me a dance. Love you. X'

'Love you too. X'