SAM's POV

"One, two, or three? Which one do you like?"

"Why you asking me, it's y'alls wedding..." I reply while licking every bit of chocolate icing from my plastic fork.

"Yes, but your opinion matters, too. You'll be at the reception like everybody else, so your taste is important," my mama explains.

"Speaking of everybody else, have you mailed the rest of the invitations yet?" Antonio asks.

"I'm gonna do it tonight."

"Alright," Antonio replies while trying the strawberry shortcake.

All three of us are sitting at the counter of a bakery shop with plates of cake samples displayed in front of us. Mom is on my right and Antonio is on my left. It's quiet; just us in the shop with the owner. It's kinda peaceful on a Sunday afternoon.

"So... what flavor do you like?" My mama asks, trying to read my facial expression.

"Mm... the chocolate," I say.

"I do, too. It's so sweet and moist -- mmm!" My mom sings while licking her fork like a mad woman.

"Ma, why you act like you haven't eaten in days?" I respond, disgusted by her antics.

"What?" She asks all innocent-like.

"Chocolate is good. The strawberry is good, too," Antonio adds.

"I know, right? But so is this coconut cake... and the lemon was ohmagawd!" My mama sings again, as her eyes roll back into her head.

Antonio chuckles. "The lemon was good, too..."

"I don't know if I can chooooseeee!" She frowns, stuffing more cake into her mouth.

"Uh-oh. You sound like you're in a dilemma," the bakery shop owner says, appearing from the other side of the counter, grinning from ear to ear.

"I ammmmmm," Ma whines.

"We are..." Antonio states with a chuckle.

The shop owner chuckles. "Well, that's good for me, because that means you like my cakes, haha. Can I give you a suggestion?"

"Please." Mama nods.

"A simpler flavor with a fruit filling is popular right now, and also good if you're worried about pleasing everyone's tastes. You could also get a traditional tier cake, then have some smaller cupcakes in a variety of flavors on the side so everyone can sample multiple things. It's really up to you," she smiles. "Just make sure YOU'RE happy."

"Agh! You make it sound so easy!" Mama exclaims.

"Well, it is my job. I know my clients and my cakes," the bakery owner says.

"You may be right... either one of those ideas sounds like a good option. What do you think, babe?" Mama asks while looking toward Antonio.

"I think either idea works, too. It's your day, love, so pick whatever you want and I'll be satisfied."

"No, but it's OUR day. Your opinion matters just as much as mine."

"Well..." Antonio exhales. "At the end of the day, I'm marrying you, not the cakes. So it really doesn't matter to me, just long as you're happy."

I can feel their mushy smiles without even looking up. Can they just pick a flavor already so we can bounce??

"Ah, you picked the right one to marry, Martha." The bakery owner gushes.

***

After placing the cake order, we finally left the shop. I was the first one out and into Antonio's car.

"Where to next?" I impatiently ask from the backseat while scrolling through my social media. Mama peeps at me in the reverse mirror.

"Girl, when will you put that thing away? This is supposed to be family time," she scolds me.

"I didn't have it out, like, the whole day. Just chill..."

"Don't 'just chill' me."

"Alright, let's not get too huffy. Being on her phone for a few minutes isn't gonna kill anybody... come on..." Antonio says, taking my side. At moments like this, he ain't too bad.

Mama sighs, immediately putting on a happier face. "You're right. She's worked hard today. She deserves a small break..."

"No worries, Samantha. We'll be done with our task list before you know it. Next stop is the flower shop!" Antonio says with some pep in his voice.

***

At the flower shop, there were so many choices to pick from. And so many confusing names of flowers and meanings... like dang, all of this for a wedding ceremony? Why can't things just be simple? On top of that, there was a flower for like every color of the rainbow!

"...so depending on your theme for your wedding, you can pick out a specific type of flower that holds a deep meaning for your special day. Not only will you pick the type of flower for your bouquet that you'll hold while walking down the aisle, but there are also decorative flowers. Also, perhaps a flower you may want in your hair, or a flower to pin on the groom's suit. So there are lots of things to consider, but there are lots of choices, too!" The flower shop owner explained. Words were just going in and out of one ear, so I didn't really bother to listen.

I was walking around looking at the different flowers in the shop while mama and Antonio were at a table listening to the shop owner. For some reason, admiring all these flowers... it got me feeling kinda romantic. I can picture me and Jake in here with his arms around me, looking at all the beautiful colors... ugh! How do I miss him already?

"...so I'm gonna leave this binder for you all to peep at, so you can read the descriptions and meanings of the different flowers. And if you have any questions, or when you're ready to decide, I'll be right in the back room. Just holler for me."

"Okay. Thank you so much, Meghan," Mama says to the shop owner.

"You're very welcome. Take your time," the shop owner says before leaving to do something in the back room.

"Sam! Come here and look at this binder with us," Mama yells.

I sigh and walk over to where they're seated at the table. I sit to the right of mama with Antonio on her other side. There was a big binder full of pictures of every flower you could imagine and in every color.

"My eyes... OMG. How does she expect us to look through all this? This feels like homework," I complain.

Antonio chuckles. "It kinda is like homework. But... the reward is amazing..." he says while looking at mama with googly eyes for the umpteenth time today.

She blushes, then continues flipping through the binder. "Ooh! These look really pretty... I've never even heard of this name before."

"Ranunculus... I've heard of this. It's actually Latin, meaning 'little frog'," Antonio shares.

"Little frog? Ew, that's such an ugly meaning. Nevermind..." She flips the page.

"Hey. Sometimes the beauty is all that matters, forget the name. You're gonna turn down what could be a possible gem just because the name isn't the prettiest?" Antonio asks.

"Um, if the name is 'little frog', then yes. Frogs are so gross!"

Antonio chuckles.

"But those flowers are pretty. Take me, for example. You started talking to me because I wasn't so bad on the eyes, right?" He asks.

"Sure," mama responds.

"So, what if my name was... Gilbert. Or, like, Hamilton. Or Archibald. You would turn me away?"

Mama grins and rubs his arm. "Oh, baby... like hell I would. Those are the worst names; it don't matter if you were the finest man in the world. There's no way you gon' be seen with me, baby."

Antonio bursts out laughing, and I kind of chuckle myself. Those are really ugly names but come on mama. She can't be that shallow.

"You're a mess, Martha..." He covers his eyes, his pearly-white teeth shining as he continues to laugh.

***

We ended up seeing a Sci-Fi movie about aliens taking over the planet before we made it back home around 8:20pm. Since I have school in the morning, I immediately took a shower and got ready for bed. I was chilling on my bed while texting Jake. He had asked how the wedding planning went.

JAKE: How was it? You save some cake samples for me? :P

ME: Mm, it was good. And why would I save you any cake?

JAKE: Do I really gotta answer that? Since I'm your sweetie, thought you'd save me some sweets.

ME: ....

JAKE: Too much?

ME: I'm throwing up.

JAKE: XD lol sorry.

I was getting kinda hungry, so I hopped off my bed and went down to the kitchen for a snack. I didn't expect to see my mom sitting at the dining table with a jar of stamps and envelopes. She must be working on the invitations. Not wanting any conversation, I mind my business and head for the snack cabinet. We gotta have some cheese puffs or something up in here.

"We don't have that many guests, but it's still a workout putting these invitations together," Mama exhales, focused on her work.

"You got everyone, right?" Antonio asks from the adjoined family room. He's ironing his clothes.

"I got your friends, my friends, some coworkers, Sam's friends, your brother's family, a couple of people from church... that's it. Right?" She asks while scratching her head.

As they talk in the background, I grab a bag of chips and then reach back to see what other goodies I can find.

"I guess so..." Antonio replies.

"Alright then. By the way, I'm glad you invited your brother's family, babe. I know you two haven't really kept in touch, but I'm sure he'd want to celebrate this moment with you. I'm curious to meet him and his family," Mama says with a grin.

"Yeah, I'm excited," He smiles. "It'll be interesting. We haven't talked in years. I barely managed to find out he moved to New York last year. I just hope that there's no drama and we can truly connect again."

"God always finds a way. What a beautiful opportunity you have to get married AND reunite with your family! I think only good can come of this," Mama exclaims.

"Yeah, you're right. I have nothing but love for him. It's been almost two decades since we've seen each other... I haven't met his wife or my niece in person. I'm kind of nervous."

"Mmm, well, I'll be there with you every step of the way. No need to be nervous," Mama says as they shoot smiles at each other.

Grabbing a can of soda, I walk out of the kitchen. But not before moms can say something.

"Samantha! Put that away."

"Huh?" I turn around, confused.

"You been drinking too much soda lately. Put that back and start drinking some water, please," Mama complains. I smack my lips.

"Why? I'm grown."

"Because I said so."

"That's not a good enough reason," I spit back.

"Just listen to me, okay? I want what's best for you."

Antonio speaks up and says, "Actually, there's a lot of benefits of water. Clear skin, good breath -- it can even release any anxieties you might feel."

I roll my eyes.

"Exactly. Too much caffeine makes you jittery. That's probably why you're so grouchy..." Mama says while sealing some envelopes.

"Excuse me? I just came down here to get some snacks, not to get a bashing. So if y'all don't mind, I'm going back upstairs," I say with much attitude.

"Wait. I was gonna ask you anyway while I'm finalizing these invitations. Do you have any other friends you want to invite?" She asks impatiently.

"Nah, you should have everyone."

"What about Jake's family? It's just him and his mom, right?"

"Yeah," I reply while looking at my phone. "So can I go now?"

"Hm... his mother's birthday party is this week, right? How about you pick out a gift for her? I'm sure she'd appreciate it."

"A gift? Okay..." I slowly reply, expecting her to ask something else. She always seems to have a million nosey questions when it comes to my relationship with Jake.

"Yeah. I'll give you my credit card so you can go to the mall after school this week."

"Okay."

"Alright. Good night, Sam," she says, continuing to focus on the invitations.

"Night, Sam," Antonio says with a grin.

"Alright..." Relieved, I run back upstairs to my room to text my friends. I close my door and lounge back onto my bed.

ME: Hey, so uh... if I were to get your mom something for her birthday... what would she like?

Tapping my fingers on my phone waiting for his reply, I think about texting Becca too. It's been a long day. Maybe I'll ask if she wants to go with me to grab this birthday gift.

ME: Hey, Becca. You sleep?

A few seconds later...

BECCA: Hey girl. I see you remember my number after ditching me at the skating rink yesterday -__-

ME: Don't even be like that. It's been a busy weekend, plus I had to work today too.

BECCA: Hm. Is that so?

ME: Mhm. My mom dragged me around town to help her wedding planning. It was so much stuff - my head hurt!! Remind me not to get married. -__-

BECCA: Wow. Well, that honestly doesn't sound too bad. I'm so excited for the wedding I can't even be fake mad at you. OMG! I'M SO EXCITED!! Still waiting for my official invitation :))

ME: yeah well she's working on em now. what did you do today?

I open my bag of chips and start munching away as I wait for a reply. My phone beeps and it's Jake.

JAKE: Birthday gift, huh? I would tell you but... what's the fun in that?

I frown while replying back.

ME: I would help you out if it was my mom. just gimme some ideas! Pls!

I replied to Jake then got another text from Becca.

BECCA: I did some homework then watched a couple movies with my little siblings.

Then another notification from Jake.

JAKE: Ok. She likes pretty things... and anything that smells good...

ME: Okay! Thank you. See was that so hard?

JAKE: No. But you owe me.

ME: owe you what?

JAKE: Mmm... a kiss. :P

ME: Why?

JAKE: Why not? I deserve one. & usually I'm strict when somebody owes me but since I like you, I'll give you a week. I prefer my payments in person, preferably on the couch... or on any soft surface really. Or a hard surface if that's your thing.

ME: ewww what the freak??? lol. why are you so thirsty? I've never seen this side of you Jake

JAKE: Ah babe. You can see a lot more if you like ;)

ME: O M G.

~15 minutes later~

I continue texting Jake back and forth while snacking. He was being super flirty which kinda caught me off guard... but I also lowkey kinda liked it. Oof. He's making me feel things. I got so caught up that I totally forget to reply to Becca. Oops.

ME: That sounds like a chill day, kinda

BECCA: Oh. I thought you forgot about me again.

ME: i was texting Jake.... sorry

BECCA: Agh, again? Of course ;) anything juicy?

ME: No. >.>  We were just talking about his mom's birthday which btw... I was gonna tell you. He invited me to meet his mom for her bday dinner this week. I'm kinda nervous. :/

BECCA: WHAT? Wait, you're gonna meet his mom?! Girl, this is like MAJOR!

ME: I kinda don't want this to be a big deal. It's just a dinner.

BECCA: oh, honey. You don't just have dinner with your boyfriend's family... unless you're like practically married. he's obviously totally into you girl omgggg

ME: Look, I know meeting the parents seems like a big deal but it's not even like that. He's just being nice. I would've met her eventually, right? I just... idk. i feel like i'm not ready yet?

BECCA: Sam, I think Jake might like you more than you realize. but listen you'll be fine. just be like a nicer version of yourself and i'm sure his mom will love you.

ME: yeah. No pressure...