9. Farmhouse Chronicles

Upon our arrival at the farmhouse, we found that no one had arrived yet. Therefore, we made the decision to select our own rooms and get freshen up. The entire car ride, with Tyler's endless singing and jokes and Jacob's awkward presence, had me worn out. I was so exhausted that I decided to change into a comfier outfit. I put on a shirt that read "Sarcasm loading... please wait,” and matched it with shorts and casual slippers. Just as I finished changing, I heard commotion coming from downstairs, which probably meant everyone had already arrived. I took a deep breath and reassured myself, "How bad can it be, really? I'll be okay." With that, I made up my mind to go downstairs. As I descended the creaky farmhouse stairs, the sounds from below grew louder, a chaotic mixture of laughter, chatter, and clinking glasses. I couldn't help but wonder what I was walking into. Reaching the bottom step, I entered the living room, where the scene unfolded before me. Tyler was leading an impromptu dance-off, showcasing his signature, albeit questionable, dance moves, while Jacob sat on the couch, looking like he'd rather be anywhere else. Carla was also present, engaged in conversation with an elderly woman whom I suspected to be Jacob's mother, a familiar face from the party. Meanwhile, my dad and Carla's mom, along with a handful of other adults from the family, gathered in the adjacent room, sipping wine and sharing stories. I couldn't shake the feeling of being out of place, as though I were a stranger in a crowd where everyone else had connections. Doubts crept in as I questioned my reason for being there, leaving me feeling like an outsider with no familiar faces to turn to for conversation or comfort. Just as I was beginning to feel like I didn't quite fit in, a blonde girl approached me. "Hello, I'm Susan," she introduced herself. "I don't believe we've crossed paths before," she remarked. "Hi, I'm Jenny," I replied with a friendly smile. "And you're right, we probably haven't met before. I'm just here for the wedding," I explained. Susan nodded and replied, "Oh, the wedding! That's exciting. It's my cousin Jacob's big day. Are you a friend of the bride or groom?" I leaned in slightly and replied, "Actually, I’m Carlas half-sister." Susan's eyes widened with surprise. "Carla's half-sister?" she exclaimed. "Well, this is certainly going to be an interesting wedding. How's the dynamic between you two?" I shrugged, a hint of tension in my voice. "Carla and I, well, we don't exactly get along. But I'm here for my father, and I'll do my best to keep things civil." Susan nodded in understanding. "Family can be complicated, right?" I sighed, feeling a mix of emotions. "Tell me about it. How about you? How do you fit into this family picture?" Susan grinned. "I'm Jacob's cousin. We've always been close, and I couldn't be happier for him and Carla. They're such a perfect match, despite the occasional family drama." "So, aside from the family dynamics, have you had a chance to explore the farmhouse? It has some hidden gems, like a secret library on the second floor." My curiosity piqued, I smiled and replied, "No, I haven't had the chance to explore yet. A secret library, you say? That sounds intriguing. Maybe I'll check it out later." Susan nodded enthusiastically. "You should! It's a cozy little spot, perfect for a quiet escape if the festivities get too overwhelming." Just then, the lively music from the adjoining room seemed to reach its peak, and laughter filled the air. Susan and I exchanged knowing glances, both of us ready to rejoin the celebration and see where the evening would take us. Despite the family tensions and uncertainties, there was a sense of adventure in the air, and I couldn't help but feel that this wedding would be an unforgettable experience. Susan and I shared a chuckle as we observed the boisterous dance floor. I couldn't help but comment, "Looks like they've really cranked up the party in there. Do you think we should join the dance-off, or should we stay safely on the sidelines?" Susan laughed and replied, "Well, I've got some moves up my sleeve, but I can't promise they're good moves. Maybe we should wait for the Macarena or the Chicken Dance – those are always safe bets." I grinned, appreciating her sense of humor. "Sounds like a plan. Let's hope the DJ is feeling nostalgic tonight." As Susan and I shared some light-hearted banter, the energy of the party swirled around us. People danced, clinked glasses, and laughter filled the air, creating a vibrant atmosphere that was infectious. Susan was proving to be quite an interesting person, and I was genuinely enjoying her company. I turned to Susan and inquired referring to Jacob and Carla, "So, how did that happen?" "I'm sure you're aware of our families' longstanding history," Susan began, "and I assumed the same for Jacob and Carla. However, it was only after Mason's passing that they seemed to grow closer. Then, out of nowhere, Mason dropped the bombshell that he was getting married. It did feel a bit abrupt, but it's clear that they genuinely care for each other, given their long-standing connection." I nodded, absorbing the information. “Well, let's just put it this way: everything seemed to magically improve after Mason bit the dust," Susan stated, her tone slightly brusque. I found myself pondering Susan's apparent disdain for Mason and the unsettling suggestion that Jacob might have had a role in his demise. Questions swirled in my mind, leaving me with a sense of bewilderment and an insatiable curiosity. I opted for a simpler response, saying, "Well, at least everyone seems content now." Susan expressed her agreement by nodding. During our conversation, Jacob's mother abruptly called out for the kids to come inside for dinner, interrupting Susan and me. As I made my way inside, I noticed a group of my cousins, although we didn't have a close relationship. I had limited familiarity with them, as they were mostly Carla's relatives, and the remaining ones belonged to Jacob's side of the family. So, I opted to concentrate on the meal. The aroma of the barbecue wafted through the entire house, reaching even the room at the far end, and I couldn't resist indulging in it. While I was engrossed in my meal, Tyler approached me and greeted with, 'Hey there, little J! You enjoying yourself?'" "Yeah, it hasn't been too terrible. I ran into Susan, and she kept me company," I remarked. "Susan, huh? Did she give you a hard time?" he inquired. I replied with a chuckle, "Oh, Susan? Nah, she's been nothing but pleasant. We've had a good time chatting." "He responds, 'I’m glad.'" Amidst the chatter, a voice erupts from the far end of the room, calling out enthusiastically, 'Treasure hunt, everyone! Gather 'round!'" Surprisingly, Jacob's cousins, the twins Miguel and Michelle, had organized an elaborate treasure hunt. We were split into two teams of six, and we all eagerly ventured into the woods in search of this mysterious treasure. The prize remained a secret, but it was rumored to be quite extraordinary. Our teams were randomly selected through a lucky draw, and I found myself with Carla, Tyler, Susan, Pam (Carla's friend), and Rowen (Jacob's cousin). As we set off into the woods, the anticipation of the unknown treasure filled the air, promising an adventure none of us would soon forget.