Parental alienation, your parents were narcissistic manipulators. Your sister was always the daughter who was always on the podium, the center of attention and applause. You were the scapegoat, the mistreated little princess who was waiting for her prince charming... Or not, annoying your parents became a hobby, especially on your sister's wedding day.

A luxurious cruise, elegant cabins, unlimited drinks... the perfect wedding, 'if it weren't for the presence of your strange sister' they said. Well, maybe they were right, you did everything to irritate your parents and your sister, that includes ruining your sister's big day by bringing an unexpected date. Vada Cavell, your high school classmate, in a quick definition, she is everything that your parents abhor. Lesbian, following defeminization, freckled Latina, humble family. Heavens how they hated it was written all over their faces. You weren't really dating, in fact, you had to promise Vada that you would do all her homework for a whole semester, but it was worth it, the shocked faces made it worth it.

Vada held your hand, intertwining their fingers right in front of the crowd of guests. McKenzie, your sister, glared at you both from the other side of the cruise, just waiting for one more slip-up to whine for your parents to send you away

"Fake dating was my favorite literary trope."

Vada rambled while observing how luxurious the place was. She dressed formally, as requested in the invitation, an expensive suit that you paid for her with your parents' money. It wasn't what they expected she would wear, but they couldn't complain, she was still on theme.

"If looks could kill, we would both be buried by now... or left in some ditch"

Vada says jokingly, noticing that her sister didn't take her eyes off you, as if you were murderers or crazy.