My Parents Skipped My Wedding for My Sister — What My Best Man Did Left Everyone Speechless
My Parents Chose My Sister Over My Wedding — So My Best Man Put Them on Blast
Blood is thicker than water, according to some. Blood can sometimes drown you, but they don’t tell you that. I’m Justin, a 26-year-old who has witnessed my parents pick my sister above me all of my life.
My best man made their absence from my wedding memorable by choosing to skip it for her.
I felt like I was living in my sister Casey’s shadow as I was growing up in Millbrook. She is now 32 years old, six years my senior, and she has mastered the knack of making herself the center of attention.
We used to play basketball together, and every time I scored the game-winning goal, Casey would get a strange stomach ailment that needed to be treated right away.
My graduation from high school? The following week, Casey had a “panic attack” about a job interview. My letter of acceptance to college? That same day, Casey’s boyfriend ended their relationship.
“Justin, you understand, right?” In order to take Casey somewhere, Mom would say this while already reaching for her pocketbook. “Your sister needs us right now.”
Dad would nod in agreement while giving me the absent-minded pat on the shoulder you give a puppy. “You’re tough, youngster. You understand.
I didn’t understand, though. I never understood.
I made a choice last spring when I asked my girlfriend, Veronica, to marry me. In their kitchen, where I had eaten innumerable dinners by myself while they handled Casey’s most recent issue, I sat down with my parents.
I gripped the edge of the table with my palms and exclaimed, “Look, I’m getting married in October,” Additionally, I need a guarantee from each of you. Make me a promise that Casey won’t ruin this wedding.
The tinkling sound Mom made when she thought I was being goofy was her way of laughing. “Don’t be so theatrical, Justin. We’ll be there. It is the day of your wedding.
Dad folded his arms and sat back in his chair. “What’s the big deal, anyway? Just a party, isn’t it? After cutting a cake and dancing a little, you get married. He laughed at his own sagacity. “We raised you better than to be a bridezilla.”
“Dad, it’s not about acting theatrical. It’s about making an appearance for once.
Mom responded, “We always show up,” but her gaze was already straying to her phone. Most likely, Casey had texted.
“When? When was the last time you came to my aid without Casey requiring anything?”
They exchanged that look, the one I’d been seeing all my life, the one that said I was being irrational.
Dad responded, “We’ll be there, honey,” at last. “I promise.”
The weeks before the wedding were like watching a vehicle crash in slow motion. Casey began modestly, experimenting.
“So, about this bridesmaid dress,” she began while spinning her fork in her spaghetti during a family meal. “I truly don’t like the color pink. It totally wears me out.
“It’s dusty rose,” Veronica softly corrected. “And it’s what we chose for the wedding party.”
Casey’s smile was as piercing as a piece of glass. Some people, I suppose, look good in anything. Others require hues that truly go well with their skin tone.
Beneath the table, I felt Veronica’s fingers tighten on mine. “You’re not even a member of the wedding party, Casey. You are merely a visitor.
“Oh, I understand. Still, I thought I’d lend a hand. I mean, someone needs to make sure that the pictures from this wedding look beautiful.
Mom jumped right in. “Justin, Casey is merely attempting to assist. She has such excellent taste.
I should have known at that point. I should have realized what was coming at that point.
On October 15, my wedding day came bright and beautiful. I felt as though today may be the day they picked me first as I woke up in my flat with sunlight pouring in through the windows.
My best man Arnold was already brewing coffee; he’s the closest thing I’ve ever had to an actual brother. “Man, it’s a big day! Are you prepared for this?
“More than ready!” I meant what I said. I had been dating Veronica for three years. She fulfilled every need and wish I had ever had. She truly prioritized me over all else.
When my phone buzzed with a voicemail from Mom, I was buttoning my shirt. I felt sick to my stomach when playing it:
“Hello, my love! We will not make it today, listen. You know how Casey feels about that dog, and this morning she discovered a small bump on Buster’s neck. She is in utter shock—crying, trembling, everything.
She’s certain it’s an insect bite or something strange, but the veterinarian can’t see them until Monday.
She doesn’t want to leave him alone, though, and we can’t really abandon her in this state either. I take it you understand? Make a ton of photos! We’re eager to meet them later.
Arnold grabbed the phone before it hit the floor when it dropped from my numb fingers.
“What did she say, man?”
I was unable to talk, breathe, or comprehend that they had truly repeated the deed.
Casey texted me on my phone, saying, “I told you nothing will change. Certain individuals never learn… 💅.
Something broke inside of me at that moment. Not the kind of break that’s spectacular and explosive. the silent variety. It’s the kind when you eventually give up on dreams that never came true.
Over my shoulder, Arnold played the voicemail. His expression changed from white to red to something I had never seen before: sheer anger.
“Are you kidding me right now?” He took my phone. “Are you actually kidding me?”
“Arnold, don’t—”
“No.” He had already started toward the door. “I’m tired of seeing people treat you like this. This is important for Veronica to hear.
Twenty minutes later, Veronica was in my room, crying uncontrollably and wearing only half of her bridal gown. Not tears of sadness. irate ones.
“That’s it,” she growled. “Arnold, you have my permission to do whatever you want with that voicemail.”
“Babe, what are you talking about?” I let out a gasp.
Arnold smiled, but it wasn’t a pleasant smile. “Believe me, dude. Just have faith in me.
The wedding was flawless. I couldn’t stop crying as Veronica’s parents escorted her down the aisle. “You’re our son now, Justin,” her father, Frank, said as he grabbed my shoulder. That won’t change.
I sobbed. For the first time in my life, I experienced what it was like to be selected, wanted, and first—not because my parents weren’t around.
We honeymooned at a cottage near Pinewater, totally off the grid, after the wedding. Just the lake, the solitude, and us—no phones, no internet. I had the most tranquil week of my life during that time.
My phone was overflowing with 117 text messages, 63 voicemails, and 47 missed calls when we got back.
My Uncle Mike left the first voicemail, saying, “Justin, I just noticed Arnold’s post. I want you to know that I’m currently embarrassed by my sister. You were worthy of better.
My Aunt Linda left the second one, saying, “I was devastated by that voicemail. They never noticed that you were always the decent child.
With trembling palms, I accessed social media. A stunning montage of our wedding set to music was the video that Arnold had uploaded. Veronica’s mother and I dancing.
She was making her way down the aisle. The initial kiss. The cutting of the cake. All the happiness, all the affection, all the times my parents had been absent.
And Mom’s voicemail played over the whole video. Every single syllable. Every casual dismissal. as well as each unfulfilled promise.
“My best friend got married today,” the caption said. I know no better man than him. Her dog had a lump, so his sister and dad didn’t come. On the day of his wedding, they left him this message. “Listen to their concern!”
The remarks were harsh.
“This is devastating. That poor fellow.
“The way she sounds so casual about missing her son’s wedding…”
“I’m in tears. How do parents treat their kids like this?
“What a piece of work that sister is. I hope she notices.
Mom called when my phone rung.
“Why didn’t you respond, Justin? All week long, we have been phoning you. Listen, you must immediately remove that video.
“Hello to you too, Mom!”
“This is not amusing! What are people saying about us, do you know? What about Casey? The memes are tagging your sister! Online, others are making jokes about her.
I collapsed on the couch, worn out. “Did anyone make memes about her when she texted me on my wedding day to say I’d always come second?”
“That isn’t the same! “That was private.”
“When you left me a message stating that my wedding was irrelevant, was it private? Was your decision to skip your son’s wedding in favor of a dog’s possibly-bug bite private?
Quiet.
“Justin, take it down. Please.
“No!”
“What do you mean, no?”
“No, Mom. People see the reality for the first time in my life. They witness the 26-year abuse you’ve been inflicting on me.
She ended the call.
Then Casey called. Before I could say hi, she began yelling.
“My life was ruined by you! Everyone has seen that dumb video, including my pals and my employment! You are pitiful.
“Casey, I did not post it. My dearest friend did. because he had had enough of you treating me like trash.”
“I never treated you like garbage!”
“On my wedding day, you reminded me via SMS that I would never be the first. Casey, on the day of my wedding.”
“Because you had to listen to it! You’ve always been envious of me, and now that you can’t handle the truth, you’re attempting to ruin my reputation!”
“To be honest, Mom and Dad were not present at my wedding for your dog. FOR YOU! In actuality, you have taken center stage in my life. In all honesty, I’m DONE.”
“You’re not capable! I am your sister.
“No! What you did is not what sisters do. That is not how sisters text. I merely have DNA in common with you.”
I ended the call.
Dad called last, sounding worn out and discouraged.
“Please, son. Simply remove it. We’ll find a way to compensate you.”
“Dad, how? How do you compensate for being absent from your son’s wedding?
“We’ll host a celebration for you. A large one. greater than the wedding.
I chuckled. To make up for missing my wedding, would you like to throw me a party? Can you hear yourself?
“Justin, it was only one day. Only one day.
“That day was the most significant in my life. And you preferred Casey’s outburst to your presence.”
“She needed us!”
“I also needed you. I’ve needed you forever. However, you never gave a damn about that.
For a long time, the line was silent.
“Take the video down, and we’ll talk.”
“No, father. Do you wish to speak? Come speak. However, the video remains online. People see you for who you truly are for the first time in my life. Casey’s true self. And I will no longer conceal that.”
Three months have passed. Two million people have viewed the video. To avoid the spotlight, Casey relocated to Riverside. Other than getting groceries, Mom hasn’t left the house. Every few days, Dad calls to ask if I’m prepared to “move past this.”
What they don’t realize, though, is that I did get over it. I didn’t care if they loved me anymore. I stopped hoping they would pick me. I stopped relying on their approval.
Both Veronica and I are content. I now consider her family to be my family. There is nothing that Arnold regrets, and he remains my best friend.
The members of my extended family who previously remained silent are now acknowledging the reality and standing behind me.
I received a letter from an unknown person last week. A young man who recognized his own family in mine after watching the movie.
He thanked me for demonstrating to him that he deserved a feast and that it was acceptable to quit taking crumbs.
I realized then what Arnold had actually done. He had revealed more than simply my parents. He would release me.
People ask me if I feel sorry for Casey because of what happened to her and the criticism she received. This is my response:
I feel sorry for the boy who grew up thinking that love was something that had to be earned. I feel sorry for the adolescent who believed that being shunned was commonplace.
I feel sorry for the young man who nearly came to terms with the fact that his wedding day was irrelevant.
However, I don’t regret revealing the truth at last.
Because sometimes letting go of what you don’t deserve is the finest thing you can do for yourself. even if it means separating from the ones who were meant to be your first lovers.
