874. The feeling you get after a good cry.

 Maddie worked hard all summer getting Junie ready for driver's ed. She even went with her to the DMV since her parents couldn't make it. For a second there, Maddie thought it might be a no go since the clerk didn't think Maddie was legal, but they had gathered all the information they needed so Junie got her learner's permit. 

Of course, there was more to worry about than her cousin. There was the wedding and she was certain she would have never survived if it hadn't been the ladies in Adult services. They did wonders in the Maker's Space. For a little over twenty bucks, Maddie had managed to make t-shirts and tote bags for the wedding party. The rest of the goodies came from Dollar Tree.

And it was a surprise after the Library closed on a Sunday evening that they gave her a wedding shower. All her friends and family were there even Boone and his family. It felt like Christmas in August. Everything was coming together. Even her wedding outfit was rather boho. Oh, everyone had been so kind to her.

"Maybe they just feel sorry for me," she laughed into tears when it was all over with. She still hadn't heard from her Mom. She broke down in front of Boone and Alfie's Mom. It felt as if she could hardly breathe, which worried Tammy the most, as she kept gently patting Maddie's back while the boys stored all their presents in the back room. Jo, her neighbor, was even  helping.

Maddie took a deep breath and sniffed back tears. "I want to hate her. I really do, but I can't and that just makes it worse."

She crumbled into tears as her nose stuffed up. Yes, she was going to make herself sick just like Tammy said.

"I have a good mind to talk to her," Tammy said.

"No, don't."  Maddie shook her head. She knew she should be happy. She was happy. She loved Boone and all his family.

"Give me her number."

Maddie cleared her throat and stared at Tammy who held out her hand. Maddie cleared her throat and unlocked her phone to show Tammy her contacts. 

Tammy sighed and clicked into the phone number. "Here goes nothing."

Maddie could hear the phone ring. She knew her mother wouldn't pick up. It went to voicemail.

"Is this Maddie Jenkin's Mother? I have an emergency. Your daughter needs you."

That was all she said and hung up. "If I had more time to investigate, I would have gotten her by now."

Maddie sniffed more. She wasn't sure if she were to cry or laugh more. About then Jo brought in big bottle of Champagne and of course a bottle of Merlot for Tammy. 

"We've got more to celebrate," he grinned.

Maddie found herself grinning. She had no clue what this could be about.