Chapter Text
-Trigger warnings for references towards eating disorders and domestic violence.-
Geri’s eyes were trained on the mirror in front of as her mind was lost in a whirlwind of thoughts that raged through her head whilst Bluebell sat on her lap, her hair styled in gentle curls. The sensation of Bluebell tugging on the diamond bracelet on her wrist that Christian had bought specially for today brought her back to reality.
“Mum? The make up lady asked you a question. Are you okay? You seem weird.” The question was asked with a tone of exasperation but Geri could hear the underlying worry as Bluebell looked up at her mum with her eyebrows slightly knotted together in concentration as though trying to read Geri’s mind. It’s a good thing she couldn’t, Geri thought.
“I’m fine darling, just thinking about how beautiful you look today.” Geri’s winked as Bluebell rolled her eyes at her mothers antics, used to her mothers ever changing moods. Geri twirled her head round so she could see her make up artist, who stood holding 2 different shades of lipstick. “Sorry. What were you asking me?” Geri asked, trying her hardest not to think about the guilt that was eating her up inside. The guilt had grown deep inside her like tree roots, twisting and gripping onto her making it impossible to ignore. Geri had begun to do what she did best when the pressure got too much, using food as a way to control her feelings.
The tabloids had picked up on the weight loss, anybody with eyes could see the change in Geri’s appearance. Avoiding seeing the girls could only happen for so long, excuses over the phone had eventually worn thin. The hen do that Emma had insisted on throwing for Geri was the first time any of the girls had seen the strawberry blonde in over 6 months, the knowing glances between them all made her feel paranoid but she pushed that aside and greeted them all with the enthusiasm only Ginger spice exhibited. Emma, Victoria and the two Mel’s looked absolutely gorgeous in each of their outfits that showed of each of their personalities perfectly.
The Hen Do had started with a dinner with just the 5 Spice Girls and as they all took their seats, Geri head of the table, a hand gently gripped her wrist. Without even looking she instantly knew the touch, glancing up Mel’s piercing brown eyes swirled with pity that Geri just couldn’t handle coming from Mel of all people. The expression turned quickly to hurt as Geri snatched her hand away as though she had been burnt. In Geri’s head, as long as she didn’t engage with Mel then everything would be fine. Sitting down the girls placed their orders, glasses of champagne were being drunk and conversation flowed around the table as though the girls had never been apart. The big elephant in the room was ignored, Geri’s plate hardly touched as everyone else’s was more or less empty.
As soon as the plates were cleared, Geri rose from her seat garnering the attention of the other women who were in a heated debate about which Spice Girls song was the best. Emma insisting 2 Become 1 was the best of course.
“Everything okay babe?” Melanie C asked, the Liverpool accent still wrapping its way round the words.
“Just going to the loo, I’ll only be 2 minutes.” The fact Geri couldn’t even look any of them in the eye told them what they needed to know. Before any of them could reply the strawberry blonde was already turned and walking away.
For a moment an uncomfortable and awkward silence took over the table. A deep sigh was dragged from Victoria as she placed her napkin on the table ready to follow her friend but before she could get up Mel was on her feet, pushing the creases out of the front of her dress.
“It’s fine Vic, I’ll go.” The girls all knew it wasn’t the best of ideas for Mel to be the one to confront Geri but there was no point protesting when it came to the two women, they were like moths to a flame and it didn’t matter how many times they got burnt they always went back.
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Emma, Victoria and Melanie C could feel everyone watching them as they left the main reception room that was host to the gathering of Geri and Christians family and friends. Right now they could do without the attention, needing some privacy Emma’s hands firmly gripped both Victoria and Melanie’s arms as she dragged them out into the corridor and into a spare meeting room next door, quickly checking it was empty before releasing a heavy sigh.
“Where the bloody hell is she? I think we all know something happened at that dinner but she knows how much it means to Geri that we’re all here today, I mean she practically begged all of us to come. I can’t bear the thought of them falling out again, they love each other too much. Do they not understand how hard it is for us 3 being in the middle of their lovers tiffs? We've done it so many times before I don’t think I can handle anymore drama. Geri is falling to pieces in front of our eyes, why is she even getting married to him? We all know it’s not him she-“ Emma was cut off mid rant as Victoria placed her hand over her mouth, Melanie could see the tears of frustration starting to form in Emma’s eyes.
“Em? Look at me. Everything is going to be fine! I’m going to go and try phoning Mel again and I’ll text David incase she's already arrived, there’s probably a really simple explanation. I'm just going over by the door okay? It'll be fine sweetheart.” Victoria removed her hand from Emma's mouth, quickly kissing her forehead. Melanie pushed a blonde stroke of hair from Emma's cheek as the blonde took deep breathes to settle her nerves. Today just couldn’t get any worse.
Victoria took her phone out of her clutch bag as she walked to the other side of the room, leaving Melanie to wrap Emma up in a hug that both of them very much needed. Melanie could still feel the tension in Emma’s body as she rubbed her back, trying her best to comfort her even though deep down inside she had the same worries about Mel not turning up.
As Melanie glanced over at Victoria she could see the underlying anger washing over as she held the phone to her ear knowing it was a waste of time. Each of the girls had tried phoning her throughout the morning with no answer and she knew there was no change as Victoria locked eyes with Melanie, shaking her head.
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Mel glanced down at her phone, yet another phone call adding to the multiple ones she had received all morning. It was now or never. Phoenix and Angel sat in the back of the car dressed up like princesses, ready to walk down the aisle with Geri. Phoenix rubbed her shoulder, the flinch was automatic and couldn’t be helped. A bruise just hidden under her dress burned with the touch.
“Do what makes you happy Mum.” The words were the final breaking point for Mel, the dam had been broken and the tears that had been threatening to spill all morning finally fell down her cheeks. Mel had refused to cry in front of Stephen, Angels cries of fear whilst he pressed her against the wall still rung in her ears. The sense of relief when she told him it was over and she was leaving was quickly overtaken with terror. The lie Mel lived everyday was suffocating her, it was like she was able to breathe again when she got in the car and drove away. Quickly wiping away the tears Mel turned in the drivers seat to face her girls, looking at how they had grown into beautiful young girls.
“Okay girls, lets get this show in the road.” Mel pushed the drivers door open and took a deep breath, knowing exactly what she had to do today. Mel knew she should never have let it get to this point, Geri getting married and starving herself again but all she knew was she wasn’t leaving today until she had said her piece. Today was the day, hopefully, she would get her girl back once and for all.
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This work has been edited so hopefully it’s a better version. Let me know if you enjoy it, if so then I’ve got more to write :)