Chapter 2 - The Fall of the Purple Pavilion
The two park officers didn't hesitate. They walked right past the silver centerpieces, straight up to Vanessa, who was waving her hands frantically in the air.
"Excuse me, ma'am," the taller officer said, his voice carrying over the fading DJ music. "This is a reserved, permitted space. We've received a complaint of an unauthorized takeover from the leaseholder."
Vanessa’s face flushed bright red. She looked past the officer, her eyes locking onto mine with pure venom.
"She’s my sister!" Vanessa screeched, pointing a manicured finger at me. "This is a family event! She's making a scene over nothing!"
"The lease is in Jessica Vance's name," Sandra, the park administrator, said firmly as she stepped out of the office doorway. "There is no record of a transfer, and the fee does not cover adult private parties with alcohol in a designated family playground zone. You have ten minutes to clear the area."
A collective gasp swept through the crowd of Vanessa's friends. Several people holding champagne flutes suddenly looked very awkward, glancing at one another as the reality of being kicked out of a public park sank in.
My mother hurried over, her face twisted in absolute fury. "Jessica! Have you lost your mind? Call these people off right now! It’s Vanessa’s birthday!"
"No, Mom," I said, my voice steady and cold. "It was Emma’s birthday. And you knew it."
Mom opened her mouth to argue, but the park officer stepped between us. "Ma'am, step back. The private permit is revoked. All unauthorized property must be removed immediately."
Vanessa let out a shrill cry, stomping her purple-clad foot. "You can't do this! Do you know who my fiancé is? He'll—"
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"I don't care who your fiancé is," the officer interrupted. "Clear the pavilion or face citation for trespassing and public disturbance."
I didn't stick around to watch them pack up. I turned my back on my family, slipping my phone back into my pocket, and walked toward the West Pavilion where Patricia and her team were already moving equipment at lightning speed.
