Three Weddings and a Dress

by Mary Martinez

  Worry radiated out from the pit of her stomach. How difficult could it be to find the station, buy a pass and get to her destination? People did it all the time. Even tourists who weren’t familiar with the area.

  She shoved off the end of the bed where she’d been lounging since her mother left, and finished the last bit of her packing. Setting all of them in a pile at the door for Gordon, the last time she’d have help from the ‘help’. Chuckling at her bit of humor she threw one last glance at Bella, not sure why, but it felt natural. And left for her next adventure, there would be many more she hoped.

  The subway.

  Several streets over, she glanced at her watch. Fanny would kill her if she didn’t hurry. But where the hell was the station? Someone had told her it was on Lexington, but either she turned in the wrong direction or something, it just wasn’t where she thought. About to give up, she swiveled around on her heel, and found the stairs leading to the stop she needed.

  In her rush, she nearly tripped down the steps, then she jostled several people. If looks could kill or maim she’d be either dead or crippled.

  Now where were these passes Fanny had said she needed? Skidding to a halt, the man behind her muttered a very rude word but she ignored him. She glanced around then spotted what looked like an ATM.

  As she swiped the monthly pass through the turn stall, she felt a sense of accomplishment. This wasn’t so hard.

  Her lucky day, here came the train with a green circle with a white six in the middle.

  Like a seasoned pro, she followed the heard of humanity onto the train. As such reached up and grabbed a rail refusing to take the only seat away from the elderly lady who’d boarded with her.

  The intercom wasn’t very clear, but she knew there would be several stops before hers. For a few streets, she didn’t pay attention.

  Until she bent to see what the sign at the next destination would be. One hundred and sixteenth street, good God she was almost to Harlem.

  She was going the wrong way.

  The doors slid open, and she hustled off, Cecelia looked around warily. She was so out of her element, and the last thing she wanted was for the wolves to circle.

  Doing the sensible thing, which she really should have done before boarding in the first place, she read the map on the wall.

  Okay, go up and over to the entrance across the street to catch the train going toward where she really wanted to be.

  Now that she knew she was going in the right direction, she found a seat and carefully watched each street name as it flashed by. Why wasn’t the train stopping at each?

  She turned to the woman reading. “Excuse me?”

  The woman ignored her. As annoyance gripped her, she noticed the earphone in the other woman’s ear. Raising her voice a fraction higher, she tried again.

  She turned toward Cecelia with a questioning look, “Yes?”

  “Do you know if we’re on an express train?”

  “Yes, we are. Where do you need to be?”

  “111 Centre Street.”

  A blonde eyebrow rose. “Oh you’ll have a bit of a walk. It’s right between stops. You’ll need to get off at either Canal Street or City Hall.”

  “Thank you.”

  The woman gave her a brief once over. “Are you here on business?” Apparently assuming she was from out of town.

  Cecelia decided technically it wasn’t lying to say, “Yes.” After all, they were conducting the business of changing her name legally.

  There were papers to fill out.

  “Good luck then.” Without another word she shoved the earpiece back in and opened her book. Cecelia successfully dismissed.

  A few minutes later she climbed up the steps to encounter Canal Street and start the trek to Centre. Her watch told her she probably would receive a lecture when she met Fanny. It was almost ten thirty, an hour and a half late.

  She was new at this subway stuff. She’d get the hang of it.

  Hopefully sooner rather than later.

  Good thing she’d worn sensible shoes instead of her usual heels. She loved to walk, and she’d missed her morning workouts the past few days with all the preparations for her new life.

  Looking up at the street sign, she frowned, Mulberry? Shouldn’t she have come to Centre? Raising her gaze she looked both ways up and down the street and realized she’d walked in the wrong direction. At least she’d figured it out on her own and hadn’t had to ask. Tack on another five minutes to her tardiness. Good grief, maybe today hadn’t been the day to try the subway. A taxi would have been faster.

  Why hadn’t Fanny called to check on her? She stopped, and another person collided into her, his muttered word choice ringing in her ears.

  Dear Diary;

  Going to the Church

  After Cecelia left on her first adventure to the subway, I stared at her bags, forlornly sitting by the door. I should be happy. This is the time when the bride is giddy with the knowledge that the next day she’d be married to her true love.

  Not my bride, she’s off making plans to scrap the wedding. Truly, I am happy for Cecelia. She’ll have new life happenings. And I would be sent back to Heidi, where I know I’ll be taken care of and loved.

  Still I felt dejected, like the bags on the floor. I had such expectations the morning Heidi placed me center stage. My soul mate would see me, fall in love and we’d live happily ever-after.

  I remember how disappointed and yes, I was angry. The ribbons along my lace burned in chagrin at the fact my bride picked me, the first dress she saw. She didn’t want me, Bella, she just wanted to go through the motions.

  Now, I know she’s fallen in love with me. She cares for me as much as I care for her. After all, if she didn’t, she wouldn’t talk to me or dance me around the room. Nor would she promise to take me home.

  I am very worried about her though. She had a lot to accomplish today, and the gadget that sounded like her friends voice still lay on the bed where she’d left it.

  The darn thing kept playing that song. I would probably be able to hum the song forever. If I actually could hum.

  The door swung open, causing a shiver to race along my satin. A man I’d never seen before stepped in. He glanced around didn’t seem to notice me. Then he spotted the bags by his feet and bent to pick them up.

  He must be Gordon. I sure hope Cecie’s friend Joy picks them up and not Chandler. Then what would my bride do?

  The door didn’t have time to shut before Carla arrived. I like her. She’s fun and she talks to me as if I’m her friend.

  I thought she’d come to clean, but her intent was on me. She grabbed the plastic garment bag from the back of the chair. She laid the carrier on the bed to unzip. Then she returned for me.

  The wedding wasn’t until tomorrow. Carla wouldn’t know to send me to Heidi’s yet.

  Her hands were cool as she gently picked up my lace and satin, and reverently placed me in my bag. I listened as she softly spoke as she worked my ribbons in so they weren’t wrinkled.

  I would miss Carla.

  “Miss Bella, it is time for you to go to the church. Since Cecie will be dressing there in the morning, Mrs. Wilson thought it best to take you tonight. It’s the rehearsal dinner.” She shook her head and gave me a stern look. “This is not a happy occasion. Miss Cecelia deserves to have someone who loves her for her and not her daddy’s money and a position at the firm.”

  I wanted to shout out in agreement, though I knew from Cecelia that the groom was in the same fix. Alas, again I chafed under the restraint of no way to communicate. Though Cecelia had noticed some of the ways I could manage to shift my folds a fraction, especially when the sunlight filtered through the curtains just at the right angle.

  Carla didn’t know I was answering her and she continued. “I’m going to miss you. I wish I could afford a dress with such beautiful personality for my daughter.”

  Oh, it is so cruel that Heidi cannot really work magic on her girls. Because I wanted to ask
all kinds of questions, I hadn’t known the housekeeper had a daughter. Was she wishing for the future, or was her daughter getting married too?

  “My little Jessie works so hard to please her soon to be mama-in-law. But no matter what my girl does she’s not good enough for their son.” Carla paused and straightened, planted her hands on her hips and looked down at me.

  I could feel the warmth of her heated gaze run over my beads. I didn’t think she would continue, but she finally did.

  “Phew!” she said in disgust.

  I wasn’t exactly sure what that meant but I gathered she didn’t think the mother-in-law was good enough for her daughter.

  “Are you ready with the dress yet, Carla?” Cecelia’s mother stood in the doorway.

  I hadn’t seen her sneak up. Now there would be no more talk about the lovely Jessie. I was just about to begin to devise ways to see if Heidi had woven any telepathic powers into my lace.

  If I could meet Jessie, maybe we’d be soul mates. Wouldn’t that be something?

  “I’ll have Gordon take it down to the car. I’ll hang it up very carefully in the bride’s room.” She came to stand over me, her gaze wistful. “Carla, you’ll be able to help my Cecie dress tomorrow?”

  “Of course, I plan on it.” Carla patted the other woman on the shoulder. I could tell the two were friends, despite the fact one was the employer.

  Mrs. Wilson cleared her throat, as if embarrassed. “Joy just left with Cecelia’s bags.” Mrs. Wilson started to turn, but then turned to look at me. I shivered in my bolero.

  “Carla, my daughter will look beautiful in her designer dress. Don’t you think?” I wondered if she had a premonition because she asked as if she didn’t quite believe I would ever be worn.

  Chapter Six

  Cecelia read over the papers in her hand for the third time. The document signed and now the process was in motion.

  “It’s too late now to change your mind.” Fanny pushed her a bit from behind. “Come on, we’re meeting Joy at your new apartment to drop off the luggage, then lunch.”

  “I don’t want to change my mind. I like my new name.”

  Fanny gave a bark of a laugh as they stepped from the building to the sidewalk. “Somehow I doubt the jilted fiancé will appreciate the joke.”

  “It’s not a joke.” Cecelia wanted to protest more because using the name wasn’t what Fanny thought.

  Her new surname was a symbol of her growth as a person. She thought her ex-groom would someday understand.

  Fanny shook her head. “No more discussion until we meet up with the others. Then you can tell them and we’ll see what they have to say.”

  “Okay, but I bet they appreciate it.”

  Fanny didn’t smile, just began walking south. “It’s a nice day and not that far to Whitehall.”

  “Sounds good to walk.” Linking her arm through her friend’s, she cleared her mind to enjoy the day.

  There was still the surprise for her mother and Mrs. Evans, and the bank to get through. She had a good feeling all would work out.

  “Where have you two been?” Skye screeched when they finally reached the building.

  Fanny let out a ragged breath. “We decided to walk.”

  “You’re kidding, do you know how far that is?” Joy asked.

  “We do now.” Cecelia let out a ragged bit of air of her own.

  For the second time that day, she blessed the fact she’d worn sensible shoes. Her feet had to have at least three blisters she knew of without taking off her shoes. She didn’t want to consider how many others might be breaking out.

  “Let’s get these bags in the apartment. And go over the rest of the plan,” Joy said. She nodded a greeting to the doorman who helped them with their burdens to the elevator.

  Cecelia directed the doorman where to stash the bags. “Skye, I have everything figured for spending. I didn’t think about furniture. Tomorrow while all of you are stuck waiting for me at the church. I will be free to shop.”

  “I only shop at second hand stores.” Skye nodded at the others. “You guys?”

  A chorus of “Yeses” echoed around the bare room.

  “From now on I will too. I have a lot in savings. I can’t afford to assume I’ll be able to support myself before the money runs out. Frugal is my new middle name.”

  “Yeah, I saw the F. on the documents.” Fanny replied her tone dry as toast.

  “You’re shittin’ me.” Joy gasped in horror.

  “Yes, she is. Come on, let’s find a place to eat I’m starved. I’ll tell you all about the name then.” All the others filed into the hall toward the elevator. Cecie paused. Too bad, she couldn’t just start her life now.

  Seated for lunch, they’d all given their orders. Apparently, Fanny was ready to end everyone’s suspense even if she wasn’t.

  “Tell them.”

  Rae placed her water glass she’d been about to sip, back to the table with a tiny rap. “Tell us what?”

  “Her new name, you are not going to believe it.” Fanny folded her arms over her chest and glared at Cecelia.

  The waitress arrived to give Cecelia a reprieve and set their Cosmo’s on the table. The drinks were Skye’s idea, she said it would prepare them for the coming evening. They’d all have to give academy performances at the rehearsal dinner.

  After the young woman left promising to be back in a few minutes with their salads, Rae raised her glass. “To all of the BFFs and the pact to watch each other’s back.”

  The sound of glass clinking together sent a shiver of anticipation down Cecelia’s spine. It was a good premonition. She knew, though she didn’t know how, her plan would work.

  “Tell.” Joy delicately bumped the table with her glass.

  “My new name is…” It was too much fun to draw out the suspense. Of course, after Fanny’s build up it would be a letdown. That wasn’t her fault.

  “Come on.” Rae squinted her eyes it was a habit, one that she’d had for as long as Cecelia remembered.

  “Don’t blame me if it’s not the big deal Fanny thinks it is.”

  Skye glared at her over the rim of her pink drink. “Stalling again.”

  “Let me introduce myself.”

  “Okay, ladies, who had the walnut-pear salad…” Startled at the chorus of groans, the waitress glanced around the table. “…I’m sorry, did I interrupt?”

  “No, that’s fine. I had the walnut-pear.” Cecelia moved her drink out of the way so she could place the bowl in front of her.

  “The coast is clear. Spit it out before we’re interrupted again,” Skye demanded. Her voice came out sharp as razor blades.

  It was so hard for Cecelia not to laugh at her friend. She almost felt bad imparting the name. She knew it was going to be anticlimactic after all the stalling and interruptions.

  “Cecelia F…”

  “Your middle name is Frugal,” Joy squealed.

  Rae rolled her eyes. “Joy, Cecie’s middle name is Faith. Duh!”

  Joy’s face turned a beautiful shade of scarlet as she mumbled, “I forgot.”

  “Well?” Skye prompted.

  “Cecelia Faith Chandler.”

  Silence settled over the group. Cecelia had known they wouldn’t think it was as terrible as Fanny thought.

  “Oh…my…God…” Skye grabbed her Cosmo and chugged the rest down. “Chandler is going to shit-a-brick.”

  “Oh, Cecie, are you sure you should have done that? After all it’s like rubbing salt in his wounds.” Joy was, as always, the softhearted one.

  Shame washed over her. Maybe it had been a mean thing to do. Unfortunately, it was a done deal now. No, they didn’t understand.

  Fanny raised her brows over the rim of her drink as she sipped.

  A very ‘I told you so’ look if you asked Cecelia.

  “I admit it when you put it that way it doesn’t sound very nice. I’m beginning anew and Chandler had a big part of that. Cecelia Chandler has a nice professional ring to it. It’s
a reminder I have to be true to myself. I don’t want to walk all over others to do it, but I want to always remember how I almost let myself be railroaded into an unwanted marriage because of money and the good of the firm.”

  “I doubt Chandler will appreciate the reminder,” Fanny commented with an even dryer tone if possible.

  “You’ve known for years you’d have to marry Chandler to keep your inheritance, why the change now? It’s not because of Chandler. I know you told us about your father and how he’ll never be the way you dreamed of when you were young. Again, you’ve known that for awhile, or maybe didn’t admit to yourself. What was the catalyst that brought you to your senses?” Rae shrugged as if to convey her bewilderment.

  “Bella.” Each of her friends gave her a startled look. “Yes, I’m referring to my wedding dress. The beautiful gown I’ll never wear.”

  “It’s a dress for God’s sake, how can it be the reason you’re making a major life change?” Skye asked.

  “If I told you all the reason’s you’d cart me off to the loony bin. However, I think you’ll all understand this reason. When I stood in front of the mirror at Heidi’s, I’ve never been so angry in my life.”

  “What?” Rae exclaimed.

  Cecelia could understand. It took her a few days to come to the answer herself.

  “What’s the happiest moment supposed to be in every girl’s life?” She took a sip of her drink, then without waiting for their answer continued. “Her wedding. There I stood with Bella hugging me as if Heidi had made her for me. And all I could think of was that the dress symbolized the worst day of my life. She’s—yes I feel as if Bella has a personality all her own—has been with me ever since. I knew in that minute my dream wouldn’t come true of my father ever looking at me with love and approval. I swear the dress hanging in my room was a constant reminder of the huge mistake I was about to make, it’s what finally brought me to my senses. I couldn’t marry Chandler. It wouldn’t be fair to me or him. I know he’d agree.”

  “Are you sure? He’s a man. He’ll see that you’re costing him his place in the company. The spot he’s worked long and hard to reach.” Rae reminded her, as if she needed it.