by J A Scooter
Suddenly Jennifer gripped Peter so tightly he winced. He turned to see who had gained her attention and what he saw made him spring to his feet knocking his chair over.
Four young women stood at Jennifer's side, smiling broadly - two beautiful Chinese girls clad in matching black and gold Cheongsams with splits in the skirts to their thighs with the high collar neckline, and beside them two strikingly attractive young Indian women wrapped in identical green saris.
The four young women obviously shared a deep love for Peter.
There was a hush amongst the guests as the crash of the overturning chair had gained their attention.
Peter's Cantonese rang out as he embraced his Chinese 'sisters'. He then turned to the others, making the prayer salute before addressing them in Tamil. With his arms around the four of them, he introduced his 'sisters' to Jennifer.
The five women were chattering away - the girls studying Jennifer's jewelry - when Ted gave a nod to Peter who disappeared. The 'sisters' found places at the table and Ted stood to demand everyone's attention.
Jennifer was far too busy talking to notice her husband had disappeared with two of the guests.
"Welcome to you all and a special welcome to our guests from Singapore, Malaysia and Nepal as well as from the armed forces. We have gathered to celebrate the marriage of our dearly loved friends Jennifer and Peter."
Yes, Ted had the gift of the gab, but he also had the gift of the dramatic.
"The trouble with being the best man at a wedding is that you never get the chance to prove it - but,” Ted waited for the laughter to die down before adding, "a word of advice to you Peter. The most effective way to remember your wedding anniversary is to forget it once."
Howls of laughter greeted his counsel.
"This is a happy wedding - but Jennifer, I have some questions for you, so please answer clearly so everyone can hear.
"Bob, hold the microphone so we can hear Jennifer's responses.
"Question One. On your first date what did you think - oops, I forgot. Would Jennifer's Mum please open the curtains and take up the baton because she has to conduct."
The crowd laughed good-naturedly at Elizabeth's confusion as she opened the curtains at one end of the marquee to find a small orchestra on the stage. The leader of the violins placed a baton in her hand and the conductor whispered to her.
"Ladies and gentlemen! You are about to see the sight that Jennifer viewed the night she first met Peter.” Grinning broadly, Ted turned to Jennifer to ask the first question.
"Question One - Jennifer. Why didn't you run and run hard when,” he became silent as the orchestra struck up the opening bars of The Dance of the Little Swans before the players paused expectantly.
Three ballerinas moved onto the dance floor and took up their stance, eyes fixed at the far wall ready to begin their pas de trois.
Three little swans stood waiting - two dainty and petite in their white tutus with their feathery skulls caps and white ballet slippers - the third, gigantic with a pair of hairy legs appearing below his tutu. The spectacle was even more bizarre as that middle swan was wearing an ill-fitting skullcap. On his feet was a pair of enormous muddy boots.
Jennifer's Mum dropped the baton to stare at the spectacle.
The effect was one of grotesque hideousness.
Ignoring Elizabeth, the orchestra stuck up the opening bars of the Dance of the Little Swans and in complete unison, the three swans danced. All six feet kept a strict rhythm and the three heads turned and nodded as if one. All six eyes peered at some point high over the guests' heads.
Captivated, the guests were silent, studying every move.
Suddenly the two dainty swans rose, lifted by that monstrous middle swan, and with their feet going through the motions in midair, the dance continued without the dancers missing a single movement or step.
The guests howled with laughter as the dance ended and the swans disappeared.
Jennifer was laughing as much as the guests, and was unable to answer when Ted continued with his questioning.
"Well Jennifer that was your first date and you saw Peter as,” Ted continued with a loud groan, "oh God, too horrible to mention, eh. Why didn't you run?" He waited as if wanting an answer, and when none was forthcoming he prompted, "No answer?"
Ted, his face a picture of seriousness, continued. Producing a long sheet of paper from his pocket and with no grin to warn the guests he read the second question.
"I believe Peter trod the boards with you. To refresh your memory I have a video of a certain night - a video that everyone here should see."
"Eric and Elizabeth - watch this and tell us all he is still acceptable as your son-in-law."
A huge screen rolled down from the roof and Jennifer watched, spellbound, as she appeared on the screen with the drunken misshapen villain who dribbled the words, "Come! A kiss to seal the bargain!"
The wedding guests booed, stamped their feet and cheered as the villain whirled away, dripping blood.
"Yes Elizabeth and Eric, the villain is your son-in-law. Do you want to pay the Bishop to forget the wedding?” He sought the bishop with his eyes.
"Bishop, can you undo the wedding?” he called out. Without waiting for an answer, Ted continued, turning back to Jennifer.
"Well Jennifer, why didn't you run? Do you want to run now? No answer yet?
"Well Peter's fellow workers are begging you. Please, please take him off somewhere and lose him so they don't have to listen to his singing anymore. We're all tired of this song. Of course, we know now his single days are over - you have seen to that, Jennifer.” Ted laughed at the dumbfounded look on her face. "Yes, Jennifer he at last has realized he is married and wants to tell you, 'Now my philandering days are over'..."
"Elizabeth, you conduct again please. Joe, you'd better help Peter out."
Peter, once more in uniform, walked with Joe to the center of the dance floor, and to the strains of 'Non più andrai, farfallone amoroso' from the orchestra, they launched into the aria with no trouble at all. Peter turned to look at Jennifer and it was obvious he was singing to her, oblivious of everyone and everything but her, much to the enjoyment of their friends. Joe drifted back to his seat, leaving Peter to serenade his bride.
"Stay there Peter, as we're not finished with you yet. You are always the one who surprises everyone. Now we have a surprise for you." With a smug look on his face, Ted demanded that Peter face his mother-in-law and watch her conducting because he'd need all the help he could get for the next question.
"Jennifer you've not answered a single question so I have two more for you. First, was it this song of seduction that enticed you to Peter's well..., dare I say it, Peter's charms?"
Jennifer stared though Ted and the audience wondered at the best man's audacity. She stood, and carrying her bridal train, silently moved to stand behind Peter as Ted continued.
"Did Peter decide to steal your heart and with cool calculated passion succeed? Has he told you with premeditated hot passion how lovely your hand is in his?
"You know he loves Mozart."
Still the guests had no idea what was coming and Peter dared not look away from his mother-in-law.
"Did you try to be strong but weaken?” He laughed at the look on her face. "Thank you Elizabeth, will you help Peter out? Peter, watch Elizabeth and try to sing in tune this time!"
The strains of La ci darem la mano – ‘There, we will join hands; There you will say yes’ to me filled the air and Peter opened his chest to begin singing - a little perplexed as this aria was a duet - soprano and baritone - but then just behind him a voice joined in. Shocked, he turned, and when he saw who had joined him in this love duet, he almost stopped singing.
Jennifer was singing with Peter and suppressing a lump in his throat, he pulled himself together and sang with even more gusto, his astonishment showing in every fiber of his being. The music ended and Peter, beaming with pride, bent to kiss his wife.
"Eric and Elizab
eth, this is your new son-in-law. Andrew, watch your brother-in-law. Is there anything you would like to add?" Worried that Andrew would speak, Ted continued quickly. "Jennifer, are you sure you don't want to run?” Ted continued. "Ah well let's all watch this."
The screen came down again.
Standing in the center of the dance floor, Jennifer clung to Peter's arm as she watched the video of them climbing the stairs to the Opera House - that magical night of Die Fledermaus. he watched and could hear the questions of the reporters.
The beautiful memories of that night came flooding back as she watched herself lean across the table to demand a kiss of her man.
The guests gasped as they watched the two of them dancing on the Opera House stage. They clapped when they saw the lovers kiss.
The screen rose and Ted announced the Bridal Waltz and Jennifer grinned as the orchestra struck up the same waltz they had danced at the Opera House.
They danced with each other, then moved apart and danced with Jennifer's Mum and Dad before dancing with the Commander and Susie. Jennifer danced with each of the males in the bridal party and laughed as she saw Peter watching her carefully as he danced with the bridesmaids.
As more and more joined them on the floor, they danced with each other.
With speeches and toasts concluded, Jennifer's mother and bridesmaids whisked her off, while Peter rushed to change out of uniform. Shortly after Peter had reappeared, Jennifer returned, dressed in a lime green suit against which nestled Peter's emerald pendant. The Christmas emerald earrings matched the green of her eyes.
Peter could only gasp at her beauty and stood spellbound until Eric's warm words broke into his consciousness. "She's yours now lad. Look after her.” He gave Peter a friendly push, propelling him across the floor toward Jennifer.
For Peter, the walk to the car was almost as long as the walk down the Cathedral aisle, especially as guests threw confetti and rice over them in a never-ending shower of color. Elizabeth shed a few tears as Peter closed Jennifer's door and walked around the front of the car, hurried along by Andrew, Ted and Bob.
Miles down the road he repeated his jesting.
"Jennifer, put your knees over closer. I'd rather play with your knees than change gear."
This time there was no icy reply, just a giggling slap on his arm. "Peter, behave. This is an automatic car"
The drive to Melbourne was particularly long as Peter insisted on stopping every few miles to kiss Jennifer. He wondered why every driver, who passed, tooted while their passengers hung out of the windows, waving frantically.
Finally, the doorman answered his query when he pulled into their hotel.
"Shall I have the car washed, Sir?” The doorman asked, grinning broadly.
No wonder Andrew and the others had been so anxious to get them into the car and away. Scrawled across the back were the messages 'Peter Loves Jennifer. Jennifer Loves Peter. Just Married!’ Everyone knew. Where they stood at the desk was a puddle of confetti and, wherever they walked, they left a Technicolor trail behind.
Peter signed their names on the register as Mr. and Mrs. Peter O'Brien.
Jennifer thought she would never forget the thrill of seeing their names linked together like that for the very first time.
The room-boy escorted them to their room with their luggage on a trolley and accepted Peter's tip with a cheeky grin as he left. The click of the door brought a sudden chill. Peter was alone with Jennifer - now his wife.
The first day of forever had started.
There was an awkward moment of profound silence after Peter closed the door.
They smiled nervously at each other as Peter lifted a hand and softly stroked the side of Jennifer's face.
With head down and hands clasped before her, she waited, feeling a sudden chill of apprehension.
He voiced his innermost thoughts. "Right now, I feel like the luckiest man alive. I never dreamed that I would meet and marry someone as beautiful as you.” Then he leaned down and tilted her chin in his hand, bending lower to give her the sweetest kiss that she had ever experienced.
Her mind was waging a battle between excitement and nervousness. Until now, this battle had been pretty even, but suddenly the scales tipped decidedly in favor of excitement.
"Mrs. O'Brien, I love you.” Softly he breathed the words and she lifted her head while he gently kissed her forehead.
Her soft answer, "I love you Mr. O'Brien,” was all the answer Peter needed to hear.
Laughing, he broke the awkward silence. "I'm starving." The wedding breakfast had been superb but Peter's thoughts hadn't been on the food.
Relaxing, Jennifer beamed. "No wonder, all you did was pick,” she giggled, "and kiss me."
"You didn't eat much yourself. It's still early, so would you like to eat out, eat here or…, well, any suggestion?"
"Have something sent up. I'm famished and I'm suddenly very tired. My morning started at sunrise I'm sure and,” she giggled, "I was rather busy making myself beautiful for a date in a church. Then I met a most handsome man in the church and I married him."
She was laughing, but both of them were apprehensive about what lay ahead.
As Peter picked up the phone to put through the order, he knew how desperately he wanted to make love with Jennifer but he pushed the thought aside for the moment, unwilling to hurry Jennifer and lose the magic of this moment.
They sat opposite each other in the room and ate their chicken and beef satays with vegetable samosas, toasting each other with the carefully selected champagne Peter had ordered. As they talked of the day, the little they could recall surprised them.
Finally, there was nothing left to either eat or drink and they had nothing left to discuss.
Again, Jennifer could not look Peter in the face. Her thoughts of what to expect troubled her.
"Stand up,” Peter said with mock severity.
She quivered as she stood head still down.
"You can't sleep in your jewelry. What would Santa say?"
She giggled, but quickly became serious as Peter kissed the pendant from her throat and the earrings from her ears. When she began to tremble, Peter calmed her.
"Don't be frightened Jennifer, I love you.” He bent to kiss her yet again.
As they broke their kiss, Jennifer cleared her throat.
"Just give me a couple of minutes."
She'd already decided she wouldn't allow Peter to undress her. Instead, she opened her suitcase, took out her negligee and fled to the bathroom.
With the bathroom door locked behind her, Jennifer gave way to her tears. Her body had betrayed her on this of all days. She had realized her body's weakness when she changed into her 'going away' clothes at the reception and had taken precautions. Now she knew her worst fears had been realized.
Her mind was in torment as she questioned why had this happened to her. Tonight of all nights, she didn't want this to happen! She knew that Peter would want to make love with her and she admitted she wanted him so badly. Her body ached for him and yet she could not give in to those wants. She couldn't.
Jennifer suspected that he'd be disappointed and angry and blame her, but she knew it wasn't her fault. She hadn't planned for this to happen.
‘Why, why, why had this happened now? I want to make love with him so much, but I can’t. I won’t.’ Then her thoughts cleared as she realized that she'd soon find out whether Peter's generosity with material things also extended to his love for her.
Slowly she unzipped her dress and pulled it off in one move, then slid her panties down her legs and unhooked her bra. Her mind was in such torment it was a wonder that she was able to change at all with her hands shaking as much as they were.
Jennifer slipped the negligee over her head and down over her naked body. She looked at herself in the bathroom mirror.
It was the most beautiful negligee that she had ever owned.
Trying to clear her mind of all her fears, she remembered her mother had given it to he
r, along with the many nervous jokes from everyone else at her bridal shower.
Peter's flattery aside, Jennifer knew she wasn't a stunning beauty. Her eyes caught the glint of her wedding ring and her heart beat at an even madder pace. She fussed with her hair, trying to make herself as alluring as possible then switched off the light and took a deep breath.
With her hand on the door lock, she stood in thought.
"Well, I can't put off the evil moment forever,” she said to herself.
She unlocked the door.
Desperately Peter fought the desire to grab, but deep down he knew he had to tread warily if their honeymoon was to be a treasured memory.
It took Jennifer's eyes a second to adjust to the dim light.
Peter had draped his shirt over the single desk lamp and the room had a soft romantic glow. He had also turned the sheets down and was standing alongside the bed, wearing what looked to be a light blue robe. His huge frame filled out the robe better than any model Jennifer had seen in any catalogue.
Somehow, the sight made her start walking towards her new husband. That movement across the carpeted floor seemed as long as any marathon in history. She felt the negligee as it brushed her bare skin hidden beneath it.
Peter watched her approach with wide eyes. As she noticed his expression, Jennifer had a quick thought that his heart was probably pounding just as hard as hers - if not harder!
As she neared him, he held his arms out to her and smiled.
"Mrs. O'Brien, you are the loveliest woman I have ever seen."
She halted in front of him, placing her hands on his arms and running them to his broad shoulders. "And you, Mr. O'Brien, are the most handsome husband that any girl could ever expect."
Jennifer felt Peter slip his hands around her waist and pull her towards him. Her hands moved from his shoulders to around his neck as he leaned down to kiss her. The feeling, as her new husband held and kissed her, while wearing so scandalously little was indeed intoxicating.
Their lips parted and their tongues glided against each other's, tentatively. She felt Peter's grip around her body tighten and he drew her harder against his firm body.