Shattered Lies

by Theresa Sederholt

  She steps closer to him, never giving him a chance to answer. “Since Jackie met Maxwell, she has come alive. She is growing into the woman I always knew she could be. I will not let you, or anyone stop her. I suggest you figure out how you are going to apologize to your sister, and, to Maxwell.”

  Dylan takes a step back “Mom, I’m sorry, but I can’t be here for this. Jac, you are making the biggest mistake of your life. I love you . . . I honestly do. Quite frankly, when everything came out about Raven, I was glad that Max sent you packing. If he truly were the man you all think he is, he would have put you first. He would have never put you in so much danger. Everyday the threats get worse, and you’re walking around with your head in the clouds. Jesus Christ, because of all of this, you can’t even teach anymore. What are you going to do, sit around the house all day and do nothing? Or, is he going to knock you up every year to keep you locked away in that castle? I’m leaving, and if you actually live through all of this, you can call me when it’s time to pick up the pieces.”

  He storms out of the room, leaving me alone with my mom. “Are we having a wedding here today, Jacquelyn, or am I to get Maxwell?”

  “I would like a few minutes alone, please.” My mom steps out of the room and I begin to cry.

  “Hey, stretch, look at me.” My heart nearly leaps out of my chest; I forgot Sammy was in the room.

  “Are you going to let what Dylan said influence you? Don’t listen to anyone but you. What is your heart telling you to do?”

  I wipe away my tears. “I need to talk to Max.” I open the door and he is standing there, fists clenched, and a look of angst on his face that breaks my heart.

  Sammy takes my hand, “Jackie, I’m going to step outside and give the two of you a little privacy.”

  He is barely out the door and I throw my arms around Max. I’m trembling and I can hardly speak.

  “Jackie, I heard everything he said. I don’t care what he thinks, I only want to know how you feel.”

  I pull back and take his hands. “I want a life with you. I want to be your wife and best friend. I want to fill my days with us. I want a family with you. I want to be loved by you. I want to grow with you; into someone you will always respect. Marry me, and then I want to leave right away. I don’t want to spend my wedding night here.”

  “That’s all I need to hear. Let’s go right now to the temple before anything else happens.” As we race toward the temple, he notifies the pilot to have the plane ready to leave within the hour.

  I HEAD INTO MICHAEL’S room, pick up Antonia, and go into the restroom. I change her and then begin to feed her. I love our quiet time together; it gives me a chance to think clearly about everything. I can’t believe that Marco kept such a huge secret from me—then again—he, kept a lot from me. I wonder how much Max has told Jackie. I know that nothing and no one will stop Max from marrying her. I just pray that we can keep everyone safe.

  Michael is exhausted from today; I hope he can stay awake to see the wedding. Antonia is falling asleep during her feeding as usual. I need to find Jax and make sure he didn’t bully the staff. When I step outside the restroom, I see Jax lying in bed with Michael. The two of them look so tired. Bella is standing in front of the window crying. This is not what Michael needs right now. I put Antonia into her carriage and bring it next to the bed. I need to see if I can help Bella.

  I walk up to her and pull her into a hug. “Hey, we need to keep it together for Michael. What’s the problem, Bella?”

  “Let’s step outside, Raven.”

  As we step outside I glance over toward Jax. He’s holding Michael while he falls asleep.

  “Bella, what’s the matter? Did something happen with Michael?”

  “No, not really. It’s just hard to feel so helpless. You’re a mom now; imagine Antonia hurting and not being able to do anything about it,” her voice trembles. “To start out in life the way he did, now this . . .” she trails off.

  “What do you mean ‘start out in life the way he did’?” I tilt my head, trying to think if there was something I’d forgotten about. Was he a preemie?

  Bella takes in a deep breath before leaning in closer to me. “You’re family now, so I’ll tell you, but you mustn’t say anything to Michael Jr.; he doesn’t know.” She pauses. I nod for her to continue. “Michael Sr. is not Junior’s biological father. I was date raped before I met Michael. I didn’t find out I was pregnant till after he and I became serious. It didn’t matter to Michael; he loved me and anything that was a part of me. He talked me out of having an abortion and raised Michael Jr. as his own.” She lets a small smile grace her face as she wipes her tears away.

  “Wow, Bella.” I shake my head in disbelief. “I’m so sorry that happened to you, but I’m so happy that Michael Jr. is here . . . that you have him and your wonderful husband.” I grasp her upper arms and squeeze them gently. “Stay focused on that. We have to stay focused on the positive. There’s enough love and strength in this family—our family—to get us through anything.”

  “You’re right and that’s what we’re going to do—stay positive.” She brings me in for a hug. “I love you,” she says softly and she tightens the hug.

  “I love you, too.”

  “Everything all right, out here?” Jax grabs our attention, breaking us from our hug.

  “Yes, it is now.” Bella reaches her hand out to him. “I’ve told her everything, Jax. She knows what happened to me.” She squeezes his hand.

  A mixture of anger and remorse flashes across Jax’s eyes. “I blame myself. I was just making a name for myself. I didn’t know enough to have guards on everyone. That’s when I brought Max on board.”

  “Oh my God, none of you are to blame. What’s important is everyone is safe and will remain that way. If Michael needs stem cells, we will move heaven and earth to get them. Let’s try and focus on the positive. Jax, did the doctor say how close of a match you and Max are?” I try to change the subject a little, pull him away from the blame game; it won’t help anyone.

  “No he didn’t, why? I know you, sweetheart; I can see the wheels in your mind turning.”

  “Jackie said something to me about donating cord blood. I don’t remember what the hell she said other than the baby needs to be born in the hospital.”

  Bella gives me a look of utter shock. “Oh, Bella, don’t look at me that way; you know this crazy man wants ten kids. If the stem cells are needed, it won’t be for a while,” I finish. Jax begins to laugh a deep, hearty laugh.

  Bella grabs my hand, “Raven, you would do that for me . . . for Michael?”

  “I would do anything for that boy and, chances are, you might not have to wait that long. You’re going to have to tell Jackie everything.” On that note, Jax stops laughing and his eyes become wide.

  “Don’t look at me that way Jax, you know that Max is just as nuts as you are. Now, I believe we have a wedding that should be happening shortly,” I say as I head toward the door. I turn around and they are both standing there, looking stunned. I smile and whisper, “Faith,” as I head back in the room.

  JACKIE AND I RACE toward the temple. The sooner we do this, the sooner we are out of here. I know that’s not the way one should look at their wedding day, but I can’t let anything go wrong. Sammy stops us at the door, “Max, Jackie needs to wait here.”

  “It will be a cold day in hell, Sammy, if you think I would ever let her out of my sight.”

  “It’s tradition; her mom has to walk her half way and then her father walks her the rest of the way.”

  “Where is Dylan?” I feel my heart in my throat.

  “He’s already gone, Max. You’re going to have to trust me. I would never let anything happen to her.”

  I close my eyes and silently pray for some sort of strength and courage, but I know I can’t do it. I whisper her name and pull her tightly in my arms.

  She kisses me so softly, “Max, let’s start our own tradition. How about you walk me down the aisle with bo
th my parents.”

  I open my eyes and I whisper, “Thank you, babe.”

  We step inside and find hundreds of tiny paper cranes hanging from the ceiling. The lights in the room make it look like they are all twinkling. Emi comes up to me and takes my hand. “Maxwell, sometimes in life, one must make changes. I understand your fears and I am willing to make the changes you need. When you love someone, you must sometimes carry their fears for them to get them through the difficult times. I wish for you both only happiness and joy, but I am realistic; I know there will be tears. Love her with all that you have and all that you will ever be. Need her and want her always. Don’t be afraid to share your fears with her, your tears, and your joy. They will help you to grow not only as an individual but as a whole.” I’m floored; she is so quiet and reserved yet, when she speaks to you—it is profound.

  I’m about to start up the aisle when Jeff stops me. “I have a surprise for both of you.” He nods to Sammy and the television screen comes to life.

  “I could not let you get married without your family to witness it.” I’m speechless; I can’t believe they pulled this off. Junior looks tired as he has stayed awake for this.

  My grip around Jackie is even tighter, “You ready, babe?”

  “Yes.”

  The music begins and we head down the aisle. I look up at the screen and I swear Jax might be crying. Everyone is there, glued to the screen. When we reach the front, Jeff sits next to Emi and we face a man that, I’m guessing, is some sort of minister.

  “Hello, everyone, my name is Bill. I will be officiating your service today. I would like to start with a modified version of the Buddhist Declaration of Intent; if you agree then both say we will. Will you, in every way you can, allow your deepest self to be shown?”

  “We will.”

  “Will you both take full responsibility for your own life and all of its dimensions?”

  “We will.”

  “Are you committed to embrace all parts of each other, your deepest fears and bring them toward the light to heal?”

  “We will.”

  “Will you always keep your hearts open to each other, even in extreme pain?”

  “We will.”

  He hands us each a small bottle of sand, and now I’m really confused.

  “Maxwell, every grain of sand in your jar represents every beat of your heart.” He hands me a larger jar, “Please pour it into this jar.” I’m still confused but I do as instructed.

  “Jacquelyn, every grain of sand represents every beat of your heart. Please pour your sand into the jar with Maxwell’s sand.”

  He puts a cap on it and shakes it, and then hands it back to me.

  “The sand can never be separated again. You have become one heart and one soul—for life.” I roll the jar in my hands, watching the sand swirl around; something so simple, yet, so profound.

  “Jacquelyn, and, Maxwell, remember these words and carry them in your heart. It’s the little things that matter the most in life. You are never too old to hold hands. Never go to bed angry. Put your lover before you. Say I love you every day. Don’t expect perfection. There are no halos or angel wings attached to you. We are all a work in progress, so learn to forgive and forget. Keep family close to you. Do for each other out of joy not obligation. When you have to carry the load, do so willingly without regret,” he finishes, giving us a warm smile. “Who has the rings?”

  Oh my God, I can’t believe I forgot the rings! Jeff gets up and hands the minister the rings. “Relax, Maxwell, your brother sent them.” I look at the screen and Jax has a huge smile.

  “Hey, I’ll always have your back, mate—always.”

  The minister holds up the rings, “The wedding ring is the outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual bond which unites two loyal hearts in partnership.” Maxwell, please place the ring on Jacquelyn’s finger. Do you promise to always love her with all that you are and all that you will ever be in this life?”

  “I do.”

  “Jacquelyn, please place the ring on Maxwell’s finger. Do you promise to always love him with all that you are and all that you will ever be in this life?”

  “I do.”

  Before the minister finishes, I take both of Jackie’s hands in mine. “Jackie, you saved me. Everything I will ever be is because of your love for me. You’ve made me want to have a life worth living.”

  “Max, I didn’t chose you, my heart did. Wrapped in my arms you will always be home. Like the sands in the bottle, our hearts beat as one. Everyday with you is a gift I will treasure forever”

  I close my eyes and rest my forehead upon hers, breathing in her sweetness. “Please tell me I can kiss you now?”

  “Kiss her already!” I hear Jax yell.

  I open my eyes and they connect with hers, making my soul burn with desire for her. I glance toward the minister and he nods, “You may kiss your wife now.”

  Your wife two words that I’ve longed to hear. I gently kiss her tender lips. I hear clapping and laughing. We both turn and look up at the screen. What a wonderful sight; everyone is celebrating.

  “Thank you, everyone, for being here with us. Junior, our flight leaves in thirty minutes. We will see you soon.” He looks very tired. I don’t want to be away from him longer than I have to.

  Jeff and Emi step up to congratulate us. “Let’s head up to the main house before you have to leave. I will keep it brief; I know you need to be with your family at this time.”

  “Thank you, Jeff, for being so understanding.”

  I pull Jackie close as we head up toward the main house. It’s been such an emotional day for both of us, and I know saying goodbye will be very hard for her.

  We get to the main house and I’m glad to see that there is no sign of Dylan.

  “Jeff, I know this has been a whirlwind for everyone. Please, understand it was never my intention. Unfortunately, sometimes life does get in the way of living. I promise as soon as everything settles down, we will come back.”

  “I understand and I never would have gone along with any of this if I wasn’t sure of how much you love Jacquelyn. I know you will keep her safe, but so help me if something ever happens—all bets are off!”

  He pulls Jackie into his arms. “My beautiful girl, everyday you have brought me so much happiness. I tried to think of what I could give you today, but what do you give someone who wants nothing? Finally, this morning it hit me like a lightning bolt—shoes!”

  Jackie begins to giggle and, Jesus, I love that sound.

  “Max, you must know by now that my daughter has an excessive amount of shoes, but have you ever asked her why?”

  I’m about to ask when Jackie gasps. “Papa, you know?!”

  “Of course I know, and don’t glare at Sammy; he didn’t give you up. You know I love a good mystery, so I investigated on my own. Max, Jacquelyn buys six pairs of shoes at a time, all the same, all different sizes. She keeps one pair for herself and she donates the others to shelters. She has been doing this since she was thirteen years old. I will match your donation to every shelter with whatever they need.”

  Wow, once again she has left me speechless. She always does something so simple that can mean so much to others. Another facet of this beautiful woman to love. I glance at my watch, “Jeff, we need to get going. I promise, first break in Junior’s treatment and we will come for a visit.”

  Jackie pulls her mum into a hug. “I love you, Mom, and thank you so much for everything.”

  “Happy birthday, my beautiful girl; safe travels and let us know when you arrive.” She places a pouch in Jackie’s hand. “Please give this to young Michael.”

  We make our goodbyes and head out to the plane, with Sammy and six guards in tow.

  JUNIOR HAS FINALLY FALLEN asleep with Bella curled up next to him. Michael is mindlessly channel surfing while Raven is tending to Antonia. Mick has taken Rose, Mrs. Osla, and my mum back to the house. My mum was so tired. I know Rose is worried about her. I know ev
eryone was glad to see the wedding. I didn’t see Dylan there. I’ll get all the details from Max when he gets back. I’m glad my sister finally shared everything with Raven. I hate secrets. Leave it to Raven, though, to find a silver lining. I stare out the window, processing everything that happened today. I feel her arms slowly wrap around my waist. She presses her warm body against mine. I need her so badly, like nothing I could ever explain. I’ve never needed anyone, yet she completes me. Through all the sadness and the pain, she gives me hope . . . hope for the future . . . our future.

  “Jax, what happened when you spoke to the doctor about the added security?”

  I turn around and hold her tightly in my arms. “He understood and so did the nurses. I tried not to focus on the unknown danger, only what we know for sure.”

  “How long will Michael have to stay in the hospital?”

  “The doctor said for a month, and then after that, he will come back and forth as needed. We can’t leave the country; he was adamant about that.”

  “Have you looked into treatment in other countries?”

  “No, sweetheart, everything happened so fast. What are you thinking?”

  “I know that Mrs. Osla pulled the best places for treatment, however, I’m sure there are other countries that might offer the same and, possibly, something new and cutting edge. I’m not saying there is anything wrong with the treatment that he’s receiving, I’m just saying we should get all the facts.”

  “I will have Mrs. Osla look into it. I would feel safer if we were out of the States. The staff is bringing in a bed for Bella and Michael. I think we will take turns staying here; it will make it easier for all of us. When he can get out of here, I will feel better. This past year, I’ve grown used to having everyone under one roof.”