Draw Me A Picture

by Meredith Greene

  “I’m ready,” she said, smiling with one corner of her lovely mouth. Her one little simple showed in her cheek. William touched it with his fingertip.

  “So am I,” he said.

  “Then go already!” Donnan said suddenly, making them both jump. “Anyone can see you’re dying to be off by yourselves. We’ll start some proper dances and have good music after you leave.” He grinned at them and stalked off, towards the hotel staffer working the sound system. William cleared his throat.

  “Shall we?” he asked, offering Michelle his arm; she smiled.

  “I love it when you say those two words,” Michelle said, sighing a little. “Yes.”

  Michelle briefly hugged her Uncle and Margaret. Her and William both walked over to wish the other guests adieu. Laurel saw their actions and left the room to find a bellboy; she soon located one fairly quickly and instructed him transport the bridal couple’s luggage out to a taxi. For a minute, Michelle ducked back into the side room; she smiled a little and sighed, looking around. A couple hours ago she’d been standing in this room a single woman. Now, she was married; she felt a little silly thinking of the distinction so, but felt honored nonetheless.

  “Mrs. Montgomery,” she said, to herself. Deciding to leave her gorgeous gown on as long as possible, Michelle grabbed her white pea coat and buttoned it up over the dress. Touching up her makeup a little, Michelle took her bags and silently said ‘goodbye’ to the little room.

  Out in the reception hall a rousing Scottish reel played on the sound system. Donnan and one of his family members seemed engaged in some kind of dance competition, amid much clapping and smiles by the other relatives. Even William’s relations seemed to be enjoying the sight. It was a good time to go, Michelle decided, before she and William got roped into line dancing, or something. William found her, his overcoat already on and luggage in hand. His pleased smile flooded her with warmth and comfort.

  “I’ll not get tired of your smile,” Michelle told her groom. “It has to be one of the never-ceasing charms of a man.”

  “Never ceasing?” William asked, amused. “All smiles must end, love.” Michelle rose and eyebrow a little.

  “True… but the smile and the eyes do not age,” she said, gently. “So, even when you’re sixty, I’ll be able to look at you and find the man that I see right now.” William gazed at her, more than a little touched by her words. Michelle knew she’d struck a chord in him by saying her thoughts aloud; her husband embraced her and kissed the top of her head.

  “I meant what I said to you when I proposed, Michelle... you have a beautiful soul,” William told her. His bride smiled and let him lead her out the Starlight Roof Room door.

  Oscar and Margaret, Alfred, Laurel, Sophie and Luca stood on the sidewalk; they threw rice at William and Michelle as they emerged from the hotel’s entrance door. Ducking, Michelle laughed. William grabbed his bride’s hand and raced for the taxi through the shower of little, white specks. Yanking open the door, he let Michelle in then ducked in himself. A hundred little grains of rice flew in with him. Shaking his head, he laughed.

  “I completely forgot about that part of weddings,” he admitted, brushing rice out of his ears and hair. Some grains had found their way into his collar, he noticed. Michelle laughed softly at the sight; leaning forward, she picked up some rice from his neck, using it as an excuse to kiss her husband very sweetly and lovingly on his mouth. William did not seem to mind at all. The taxi sped away, with the bride and groom kissing in the back seat.

  “Oh, that was the sweetest wedding I have ever seen,” Margaret said with a sigh. Sophie nodded at her, and then arched an eyebrow at Luca. The man ignored his mother and brushed rice from Laurel’s blond hair.

  “I would like to cook you dinner at my café tonight,” he said, very quietly. “Please wear this lovely gown; you look so delicious.” The blond young woman felt a bit light-headed under the look Luca gave her; however, she managed to give a tolerable impression of coherence.

  “I’d love to,” she squeaked. Sophie looked away from them and smiled at herself. She found her arm suddenly linked with Oscar’s.

  “I have half a notion that you know how to dance, pretty lady,” the man said, winking at her. Sophie’s face momentarily turned mottled shade of pink. It had been awhile since someone had spoken to her like that.

  “I can...” she answered, a little stunned. Then, she smiled. “I hope you can keep up, sir.” The entire party went back into the hotel, hoping to find the room still intact.

  WILIAM HAD never known a taxi-ride to be over so quickly. It seemed he’d just started kissing his lovely bride when they suddenly arrived at the airport. The fact that they’d made out for the entire ride did not escape him; he grinned sheepishly as he paid the driver.

  “Have fun there, pal,” the taxi-driver said, grinning at the couple. William snorted and led Michelle into Terminal Four. With a simple gesture he engaged the services of a luggage carrier for the bags. A uniformed young man swept up the luggage and followed them to a modern-looking airline counter.

  “Welcome to EOS,” said a young woman with a very pronounced British accent. “May I see your boarding passes?” William handed the papers over. Michelle dug in her purse for her ID and passport. The girl looked up, smiling. “Mr. and Mrs. Montgomery. Let me get a copy of your IDs and passports.” Michelle was impressed with the lack of paperwork but not really surprised. Of course William would have the details hashed out already. Her groom signed the forms and received the little folders holding their tickets and papers. The EOS receptionist directed them to the Emirates waiting lounge just on the other side of a security checkpoint.

  William had not misjudge the length of the security line. By the time the bride, groom and their carry-on bags had been thoroughly checked they had a mere twenty minutes before the flight left. Michelle had a little metal in her gown somewhere and she was obliged to removed her coat and let the security personnel wand her. William stood nearby, noticing the male security guard took over and took a little extra time visually inspecting Michelle’s bodice for possible bomb-material. Apparently the bride wasn’t a major threat to the peace and well-being of the masses, so they let her through.

  Michelle snorted--albeit quietly--and put on her coat again.

  “Cheeky blighter,” William grumbled, narrowing his gaze back at the guard. “He should get a tawdry magazine and look at that instead of other men’s wives.” Michelle glanced up at William, feeling better once more by his side.

  “I think one of the privileges of being a husband is you that you are allowed to be jealous of every glance of every other man,” she said, softly; her eyes held an endearing look, one that said she blamed him not. William grinned a little, looking down at his wife.

  “Correct,” he agreed, amused at her little speech. “I take it you don’t mind.” Michelle gave him an upward look through her dark lashed that made his mouth go dry.

  “Not at all,” she said, licking her bottom lip a little. “Like I said, you’re the only one who can get away with looks like that.” William gave her a full-on grin; Michelle felt a thrill well up in her chest at the sight of it. He was so handsome when he really smiled.

  “I’ll be giving you more than looks soon, love,” William thought. He focused his attention on the airline staffer outside the lounge. Once they showed their boarding passes, the man let them through into the Emirates lounge.

  “Wow,” Michelle said, softly. “This is a waiting room?” William chuckled.

  “Yes it is,” he returned, smiling. “Not bad at all; it looks quite comfortable.”

  Indeed it did. The room seemed almost cozy for an airline waiting room, and unusually pleasant with a lowered ceiling; it contained square looking, deeply cushioned chairs and love-seats, many potted palms and dim, warm lighting. There was even a small kitchen with a posh-looking buffet off to one side.

  “I’ll bet even Alfred wouldn’t mind flying home on this airline,” Michelle said, g
lancing at William. Her man returned her gaze.

  “You may have an idea there, minx,” he said, smiling. “I think I’ll arrange it as a parting gift to the old boy.”

  Michelle and William were not hungry in the least; they did share a bottle of iced tea and relaxed in a more secluded section of seats amid some green palm fronds. Sitting on a comfy chair, Michelle smiled down at her gown’s skirt, touching it’s soft surface gently with her hand. She felt someone looking at her and raised her eyes to William’s. He sat on the couch opposite. His bright, blue eyes shone with an intense look, one that made Michelle both claimed and cherished. She smiled, liking the sensation acutely.

  William patted the seat next to him, a roguish smile dressing his face.

  “What are you doing way over there, my lady?” he asked. Michelle blushed and bit her lip, just a little.

  “I did not know you wished me to hover about you in a clinging way,” she said softly. Michelle could not keep a teasing smile form her face.

  “Get over here, minx,” William said, fondly. Michelle complied, though she was not a foot from her groom when he swept her over into his lap.

  “Much better,” he said, grinning.

  “You meant to do that all along,” his bride accused, pretending to pout. William laughed, holding Michelle’s waist.

  “Well, now... it’s not really so bad, is it?” he countered, raising an eyebrow at his ladylove.

  “No,” Michelle said, shyly. “Not at all. I like being close to you.”

  “Well, thank you,” William said, gently. “There’s no one else I’d rather wait here with, that is for certain.” Michelle gave him a little kiss on his cheek before leaning comfortably against his shoulder. William held his bride close; leaning his head against hers, he closed his eyes, just enjoying the warmth of her skin and scent of her hair.

  They sat together in the relative quiet, amid the muted sounds of airport announcements and the shuffling of feet on commercial carpet, waiting to take a plane to the rest of their lives. Though the lounge was just half-full, those patrons whom saw the affectionate young couple smiled, and thought of their own loved ones.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

  William and Michelle could not help but attract attention as they boarded the airplane. It was not often that a white-gowned bride and tuxedo-clad groom rode on EOS; the entire plane had just forty-eight roomy seats, mostly filled with business people in suits. Leading his bride down the airplane’s aisle, William felt a few looks directed his way. However, he most noticed those aimed at the fair young woman behind him. He resisted rolling his eyes. It was part of the package; marrying a lovely girl like Michelle meant tolerating the occasional gawker.

  Michelle kept her eyes on William’s shoes, not really enjoying the scrutiny; in doing so she was able to fully appreciate the oddity of this custom-built 747. The seats on this flight commanded Michelle’s attention first; even first class seats looked horribly cramped compared to these. Instead of six or eight seats squeezed into a row, roomy berths, just two wide, stood on either side of a single, central aisle. Each berth held a cushy reclining seat, a lot of space and an ottoman to put one’s feet up on. Two berths were set opposite one another with a small entry walkway. Each berth had low, sleek privacy walls around it in case one wished to lie down. Muted shades of gray and soft beige lent the atmosphere a relaxed feel. Michelle had never seen anything like this airplane; she did not dare ask how much a seat was on this flight.

  William found their seats; they had two berths together. Smiling, he indicted Michelle to precede him to the window berth. Michelle giggled softly and a mock curtsy before gathered her pretty skirt a little; she passed through the small walkway without incident.

  “This is incredible,” Michelle whispered to her husband; she sat down on the recliner while carefully smoothing the dress under her. “I didn’t know a flight like this existed.” William chuckled.

  “This is my first trip on it as well,” he told her, sitting down. “It is comfortable, I admit. It has the feel of a Lear jet, but on a much larger scale.” Having never been on a Lear jet, Michelle took his word for it. She peered out the window, trying to dampen the rising feelings of flight excitement. Like most fliers, Michelle did not feel afraid, but more anticipation, and a little privileged. It was fun just to be able to fly somewhere, let alone across the Atlantic. William watched Michelle’s face; the pure enjoyment and appreciation written there pleased him. Michelle had no problem conveying gratitude and feeling it; William hope their children would be like her, able to take simple pleasure in life and be content.

  Feeling William’s gaze upon her, Michelle looked up with a smile.

  “Thank you,” she said, softy; she leaned on the low privacy barrier between them. “At least I won’t have to worry about being able to talk to you and look you in the face.” William smiled.

  “Yes, we shall have to find something to talk about,” he returned. “Other than tonight’s events,” he thought. “I do hope you’ll be able to keep my mind occupied, love.” Michelle narrowed her eyes at him momentarily; she broke into a wide grin and allowed her eyes to take on a vacuous look.

  “Oh dear, I’m afraid you’ve married a stupid wife,” she gushed, winding a curl of her hair around her finger. “But don’t you worry... I’ll try real hard though to think of something. Do you like weather? I love weather... rain, snow, sleet, hail, that thunder stuff… you know, that loud noise when it’s not sunny...”

  It took William some time to stop laughing.

  “Please... stop,” he wheezed. “No more. Good heavens... I’d go mad if I had to listen to such drivel.” He wiped his eyes and attempted to fix Michelle with a stern glare; she smiled, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “Minx,” he said, fondly. “You have a wonderful sense of humor, my love.”

  “I like making you laugh,” Michelle admitted. “Ever since that night at the gallery, I thought your laughter sounded like some wonderful kind of music.” Her hand rested on the low divider between them; William covered it with his own.

  “No one has ever made me laugh as you do love,” he said, looking into Michelle’s eyes. “It’s like having my own personal comedian, though I doubt anyone heard of a comic as lovely as you.”

  Michelle smiled.

  “Only you could get away with a line like that,” she said, laughing softy. “Anyone else would invoke copious eye-rolling and snickers.” William grinned.

  “Snickers?” he queried. “Tosh… no one snickers at me.” Michelle was about to show him that yes, one could very well snicker at William Montgomery but a stewardess came by, politely asking them to fasten their seat belts and prepare for takeoff.

  The airplane's interior felt quite warm; Michelle unbuttoned her jacket and slipped it off. William felt a bit warm himself and then glanced around possessively. To his dismay, other passengers of the male persuasion also noticed his bride’s newly bared shoulders and bodice. A couple of them even made pretense of standing up to ‘retrieve’ something from an overhead baggage compartment, in order to get a better look.

  William snorted; there was a time when even he, worked to death and flying to meetings, appreciated a gander or two at a pretty passenger. A beautiful girl is a fine distraction away from work. However, he’d never purposefully looked at some other bloke’s wife. Such a thing would invoke heated words, or violence; William shot the offenders a glare over his shoulder. Despite this, a new thought presented itself in his brain, one that appreciated the fact that some men were envious of him. When it came to the battle for Michelle, William was the clear victor. It was not his fault that no one else had noticed the rose hidden among street vendors.

  A sly grin slid over his face, inciting much curiosity in his bride. She placed a small kiss on her husband’s hand, mostly to get his attention. It worked.

  “Can’t resist me love?” William asked, lifting an eyebrow at her. A sort of victorious glow began to overtake his eyes. Michelle boosted his ego again via
a deep blush.

  “I can’t resist wondering what made such a look spread over your face,” she said, quietly. William sat back a little and regarded Michelle closely. She seemed curious; William rather liked that look.

  “There are many things I love about you, Michelle,” he said; he did not smile, but a fond look overtook his eyes. “One of them is the veritable oblivion you have towards your more attractive qualities, as they affect the general male populace.” Michelle looked thoughtful at this.

  “Oblivion...” she repeated, very quietly, though William heard it. He saw that his bride looked uncertain; he sat forward, taking her hand in his.

  “It’s a compliment, my love,” William said, earnestly. “You don’t know what some men would give to have a wife that isn’t constantly looking around at other men, trying to impress them. When we go out, I love how you don’t even see the twenty or so blokes checking you out. Believe me… I appreciate that kind of oblivion.” Michelle smiled.

  “So that’s what you were thinking about...” she said. William kissed her hand, and her fingertips.

  “That and a few other things,” he returned, grinning. He caught his bride’s eye and winked at her. He chuckled softly at Michelle’s signature reaction to his words.

  Take-off was uneventful. As soon as the seat-belt light grew dark again, William slipped over to his bride's berth, sitting on the ottoman. Michelle giggled softly at her man’s attachment to her; his desire to be close to her filled her with comfort. The other passengers were forgotten.

  Together they explored the little elements of the berth, finding a small, pull-out table that proved very steady when properly locked into place. There was also a flip-up television screen the size of a paperback on the divider wall. Looking through the pamphlet on available movies, Michelle laughed at seeing ‘Hot Fuzz’ listed.

  “That was a hilarious movie,” she said, giggling at William’s doubtful expression. “It has a terrible title but it was really good.”