The Fourth Day of November

by Mark Campbell

  Lee sensed my unrest and insisted that I tell her what was going on. But, our conversation would have to wait. Within minutes, we were in our places on the ballroom floor.

  Lee and I waltzed to Nat King Cole’s Fascination. It felt like clouds were beneath our feet as we danced. This was the moment. I could no longer contain myself. As the music and our steps ended, I embraced Lee and passionately kissed her in front of hundreds of people. The roaring audience applauded, giving us a standing ovation. As we bowed and scanned the audience, I caught a glimpse of Mr. Chang’s angry countenance. But the warm smiles on both Lee’s and my face confirmed that neither one of us cared.

  ---

  The moment of truth had arrived. Thus far in the competition, we had secured two first place category wins for Beauvoir Dance Studio. It was now time to crown the overall champions. The defending champs hadn’t been beaten in five consecutive years. The room was silent and still as the announcer read the judge’s score cards.

  “And the world champions for this years’ Fred Astaire Dance Competition are Mrs. Lee Chang and Mr. Alistair Scott!” The audience went wild. Lee and I froze in disbelief, and for the first time, Philippe was speechless. Reporters and news cameras rushed the stage, making a beeline for Lee and me.

  For the next three years, Lee and I would remain the holders of this prestigious title. And for our first night as champions, Lee’s family and my friends shared in our jubilation. Our win, however, wouldn’t be the only thing exulted that night. Lee and I celebrated our confirmed love for one another. She now knew that she was the eternal object of my affection.

  After a long night of partying and hallowing our accomplishment, Lee decided to accompany me back to my flat. We stayed up for about an hour or so drinking hot tea, and sharing a pack of rich tea biscuits. Soon after, we retreated to my bedroom and fell asleep in each other’s arms.

  ---

  My phone rang. Lee, unbroken from it’s noise, didn’t move. I picked up the receiver from the nightstand while rubbing my weary eyes. “Hello, this better be bloody good, or I’m—”

  “Alistair, watch your mouth young man!”

  “Oh, hi mum. Sorry about that. It’s late and I just got in.”

  “Now, I know you know why I’m calling.” She barked into the receiver.

  “No mum, can’t this wait until later?”

  “No, it cannot wait Alistair Abram Scott!” Mum always used my full name when she wanted to pick a bone with me over something.

  “Okay, what is it mum?” I yawned.

  “Don’t take that tone with me young man.”

  “Sorry mother.”

  “Now why couldn’t you tell me that you were going to be on television? I had to find out as your father and I watched the American Fred Astaire Dance Championships. You know we watch every year, and this year we see our baby boy snogging some bird, a very pretty one at that. I raised you better than that. And further more, is your hand broken?”

  “No mum it’s not.”

  “That was a rhetorical question.” My mother snipped. “Then why the devil couldn’t you pick up the telephone and call me and dad?”

  “I’m very sorry mum. It won’t happen again.” I said groggily.

  “That’s okay son. I miss you, and wanted to tell you how proud of you we are.” Her tone softened. “Bradley says hello, and also aunt Monica and uncle Clinton, and Clive and his wife Sharon send their love.

  “Tell everyone I said hello. I’m knackered mum. Can we talk later?”

  “Yes, we can, son. I love you.”

  “I love you too.” Mum hung up the phone and I rolled over and cuddled Lee before falling back asleep.

  October 30, 1987

  In the weeks that followed our championship win, things in my relationship with Lee took an unexpected turn. For reasons unknown to me, she started acting distant. We spent less and less time together. And during lunch, Lee would make up excuses not to meet. Considering the circumstances, I felt it necessary that she and I talk about our future together. That idea, however, would be stalled since Lee took some extra time off from work to study for her upcoming exams.

  Per usual, I wasn’t sure of what to do. Maybe having dinner with my friends could help me forget the forlorn feelings I had within.

  8:00 pm

  Tonight should have been a couple’s night out. Our place of choice was Nagasaki, a Japanese Jamaican restaurant just west of Queens. Peter and Ronnie arrived with Erica and Carlene. As for me, an unoccupied seat was my date. As awkward as things seemed, Carlene asked what was troubling me, and why Lee was a no show.

  “Alistair, it’s none of my business, but I can’t help but notice you haven’t touched your meal.” Carlene examined inquisitively.

  “I’m fine. I’m just not hungry.” I said without looking up.

  “You can tell that story to my husband and Peter, but that won’t wash with me. Now start talking.” She demanded.

  “Do I have a choice?” Carlene looked at me in an austere manner. “Things aren’t good between Lee and me.”

  “I gathered that much.” Charlene retorted.

  “For days, she has been avoiding me.”

  Carlene spoke without inhibition, offering the reasoning behind Lee’s remoteness. “Alistair, you men still have a lot to learn about women. Just because we’re not there in person does not mean we don’t care or think about you. We sometimes need to reflect on things. Women are profound thinkers. And as for men, most of you think with the other head; that is, with the exception of our present company, of course.

  “From what I’ve seen, the two of you are meant for one another. That is, unless there’s an individual that wants you out of the picture. But even if that’s the case, what’s intended to be can’t be stopped, unless you let them win.”

  Carlene’s insight into my life was clear.

  “Alistair, did you even listen to a word I said? There’s a woman who wishes to know that what she feels for you is real love. You should get a move on.”

  I snapped out of my daze. “Carlene, I don’t know how to thank you!” I said hugging and kissing her on the cheek, before bidding my friends goodnight.

  October 31, 1987 at 12:45 pm

  My gut insisted that arriving unannounced at the Chang home was wrong. But regardless, I wasn’t going to cower to Mr. Chang’s intimidation tactics. When the front door opened, Mr. Chang stood in the opening with a disgusted look on his face.

  “What do you want? My daughter does not wish to see you.”

  “Mr. Chang, please. I haven’t come here to cross swords. I’m here to see Lee.”

  “Listen to me, my daughter has nothing in common with you. She will be a lawyer one day. And as for you, you’ll always be an airline worker.” He snapped.

  “Willie, how dare you speak to Alistair in that manner!” “Come on in Alistair. I will let Lee know that you’re here.” Mrs. Chang came to the rescue.

  Lee appeared in shorts and a tee shirt, and looked over the bannister from upstairs. “Alistair, what’s wrong? Why are you here?”

  “I love you, and I don’t want to loose the best thing that has ever happened to me. I would like for us to spend the rest of our lives together, forever. There is nothing that I won’t do to make sure that you’re happy. No one can change what my heart knows and feels for you. Lee, you make my life worth living.”

  Alistair, my life is far too abstruse for either of us to make any promises that we cannot keep.” Lee wined.

  “Lee, you’re afraid. No one understands that more than I do. But, sooner or later we all have to stop running. I’m afraid also, far more than you think. But if you look me in the eyes, and say you don’t love me, I will never bother you again.”

  Lee put her head down, concealing her tears, and ran back upstairs.

  “There’s your answer. Now leave my home.” Mr. Chang barked with a pleased expression, before turning and walking away.

  My heart sank.

  “Alistair,
wisdom is powerful. It’s the greatest force any one being can garner. Honor wisdom. Lee will understand.” Grandpa Chang’s remark mystified me.

  9:00 pm

  Sad and weary, I sat alone in my flat. From my bed, I stared at the ceiling as I listened to Blue Magic’s What’s Come Over Me? Between a break in the music, I heard footsteps outside my bedroom window. I got up to investigate. Lee stood at my front door wearing a sweatshirt and jeans and carrying two large, black travel cases.

  “Hi. What’s going on? Are you okay?” I yelled out to her.

  Befuddled, Lee tried to explain her visit to my flat in the middle of the night. “I need you Alistair. I refuse to let my father dictate my life, and tell me who and what is right for me. I’ve stopped running now. If you look me in the eyes and say you don’t love me, I will never bother you again.”

  Hearing Lee’s confession reignited the passion in my heart. “All I’ve ever wanted to do is share with you the infinitude of love I have for you.”

  “Me too, Alistair.” Lee smiled through tears. “Can I come in?”

  “Only if you’re staying.” I rushed to the door.

  “Where else would I go?”

  ---

  “What’s in these bags?” I asked retrieving them from Lee’s grip.

  “A few things.” She laughed.

  “It’s bloody heavy.”

  “I managed to carry them, so a man with nice, big muscles should be just fine.” Lee poked fun.

  “You haven’t even moved in yet, and you’re already bossing me around.” I teased. “Besides I would like for us to have children someday.”

  “So do I.” Lee giggled. “But we won’t have any with you standing in the doorway complaining.”

  I hastily picked up the cases then slammed the door behind me.

  November 1, 1987

  Early the next morning, I awoke to an aroma coming from the kitchen. I got out of bed stumbling over Lee’s travel case left on the floor from the previous night.

  “Bloody hell!” I cursed, hobbling my way to the kitchen.

  “Good morning, sleepyhead.” Lee said before turning around. She was wearing a shirt of mines and holding a spatula in one hand.

  “What are you doing?” I asked groggily.

  “What does it look like? I’m making breakfast.”

  “I didn’t mean that.” I yawned.

  “What did you mean?” she smiled looking up from the stove.

  “I don’t know, never mind.”

  “Why don’t you get a shower. Breakfast will be ready soon so hurry up.” Lee kissed me and slapped my ass.

  Lee cooked what she could find in the refrigerator—mushrooms, egg whites, bangers, whole-wheat toast and a pot of hot tea. After breakfast, we tidied up and planned our day. We had both taken a few days off from work to get our lives in order, and it was a school day for Lee. Today, I would drop Lee off in the city, and handle some personal matters of mine own.

  As we finished cleaning and planning, I could not ignore the way my shirt looked on Lee’s body and the rise it had given me. I slowly traced her spine with my hands until I reached the small of her back. This plateau led to her rounded bottom as I gently slid my hands under the shirt.

  Caressing Lee’s body, my hands palmed her breasts, and I lowered my mouth to suck her stiff nipples. Seductively, I awakened Lee’s innermost sexual desire. She could not rebuff what her mind and body hankered for. My hard masculinity entered the softness of Lee’s femininity. Our bodies became one as we moved with sensually synchronized movements. Each gave the other undeniable ecstasy as we made love repeatedly, leaving the strength from our bodies on the kitchen floor.

  ---

  By half past eleven, I dropped Lee off at school. From there, I began the task of locating a legal parking space in New York City’s shopping district. For several hours, I walked in and out of stores until I was ultimately able to find what I was looking for. After shopping I stopped at Wendy’s and ordered lunch, before locating a vacant table in the corner of the eatery.

  Before eating, I removed a small blue box from my trouser pocket and placed it on the table. I anxiously rationalized whether or not this token of love I was to give Lee was too much too soon.

  At a quarter to five, I paid for the day’s parking, and made my way to pick up Lee. My timing was perfect. As I pulled up, Lee was walking out with her friend Joanne. Joanne was also studying law, but was struggling with the effects of chemotherapy and a recent mastectomy. As a result, she and Lee had become very active in breast cancer research by coordinating fundraiser events. And even though Joanne was fighting her own battle, she remained optimistic about new treatments and potential cures.

  “Hello ladies, how are you?” I waved exiting the car to open the passenger door for Lee.

  “Nice to see you, Alistair.” Joanne, always friendly, embraced me. “I may have to take this one off your hands. He’s a keeper.” She kidded Lee.

  “I don’t know about that Jo. There’s very low mileage on him. He’s going to be around for a very long time.”

  “Great, my future wife is talking about me as if I am a late model motorcycle that she hasn’t ridden long enough.” I remarked.

  Both women burst out in laughter. I chuckled along with them, realizing what I had said.

  “Jo, we’re going to leave before my boyfriend puts his foot in his mouth again with innuendos.”

  “Do you need a lift Jo?” I offered.

  “I’m okay.” She answered. “ My dad is picking me up.”

  We exchanged goodbyes with Joanne and pulled off in my car.

  “Where are we off to?” Lee asked, fastening her seatbelt.

  “We are going to the World Trade Center.”

  “I have never visited there since living in New York.” Lee squealed with excitement.

  ---

  We parked the car, and took an elevator to the 110th floor. Although most of the space in the World Trade Center was off-limits to the public, Lee and I could still enjoy the amazing view of the city from the roof. It was here that I took from my pocket the small blue velvet case. I bent down on one knee in front of Lee.

  “What are you doing, Alistair?” she was taken aback.

  “Lee, I don’t have much to offer you, and we may never have a lot, but I can promise that I will always love you. Will you marry me, Lee Chang?”

  Lee stood silently stunned, processing what was happening. With tears flowing from her eyes, she repeated the word I had waited to hear. “Yes, yes I will marry you!”

  Onlookers cheered as I slowly slipped the ring on her finger. It fit like I imagined it would. The blue-tinted rhombus stone situated on a solid silver band complemented Lee’s hand beautifully. We ended our romantic evening watching the summer sunset over supper on the 107th floor.

  November 2, 1987

  Queen’s city clerk’s office is where Lee and I applied for a marriage license early the following morning. We filled out the forms, answered the questions and paid the small fee for the piece of paper that validated our love. Lee and I were sure of our decision to get married. We trusted in the sayings, “no one knows what tomorrow may bring” and “what can be done today should not be delayed for tomorrow.” We knew, however, that we couldn’t get married until a 24-hour grace period had passed after receiving the license.

  Lee adored her gleaming diamond ring and beamed with delight when she looked at it. But, I could sense that something was troubling her. I inquired with her about her subtle sadness and she opened up to me. It troubled Lee that she was unable to have the wedding she always wanted. Neither parent would be present on the day of their daughter’s wedding.

  I understood her fear and articulated that my parents wouldn’t be at the ceremony either. I explained to her that we were not children, too young to understand the fundamentals of love. Further, I mentioned that if she and I hadn’t had love indoctrinated into us by our parents, we may not have embraced the speed at which our relationship was
progressing. Lee found comfort in this reasoning and vowed, in that moment, that she couldn’t wait to be Mrs. Scott.

  November 4, 1988

  Most soon-to-be-married people indulge in a night of partying prior to their nuptials. Instead, Lee and I enjoyed each other in the snugness and warmth of our small flat. Together we watched Seven Brides For Seven Brothers staring Howard Keel and Jane Powell.

  ---

  The day had finally arrived. It was the day that Lee and I would exchange vows; promising to love each other faithfully. Lee closed the bedroom door as she dressed, not wanting to reveal her wedding dress. When she emerged she was cloaked in a light green trench coat. And although I could not see her dress, she still looked absolutely breathtaking. My attire was a classic Brooks Brothers grey suite, a white shirt and matching tie, and black brogue shoes.