Hearts of Grey

by Earl E. Gobel

  “Fair enough. I’ll leave the whiskey part out of any story along with the mystery of the underwear hanging from the chandelier as well,” he answered.

  “You know about my underwear hanging from the chandelier too?” Melissa asked.

  “Well, I just heard rumors, but up until now, I had no idea as to whose they were, but of course now, I know that they’re yours,” he answered.

  “Oh that was slick, but I’d like to know who told ya about them in the first place,” Melissa told him.

  “Sorry, can’t tell ya, but I won’t write about your undies hanging from the chandelier anyways. That’s a bit too personal. I mean, that goes into the same category as, say, a hoop shirt story might fall into,” he answered.

  “You know about the hoop skirt story too? Okay, someone around here has a really big mouth,” Katie responded.

  “Well, all that I can tell you is this. It was all done with the very best intentions, that’s for sure. But I asked for their help in doing the stories, and they agreed to help me to convey your stories in the best way possible, direct from the source so to speak,” he told them.

  “Direct from the source, you say? You’ve been talking to my daddy, haven’t you?” Katie responded.

  “Well, I won’t confirm or deny my source’s name, but I’m sure that you’ll put two and two together and come up with your own conclusions,” he told her.

  “But what you’re saying is ever since your paper broke that first story about her great-grandfather, people have become somewhat fascinated with all of us? So much in fact that they want to be us, or at the very least they want to act like us?” Melissa asked.

  “Well, yeah, I guess, but I think it goes more along the line of following in your footsteps. Look, right now you’re like an idol to a lot of people. And that gives you an opportunity to steer a lot of people down the right path. Just like Katie apparently did with those guys in the cave. So the choice is yours, but I’d advise you to take this opportunity to make a difference,” he told them.

  “I see, but if everyone is following us now, what could we possibly do better? It seems to me we should just be ourselves ’cause that’s what they like about us. Right?” Katie asked.

  “That’s exactly my point. Whatever you do, just be yourself as you’re doing it. It might prove to be that simple indeed,” he told them.

  “And you’ll keep writing stories about us, is that it?” Melissa asked.

  “No, I’ll keep writing some really great stores about you all,” he replied.

  “And if something should happen that might not show, let’s say, our best side, you wouldn’t write about it? Is that what you’re saying?” Katie asked.

  “Well, let’s just say that I’ll write it in a way that you keep your dignity and respect intact. Is that a fair trade?” he asked them both.

  “Sounds like a winner to me. What do you think, Mel?” Katie asked.

  “I think it’s something that we might be willing to give a chance,” she replied.

  “Good, then that’s settled. Now tell me about the underwear hanging from the chandelier,” he asked.

  “Don’t even think about it. That story is off-limits,” Melissa said with a smile.

  About that time, Grady and Paul walked up to them. Katie just threw her daddy a weird look.

  “What was that look for?” he asked.

  “We’ll talk later, so are we ready to start the rehearsal yet?” she asked.

  “No, not yet but soon. Everyone should start getting here pretty soon,” he answered.

  “Well, I need to know the minute that Bobby gets here. I want to introduce him to Katie. I have to see the look on his face,” she told her daddy.

  “Grady, can I ask a question?” Melissa asked.

  “Sure, dear, what’s your question?” he asked.

  “Well if a groom isn’t supposed to see the bride the day before the wedding, then how do we do a rehearsal?” she asked.

  “Well, I see what you’re getting at, but I think you’re wrong. A bride and groom can see each other, but he can’t see you in your wedding gown. And some people will also tell you that you can see each other the night before either. But we’ll just go for the wedding dress restriction and let it go at that. Of course, you two can’t see each other the night before either. Especially if there’s a bottle of whiskey anywhere within reach of you two,” he told her.

  “Very funny. But I do believe that the affair with your whiskey friend is all finished. Once was enough. At least, it is for me,” Melissa answered.

  “Yeah right, I mean sure, if that’s what you want me to believe,” he told her.

  “Well, you should know me by now. I don’t lie. You can ask my mom,” she said with a smile.

  “I just might do that, but since you brought the subject of your mother up, what time will your parents be here tomorrow? Your mom has expressed an interest in getting you ready,” he told her.

  “I’m sure that it will be early. Maybe before the sun comes up if I know her,” she answered.

  “Well, I’ll be sure to get up early then. A lot earlier than either of you two, I’ll bet ya,” he told her.

  “Daddy, do you really think either of us will be getting any sleep tonight? I mean the day before the biggest day of our lives, you have to be dreamin’,” Katie told her daddy.

  “Yeah, we’ll see who gets up first,” Grady said as he stared at his daughter.

  “Yeah, I guess we will at that,” she said as she turned to see a car pulling into the driveway. It was Cindy, Bobby, and their brother Ricky. Their father was driving. He pulled their station wagon right up to where they were standing. As their father got out of the car, he just stared at the giant structure before him.

  “Wow, this is very impressive. I never expected anything like this,” he told Grady as the two gentlemen shook hands.

  “Trust me, neither did we,” Grady responded.

  Bobby and Cindy ran up to Katie.

  “Good morning, Ms. Windslow,” the two children told her in unison.

  “Well, good morning right back to the two of you. You both look very nice today. And for today, please call me Katie. Okay?” she asked them.

  “Okay,” Cindy said as she started looking around at all of the men working and the huge white stage with all of its flowers. “Wow, is all of this just for your wedding?” she asked.

  “Sure is, so what do you think? Pretty impressive, isn’t it?” Katie asked her.

  “Oh my, yes, it’s beautiful,” she responded.

  Bobby Meets His Dream Girl

  Katie looked over at Bobby. “Good morning, Bobby, how are you today?” she asked him.

  “A lot better now,” he replied.

  “Why now? What made you feel better?” she asked.

  “I always feel better when I see you, Ms. Windslow,” he answered.

  “Bobby, you’re so sweet. But I have someone really special for you to meet. But you have to promise that you’ll act like a gentleman, okay? Just like you did when we danced up on that stage. Do you remember?” she asked him.

  “A man never forgets the dance of a lifetime,” he told her.

  “Now, Bobby, you know that I’m getting married tomorrow, and well, we can only be friends, right?” she asked him.

  “I know . . . but you can still change your mind?” he responded.

  “Well, that won’t be happening. But I’m flattered that such a handsome man such as yourself is smitten on me. I’m honored, but come with me so I can introduce you to someone that’s more your age,” she told him.

  “Doesn’t matter because it still won’t be you. And you’re the woman of my dreams,” he told her.

  “Well, we’ll see about that. But you have to promise to be a perfect gentleman, okay?” she asked him again.

  “Okay, I promise. I’ll be a gentleman,” he told her.

  Bobby walked next to Katie as she led him toward the house. And even though Katie was holding his hand, his stare was
fixed on the ground. Katie felt as if she was leading a poor defenseless animal to slaughter even though she knew better. Little Katie met them on the front porch.

  “Bobby, I’d like you to meet my cousin Katie,” Katie told him.

  Bobby never looked up at the pretty blonde girl before him. He just said hi in a very low tone.

  “Bobby, this is my cousin . . . Katie, Katie Windslow,” she told him again.

  Bobby slowly lifted his head. And from the very first sight of this miniature version of his dream girl, his eyes grew wide, and a smile grew across his face that stretched from ear to ear. He stared at her without saying anything, then he glanced up at Katie and then back at the ten-year-old version of her.

  “You two could be twins,” he said with a great big smile.

  “Well, are you going to say hi at least?” Katie asked him.

  He just looked at her. “Hello, Katie, my name is Bobby. And I’m honored to meet you,” he told her.

  “Well, hi, Bobby, it’s a pleasure to meet you too,” little Katie responded to him.

  Bobby was speechless. Words just couldn’t express what was going through that young man’s heart. Even though he was only ten years old, he knew that he had found his dream girl. He just stood there speechless again lost in the moment.

  “Bobby, are you okay?” Katie asked him.

  “Oh, I’m fine really. I just can’t believe how much she looks like you. It’s like getting a Christmas present that you’ve waited for all year,” he answered.

  “Well, I’m not giving you my cousin, Bobby. But as long as you act like a complete gentleman, then you’re more than welcome to come over here and see her,” Katie told him.

  Bobby turned and looked at little Katie. “So how long are you going to be here?” he asked her.

  “How long am I going to be here? I live here now, silly,” little Katie told him.

  “Really? You live here?” he asked her as his smile grew even bigger.

  “You two go play, but don’t go getting all dirty, okay? As soon as the rest of the people get here, we’ll get started,” Katie said as she turned and walked away.

  Rick and Mike showed up about thirty minutes later. Everyone lined up and took their positions while Paul and Grady instructed everyone on what their jobs and duties were. The rehearsal itself consisted of everything from the point where the two brides exited the two carriages.

  Elizabeth was Katie’s maid of honor with little Katie as her flower girl and Bobby being her ring bearer.

  Aunt Mary was Melissa’s maid of honor with Cindy as her flower girl and Ricky as her ring bearer.

  They went over and over the ceremony until everyone knew their part. The next time that they would all do this would be for the real thing. They did have to make some last-minute changes to their plans. They originally had planned to repeat their vows as they were kneeling before the altar. But that was changed because of the girls’ dresses. They simply couldn’t stand up after kneeling down, so they decided to do it as each couple stood facing each other. A microphone would be positioned before each couple.

  They were also planning on having both flower girls walking up the ramp together, followed by the two ring bearers, but Bobby said that it would look better if he was walking next to little Katie. Everyone knew why he had suggested it, but they also had to agree with him. It would indeed look better.

  The total rehearsal lasted three full hours before everything was settled, and everyone knew their places. After everyone was happy with everything, Grady and Paul started the barbeque, and everyone sat down to steaks and baked potatoes. Some of the workers even joined in their feast. Grady had made sure that he had more than enough food on hand.

  By six o’clock that evening, the workers had finished everything, and for the most part, they had cleaned up their mess and had gone home. But all of them promised that they would be back tomorrow. Most of them said that they wouldn’t miss it for the world.

  Katie and Melissa did learn about one of the secrets that the mayor had warned them about. That happened by accident when Katie had inquired about the music for the ceremony and the dancing that would follow during the reception. Paul accidentally, or maybe on purpose, let the cat out of the bag. The Mattersonville High School marching band would be doing all of the musical arrangements including the ceremony itself. But they wouldn’t be wearing their band uniforms. Instead they would all be wearing white pants and shirts, with red blazers to set them off as musicians.

  Elizabeth walked up to Katie as she was talking to Melissa. She waited until they were done talking. “Hey, that little boy that’s following my Katie around is quiet a smooth talker isn’t he and talking about being polite,” she told her.

  “Oh, yeah, he’ll charm you right off of your feet if you let him, but as far as being a gentleman, you have nothing to worry about. Katie is as safe with him as she would be if she was with us,” Katie replied.

  “Oh, I wasn’t worried about that, not at all, but I just can’t get over how polite he is,” Elizabeth replied.

  “Yeah, he is at that, but I just knew that those two would be friends,” Katie answered back.

  “Well, his sister Cindy, she’s about the cutest little thing that I’ve ever seen as well. I bet she looks a lot like her mother,” Elizabeth told her.

  “Well, I’m sorry to say that their mother died a few years ago. But their father is a really nice man, and he’s coming to work here in a few weeks. I guess Daddy gave him a job,” Katie told her.

  “Oh, I’m sorry, I didn’t know, but it seems to me that their father is doing one hell of a job as a single parent. And trust me, I should know it’s not an easy task,” Elizabeth told her.

  “Yeah, but you did a pretty good job yourself raising Katie and all. She’s so smart that she cracks me up. I know that Uncle Jack is looking down on you two, and he’s proud of both of you,” Katie told her.

  “Well, I tried to do what I thought was best. I wasn’t always sure of my decisions, but I had to believe that what I was doing was the right thing to do. I had to believe in myself. And that, Katie, had to be the hardest part of it all,” Elizabeth confessed to her.

  Just about that time, little Katie ran up to them. Bobby was hot on her heels. “Katie, Katie, something is wrong. Uncle Grady is going to be so mad when he finds out,” the little girl proclaimed as she jumped around.

  Her cousin just grabbed her by the shoulders. “Katie, slow down. What’s wrong? Why is Uncle Grady going to be upset?” she asked her little cousin.

  “Somebody forgot them. Somebody didn’t remember them,” she told her cousin.

  “Somebody forgot what?” Katie asked her again.

  “The vegetables. There wasn’t any vegetables with dinner. We always have vegetables with dinner, but somebody forgot to cook them,” little Katie proclaimed.

  Katie and Elizabeth started laughing.

  “Why are you laughing?” the little girl asked them.

  “Well, it seems that a very special girl told her uncle that she didn’t like vegetables, so her uncle said no more veggies on Fridays,” Katie told her.

  The little girl’s eyes opened wide as she listened to her cousin. “Really? No more vegetables on Fridays? Uncle Grady did that just for me?” she asked.

  “Go ask him yourself,” Katie told her.

  “I will! Thank you, cousin. Come on, Bobby, let’s go find my uncle. Good-bye, Mom,” the little girl said as she ran off.

  Elizabeth never got a chance to answer her daughter. Katie was gone before she knew it. Luckily for Katie, Grady was only a few tables away. She ran up to him and threw her arms around his neck and gave him a big hug and several kisses on the cheek.

  “Wow, what did I do to deserve that?” he asked.

  Katie leaned toward his ear and whispered, “No vegetables on Fridays.”

  Grady just smiled at his niece. “You’re welcome, sweetheart,” he told her. She answered him with another hug and kiss. And she and Bobby were o
ff again. Grady watched as the two kids ran off toward the barn. He just laughed to himself.

  By eight o’clock that night, everyone had gone home. There was so much anticipation in the air that you could almost cut it with a knife. Grady and Paul had cleared the area of any trash that had been left over from the barbeque.

  Somewhere around ten, Grady thought that he had heard a noise outside, so he went out onto the porch. He was surprised to see his daughter Katie kneeling before the altar. He didn’t say anything, but he knew in his heart that she was either praying or talking with her mother.

  Katie Talks to Her Mom and Dad

  Katie was in fact talking to her mother. “Mom, I hope you’re listening. I’m really scared about tomorrow. I’m not having any second thoughts about marrying Mike. He’s a good man, Mom, and I know that you would approve of him. But I’m really nervous about everything that the townspeople have done for us. I know that you can see this. Isn’t this just too much to comprehend? Everyone has poured their hearts and souls into this. And they did this for all for us. So I need to ask you for some help here. And yeah, I do remember what you told me about you helping me, and I know that you normally don’t do this. I’m not even sure that you can do anything, but please ask God if he’ll let you help me just this one time. I really need to know that everything is going to run perfectly tomorrow. I mean I’d hate to ruin it by tripping or something. I’m not too sure that I could ever face the townspeople again if I messed this up. And please help us to remember the lines to our vows. We wrote them, and they’re simply beautiful, but it wouldn’t help if we forgot them. So I guess I’m basically asking you to make sure that everything flows smoothly. And I do wish that you were here to see this in person. I know that Daddy is proud of me, but I sure would love it if you were here too. But I guess I’ll let you go now. I’ve got to go and at least try to get some sleep. I love you, Mom, and I miss you so much. And, God, if you’re listening, thank you for everything. And I do mean everything, but I do have one personal request of you. I mean, it’s more for little Katie, Lord. Please don’t take her mother away too soon. I know what it’s like to grow up without a mother, Lord, and I hope that she doesn’t have to go through that too soon. I know that you’re really busy, so I’ll leave you so you can tend to the more important things in this world. Thank you, Lord. Amen.