“I love this place,” I remarked.
“I remembered how nice it was the last time we were here and thought it would be nice to eat here again,” Jackson said.
Lee tapped the side of his wine glass, silencing our table. “I would like to make a toast to Ms. Jocelyn for successfully completing her studies and also to her and Mr. Jackson on beginning the next phase of their lives together. May all your days be happy and blessed.”
“Thank you,” Jackson and I said in union.
“Are all the final preparations completed?” Elizabeth asked.
Before I could even answer Olivia spoke up. “Yes, I believe so. Mrs. Timmons and I have been extremely busy. Sarah went over the final menu with us this morning.”
I shook my head a little and laughed. “Then I guess so.”
“I’m sorry,” Olivia flushed a bit. “That was directed at you.”
“Please, don’t apologize. You have been a Godsend to me. I am perfectly fine with you handling all the final details. I am sorry I have not been of more help to you.”
“I thought that with the house hunting and exam you have been very preoccupied.” She looked a little embarrassed.
The gentlemen quickly fell into office talk and the three of us discussed all the things Olivia had handled for me. I had no idea how much she had done in my stead. I was thrilled with the fact that she knew me so well that she had made all the same decisions I would have. Olivia informed me what our wedding dinner consisted of all the way down to the appetizers. It seemed there was nothing left for me to worry about and for that I was very grateful to her.
CHAPTER 23
Friday, December 18, 2009
I SET DOWN my pencil and couldn’t decide if I wanted to cry in relief now that my last final was completed or out of pure exhaustion. It had been such a long week all I wanted to do was go home and take a nap. I really didn’t care about the dance, nor did I want to go. Especially since things still weren’t on the best of terms with my three comrades.
I rested my head on my desk and waited patiently for my peers to finish their exams. There was still thirty minutes left and thus far only two other students were done. I closed my eyes, grateful for the peace and quiet. The only sounds were the scribbling of pencils and the occasional eraser with a frustrated sigh.
My mind drifted to Boston and our departure in the morning. Despite having never been there I imagined the grand old city filled with historical buildings and exciting escapades. I thought of the large universities it housed and what it would be like taking a final exam in one of them. How thrilling it must be to be a part of such an enthralling atmosphere. I could not wait to be a college student myself.
“Pencils down. Pass your exams forward please,” Mr. Rand announced from the front of the room. “That means you too, Mr. Bennett.” All eyes turned towards Keith who was scrambling to fill out the last couple questions. “If you don’t know it by now, you don’t know it at all.” Our teacher smiled graciously.
Sounds of shuffled papers drifted about the room with a rash of low murmurs of every sort. “For those of you who have passed the first semester final, I will see you back in January. However, if by chance you have not you will be notified by the twentieth by email. You will have the option of picking up another elective or taking a study hall during this hour. Either way, before you leave I wanted to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a fabulous New Year.” Mr. Rand straightened the exams and walked back over to his desk.
The final bell rang and everyone jumped from their desks, eager to begin their Christmas breaks. I grabbed my backpack and waited for Jackson to gather his things.
***
“Why the cocky grin?” I asked Jackson as we pulled out of the student parking lot.
“You know I had to purposely miss an occasional question on his exams.” The grin remained but he stared ahead at the road.
“Why would you do that?”
“You are forgetting, Ms. Jocelyn, I graduated last spring with a BS in psychology. Mr. Rand’s rudimentary AP Psych class is terribly simple in comparison to the college courses in psychology I took at BU.”
“Yes, I suppose it is.”
I, on the other hand, had found Mr. Rand’s class quite challenging and somewhat difficult to decipher although I was not about to say so. For the first time I began to really have doubts about whether I was ready to attend BU or not.
***
Jenna was waiting impatiently for me on the sidewalk between our houses when we pulled into Jackson’s driveway. She was talking with Kyle and bouncing up and down in the cold afternoon air. I could see their breath as the two of them jogged across the street towards us.
“It’s about freakin’ time!” Jenna pounced as soon as I opened my door.
“Sorry, everyone was trying to get out of the parking lot at once. It took us a minute.” I shook my head and rolled my eyes.
“We’ve been freezing out here.” She shifted her weight back and forth.
“You could’ve waited inside at your house or his.” I looked over at Kyle who was standing on the other side of the CRV talking to Jackson.
“Whatever, I thought you guys were right behind us. Anyway, let’s go!” She tugged my arm. I barely grabbed my backpack and shut his door before she was dragging me down the driveway over to my house.
“We’ll see you at the game,” she hollered over her shoulder to the two men staring after us.
Hilary and Caitlyn showed up right before six o’clock to take us to the game. They were both still being very guarded in the way they spoke to me and it seemed that the distance between us was growing by the minute. I felt like we were all starting to keep secrets from each other as we slowly pulled away from one another and began searching for some sort of identity all our own.
The game was agonizing. It was so close. The two teams stayed within a couple points of each other throughout all four quarters and it was quite frustrating to watch. The gym was filled with parents and students screaming for their team, but I could not seem to catch the festive mood of it all. I tried cheering, but I just couldn’t muster up the enthusiasm to match everyone else. I was very proud of both Jackson and Zak and even Ethan; they all played a great game, but my mind was already on its way to Boston.
***
Jenna came over right after she had showered still with the towel on her head. I had just gotten out of the shower myself and barely got my robe on when I heard her knocking on the bathroom door. “Come on, we’re going to be late, slow poke!”
I hurried back to my room with my hair still wrapped in a towel also and turned on some music and began working on my make-up for the dance.
“What are you getting Kyle for Christmas?” I asked, applying my foundation.
“I’m not sure. I’m going shopping this weekend with Hilary and Caitlyn. I have no idea what I’m getting him.”
“I know the feeling. I haven’t a clue what to get Jackson,” I complained.
“I can’t believe you’re leaving the entire break. This sucks!” She made a face at me in the mirror. “It seems your entire world revolves around Jackson.”
“Like yours doesn’t revolve around Kyle?” I rolled my eyes at her reflection.
“Even so, I feel like I never see you anymore. We all do.”
“How can you say that? I see you every day. And what about all that time when I was the odd man out? You had Kyle, Hilary was with Cody, and more often than not, Caitlyn was with Zak, and I was alone. I never complained to any of you about all those times you guys did stuff as couples and I was left out. Now that I have someone in my life, you all act as if I’ve done something wrong.” I quickly applied the powder and walked away from the vanity.
Jenna turned around and faced me. “It’s not that. It’s just that you guys have gotten so serious. You’re engaged, Jocelyn. It worries me that you’re actually going to go through with it.”
Her words were like a slap in the face. “What do you mean .
. . go through with it? Of course I’m going to go through with it. I love him. I want to marry him. And I am so sick and tired of everyone bitching about it. If you can’t be supportive then keep your mouth shut. You don’t have to partake in my wedding. Hell, my own mother and brother aren’t going, why should my best friend be any different?” I glared.
“That is not what I meant and you know it.” She got up and stood beside me at my closet. “I only want to make sure you have thought this through. I’m worried about you.”
“Do not bother yourself. I am quite capable of looking after myself, thank you very much.”
“It’s that!” she exclaimed.
“What?”
“The way you talk. You’re even talking like Jackson, very proper and all.”
“Oh for Heaven’s sake . . . really? Grammar? You’re going to complain about an improvement in my grammar. If that is the worst thing that you can comment on that I have picked up from my future husband than you sound more ridiculous than the arguments my family have made.”
“It makes you sound snobby.”
“Are you saying Jackson is snobby?” I wanted to scream at her but decided not to give her the satisfaction.
“No, but . . .”
“Let’s just get ready for the dance before we have a wicked argument.” I returned to the vanity to finish my make-up.
Jenna and I hardly spoke another word while we readied ourselves. I hated the strain that my upcoming nuptials had placed on our friendship. It appeared that at almost every turn I was facing an adversary of some sort against our relationship. I wanted desperately for the school year to end so I could finally be married to Jackson and we could leave for our new life in Boston and finally be rid of all this harshness.
The boys arrived at nine o’clock. Ethan and Liang were already in the living room with my parents. My mother was taking pictures of them in front of the Christmas tree. Liang looked very beautiful in her dark green gown. Her long black hair was pulled up with just a few curls hanging loosely to accent her face. Ethan was wearing a black suit but typical of his personality rather than wearing traditional dress shoes, he wore his new pair of black converse. They were all smiles, that is, until we entered the room.
The tension was so thick it could have been spliced with a knife. The only smile that remained was that on my dad’s face. “My goodness ladies, you look absolutely beautiful. Please come in. I would like to get some pictures of you all before you leave.” But my mom angrily shoved the camera at him before hastily leaving the room through the kitchen so she wouldn’t have to walk past us. Seconds later we all heard her heavy footsteps on the stairs followed by the slamming of my parents’ bedroom door.
“I’m sorry,” my dad looked at the four of us apologetically. Ethan took Liang’s hand and exited the room the same way our mother had and then disappeared out the front door without so much as a word to anyone. I heard my dad let out a deep breath and force a smile. “So, can I take a couple pictures?”
“Of course,” Jackson replied, trying to ignore what had just transpired.
***
The smaller gym was decorated with multi-colored Christmas lights and streamers. It was a gaudy display that resembled the work of some ill-talented high school students on the entertainment committee. The Christmas tree in the corner was the only artfully decorated piece in the room. On the opposite side of the gym were tables with punch, cookies, and holiday cupcakes.
The place was crowded and stuffy as the Christmas formal was open to all students unlike the prom held later in the spring. Students of all grades were jammed together and the noise was deafening. I stood between Jackson and Jenna, looking over the crowd, thinking how much I wanted to be anywhere other than here, except perhaps my own home.
“Are you all right?” Jackson inquired.
“Yes, it’s a little stuffy in here,” I casually remarked. I didn’t want him to know how dreadful this evening was.
“Look. There’s Caitlyn. Oh, I love her dress,” Jenna proclaimed, dragging Kyle and me with her. I grabbed Jackson’s hand and tugged him along.
Caitlyn was standing off to the side of the crowd looking bored in her short navy blue dress. Her hair hung loosely around her bare shoulders. She spotted us as we approached and greeted us with a smile that reached up to her eyes. “Finally, I was beginning to think you guys weren’t coming.”
“I told you we were going to have dinner first,” Jenna explained. “Where’s Zak?”
“Getting us some punch. It’s absolutely stifling in here. I can’t breathe.” She was fanning herself with a paper plate.
“Would you like to dance?” Jackson whispered.
I nodded and he led me away from our friends.
“Are you sure you want to be here?” The music had slowed down and he wrapped him arms around me. I draped mine over his neck and rested my head on his chest.
“Not really, but we can’t just leave Jenna and Kyle stranded.”
“I am sure they can ride home with your brother and Liang,” he said snidely.
“Probably, but who is going to ask them?” I giggled with sarcasm. “It doesn’t matter anyway. I don’t want to go home right now, or ever for that matter. I hate being in that place. It’s like walking around on eggshells waiting for a bomb to drop.”
“I am so sorry, my love. I feel like this is all my fault.”
“Don’t say that. You are the best thing in my life and I cannot imagine living without you.” I looked up into his shinning emerald eyes. “I wish we could leave for Boston right now.”
“We will be leaving in a few more hours my love.”
“No, that’s not what I meant. I wish we were already married, starting BU and didn’t have to worry about this place ever again.”
“Family is very important, darling. I hope you do not choose to dismiss them so easily.”
“It is not I who has dismissed them, they have dismissed me.” It hurt to admit.
“Not your father. Do not do that to him, he loves you so much,” Jackson said in a comforting tone.
“You know Jenna is getting almost as bad as my mother and Ethan. We had an argument this evening about you. I’m just so sick of all the fighting and tension. I don’t know how I am going to make it to graduation.” I held him even closer to me as if I could feel the security of his love surrounding me.
***
It was a little after eleven when we parted ways with Jenna and Kyle in Jackson’s driveway. They wished us a safe and happy trip but it was cold and distant, lacking all the warmth of our former friendship. Kyle, at least, was genuine in his well wishes before they crossed the street and headed towards Jenna’s house.
“See what I mean?” I asked as we walked up the path to his front door.
“Yes, I do.” Jackson opened the front door and stepped aside for me to pass. “I’m so sorry that it has turned out this way.”
Jackson made us some hot coco and joined me in the family room. I was warming myself by the hearth and admiring their beautifully decorated Christmas tree. He set our mugs down on the coffee table and wrapped his arms around my waist. “Feeling better?”
“Yes.”
“Good, I am glad.” He leaned down and kissed me softly.
“Where are your parents? The house is so quiet.” I hadn’t realized it was until that moment.
“I would imagine they went to bed hours ago. They always like to get a full night’s sleep before heading to Boston. It is such a long ride.” He kissed me softly again. “Have I told you how beautiful you look this evening? I love this gown on you.”
“Thank you. It belongs to my sister. She left it behind when she went to college. I wanted to get something new, but it is not like I can ask my mom these days to go shopping with me.” I tried to laugh but it didn’t come across well. “Thankfully, Sidney has fabulous taste in clothes.” I ran my hands over the soft silk black material. It was a simple dress that accented my figure very nicely. It had spaghetti
straps and came down a few inches above my knees. There was nothing glamorous about it, which is what made it so perfect for me.
“You do know that my mother would be more than happy to take you. I believe she really misses shopping with Phoebe. The two of them practically lived at the mall.”
“Thanks, I just may do that sometime.” I smiled up into his emerald eyes.
We stood there for several minutes without speaking. The only light in the room was from the burning embers and the soft white Christmas tree lights. It was so romantic. I could not possibly think of anything that could make this moment better.
Jackson leaned down and kissed me deeply then paused a moment and kissed my forehead lightly. “You know, Jocelyn, there is still one more thing we need to take care of before we leave for Boston.” My favorite lop-sided grin slid across his lips as he bent down on one knee holding my hands in his. “Ms. Jocelyn Timmons, I cannot believe that I was so fortunate to find you in one of my lives, but knowing that I have the honor to love you in both my lives makes me the happiest, luckiest, and most proud man in this world. I love you Jocelyn and I would be honored it you would be my bride.”
“Yes . . . yes, of course!”
Jackson reached into the inside pocket of his jacket and pulled out a little black velvet box. Inside was an amazing white gold diamond ring. It was not too flashy, but there was nothing simple about it. “This belonged to my grandmother. She and my grandfather were married for sixty-seven years. So I thought it would be perfect for you. I hope you like it,” he said nervously.
“I love it. It’s so beautiful.” He carefully slid it on my ring finger.
“I love you,” he whispered, standing before me.
“I love you, too,” I whispered back and wrapped my arms around him. I kissed him passionately as he lifted me into his arms and carried me over to the couch. He sat down with me on his lap. I ran my fingers through his hair and got swept away by the desire between us. I knew I could never tire of him.
“I really have to go home.” I reluctantly pulled my lips from his. “I’m still not done packing and we’re leaving in a few hours.” A smile was plastered across my face.
Perception Page 19
