Moon Over Alcatraz

by Patricia Yager Delagrange

  “I’m so happy, Cece, I’m coming out of my skin.” I paused. “Hey, are you still up for going into the city to look for my wedding dress?”

  She nodded. “Anytime. Perry says he can take care of both kids. But you still want Stephanie to look after Jessica, right?”

  “I think two babies would be too much for Perry. Not that he couldn’t handle it, but it’s a lot if you’re not used to it.”

  She laughed out loud. “I told him I’d ask you just to make sure you hadn’t changed your mind.” She lowered her voice though Perry wasn’t at home. “He’d go crazy taking care of the two of them. What if they both started crying at the same time? I could just hear it now, both our cell phones ringing while you’re in the middle of trying on your wedding dress. And Perry would want us to get home as soon as we could.”

  I grinned knowingly. “Tell me about it.” I paused and glanced out the window.

  “What’s wrong?”

  I looked over at her. “Carol Smith is pregnant with Weston’s child,” I blurted out.

  She leaned forward and stared at me. “You’re shitting me.”

  I shook my head. “I’m perfectly serious. And, I signed her book.”

  “No way! I hope you wrote, ‘To Carol. May you rot in hell.”

  I shook my head again. “No. I was the bigger person. I signed ‘Congratulations to a perfect couple’.”

  She tucked herself back into the cushions and smirked. “You are so bad, Brandy.”

  “Actually, I feel very lucky I didn’t take him back, Cece. I guess he was never in it for the long haul. He’d never have stayed with me and Jessica. Someone else besides Carol would have piqued his interest.”

  “So you’re all right with it?” she asked, frowning.

  I pursed my lips for a second, thinking. “You know, someone sent me an e-mail the other day. It said something like, ‘True love is an acceptance of all that is, has been, will be, and will not be.’ It went on to say the happiest people don’t necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the best of everything they have.”

  Chapter 59

  After discussing my plan with Stephanie, we agreed to have our shopping day the following weekend. Perry would take care of Amylynn, and Stephanie would babysit Jessica. Cecilia and I had the entire day free to shop and have lunch, knowing the children would be happy and well cared for.

  On Saturday I pulled up in front of Cecilia’s house at ten in the morning. She rushed out the front door, purse in hand, opened the car door and slid into the passenger seat.

  “Man, am I ready for an entire day of girl time,” she said with a huge sigh.

  I smiled as I backed the car out of the driveway. “Do you have your cell phone? Just in case Perry needs to ask you something.”

  She gave me a withering look. “For a moment I thought about ‘accidentally’ leaving it on the counter.”

  I glanced over at her and raised my eyebrows.

  She opened her purse and took out her Blackberry, shaking it from side to side. “Couldn’t do it. The guilt would overwhelm me and I wouldn’t be able to have any fun.” She touched my forearm. “And today is all about having fun.”

  I shook my head, chuckling. “The bride and maid of honor do San Francisco.”

  “Brandy and Cece do San Francisco? Somehow that doesn’t sound as racy as Debbie does Dallas or whatever that porno flick is.”

  I burst out laughing. “You never actually saw it, did you?” I asked, merging into the line of cars entering the Posey Tube leading out of Alameda.

  “Never. Speaking of which, are you planning to buy any racy underwear to go with your wedding gown?”

  I could feel my face fall, the smile disappearing within seconds.

  “Brandy, what’s wrong? Did I say something to hurt your feelings?”

  I could feel her watching me in my peripheral vision and shot a quick glance her way. “No, it’s just…Am I being weird going out and looking for a wedding gown when my fiancé is in a coma?”

  “No. You believe he’s going to wake up, don’t you?”

  “You know I do.”

  “Okay. Then what’s wrong with buying the dress a little earlier. You’ll need it eventually. And unless you plan on gaining a bunch of weight and not fit into your clothes then put the damn dress in the closet and it’ll be there when you need it.”

  A tear escaped down my cheek and dripped off my chin. “I miss him so much.”

  She put her hand on my shoulder and gave it a squeeze. “Of course you do,” she whispered. “And you do an excellent job of holding your emotions in most of the time, too.”

  I nodded, my lower lip quivering. “Yeah, I do.”

  “And that’s not always a good thing, Bran. You’ve got to let your hair down sometimes.” She paused. “I’m always here for you.”

  “You’re the best friend I’ve ever had, Cece.” I slowed down to pay the bridge toll.

  “Which is why I plan to be your maid of honor. And why I just bought the most beautiful dress you’ll ever see, except you can’t lay eyes on it until your wedding day.”

  I gunned the engine out of the toll plaza and joined the line of traffic waiting at the metering lights at the base of the bridge span. I turned my head in her direction as she looked out her side window.

  “What are you talking about? You already got your dress?”

  “Yep. And guess where I bought it?”

  “Melanie’s Boutique on Park Street.”

  She slapped the dashboard with her hand. “How the heck would you know that? Did Perry say something to you?”

  I shook my head. “No, he did not. Come on now. It’s your favorite place to shop whenever you have to buy something really special.”

  “Anyway, you’re not allowed to see it, so don’t ask any more questions, okay?”

  I ignored her playfully and pointed out the window. “Look at the new span.”

  “And to think Weston is the lead structural engineer on that project. He must make some bank,” she commented.

  I nodded. “His alimony payments arrive on time every month. And did I tell you the house sold in San Francisco? After splitting the profit I can buy his share of the house in Alameda and I’ll own it free and clear.”

  “You’re really fortunate your divorce was one of the friendly ones.”

  “Yeah, but after the divorce was final he and I have had a few nasty episodes. He tried to kiss me on my birthday when he knew I was engaged and Edward was in a coma.”

  “I know. What a shithead.” She paused. “He’s still in love with you, Brandy.”

  “Whatever.” I glanced out my side window. “Hundreds of sailboats are out. And you can see Alcatraz Island—no fog today.”

  She looked out her side window then tapped on the glass. “All those prison blocks. Man, the stories they could tell, huh?”

  “Forever hidden in stone. Hey, that sounds like a great title for a book.”

  We turned toward each other at the same time and smiled. Turning my attention back to driving, I took the next exit and made my way to the parking lot behind Nordstrom’s. We took the escalator to the third floor and headed toward the bridal section. A Bride’s Advisor scurried over to us as we passed under the arched doorway leading to the inner sanctum. I immediately veered off toward a mannequin on a pedestal located in the center of the room.

  I could hear Cecilia talking with the Advisor, but I was so entranced with the dress their words didn’t register. I knew instantly this was “the one.” It was off-white, sleeveless, the bodice covered in hundreds of tiny pearls and sparkly faux diamonds, the waist tapered then flared out slightly in a creamy see-through silk material.

  “That’s it, isn’t it?” Cecilia asked.

  “Yeah, it is.” I turned to the Bride’s Advisor, Kimmee, her name tag read. “The material covering the bottom half of the dress is gorgeous but I can see right through it. Is there something I’d wear underneath?”

  Kimmee’s smi
le went from ear to ear, her straight, whitened teeth gleamed beneath the muted lighting. I’d bet she could feel the vibes of a future sale. “Yes, ma’am. That’s the beauty of this dress, which is a Versace, but I’m sure you already knew that. We advise you to wear Versace cream tights underneath. I can see you have a beautiful figure. I know you’ll look absolutely stunning in this dress. Would you like to try it on?”

  Cecilia fingered the price tag hanging from the back zipper. Her eyebrows shot up but I didn’t ask her the price. This was “it” for me. I wanted this to be the dress of all dresses, one that would stand out forever in Edward’s mind.

  Turning to Kimmee, I gave her one of my own gleaming smiles. “I’d love to try it on. And could you bring me a pair of tights. I’d like to get a look at the total picture.”

  We followed her into a room the size of my front room, every inch of the walls covered in mirrors. I’d never seen myself reflected in so many different angles. I would know right away whether the dress was the size and style for my figure. She left us for a few seconds before returning with a pair of cream silk tights then closed the door behind her.

  Cecilia and I looked at each other and burst out laughing. I’d never pictured myself here, with my best friend, about to try on a Versace wedding gown. I knew Cecilia was bursting inside to tell me what it cost.

  Standing in the middle of the huge dressing room with nothing on but the tights, I stepped into the gown then she zipped it up the back. It felt like a second skin, hugging my breasts and waist in a comfortable snugness, the deeply cut bodice revealing more cleavage than I’d expected. I stared at myself in the mirrors, turning left and right, then noticed Cecilia’s face, where she stood next to me. Tears were coursing down her cheeks.

  “What’s wrong? Do I look that bad?”

  She shook her head. “You look like the only woman who should wear that dress. It’s lovely. And so are you.”

  “Thank you.” My vision blurred with tears. “I love it, too.”

  She touched my forearm and I looked at her in the mirror, our reflections surrounding us in every direction. It seemed as if the room was crowded with a dozen people. “Why are you crying?” she asked.

  “Right before my mom died she said, ‘Brandy,’ and her voice had this little quiver to it, you know? She said, ‘Promise me you’ll spend some of your inheritance on something you really want, just for yourself that’ll make you happy. Then I’ll be happy too.’ We all knew she was dying and it was one of the hardest things for me to look her in the eyes and make that promise.” I paused and swiped at my cheeks with my fingertips.

  “A promise is a promise, Bran.” She bent her head up toward the ceiling and closed her eyes. “This is for you, Mom,” she said then looked over at me.

  I nodded. “This is for Mom.” I turned in a full circle. “Don’t you think it’s perfect?”

  There was a knock at the door and Kimmee popped her head in with a smile. I turned toward her and smiled back. “Can we have a few more minutes? I want to walk around, see how it’ll look when I’m going down the aisle.”

  “Take as much time as you need. I won’t bother you again. Just ring the bell over there.” She pointed toward a button on the wall near a telephone stand. “Whenever you’re ready. I’ll be just outside,” she added, closing the door.

  “I almost forgot.” I gestured toward my purse and satchel on a chair. “I grabbed my favorite heels before I left. They’re the perfect height.”

  Cecilia took them out of the bag and brought them over to me. “We can look for shoes to match the dress after lunch.”

  I heard the Fergie ringtone of my cell phone in my purse. Cecilia rushed over and brought it over to where I stood. I flipped it open, noticing the caller i.d. spelled out “HOME.”

  “Hi, Steph. Everything okay?”

  “He’s awake, Brandy.”

  Confused, I asked, “Who’s awake? What are you talking about?”

  “Dr. McBride just phoned and thought you’d want to know. Edward came out of the coma.”

  I closed my cell phone and looked at Cecilia’s face in the mirror, my mouth half-open.

  She knew before my brain could fully register what I’d just heard. “Edward woke up from his coma, didn’t he?”

  I nodded and covered my stomach with my hand, feeling nauseous. My head felt as if I’d just taken an elevator to the fortieth floor in less than five seconds. The mirrors surrounding me twirled round and round like a carousel, little black dots blocked my vision and I fell to the floor.

  Chapter 60

  A cool cloth lay on my forehead. I opened my eyes and glanced up, not recognizing the cream-colored ceiling and antique light fixture. Warm hands held mine and I turned my head. Cecilia was sitting next to where I was lying on the floor.

  “What happened?” I whispered.

  “You fainted. Right after you talked to Stephanie.”

  I noticed Kimmee standing next to Cecilia, her brows furrowed. “Should I call nine-one-one?”

  “Absolutely not,” I answered, struggling to sit up.

  “Are you sure?” Cecilia said, grasping my arm to help me.

  I glanced at her and smiled. “Absolutely sure. I’ve got to get home.”

  I stood up and looked around the room to see if I felt dizzy. “I’m fine. I didn’t eat much this morning and with all the excitement, finding this dress, the phone call…”

  Kimmee’s expression brought a smile to my face. She looked like a lost puppy. “Let me give you my credit card, Kimmee. I’m in a hurry.”

  Her demeanor quickly changed from serious to overjoyed. This would be quite a commission for her. Cecilia searched in my purse for my wallet, extracted my Visa card and glanced over at me. I nodded and she handed the card to Kimmee.

  “I’ll be right back with the sales slip,” she said, rushing out of the dressing room.

  Cecilia unzipped the back of the dress and slid if down off my hips. I carefully stepped out of it while resting my hand on her shoulder so as not to fall. Kimmee scurried back into the room, handed me a pen, and I signed the slip. She pulled the receipt apart, handing me the yellow copy.

  “I can have the dress sent to your house this week.” She paused and smiled. “No charge.”

  “Thank you. That would be most convenient.”

  She exited the room, and I hurried to get dressed while Cecilia grabbed my shoes, stuffed them in the satchel and brought my purse to me.

  “Ready to blow this place?” she asked.

  Smiling, I said, “Let’s jam. You drive.”

  We raced to the parking lot and I threw her the car keys as we approached the Mercedes. We jumped in the car and she sped down the street. The slate-gray towers of the Bay Bridge soared above us. We headed for home, my mind a whirlwind of thoughts and hopes and questions concerning Edward’s condition.

  “Do you want to drop me off at your house then you can drive straight to Pleasanton?”

  “If you don’t mind. Stephanie planned on babysitting most of the day anyway.”

  “Don’t worry. Stay as long as you want. I can always bring Jessica to my house until you get back home.”

  I touched her arm. “Thank you.” I looked out the window at the white caps popping out of the waters of San Francisco Bay, the bright blue sky, the sailboats tacking back and forth. “I’m so scared for him, Cecilia. What if he’s paraplegic or quadriplegic? What if he doesn’t want to be with me because he’ll think I’m staying with him out of pity or something?”

  She took hold of my hand and squeezed. “Remember what I told you about not torturing yourself with what-if’s. Just wait until you have all the facts. Then deal with it.” She gave my hand another squeeze. “You’re not a wuss, Brandy. You’re a strong-willed woman. You and Edward will make it through whatever gets thrown at you. Stop anticipating the worse. Expect the best.”

  I turned to face her profile and watched Alcatraz Island disappear from view. “I know you’re right. It’s just…�
� My heart pounded in my chest. I felt like I’d come right out of my skin, I was so nervous. “I want to be there right now. I can’t wait to see him.”

  We made it to my house in twenty minutes, and I slid over into the driver’s seat and took hold of the steering wheel. Cecilia bent down and gave me a kiss on the cheek. “Now stop worrying. Chin up. Smile on your face. Your fiancé just woke up from being in a coma for almost three months. This is a good day.” She gestured toward the street. “Now get outta here.”

  I grinned and made a u-turn at the end of the street so I could take the tube out of Alameda and make it to Pleasanton as quickly as possible. Every possible scenario played in my head. Would he be able to talk? What about walking, or using his arms? There were so many things that could be non-functioning. And for how long? Forever? A few months?

  I drove as fast as traffic would allow and screeched into the back parking lot of the care facility, jumped out of the car, pressed the key fob to lock the car then ran through the front doors, past the receptionist and halted several feet from his room.

  Dr. McBride was just exiting his room and looked up from the medical chart she held in her hands. “You got my message,” she said.

  I gave her a half-smile. “How’s he doing?”

  She looked me in the eyes. “He’s talking but he doesn’t recall being shot.” She paused. “I don’t know whether that’s a blessing or not.”

  “Is he able to move? I mean, is he paraplegic, quadriplegic?”

  She gestured for me to join her in the waiting room across the hall. “We plan to take an MRI tomorrow morning but at this moment his mental capacities seem unimpaired though there are still additional tests we’d like to perform this week. His hands, arms, feet, and legs are responding to our standard test stimulation. Again, we’ll be able to perform a more thorough evaluation this week. I want to bring in additional specialists to complete our examination.”

  “May I see him?”

  “Of course. Don’t stay too long, though. All of our poking and prodding has taken its toll. He appears tired.” She touched my forearm and smiled. “I have to tell you, this is a miracle. It just proves we have less knowledge about comatose patients than all the medical information we do have. We’re still flying by the seat of our pants on a lot of these cases. And Edward is only one of many.” She paused then added, “He’s a lucky man.”