Broken (Endurance)

by Thomas, April

  "Sure, no problem."

  "No fear, the best man is here!" Tamarius announced playfully as he entered the room.

  "Finally," Maxwell replied.

  "Ah, look at you… a nervous wreck. I remember my wedding day as if it were yesterday..."

  "It was yesterday," Maxwell mumbled.

  "Hey, don't be nervous. Cressida is a beautiful woman and you two will live a long, beautiful life." Tamarius placed his hand on his brother’s shoulder.

  Maxwell relaxed. Just having his brother there was comfort enough. "Thanks, Tampon." Maxwell smiled.

  "Tampon?" David laughed.

  "Anytime, Maxi Pad," Tamarius snapped back while everyone laughed.

  "Hey, Dad, are you almost ready?" Max asked, walking into the room.

  "Yeah. How are the women?"

  "Cressida looks breathtaking as always. They all do. She’s is nervous too, so you’re not alone."

  Max smiled at his dad.

  "Well, I’m ready to head over to the church," Maxwell said. "Oh, I gave Nelson Mei and Uriel's birthday gifts."

  "Ah, Dad you didn't have to. We understood you were busy." Max gave his dad a hug.

  "I didn't want her to think I’d forgotten."

  "Well, we had a nice party for her and Uriel at the college. Don't stress yourself with that. Just enjoy your day."

  "Let’s get going." David glanced at his watch.

  Down the hall Cressida stood in Mei's suite crying and laughing. Her emotions were on a rollercoaster.

  Mei sat next to her and rubbed her back. "Do you not want to get married?" she asked.

  "No, I do want to get married to Maxwell. I'm just... I wish my mom could be here and I wish my dad wasn't a jerk."

  "Hey, I’m the queen of screwed up parents. As we speak my mom is trying to work out a marriage with Thomas," Mei informed her.

  "Oh, my goodness. Are you serious?" Cressida placed her hand on her chest.

  "We’re all human and we make mistakes. I know that you and dad will be very happy together."

  "I'm scared," Cressida whined.

  Makayla, Jasmine and Cora all gathered around her. "Baby, we are all scared. We wait our whole lives for a decent guy. Some of us got it right the first time around, some of us didn't. Some of us are still trying to run away. We’re all scared. Tamarius still scares me. In the back of my mind I'm just waiting for him to wake up one day and be like, ‘what the heck was I thinking?’" Makayla said, smiling. "In the end, don't you want to just be happy that you shared your life with someone you love... no matter what happens?"

  "Yeah, I can't walk away from him," Cressida admitted.

  "Neither could we. That’s why we’re here," Mei said.

  "Cressida, don't be a chicken like me. I gave Nelson hell," Cora added.

  "Oh, he's fine. Now we know for sure he's serious," Jasmine said.

  "Okay. Mei, can you fix my make up? I'm ready to get my man." Cressida wiped away her tears.

  "That’s my girl. Lock him down," Jasmine said as they all began to assist Cressida with her dress and make up.

  A few blocks away Peter Martinez was at the church again to marry yet another nephew. Tamarius and Maxwell laughed and joked with their uncle while Max and Nelson waited outside the church for the bride and her entourage. They watched as the limo turned the corner, slowly making its approach.

  Max stepped closer to Nelson. "So, did you and Cora talk?"

  "No, not really."

  "I think she is coming around now," Max replied.

  "I can only pray that she does."

  "Hey, I'm sure she's worth it." Max smacked Nelson on the shoulder.

  "Ow!" Nelson laughed as he walked to the limo that was pulling up to the curb. He opened the limo door and was happy to see that the first hand to pop out of the limo was Cora's. He smiled as he took her hand and helped her out of the limo. "You look beautiful." Nelson smiled and kissed her on the cheek.

  "Ladies, nice of you to bless us with your presence," Max teased. He poked his head in the limo and reached out to help Jasmine step out onto the curb then Makayla. Max put his hand out again, waiting for Mei or Cressida to take it. When neither of them did, he looked inside.

  "One sec, babe. I just need to touch up her make up," Mei told Max as she gently patted under Cressida's eyes with a soft cloth.

  "Hurry up before Dad passes out," Max said jokingly.

  "See how fast the romance is gone? Maybe we should all take tips from Cora," Mei joked back.

  "Romance," Max snorted.

  "Okay, I need to see you in the sunlight," Mei said to Cressida.

  Max helped Cressida out of the limo and quickly reached in for his wife before closing the door. "I could just eat you up," he said, kissing her cheek carefully so as not to mess up her make up.

  "I think you had enough last night." Mei smiled. "Is Uriel okay?"

  "Yeah, Anna has him. She’s chasing him around the church."

  "I should go get him."

  "You’re busy."

  "Cressida, let me see you," Mei requested, stepping towards Cressida. "Okay, you’re perfect. Are you ready?"

  "Yeah. Who is going to give me away?" Cressida asked.

  "I will."

  Everyone spun around to see a slender man with dark hair wearing a dark suit. Cressida's mouth dropped as she looked at her older brother.

  "Jackson?" Cressida smiled.

  "I was in town visiting some friends when I heard a rumor. My little sister is getting ready to marry Maxwell Martinez." Jackson gave his sister a hug and kiss.

  "You look beautiful, angel," Harmony said from her wheelchair.

  "You brought Mom?" Cressida rushed to hug her mother.

  Cressida was both happy and alarmed. If her brother was here, her father could not be that far behind. Although her mother put up a cheerful front, she seemed to be very nervous about something.

  "We should line up," Jasmine said to Cressida.

  "I'll go get the rest of the guys," Max said as he walked past Cora and Nelson who seemed to be in their own realm, deep in conversation.

  Max quickly returned with David and Tamarius. "Okay, let’s do this."

  Maxwell stood at the front of the church. His heart leaped in his chest as the front doors opened. He smiled as he watched the flower girl and the ring bearer walk down the aisle together. He secretly wished his grandson was old enough to be the ring bearer. Next to walk in was the procession of bridesmaids and groomsmen. Behind them walked Tamarius and Makayla. Finally, Maxwell was happy to see his bride, but confused about who was walking her down the aisle. Maxwell couldn't believe his eyes. Jackson Dash was walking his sister down the aisle. Instantly his eyes searched for Charleston.

  Cressida made it to the front of the church and her brother faced Maxwell and sized him up. Maxwell held himself back, not wanting to create a scene. He smiled at his bride as he reached out for her.

  Cressida took Maxwell's hand and stepped up to face him.

  Maxwell instinctively wanted to wrap his arms around Cressida and protected her from the evil that lurked around her.

  "What is going on?" he asked.

  "He came out of nowhere," Cressida replied.

  "Who cares? You look amazing." Maxwell smiled and held her hand.

  "Son, are you ready?" Peter asked.

  "Yes," Cressida and Maxwell answered.

  Peter opened with a powerful prayer, asking God to bless their marriage and their lives. He then cleared his throat and began. "We are gathered here today, on this joyous occasion, to join this man and this woman in holy matrimony."

  Charleston sat, inconspicuous, amongst the crowd of people who happily watched Maxwell and Cressida's wedding. He was angry that Maxwell had followed through and was indeed marrying his daughter. Abruptly he stood up and objected to the wedding. The church grew silent as everyone turned to stare at him.

  "I will handle this," Tamarius said. He unbuttoned the top button of his suit and walked towards Charleston.r />
  Makayla shook her head and smirked knowing what her husband was about to do.

  Tamarius walked up to the middle of the church and stopped at the row where Charleston sat. Excusing himself as he made his way past some young woman who blushed as he passed her, he made his way down the row and reached Charleston who did not know what to expect from Tamarius, but was sure he could take him.

  "Can I help you?" Tamarius questioned calmly.

  "My daughter is not marrying that ...."

  "Please, sir, you’re going to have to calm down." Tamarius kept his tone serene, but deadly serious.

  "What are you going to do about it?"

  Tamarius placed his hand on Charleston's neck and gave it a sudden and powerful pinch. Charleston instantly lost consciousness and fell back into the pew. Tamarius propped him up in his seat and apologized to the blushing ladies sitting next to Charleston.

  Jackson was making his way to his father as Tamarius passed him.

  "Everything is okay. Please continue," Tamarius said, taking his place next to his brother.

  The rest of the wedding ceremony went on without any further protest. Cressida and Maxwell were happy to be married. They had a private wedding party at home. The guest enjoyed the beautiful Christmas decorations. All the children couldn't take there eyes off of the fifteen-foot Christmas tree overflowing with all sorts of gifts.

  Charleston was banned from the wedding party and Jackson refused to attend, taking his mother back to the home to spite his sister.

  Maxwell promised Cressida he would get her mother out of that home. Although Cressida was happy, she was sad she couldn’t spend more time with her mother. It was late and most of the party quests had left when Cressida decided to change out of her wedding dress. She carefully made her way up the grand stairs when her cell phone began to vibrate in the little purse she carried with her. She stopped to answer the phone, not bothering to see who was calling. She froze at the sound of her father's voice.

  "What do you want?" Cressida asked.

  "Honey, I'm sorry for the way I’ve treated you lately. I want to apologize for everything," Charleston said.

  "Dad, you tried to object to my wedding. Who the hell even does that anymore?" Cressida replied.

  "I was upset and I handled things poorly. Please accept my apology. You’re my only daughter and I don't want to lose you."

  "It's too late for that." Cressida walked to her suite.

  "Please, I would like to talk with you in person. Can you meet me in town tomorrow?"

  "Tomorrow is Christmas and I will be spending it with my family," Cressida snapped.

  "Family? Cressida, I'm your father. You mean everything to me please. Okay, why don't you come by afterwards so that we can talk?"

  "I guess that would be okay, Dad," Cressida said, rolling her eyes.

  "Great, well I will see you then," Charleston said, hanging up the phone.

  Cressida made sure the call had indeed ended. "I'm not falling for that one," she said, walking into her room.

  "Falling for what?" Maxwell asked, coming up behind her.

  "It's nothing, just a telemarketer," Cressida lied.

  "Do you need help?" Maxwell asked.

  "Well, of course I do." Cressida smiled.

  "What did your father say?" Maxwell asked, as he pulled the zipper down on Cressida's wedding dress.

  "How did you know I was speaking to my dad?" Cressida asked.

  "I wasn't born yesterday."

  Cressida turned to face him. "He wants to meet with me to talk. Don't worry it's not going to happen."

  "Good."

  "Did all the guests leave?" Cressida asked.

  "I think Max and Mei are still entertaining a few, but everyone seems to be leaving."

  "I was just going to change and go back down." Cressida pulled her dress down.

  "I don't think you’re going to make it." Maxwell took off his shirt as he walked towards Cressida.

  Christmas

  Christmas morning was a big event in the Martinez household. While everyone was still asleep, Winston made sure the house was prepared for the family. The chef was busy in the kitchen preparing Christmas breakfast while the servants were all busy preparing the house for the family. They were excited knowing that every Christmas Maxwell and Tamarius gave each and every one of them amazing gifts. This year he would be sending them on an all expense paid, three-week vacation with pay, to any destination of their choice, and a five thousand dollar Christmas bonus.

  Tamarius woke up early to slip a diamond tennis bracelet on his wife's wrist as she slept. He then settled back into bed looking up at the ceiling. He began to drift back to sleep when Makayla kissed him all over his face. She straddled him as she looked at the stunning fourteen-karat gold, fifteen-carat diamond tennis bracelet.

  Tamarius smiled as he grabbed her thighs. "I'm guessing you like it." He smiled.

  "I love you. Thank you." She hugged him.

  "That's just one of your gifts."

  "I want you to open one of yours." Makayla got off of him and walked to the walk-in closet. She pulled out a large stainless steel box. She returned to the room as Tamarius stretched and walked to the bathroom to brush his teeth.

  "Give me a minute." He held up one finger.

  "Okay."

  Makayla sat on the bed, anxiously waiting for him to come out of the bathroom.

  Tamarius walked over to his wife who couldn't help but smile. "Please tell me it's not tools." He looked at the box.

  "Sit down, crazy."

  Tamarius smiled at Makayla, enjoying her excitement as he sat next to her.

  Makayla turned to him, holding the box. "Okay, this is part wedding gift, part Christmas gift since we really didn't do the whole gift thing. I hope you like it." She handed him the box.

  Tamarius looked at his wife lovingly. "I love anything you give me."

  "Yeah, right. Open it," Makayla joked.

  "Yeah, right. You’re a nut." Tamarius flipped the latch and opened the box. "Holy... mother of pearls, or should I say diamonds?" he exclaimed. His eyes were dazzled by a beautiful sixteen carat, yellow gold bracelet. "This is too much. When did you...."

  "You like it?"

  "Like it? I've never... oh my... never receive something like this before. It’s amazing. Now I know how you chicks feel." He laughed. "Thank you, baby." He leaned over to kiss his wife.

  "Put it on," Makayla demanded. "Let me help you."

  Tamarius pulled out the bracelet and put the box aside, handing the bracelet to Makayla. She anxiously placed the bracelet on his wrist and admired it. "I don't know. I walked into the store and this one was calling to me. I couldn't ignore it, even after he told me the price." Makayla smiled, still looking down at the bracelet.

  Tamarius pulled her close to him as he lay back on the bed. "It’s a great gift, but nothing compares to having you as my wife."

  Makayla looked up in to his face. "Do you truly mean that?"

  "Yes, I do."

  Makayla smiled as she lay on his chest. Christmas was already opening to a great start for Makayla and Tamarius.

  Max and Mei were also having a great morning. Mei was still admiring her gift of a fourteen-carat diamond and white gold necklace with a matching bracelet.

  Max was enjoying his canary yellow thirteen-carat diamond necklace that Mei had surprised him with.

  "I can't believe you got me this," Mei said.

  "I can't believe you got me this."

  "I'm glad you like it."

  "I have another big gift for you downstairs. Let's get dressed. Winston should be waking us up soon," Max replied. He jumped out of bed and walked into his son's room.

  Uriel was still asleep. Max leaned over his crib and gently rubbed his back until he quietly awoke. Uriel stretched in his crib as though enjoying the comfort of a plush mattress and comforters. "I know that crib in the hut must be uncomfortable," Max whispered to his son.

  "Is he awake?" Mei asked, com
ing closer to Max.

  "Just waking up. Babe, do you think we should take this crib back with us? He looks so

  comfortable."

  "Yeah, but he's two now. Maybe we should start looking into a toddler bed for him," Mei suggested, thinking of the next baby that was already on his way.