Cross Climax II

by Tiana Laveen

  A hush came over the audience until someone yelled, “You better say yes to that sexy man, or I will!” Everyone laughed.

  “Yes!” Angel replied.

  “Say it again!” Julia screamed, wiping tears from her face.

  “Not everyone heard you!”

  “I said ‘yes!’” Angel yelled happily. The audience erupted, standing to its feet. Arashi took the ring out of the box and slid it on her finger. Angel looked down at it, her mouth open in awe.

  He stood up, taking her into his arms and kissed her. He leaned in close to her ear through all the applause and said, “I love you.

  You just made me the happiest man alive.” Angel kissed him again and said, “I can’t believe you did this. I don’t want to ever let you go.”

  “Let’s get off of this stage and celebrate more privately.”

  Arashi winked as he took her hand and exited the stage.

  “That’s all you think about now!” Angel laughed as they rounded back stage.

  “Before any of that happens, let me introduce you to my family and friends.” Angel took Arashi’s hand and led him to the back where a woman that was the spitting image of Angel sat.

  “Hello, Arashi,” the woman spoke. Her voice reminded Arashi of someone’s that would be on a relaxation tape. She wore a cream pant suit and pearl necklace.

  “Mom, this is Arashi,” Angel smiled. “Arashi, this is my brother, Jason, and my friend Carla.” They all responded “hello.”

  “Arashi, I was awestruck by your proposal to my daughter this evening. I look forward to getting to know you better. She speaks very highly of you.”

  “Thank you, Ms. Grace. I look forward to the same.”

  “Please, call me Angela,” she smiled.

  “You didn’t tell us your boyfriend was Chinese,” Angel’s brother said with a grimace stretching across his face.

  “I’m not,” corrected Arashi.

  “Well, you look it to me. Chimmy chimmy, choy choy!” the twenty-one year old laughed as he rubbed his 360 waves.

  “Jason!” their mother snapped.

  “Nah, Ma. Look at this.” Jason took a step back and pointed to Arashi. “You couldn’t find a Black man, Angel? I mean, seriously, fried rice in this motha fucka – roasted rat and thick bifocals. Homey, aren’t you late for your calculus class? Don’t ch’all have little dicks, too?

  How can you satisfy Angel? I mean, really!” Jason laughed.

  “Jason, shut up! You’re such an ass!” Angel yelled

  “Well, I like him,” Carla spoke up. “Regardless of his race, anyone that makes you this happy gets a gold star from me, Girl.”

  “Jason,” Arashi said. “I know what you don’t understand makes you uncomfortable, but no matter how hard you try, your behavior won’t upset me. Maybe if you spent less time trying to figure out what offensive, pretend cuisines to throw at me in order to impress Angel’s friend, Carla, here, you could instead find a way to better yourself so she’d at last take interest in you.”

  Angel moved to say something as Arashi stepped closer to Jason.

  Arashi put his finger up for her to wait.

  “Man, fuck you. I’ll knock your oriental ass,” Jason hissed.

  Arashi interrupted, “If you weren’t threatened by my being with your sister, you wouldn’t crack stereotypical jokes, and in case I’m speaking too fast for you, let me break it down so you can understand. I love with your sister. I’m going to marry her, and nothing you say or do is going to change that. Oh, and I’m Japanese, not Chinese. There are over twenty different Asian nationalities, and all you could come up with is Chinese and some made up words like “chimmy chimmy, choy choy”? Don’t you think you’re a little too old for such childishness?” Arashi asked.

  “What the fuck ever, man.” Jason rolled his eyes as irritation set in.

  “Ms. Grace – I’m sorry – Angela – what I’m about to say to your son may offend you, but I’d like to address another comment he made.”

  “Go right ahead, Arashi.” Angela crossed her arms and looked at her son in abhorrence.

  “Angel’s quite pleased with our sex life, and this little temper tantrum of yours has delayed my giving her more of just that.

  But I’m interested in understanding why you would be concerned about my penis size unless you’re into that sort of thing, of course?” Jason lunged at Arashi, Arashi caught his arm.

  “I’d rethink that if I were you. Next time we meet, don’t mistake me as someone who will take your shit and be soft.

  Respect your mother and sister enough to think before you speak.” Arashi forced Jason’s arm down, then took Angel’s hand and calmly walked away. Arashi opened his car door for Angel, then went around and got in himself.

  “I’m glad Julia dropped you off or you would’ve had to follow me home in your car,” Arashi said calmly. “This way we can enjoy the ride back home together.”

  “Arashi, I’m so sorry about my brother! He can be a real jerk sometimes!”

  “Don’t apologize for him. He’s a classic case. He’s a protective little brother, but his interest in your friend’s what really propelled his behavior. I’m not going to let his actions ruin our evening. This is a special night. You agreed to marry me!” Arashi smiled, turning out of the parking lot.

  “That’s what’s so funny! How did you know he had a crush on her? I never told you that.”

  “I’m a psychiatrist, remember?” Arashi smiled. “It’s basic human behavior. We all react pretty much the same, despite our cultural differences. When we’re threatened, jealous, insecure, showing off, or angry, it all looks the same. Only the skin color and language is different. I get paid to notice what others don’t.

  It’s a skill that can be used for evil versus good, though, like I had to do tonight,” he laughed.

  “I doubt he’ll be messing with you again! You’re Mr. Bad Ass,” Angel teased.

  “I can hold my own. I’d rather be holding you, though.”

  Arashi put on the brake, leaned over and kissed Angel. “I can’t wait to get you home and get you out of those clothes,” he smiled deviously.

  * * *

  June…

  “So, how do I put this on? It looks difficult.” Angel said as she held the fabric in the air. Arashi shook his head.

  “I told you that you’re your own woman. You didn’t have to appease my grandfather and dress like a Japanese bride. Now look at you,” he laughed.

  “I think it’s neat. I mean, some of my own customs will be in the wedding too, but this is kinda cool.”

  “OK, let’s go over this one more time for posterity.” Arashi took out a notebook while he propped his bare feet on the coffee table.

  “The shrine deposit’s taken care of. Do you have all three dresses, Angel?” Arashi looked over his glasses at her posing in their bedroom mirror.

  “Yes, I do,” she finally answered.

  “Let me read this to you again so you can understand what’s expected. My aunt’s going to paint your entire body white.

  Please don’t be offended by that, I told you it doesn’t mean you’re supposed to be a White woman,” Arashi laughed. Angel smirked and turned back to the mirror.

  “You know I’m not doing that. My skin’s too dark to pull it off. I’d look like I had been rolled in flour,” Angel laughed.

  “First you wear the white kimono and headpiece that we had made. There’s a white hood that attaches to it, kind of like a veil.

  I’ll have on a black kimono. Our families will face each other during the wedding. I know you hate sake, but you have to drink it. There are nine cups.

  You need to take a little sip out of all of them,” Arashi emphasized.

  “Oh, shit. I’m going to be drunk before we even get to the reception!” Angel laughed.

  “No, you won’t. I’ll have them watered down since you hate the taste so much. Your mom, my mom, and so on and so forth, all drink the sake as well. My father and you then need
to introduce everyone to one another.”

  “OK, so at the reception, I’m totally opposed to playing games. That’s just silly. Can’t we just have a traditional wedding reception?” Angel said, still trying to figure out her kimono veil.

  “Yes, we can. However, they’ll want to give us money, which is tradition. That evening we can stay here unless you want to go to a hotel. After that, I have our flight booked the following morning for our honeymoon.” Arashi took out an ink pen and started jotting down notes.

  “The cake’s taken care of. That lady was a real pain in the ass,” he added.

  “We can stay here that night. I’m so excited about going to Bora Bora, or did you change it to Thailand? Either way, I’m excited. I’ve never been to either before!”

  “Me too. Well, Baby, seven days until the big day.” Arashi got up from the couch. “You know you don’t need to put that on yourself, right? My mother, sister, and aunt will help you.

  Plus, the headpiece is rather awkward, so they’ll need to put that on you.” He walked up to Angel and kissed her cheek. “I can’t wait,” he whispered into her ear.

  “Since my lease ended at the townhouse, I have your house a mess.” Angel looked around at all the boxes in Arashi’s hallway.

  “Honey, you were going to have to move out anyway. We’re getting married. I think you miss your independence,” Arashi smiled.

  “Yeah, maybe. I’ve lived by myself since I was nineteen.

  This is different. I mean, it was one thing when we’d spend the night at each other’s houses. We still knew we had separate residences. Now I’m trying to get used to saying I live here.’”

  “Well, you do. This isn’t my home anymore – it’s ours.”

  Arashi stood up and took Angel in his arms. “This is our home, Angel. I want you to feel comfortable. I don’t want you to feel like you can’t be yourself here. I know it’s strange to be totally on your own then with someone under the same roof. I’m going through some adjustments myself, but I love it. I wouldn’t change it for the world.” King rushed up to them, begging to be petted. Angel smiled widely and kissed Arashi.

  “It’s this part of you that I fell in love with. You totally get me.”

  * * *

  Angel sat at the small, oak vanity. On her left was her mother, who wiped her tears.

  “Mom, you’re crying already, and the service hasn’t started.

  You’re going to make me cry too if you don’t stop,” Angel said.

  “I’m sorry, Honey. You just look so beautiful.” Angela patted her eyes with a tissue.

  “You look stunning,” Riko said as she carried in the elaborate headpiece. Gold and silver tassels dangled from it, bejeweled with ruby, diamond, gold, and sapphire embellishments.

  “Thank you,” Angel said weakly. Riko sighed and walked up behind Angel.

  “Angel, I want to apologize for how I acted when I first met you. I’m not used to…”

  “…to Black people?” Angel rolled her eyes.

  “Well, yes. When you’re not around someone, you just don’t know. You know? I’m really sorry,” Riko smiled sincerely. “I hope we can get to know one another and be close, like sisters. I always wanted a sister.”

  Angel smiled and said, “I’d like that.” Arashi’s mother came into the room with a large rose bouquet.

  “Look what Ellen dropped off? So pretty!” Angela looked at Arashi’s mother and huffed.

  She whispered to Angel, “I see the queen of drama now. If she does one thing to mess up this wedding, you’ll see a new side of me, Angel.”

  “Mom, that isn’t a new side. You might think it is.” They both laughed. Arashi’s mother raced over to them with a big grin.

  “Yes! Everyone laugh and have good time! Angel, my sister’s still helping to set up, so I’ll put your make-up on.” She reached for the bowl of white creamy powder.

  “Uh, that won’t be necessary, Mrs. Takahashi. I don’t think that would look good on me.” There was a moment of silence.

  “You know what Angel, you’re probably right,” she smiled.

  “I didn’t really think about it.

  How about a compromise? May I dab little on the back of your neck? That way, you can say you did have it on. It represents purity, like a virgin,” she asked.

  “Well, she surely shouldn’t have it on then,” Carla joked.

  “Shut up, Carla,” Angel laughed. “Yes, that’s fine Mrs.

  Takahashi.” Angel lifted her hair while Arashi’s mother gently applied a dime-sized circle of the white cream.

  “Angel, I want to tell you something, in front of all of these ladies. I am not a modern woman, Arashi is not a common man.

  He does his own thing, even as a little boy. Arashi’s a very strong man and stubborn. He never cares about what anyone thinks.” Angel smiled. “I know that I upset you greatly. I’m going to do the best I can, for Arashi’s sake, to be a good mother-in-law to you. Arashi and I had a long talk a few weeks ago. As you know, he wouldn’t speak to me after what happened at Thanksgiving. Arashi and I are very close.” Her eyes welled up with tears. “I realize – Arashi is grown. He’s not my little boy anymore. He can make his own choices. My eldest son, he’s my first. I have to give him to you. It’s your turn.

  One day you’ll understand this, Angel. When he and you have your first baby, you’ll understand. Arashi loves you, so I love you too. He chose you. He told me, 'Ma, I love Angel.'

  If you don’t accept Angel as my wife, then don’t ever contact me again. That hurt me, but I understand. He was right. I’m not to choose who he loves. I never meant to hurt you. You’re now my daughter, too. Please be patient with me.” Tears streamed down her butter-colored face. Angel stood up and hugged her mother-in-law. Riko wiped her eyes.

  “OK, OK. Enough of this mushy stuff. We have to get Angel ready. Everyone out that’s not in the wedding party or doing hair and make-up!” Riko barked.

  * * *

  Arashi sat in a small room and contemplated. He was dressed in his black kimono. He picked up the wedding band that he had chosen for Angel and studied it. Its perfection and tastefulness were paramount to Arashi. Morris, his father, and grandfather came into the room.

  “We’re just checking on you,” Morris smiled, handing Arashi a small glass of water.

  Arashi’s father walked up to him.

  “Musuko wa kekkon shite kita. (My son is getting married.) I’m happy for you, son.” Arashi took his father’s hand.

  “Arigato gozaimasu. (Thank you.)” Arashi’s grandfather walked up to him. Arashi stood up and offered his chair to his grandfather. He shook his head ‘no’ and handed Arashi athin, battered, gold ring.

  “Suwatte choudai. Kono yubiwa wa, amerika ni kita toki ni o baachan ga kureta saishono kekkon no bando da. Atode, yori takai no o katte kureta ga, saisho no mago-chan gakekkon suru toki ni daun ni watasu tame, kono ringu o tsuzuketa. Arashi-kun mo mago-channi watasu you ni kudasai. (Sit down. This gold ring is the first wedding band your grandmother gave me when we came to America. She later got a more expensive one for me, but I always kept this ring to pass down to my first grandson when he got married. You must pass it to your first grandson, too.)” Arashi nodded and smiled while giving his grandfather a hug.

  “Osore irimasu, Ojii-san. Kansha shiteorimasu. (Thank you, Grandfather. This means a lot to me.)” He took a sip of his water.

  “Son, we’re going to leave you here to your thoughts. We’ll be right outside this door should you need us. We’ll let you know when everyone’s ready.”

  “Thank you, Dad.” Arashi watched as the three men left.

  Arashi looked out the window, watching the leaves blow on the trees. He thought about how his life was before Angel and what it would be like now. Fifteen minutes later, Morris re-entered.

  “It’s time, man. Are you nervous?” Morris asked Arashi as he adjusted his tie.

  “Actually, I’m not,” Arashi said calmly. “I’m very sure about this.
I’m at ease.” Arashi and Morris entered the temple. Family and friends stood on opposite sides of one another and smiled as Arashi slowly walked down the aisle in his white sandals and socks. Morris had a seat up front while Arashi stood by the Shinto priest. Everyone stood up as they were alerted that the bride was coming. Arashi stared straight ahead, longing for her.

  The doors opened, and there Angel stood. Her brother and mother walked her down the aisle. Her white silk kimono was beautifully embroidered. Her hair was pulled up in an elaborate updo, but was overshadowed by the intricate gold and silver headpiece. Arashi’s eyes started to water as Angel drew closer.

  “Today we bring two families together, Grace and Takahashi,”

  the priest spoke. He then repeated the same words in Japanese.

  “Arashi,” the priest cued.

  Arashi began to speak. “Angel, today is the day that seemed like it took an eternity to arrive, though it really wasn’t long at all. When I get up in the morning, I thank God I have you.

  When I’m at work with my clients, I thank God I can come home to you. When I’m in my bed at night, I thank God again that you’re lying next to me. I want you to know that I want to be the best husband in the world to you. If you ever have a problem, I want you to confide in me. I want you to trust me and know that I love you for you. You’re the greatest gift I’ve ever been given.” Arashi’s eyes watered up again. He paused to maintain his composure. “It took me awhile to find you, but now that I have, you’re stuck with me.” Everyone laughed. He wiped a tear from the corner of his eye.

  “Angel,” the priest cued.

  “Arashi, I’m grateful to have you as my mate. We’ve been through some things together that some people wouldn’t have recovered from, but we found our way back to each other because of those things. It made us stronger, and we realized how much we loved one another.

  I feel protected with you. You’re warm, romantic, funny, intelligent, and handsome. I’m marrying my best friend today. I love you.” Angel smiled as a tear streamed down her face.