“Yes, Mother.”
Rachel rushed off, and Jackson and I followed William up the stairs. “What happened?” I demanded as William placed Olivia gently down on my bed. Olivia looked even frailer than she had this morning if that was even possible.
“They were starving her!” Jackson said in a hateful voice. “In their bizarre, sick, twisted minds Benjamin and Harriet thought that by starving her it would cause her to lose the baby and save their dear little family from shame.”
I could not believe what I was hearing. Who could do such a thing, and to their own child?
William sat down beside Olivia and held her hand. I walked around and sat down on the other side of her. My heart was breaking just looking at her. I gently brushed the hair away from her face.
“I am so sorry. I wish I could have done something sooner.” I could not believe how heartless her parents were. I always thought of Harriet as a cold woman, but this was even beyond my comprehension.
“You did not know?” Olivia gave me a weak smile that looked foreign on her face. “I know you tried to see me, and William said that you sent them all over there. So see, Jocelyn, you did! You saved me! Thank you.”
Tears poured down my face. I could not find any words to say to her.
“Why did you not say anything to me?” William asked in a small voice. “I should have seen this?” He lowered his head in shame.
“No one would have ever thought this.” Jackson stood behind him. “They told you it was morning sickness. You are not a doctor, William. You believed them. It is not your fault.” Although he meant well, I could tell his words did little to comfort William.
All the women and the men had made their way upstairs and crowded into my room. Rachael carried in the tray and handed it to me. I placed it on my nightstand and William helped prop Olivia up on some pillows as I attempted to give her some hot tea. Our parents were whispering behind us as I tried to feed Olivia some small bites of mashed potatoes with a little gravy.
“I believe we have come to a conclusion on how to handle this,” my father announced. “I realize that it is improper to have Miss Olivia stay here even under strenuous circumstances and since we have neighbors who all enjoy gossiping, here is what we propose.”
Jackson, William, Olivia and I all stared at him with curious expressions.
“Since Robert has agreed to assist us, we feel that instead of holding the ceremony next weekend, we should just have it now. What do you think?”
“All right.” William smiled over at Olivia who nodded in agreement, but then turned solemn.
“I have no clothes,” Olivia whispered looking down at her nightgown.
“Not to worry, I have the perfect dress.” I leaned over and hugged her gently. “Now, if you gentlemen will please excuse us, the bride will need a few minutes to prepare.”
I would not have thought it possible, but I knew that I was going to do everything I could to make this impromptu wedding as happy for the two of them as I could.
Lizette walked over to the door behind the exiting men and paused turning towards the women in the room. “I just thought of something perfect. I will be right back.” She smiled and closed the door behind her.
“Can you stand?” Emily asked Olivia, who nodded and began climbing out of bed. “Be careful now. We do not want your supper coming back up.”
But Olivia only smiled. “I do not have morning sickness. It was just what my mother told everyone. I guess she had it, but I’ve had a little nausea is all.”
We all stared at her with disbelief, even more disgusted with her parents.
Phoebe helped Olivia over to my vanity table and began brushing out her hair. I retreated to my wardrobe, which was already opened by my mother and Emily, who were searching through all my dresses for something appropriate.
“Excuse me.” I squeezed in between them and reached into the very back and pulled out a gown that was still covered for protection. I had put it there several weeks ago to keep it safe until my special day arrived.
“Oh, Jocelyn!” My mother gasped, but I only smiled and took off the outer covering.
I carried it over to the vanity table and held it up for Olivia to see. Olivia turned and shook her head. “Jocelyn, no. I cannot. That is your wedding gown.” She stood in front of me with big tears in her eyes.
“Now stop. You are going to make me cry.” I hugged her again. “And you are going to wear my dress. Today, you officially become my sister and I could not be any happier.”
“But Jackson cannot see the dress, Jocelyn. It is bad luck. I cannot wear it,” she protested.
“Rubbish. Jackson and I already have luck and more importantly, we have love.”
“Are you sure?” she asked.
“Positive. Now let’s get you ready.”
I helped her get undressed and all of us women fussed over her for the better part of an hour. We took turns making her sip chicken broth and tea. Lizette returned with some baby’s breath for Olivia’s hair along with some small violets which Emily expertly placed along the cascade of curls. Phoebe carefully applied a tad bit of rouge to add some color to her pale skin.
Olivia stood back in front of the full-length mirror as we all gathered around her. Despite her appearance upon her arrival, we had done an amazing job. She still did not quite look like herself, but at least she was headed now in the right direction.
My dress fit her almost perfectly. It was a gorgeous white-satin gown with a lace overlay and white-pearl buttons down the back. The sleeves were full, but short and the white-satin gloves were full length, climbing up her arms. The gown cascaded down into a long, full train in the back.
“Are you ready?” Emily asked the nervous bride.
Rachael handed Olivia some flowers from my party that she had tied a light, purple ribbon around.
I quickly changed back into the dress that Emily had given me for my birthday and placed my grandmother’s broach on my chest for the special occasion. Phoebe added some baby breathe to my hair for a final touch.
“I am a little scared.” Olivia took a deep breath.
“All brides are. You should have seen me on my wedding day. I was a mess.” Phoebe laughed.
“I would say so. I was ready to string you up that morning.” Emily could not hide her amusement of the memory and started giggling.
“We all were.” My mother placed her hands upon Olivia’s shoulders. “Or will be.” She turned back and smiled at me.
They headed back downstairs to forewarn the gentlemen that we were ready, leaving me briefly alone with Olivia at the top of the stairs. She turned to me with tears still running down her cheeks. I quickly wiped them away in hopes that her makeup would not smudge. She could not afford it.
Phoebe surprised us by playing the wedding march as we began our descent down the stairs. I walked slowly in front of Olivia but kept looking over my shoulder, fearing she would fall in her weakened condition.
At the foot of the stairs, waiting patiently was Jackson and my father beaming up at us. I took Jackson’s arm with a smile as Olivia reached my father. He looked at her and gave her a big smile.
“I know I am not your father, Miss Olivia, but I would be honored if you would allow me to give the bride away.”
Of course, these words only brought about more tears, but she did manage to squeak out a low “Thank you,” and took his arm. The two of them followed us into the front room. Robert was standing in front of the hearth with William nervously beside him. Everyone else was seated in arranged chairs, facing the two men. All the decorations for my party gave the room a festive, warm atmosphere.
Our families stood as we entered, walking towards my shaking brother. Jackson took his spot beside William, placing his hands on either side of William.
Father and Olivia approached, and he handed her over to William.
Robert made the service short and sweet since it looked like we might lose the bride and groom at any moment. Both were green wit
h nervousness and William was so shaken that he was rocking back and forth on the balls of his feet.
Sarah had reheated dinner for the majority of us and brought out what was left of my birthday cake. She apologized profusely to the newlyweds for not having the time to bake them their own wedding cake. Neither seemed bothered by such trivial matters.
For a day that had started out dreary with fog, it had finally given way to a clear evening of celebration. I stepped back away from all the commotion and watched how happy my family seemed. I felt a rush of peace overwhelm me as Emily joined me in the corner of the room.
“It was so very sweet of you to allow her to wear your dress,” she whispered softly.
“I believe after all she has endured recently, wearing that dress means more to her than anything else I could have done.”
Emily wrapped her arm around my shoulders pulling me to her. “You realize that your interference may have possibly saved her life as well as the life of their child.”
Her words choked me up, and I could only nod in response. I had not really looked at it from that point of view. I only knew that my dearest friend was suffering and I had to help.
“And since you no longer have a wedding gown, I would be honored if you would consider wearing mine,” she whispered.
I could not believe my ears. Emily turned me to face her with a loving motherly look.
“I realize that I am not your mother, Jocelyn, but I have always thought of you as a daughter. Phoebe could not get married in my gown since she is taller than me, but I believe that it will fit you perfectly. It truly is a lovely dress.” She smiled and took my hands in hers. “I have been blessed with such a wonderful marriage and I believe that you marrying my son in that dress will give you and Jackson the same magic to your marriage.”
Again, I nodded my head and tried to ignore the tears running down my cheeks. Emily hugged me tightly.
“Please come over tomorrow after your classes and take a look at it. It will be our secret.”
“I would be honored, Mrs. Chandler. Thank you.” I whispered softly through my tears hugging her tightly.
She let me go and stood back, smiling. “Please, call me Mother. After all, you are marrying my baby soon and I could not be happier. You make him very happy, Jocelyn and that is all a mother wants for her child. You will see.”
“Thank you, Mother.”
Jackson had to return to school before the end of the evening and I would not get the opportunity to see him again for several days. William was staying home tonight with his new bride and leaving for school early in the morning. Robert and my father returned to Olivia’s home shortly after the evening wound to an end to retrieve her belongings and inform her family that she and William had been married. From what I understood of what father told mother upon his return, her parents were unemotional and glad to hand over her things to the men. I only hoped that Olivia did not hear their response. However, in my heart, I believe she already knew.
CHAPTER 21
Sunday, October 25, 2009
I FELT A WARM KISS on my forehead, bringing me out of the darkness. My mom’s voice was soft and warm just like the blanket keeping me snug.
“Good morning, honey. How are you feeling?”
“I’m okay.” My head still hurt, but not nearly as bad as before.
“Did you sleep well?”
Then it dawned on me. Jackson must have returned and found me sleeping.
I sat up, frantically searching the room even. “Where’s Jackson? Have you seen him today? I must have fallen asleep when he went to get us drinks last night.”
She placed her hand on my shoulder. “Don’t worry. I saw him this morning with your brother.”
Tears started rolling down my cheeks.
“Honey, he’s not upset. He knows you need your rest.”
“Maybe, but I wanted to see him.”
“I’m sure he will be by later. I told him earlier that we were going to be running the tests this morning.” Somehow that didn’t make me feel any better.
The nurse arrived, pushing a wheelchair, looking too cheerful for my current mood status.
“Good morning, Jocelyn, Dr. Timmons. How are you ladies doing this morning?” Her voice was so sweet it gave me a cavity.
“We’re doing well, Mindy. How are Michael and the boys?” my mom asked in her physician’s voice. She knew about everyone in the hospital and always tried to make a point of keeping up with the personals. I wasn’t in the mood for pleasantries this morning. I just wanted this over with.
I remained quiet and climbed into the chair. My mom helped me adjust the feet things and offered to push me to the radiology department. The two women chatted down the long, bright corridors about their children and busy schedules. I did my best to shut them out.
It was one o’clock before I got back into my room. The tests were long and boring. My mom stayed with me the entire time, trying her best to lift my spirits, but the deafening noise from the tests had made my headache return worse than before. All I wanted to do was lie down and cry.
Several hours passed while I lay there alone, crying softly. I stared out the window to the gray world surrounding my existence. The Midwest winter was close and I could hear the winds blowing across Lake Michigan, chilling the entire city of Chicago. I hated being confined to this room.
Jenna, Kyle, and Jackson woke me up at five with dinner. I was truly happy to open my eyes and look upon their smiles. It was a comfort to have them here.
Jenna flopped down on the foot of my bed while Jackson smiled and began passing out the food. “Let’s eat. I’m starving.”
“I agree,” I said, instantly feeling better.
“Boy, I’ll tell you I think you’d do anything to get out of practice.” She laughed. “I think Coach is having a coronary with one of her starters in the hospital. She’s terrified that you’re done for the season, and she even asked me about basketball. Can you believe that?”
“What did you tell her?”
“I told her you were having tests done and we wouldn’t know anything until then.” Jenna shrugged her shoulders and dunked her chip into the artichoke dip.
“Mom said we should have the results back today but whether I go home today or tomorrow, I’m not going back to school until at least Wednesday. Not with this face!”
“You look beautiful.” Jackson smiled from the foot of the bed next to Jenna while Kyle made himself comfortable in the chair pushed up beside the bed.
“You’re not a very good lair.” I grinned at him, tasting my loaded baked potato soup. It was fabulous, as were the rolls.
Jackson helped himself to some of the dip also. “That is because I am not lying.”
“I’m hoping I’ll look somewhat better by Wednesday, but I seriously doubt my mom is going to let me practice this week, let alone play in the match.”
“You’re probably right about that.” Kyle knew all too well how over cautious my mom could be when it came to medical crap.
“Hopefully, I’ll be back next week, and you can tell Coach she has nothing to worry about as far as her precious basketball season is concerned.” I smirked at Jenna.
“Can I word it that way? Coach Smith would be so pleased.” We all laughed, knowing exactly just how pleased Coach would be with that response.
“If you like, but it’s your funeral,” I teased.
“Thanks.”
Jenna tossed another roll at me, which I caught. Then my door opened again and my parents along with Ethan joined our little party.
“Looks like you’re feeling better?” I knew my mom was referring to my spirits and not my physical well-being.
“I am.” I grinned at my family. “Much better.” I glanced over at Jackson.
“Well, I have some good news.” My mom crossed over to my bed and leaned against Kyle’s chair. “All your scans came back normal. So you have been discharged and are free to come home.”
“Oh, goody.” Ethan rolle
d his eyes at me.
“Thanks for the support, little brother.” I tossed at him the same roll that Jenna had just thrown at me.
“Hey, thanks,” he said and took a big bite.
At the insistence of my parents, I had to ride home with them while Ethan rode with our friends. Thankfully, all of us were headed to my house so I wouldn’t be left alone with my mom, who I knew, was going to be fussing over me all evening. My dad agreed to allow me to rest on the couch in the basement and watch a movie with my friends as long as I agreed to stay put and not get too excited.
Once my mom felt satisfied that I wasn’t going to die or fall off the couch or something equally as stupid, she retreated upstairs with her cell phone in hand, reminding me to text her if I needed anything at all. Jenna assured her several times that she would make sure I stayed put before she ran over to the wall unit and stuck the Twilight movie in the DVD player, proud of herself for beating the guys to it. She bowed at me with a giggle and waltzed over to join Kyle in the recliner. Jackson sat down in the other recliner across the room from me making Jenna give me a confused look.
“Jackson, you can sit on the end of the couch with Jocelyn. She can put her feet on your lap,” she offered.
“I am all right. I do not want to crowd her.”
“You won’t. Don’t worry about it.” I shot Jenna a disapproving look, telling her to drop it. Thankfully, Kyle noticed and changed the subject.
“What movie did you put in, babe?” Kyle put his arm tighter around her waist.
“Twilight.”
“That’s a chick flick,” he groaned.
“Oh, come on. I love this movie,” I added in her defense.
Ethan came over and plopped down on the end of the couch, shoving my feet out of the way. I playfully kicked him, and he shoved me back.
“New Moon comes out in a couple weeks. Would you like to go see it with me Jocelyn?” Jackson gave me that smile that turned my insides to Jell-O.
“Of course.” I would follow with him anywhere.
Jenna cleared her throat loudly, making us all look at her. “Me too, and you’re going also.” She playfully pointed her finger at Kyle’s nose.
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