by De Freitas
“Speaking of being there, I’m guessing your sister wasn’t invited.”
“No, but I tried to explain to her the other day that Linda’s parents really don’t know her.”
“From the look on her face a few minutes ago, it does not look like she is taking it very well.”
“It was that obvious, huh? Hang on, Father. I just realised… what is Linda’s mom’s name?”
“It’s Brenda, but you must know her from church, don’t you?”
“Only if I see her. We’ve not spoken before.”
“I’m obviously not doing a very good job of bringing people together am I?”
Martha smiled. “No, Father It’s more a that I don’t know that many people. Actually, you are just about the only person I’ll know, so I’m afraid your stuck with me for the evening.”
“That’s okay, Martha, I should know quite a few of them so I’ll introduce you. It won’t be so bad.”
Fr. Mark and Martha followed the line of cars through the granite front pillars and along the tree-lined driveway towards the house. They drove around a large white fountain and a man with a cap directed them to park on a pebble stone area.
“Perhaps I should have washed the car this morning,” said Fr. Mark.
“Never mind that. Thank goodness I did not bring my car, could you imagine the looks I’d get?”
Fr. Mark laughed.
Martha reached into the back seat and picked up the carefully wrapped gift. She turned down the visor, one last look in the mirror, a deep breath and she was ready to go.
“The music is loud from here,” said Martha, “and good, it looks like everyone is just walking straight in. I don’t like those formal handshake greetings.”
“Stop stressing, Martha. It will be great.”
Martha and Fr. Mark walked up the steps and through the front door. There were decorations in the colours of the university, with banners, balloons and confetti everywhere. There was a table on the right where people were leaving their gifts along with a book for guests’ comments. To the left was a doorway that led into a large room. Martha could see buffet food along the entire length of one wall, with a graduation cake that must have been at least two feet tall.
“This is hugely impressive, Martha, and we have hardly even entered their home.”
“I’m pleased you like it,” said the gentleman.
Fr. Mark and Martha turned around.
“Martin, Brenda, how are you?” said Fr. Mark.
“Keeping well, thanks. A bit nervous about tonight,” said Martin. “Hoping everyone will have a good time. Martha, you look stunning, I’m so glad you made it, I’m sure you know my wife, Brenda from church.”
Martha kissed Brenda. “I was saying to Father on the way here that I feel terrible; we see each other every Sunday, yet we’ve never spoken.”
“That’s okay, Martha,” said Brenda. “I always sit at the back so I can make a quick escape once the Mass is over.”
Fr. Mark raised an eyebrow.
Brenda put her hand on Fr. Mark’s arm. “Ah no offense, Father.”
Fr. Mark laughed.“Brenda, at least you make it to the end. I had one guy that used to get up and walk out half way through the Mass!”
A waiter approached with glasses of champagne on a tray. “May I offer anyone a drink?”
“That would be great,” said Fr. Mark.
Martha nodded and Martin handed the champagne to them.
“Martha, Father, you must excuse us. Brenda has to follow up with the caterers and I have to go outside. I’m told our parking plan is not coping too well with the number of cars. I’ll catch up with you later on. Go ahead and enjoy the night.”
“Thanks so much,” said Martha. “You have both gone to so much effort to make this a special night, we’ll chat later.”
Martha and Fr. Mark made their way into the house.
“That went pretty well,” said Martha.
“I told you not to worry.”
“I didn’t know priests were allowed to drink.”
“There is actually no rule against it. We should not get drunk but otherwise it’s not a problem.”
Over the next few hours, Fr. Mark introduced Martha to many new people. The band played a mixture of sixties, seventies, and eighties music. She danced with people she hardly knew. She even got Fr. Mark on the dance floor but, most of all, she got to dance with her son. Life could not get better than this, she thought.
“Well, Martha, what do you think?” asked Martin.
Martha raised her voice above the music. “Oh, I can’t thank you enough. I’m having a great time – I think everyone is. You and Brenda have put so much thought and effort into this, down to the very last detail.”
“It was mainly Brenda. She is the creative one. I’ve not seen her for a couple of hours now, but I’ll let her know what you said. I must tell you, Martha, that Brenda and I think the world of Simon. You have done a great job with him.”
“Oh, you beat me to it. I was going to say the same about Linda. What a wonderful girl! I’m so happy they met each other, she has certainly brought out the best in Simon.”
“How is work going? Your boss told me he’s unable to convince you to go full time.”
“Oh, do you know, Mr Caine?”
“His firm audits the accounts for the bank. I’ve gotten to know him fairly well over the years. He’s tough but very fair.”
“That is a good assessment of him, Martin. He is tough, as you say, but I really enjoy working for him. Three days a week is perfect for me. As my sister says, it’s not like I’m going to climb the corporate ladder at this stage of my life.”
Martin smiled. “Yes, she described you as happiest when you’re home.”
“Oh. You know Annamae as well?”
“I sort of just met her a little while ago.”
“What… she’s here?” Martha looked around briefly but could not see her. “Oh. I’m so sorry about this Martin.”
“It’s okay, Martha. Annamae being here is not a problem.”
“No, Martin, it is a problem. She was not invited. She had no right to show up. This is so embarrassing.”
“Perhaps it was our fault. Being your only sister, we should have thought…”
“No, Martin. Stop right there. That has nothing to do with it. You were right not to invite her. Neither you nor Brenda know her at all.”
“Look, please don’t allow this to ruin your night, Martha.”
“I need to find Brenda. I must apologise to her. Please excuse me, Martin.”
Martha spotted Fr. Mark and told him what had happened.
“I know it reflects badly on you, Martha, but you need to calm down. You have done nothing wrong. Annamae is the one that should feel ashamed.”
Suddenly, the music stopped and there was an announcement from the band. “Linda and Simon would like to say a few words. Can we ask Martin, Brenda, Martha and Fr. Mark to come forward and for everyone to gather in front of the stage.”
Martha looked at Fr. Mark. “What is this about? It sounds very formal.”
“It’s probably just to thank everyone for coming, I guess.”
Martha grabbed Fr. Mark’s arm. “Come on, let’s go.”
The two made their way through the crowd and stood next to Martin and Brenda. A few feet in front of them, Simon and Linda stood on the stage. Simon took the microphone and looked up at the crowd.
“Good evening, everyone. Firstly, I’d like to thank you all for coming. I’d also like to say a huge thank you to Mr and Mrs Bernstein for the amount of work they have put into hosting this party.”
The crowd shouted their approval.
“Fr. Mark, over the years you have become far more than a parish priest to me
. Thank you for your support and guidance. Last, but not least, I’d like to say thank you, Mom, for all you have sacrificed to bring me up, I love you.”
The crowd cheered again. No words could describe how Martha felt at this moment.
Simon handed the microphone to Linda. She looked nervous and held his hand.
“Simon and I have some news we would like to share with you all. We have been desperate to tell everyone, but thought we would save the announcement for tonight, when all our family and friends are together.”
Martha glanced quickly across at Martin and Brenda. From the look on their faces, they clearly had no idea about this.
“Three days ago, Simon and I drove up to the hills for a picnic, he got down on one knee and asked me…”
Emotion got the better of Linda and she could not complete the sentence. Martha, Brenda and Martin ran onto the stage and hugged the two of them. The crowd cheered and whistled and the band started playing, Martha looked up to tell Fr. Mark to come up on stage and share the moment. Suddenly, she spotted Annamae walking quickly, with her head down, out the back of the room.
CHAPTER 16
Martha put the kettle on. She was feeling quite rough; she had not drunk that much in decades, but what a night. It exceeded any expectation she could possibly have had. While the kettle boiled, she took a couple of headache tablets with a tall glass of water. Fr. Mark made her promise that she would not dwell on what Annamae did, and how could she? There was so much to celebrate, so much to be thankful for, but today was a new day and, when she thought of what her sister had done, she was livid. Still, she reminded herself to keep calm and count her blessings. I’ll deal with her later, but first I need to phone Fr. Mark.
“Morning, Father. You asked me to give you a call at 10am. Are we still on for lunch today?”
“Are you sure it’s ten?” a tired voice asked.
“Yep, definitely ten o’clock. You sound pretty bad, one or two too many?”
“No, well maybe… I guess…”
Martha laughed.
“Don’t worry, I’m not feeling great myself. I doubt anyone is this morning. We can skip lunch if you like.”
“No, let’s meet up. I have things to do this afternoon, so let’s do lunch and then I’ll get started. Same place for about 11:30am?”
“See you then, Father.”
*
Martha sat at her favourite table in the café and looked out for Fr. Mark. He’s not usually this late, she thought.
“Hi, Father. A bit of a struggle getting here this morning?” she asked with a smile.
Fr. Mark sat down. “A little bit, but I’m feeling better.”
Martha smiled. “You feeling better or are you or trying to convince yourself you’re feeling better?”
Fr. Mark laughed. “No. Honestly, I had a shower, a coffee, and a slice of toast, so I’m not too bad. I didn’t drink much you know.” Martha smiled and gave him a knowing look. “I went ahead and ordered for you, Father. It should be here shortly. In fact, here it comes.”
The waitress placed the breakfast on the table.
“I have to say, that was a thoroughly enjoyable night, Martha.”
“Oh definitely. I think everyone enjoyed it. I can’t wait to see the photos.”
Fr. Mark’s expression changed.
“Oh I know! You’re worried aren’t you?” Martha burst out laughing. “You’re worried you may not look your usual dignified self perhaps?”
Fr. Mark smiled and looked around the cafe. “Keep your voice down, Martha. You know I can just see some outrageous headline in the newspaper and below is a photo of me on the dance floor, with a glass of champagne.”
“Oh, that’s too funny. Sorry for laughing, but I wouldn’t worry about it. As you said, there is no rule against drinking or dancing, so no problem, huh?”
“I suppose you’re right. I’m so happy for them, though. They will make a wonderful couple.”
“I’m going to miss not having him at home.”
“You will have him for a while yet, Martha. He told me that the wedding wouldn’t be for some time. They have to find jobs, save some money, find a place to live and so on.”
“I know, Father, but you know how time flies. I’m going to treasure every moment I can with him.”
“So what plans do you have this afternoon, Father?”
“I promised Mrs Thomas I would visit her. She’s not doing well – she is ninety-two. Her daughter is really worried and, after that, I need to pick up a prescription for Jean. She is laid up in bed,” he replied. “What are you up to?”
“Well, I’m going over to see my sister and tell her what I think. But I will not get emotional, I will just be very matter of fact and tell her how I feel.”
“That sounds like the right approach, I wish you well.”
“On a happier subject, Martha, last night Martin told me he wants to have us all round to an engagement dinner.”
“Yes, he mentioned it to me when we were saying goodbye, but Linda was saying, ‘No, Dad, you have done enough’. However, he was insisting and he said he will let me know when.
“Actually, thinking about it now, I should invite them over – I wish I’d thought of that last night. Then again, to go from his home to mine, stuck around a small wooden kitchen table for dinner, that won’t really work, will it?”
“Not exactly. Perhaps you could invite them over for a drink and put out some finger foods. That would definitely work.”
“Good idea, Father. I’ll probably do that after.”
Martha left the café, jumped into her car and composed herself. She knew exactly what she was going to tell Annamae and she was not going to hold back. Initially, she was going to call her and say she was coming over to speak to her, but then she thought otherwise. I’m just going straight there right now. It will be better to catch her off guard.
*
Martha knocked on the door.
“Hey, sis, what a nice surprise. Come on in.”
“No, Annamae. I am not coming in. I will tell you what I have to say right here.”
“But I’ll put the kettle on so we can chat inside.”
Martha stood at the door. “Have you any idea what you did last night. Do you know how embarrassed you made me feel?”
“But I spoke with Martin when I arrived and he said that he was okay with it.”
“No, Annamae. He was not okay with it. No one was okay with it. You knew you were not invited.”
“I think you are over reacting, Martha.”
“No, I am not over reacting. This is the final straw. I have put up with you and your ways for long enough.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“It is everything. From you lying about Brookman, to your attitude towards Linda. How uncomfortable you make everyone feel when she is around. Turning up univited last night, you should be ashamed of yourself, but you are not. You act as if nothing is wrong. Well, I am sick of pretending nothing is wrong. Something is wrong and it’s with you!”
“But I like Linda.”
“You’re lying to me again, Annamae. I saw you walk out the back of the room when she announced their engagement. If you liked her, you would have celebrated like everyone that was there. Anyway, you keep away from me and my son. I want nothing to do with you, is that clear?”
“You don’t know what you are saying, Martha. It’s bigger than you think.”
“And what is that supposed to mean?”
“You think you can stop me, Martha? You think you can change what is to come? You have no idea what you are dealing with. I am a part of this. I am a part of Simon’s life and you can change nothing.”
“You stay away from my son, you hear me.”
“Oh, Martha, this is bi
gger. It’s so much bigger than you could ever know.”
“You just stay away.”
Martha stared at her sister for a few seconds. Annamae had a distant, almost evil look, that she had never seen before. She turned her back, walked to her car and drove off. As she was leaving she heard Annamae shouting, “You don’t know what you are dealing with…”
*
“Hey sleepy head. Nice to see you’re finally out of bed,” said Martha.
Simon slumped down at the kitchen table. “What time is it, Mom?”
“Only 2:30 in the afternoon!”
“Oh my head!”
Martha smiled and handed Simon two tablets with a glass of juice.
“So you enjoyed last night, Mom?”
“Oh, it was a fantastic night. Everyone did.”
“I told you that’s what you would say. You were worrying for nothing.”
“So you’re keeping secrets from me, huh?”
“Mom, I was desperate to tell you we’d gotten engaged but Linda and I promised each other that we would not say anything to anyone.”
“Actually, I was not speaking about that.”
“Oh no, what did you hear?”
“Only that you and a bunch of friends were caught smoking marijuana and taken down to the police station.”
“Oh that.”
“Yes, oh that… forgot to tell me did you?”
“How did you find out?”
“I overheard some of your friends recounting the story and laughing last night.”
“We weren’t charged or anything, Mom. They let us off.”
“You were very fortunate. I hope you learnt your lesson.”
“Mom, Linda mentioned that she heard someone saying that Aunt Annamae was there last night. That’s not true is it?”
“I’m afraid so, Simon.”
“What was she thinking?”
“You’re older now, so I guess I can tell you. I went over a little while ago and had it out with her. As always, she tried to pretend nothing was wrong and I was blowing it out of proportion. She invited me in for coffee but I just stood at her door and told her exactly how I felt. I’ve not been happy with her for a number of reasons and what you said about her attitude when Linda’s around was correct. I’ve noticed it and it’s really annoyed me and then last night – well, that was it. I told her to keep away from us. I turned my back, got in the car, and left.”
