Wrapped in Silk

by Mj Fields

  London and Brody snuck down the stairs slowly and tip toed into the large living room.

  The tree was lit in white lights, silver tinsel, and deep red balls. The room was glowing and beautiful. London giggled and walked quickly to the stockings hanging on the fireplace mantel.

  “Can I look?” she whispered.

  Brody smiled, “As long as you don’t move anything, your Mother may be upset if she were to miss seeing your beautiful face taking this all in.”

  “Hey London would you help me hang these?” Brody asked pulling out a box of deep red bows.

  “They are very pretty, I would love to,” London smiled.

  Brody and London finished hanging the bows and Brody snickered.

  Brody looked up and saw Troy walking into the room.

  “You are in so much trouble kiddo,” Troy beamed.

  “Don’t tell on me Daddy,” London giggled.

  “I don’t know, you even have Brody here sucked in,” Troy grabbed her and hugged her, “Merry Christmas London.”

  “Merry Christmas Daddy,” London hugged him back.

  “I will go wake your Mum,” Brody said as he slipped out of the room.

  All the gifts were opened and everyone was sitting down at the dining room table when the doorbell rang.

  “Rebecca,” Brody smiled and hugged her.

  “I brought someone,” Rebecca whispered into his ear.

  “Hello Son,” Robert Hines smiled at his son.

  “Father,” Brody extended his hand and shook his father’s hand.

  “I heard you were home and that I have a daughter in law,” he said as he looked down.

  “Come in please,” Brody opened the door wider allowing them in.

  Emma walked into the foyer and smiled, “Rebecca Merry Christmas.”

  “Em, this is my father Robert,” Brody forced a smile.

  “A pleasure to meet you, finally,” Emma smiled and hugged him.

  “The pleasure is mine,” Robert responded softly.

  “Well come in, meet everyone, dinner is almost ready to be served,” Emma smiled as Brody kissed her head.

  “I will help you,” Brody said softly.

  “You should introduce your family to everyone, I can handle this,” Emma smiled.

  Brody introduced Robert to Henry, Caroline, London, and Troy. They all shook hands and Henry went into the kitchen and carved the Prime Rib.

  “Robert looks a lot like Brody doesn’t he?” Henry smiled politely to his daughter.

  “Sure does,” Emma agreed.

  “Do things seem off between them?” Henry asked inquisitively.

  “I don’t know, I have never met him Dad, so I will reserve judgment,” Emma smiled and kissed him swiftly on the cheek, “Let’s go it’s dinner time.”

  “Alright Princess,” Henry smiled, “I still have one last gift you know.”

  “Of course, could we do it after dinner?” Emma asked.

  “Sure Emma,” Henry followed Emma into the dining room.

  Everyone appeared to be having a great time. The food was great and conversation flowing. Troy and London played with her new toys as Rebecca and Robert watched and laughed. Brody was helping Caroline clean up from dinner.

  “Emma got a minute,” Henry asked grabbing a leather bound book and then her hand.

  “Of course,” Emma smiled sadly.

  Each year since Emma could remember Henry and Emma would take time to remember Elizabeth. The book was full of photos from Elizabeth’s birth through the holiday and every special moment in between. Emma’s favorite photos had always been of the two of them playing on the floor in front of the family Christmas tree. Henry had an artist do composite sketches of what Elizabeth would look like each year. Through the years they looked less ery and more like photos.

  “She is beautiful Daddy,” Emma said as they turned the pages.

  “She is Princess,” Henry agreed.

  Caroline and Brody walked into the room and stood behind them looking over there shoulders as they turned the pages. Starting at the beginning over and over again. Henry held Caroline’s hand and kissed it.

  “Look at her, she was beautiful then,” Henry said softly.

  “I am sure she is just as beautiful now, sitting up in heaven with the angels,” Caroline wiped a tear.

  Brody looked at Emma and smiled, he knew this must be her sister that had been taken years ago. Caroline and Henry excused themselves and Brody sat next to Emma and smiled.

  “She is beautiful Emma,” he kissed her head.

  “Ya,” Emma said and wiped a tear away, “Okay let’s go back.”

  “Em if you need a few minutes that would be understandable,” Brody rubbed her hand.

  “This happens every year,” she smiled, “I am fine with it. I wish I could fix it, change the past but I can’t. But we have family in there and we should get back.”

  ~

  “Do you three think you can come to Uncle Bo’s New Year’s party?” Rebecca asked as she walked into the study.

  “I think it best if we didn’t,” Brody smiled looking up from the leather bound album.

  “What’s this?” Rebecca asked looking over his shoulder.

  “A photo book. Emma’s sister Elizabeth was taken from a shopping mall years ago. Henry has sketches done each year so they can see what she would look like today,” Brody answered.

  “Wow isn’t that morbid?” Rebecca whispered.

  “Well I guess if it is the way they choose to grieve it should be supported,” Brody answered sitting back in his chair running his hands through his hair.

  “May I?” Rebecca asked.

  “Sure,” Brody smiled.

  “Why won’t you come to the party?” Rebecca asked as she looked through the book.

  “It’s not a place London should be,” Brody laughed.

  “Her father is here and Grandparents, you could skip out for a bit,” Rebecca prodded.

  Brody turned to the doorway and smiled at Emma.

  He walked up and kissed her cheek.

  “If you want to we can,” Emma whispered into his ear.

  “We can discuss, yes?” he whispered back.

  “Of course,” Emma said and kissed him.

  ~

  “You’re sure about this,” Brody smiled as he drove, “We could always skip it and I could show you a few places.”

  “I am fine if you are,” Emma rubbed his hand.

  “I told you about his parties Em,” Brody warned again.

  “Yes I am aware. Brody I have kept you all to myself for months now. I don’t want to keep you from the people you love,” Emma giggled.

  “I am with the people I love, you and London, you are not keeping me from anything Emma,” Brody said as he pulled up the long winding driveway.

  He got out of the car and handed the key to the valet and opened Emma’s door. Emma watched him and knew he was uncomfortable.

  “Brody,” she said and stopped dead in her tracks tugging lightly at his hand holding him back, “We don’t have to do this, you seem…”

  “Brody!” A tall older handsome man in a tux stood at the top of the stairs leading to the mansion before them.

  “Too late now love,” Brody said looking nervously at her.

  “Bo this is Emma, my wife,” Brody introduced them.

  Bo grabbed Emma and hugged her tightly and kissed her on the mouth. Emma pulled back and looked at Brody.

  “Bo…” Brody’s voice carried warning.

  Bo laughed, “I couldn’t help myself she is exquisite, come.”

  Emma held tightly to Brody’s hand as Bo led her into the party by her other hand.

  The party was in full swing, there were at least a hundred people in the ballroom. Emma noticed that most of the men were her age or older and the women were all beautiful and young. Brody held her tightly against him.

  “Dance,” Brody said with his arms around her waist walking through the crowd to the dance floor.
<
br />   Emma looked up at him and he knew she was uneasy.

  “We will be leaving very soon,” Brody said holding her tightly against his chest as they danced.

  “I am fine Brody,” Emma smiled.

  “That’s a fake smile Em. I knew this was a bad idea damn it,” Brody scolded himself.

  “Brody stop. I have always been a bit socially awkward, I am fine okay?” she said and kissed him gently.

  “I love you Em,” Brody rubbed her back.

  After a few songs later Emma felt a tap on her shoulder, “May I cut in?”

  “My wife and I are dancing Bo,” Brody said with his brow raised.

  “It’s okay Brody,” Emma smiled.

  It took a few seconds for Brody to release her and then when he did he glared at Bo.

  “You are beautiful Emma,” Bo said smiling at her.

  “Thank you,” Emma blushed.

  “How did you meet my nephew?” Bo asked.

  “Through a friend,” Emma answered.

  “So you like Rockstars huh?” Bo chuckled.

  “I wasn’t aware he was at the time,” Emma said scanning the room for Brody.

  Emma saw Brody arguing with Rebecca and grew concerned.

  “He thinks I am going to try to get you upstairs,” Bo laughed, “But you don’t seem like the type.”

  “No I am not whatever that means,” Emma still watched Brody, “I should go.”

  Rebecca grabbed Brody’s had and dragged him to the dance floor.

  “He is fine,” Bo said with a laugh, “Always has been quick tempered.”

  “I haven’t seen that side of him, protective yes but never without reason,” Emma said sticking up for her husband.

  Bo waved to a waitress nearby. “A drink for you.”

  Emma needed a drink, something to take the edge off, she wanted Brody to have a good time and thought he may not be because she was nervous. She wanted desperately for him to never feel like she was trying to keep him from his family. She knew how she would feel if she could not be around her family and he went out of his way to make everything so perfect for her, always.

  “Well look at you,” Bo laughed and motioned for the waitress again, “Have another.”

  “Thank you,” Emma smiled and tossed it back.

  Brody saw her and stormed over towards her.

  “Emma are you alright?” Brody said cupping her face and searching her eyes.

  “I am,” Emma smiled and wrapped her arms tightly around his neck and kissed him.

  “Slow down love,” Brody pulled her against his chest.

  “What the hell did you give her to drink?” Brody snapped at Bo.

  “I don’t know just something the waitress brought,” Bo patted his shoulder and laughed as he walked away.

  “Hey Music Man,” Emma slurred, “Is that Ariel?”

  Brody looked up and saw Ariel walking down the grand staircase.

  “What in bloody hell is she doing here!” he snapped.

  “I don’t know,” Emma laughed.

  “Em are you alright?” Brody asked lifting her face to his.

  “No, I am…” Emma’s eyes closed and he felt her body become weightless.

  ~

  “What the hell did you give her!” Emma heard Brody yelling at someone.

  “I gave her a drink, two drinks actually,” Bo snarled back.

  “What the fuck was in it Bo?” Brody yelled again.

  “The wait staff brought it…” Bo snapped.

  “Well I suggest you go find out what the fuck it was Bo before I do it myself,” Brody threatened.

  A door shut and Emma heard another voice.

  “Is she alright Brody?”

  “She fucking better be!” Brody growled.

  “Hey Brody did your wife have too much to drink?”

  “Rebecca, what the fuck is she doing here?” Brody said through his teeth,

  “Ariel comes every year Brody,” Rebecca explained.

  “He knows that,” Ariel laughed.

  “Rebecca get her the fuck out of here!” Brody’s voice was harsh and direct.

  Emma heard a door shut, and then felt him lift her onto his lap.

  “I am so sorry Em,” he said as he kissed her head over and over again.

  Emma’s head was clearing and she began to open her eyes.

  “Em?” Brody said cupping her face and looking into her eyes.

  “Hi,” she whispered, “I am tired Brody.”

  “Okay love, rest a bit then we will leave,” Brody’s eyes showed hurt, “I am so sorry.”

  “I took care of it Brody,” Bo said as he walked in the room.

  “Took care of what, do you care to fucking fill me in?” Brody snapped quietly.

  “Her drinks contained additives,” Bo began.

  “You drugged my wife?” he yelled.

  Emma kept her eyes closed and snuggled in tighter to Brody.

  “I did not DRUG your wife. The wait staff said someone was putting a small does of a liquid drug called Forget Me Not into the drinks. They have been dismissed and dealt with,” Bo snapped at him.

  “I want to know what the fuck it was,” Brody began to shake slightly.

  “I will have it analyzed but there wasn’t enough to do any permanent damage. I can assure you she will be fine,” Bo looked down at Emma.

  “From what I understand in high doses she could be out for a couple days but it wasn’t a large dose Brody and I am sorry,” Bo explained.

  “You are sorry, what the fuck BO! You’re sorry!” Brody was tense and shaking.

  “You need to calm down Brody, there is nothing else I can possibly do, I have taken care of it,” Bo snapped.

  Emma sat up and looked at Brody and he let out a deep breath, “You’re awake.”

  “I am and I am going to be fine. I would like to go home Brody,” Emma whispered.

  “Okay I can change our flight,” Brody said holding her tightly.

  “No back to your…” Emma began.

  “Ours, Emma, our place,” Brody kissed her and stood up.

  “I am very sorry Emma,” Bo said softly.

  “Okay,” Emma said quietly.

  Brody let go of her hand to grab his jacket and turned back to her and saw panic in her eyes. He pulled her into him and held her.

  “I am not going to let this go,” he snarled at Bo.

  “It would be best if you did Brody. I will handle it. You take your wife home now,” Bo looked at Emma, “I am truly sorry Emma. You need to think about your family and keep him in check.”

  Brody let go of Emma and lunged at Bo. They struggled and fell back into the doorway causing the door to the ballroom to swing open and the crowd to break apart as Brody and Bo tumbled onto the floor.

  Emma ran to them and tried to pull Brody off of Bo. Rebecca grabbed her and held her back as two security men pulled Brody off of Bo.

  “You better not make threats you fucking prick!” Brody screamed.

  Bo spit a mouthful of blood onto the floor and took his handkerchief from his jacket pocket and wiped his face.

  “It was not a threat Brody, but now it’s a warning. Get him the hell out of here!” Bo’s voice boomed through the now quiet ballroom.

  “You need to remember who I am Bo, I don’t easily scare,” Brody laughed.

  Emma grabbed Brody’s hand, “Please Brody, please I want to go.”

  Brody looked at her and saw tears welling in her eyes and felt her tremble. He pulled her into his arms and kissed the top of her head and glared at Bo.

  “Brody, get her out of here,” Rebecca said pushing him towards the door, “I will call in the morning, go home.”

  Brody’s body encased Emma as they walked through the crowd. He stopped for a moment and looked up at a woman in front of him. She quickly disappeared through the doorway and he continued walking briskly until they reached the car and he put Emma into the front seat.

  ~

  Brody and Emma drove silently f
or ten minutes. She watched as his thumb thumped nervously on the steering wheel.

  “Brody,” Emma whispered and took his hand.

  “Not now Em,” he said as his nostrils flared and he rubbed her hand gently.

  “Then when?” Emma asked pulling her hand away.

  Brody downshifted and quickly pulled over. He jumped out of the car and paced back and fourth as Emma sat in the car and watched him. He loosened his tie and clenched his fists. Emma stepped out of the car and cautiously walked towards him.

  “Brody please,” Emma said and began to cry.

  He grabbed her and held her tightly and she felt his heart beating hard and fast against her chest. After a few minutes he began to relax.

  “It is not your fault,” Emma said and kissed him.

  Brody let out a breath and opened his eyes and looked down at her, “I should not have taken you there.”

  “It was my fault, I thought I was keeping you from your family,” Emma cried.

  He grabbed her face and wiped her tears with his thumb, “YOU are my family Emma. You and London and our child, you are all I need.”

  “I am so sorry,” Emma wrapped her arms around him.

  “Don’t you dare be sorry, I took you there this is my fault,” Brody yelled.

  “No it isn’t Brody, no it isn’t. I should have listened, I felt you had reservations I should never have pushed,” Emma continued to cry.

  “I will take care of this. Everything will be alright Emma I promise you everything will be fine love,” Brody softly whispered into her neck.

  The phone rang as they neared town.

  “This is Brody,” he snapped as he answered.

  “Hello it’s Henry I just wanted to let you know your father is here,” Henry said quietly.

  “Alright, have him sit still we will be there in less than an hour. Thank you Henry,” Brody hung up the phone, “My father is at our home.”

  “Brody I don’t want my father to know what happened, he over reacts…” Emma began.

  “It would not be over reacting Emma, but I understand. If you change your mind I will talk to him,” Brody kissed her hand.

  “I just don’t want him to worry, he has been through enough with everything that happened to Elizabeth. I have you and I know we will be fine,” Emma was sincere and he knew it.

  “I will always make sure you are alright, I promise you that, until my last breath Emma I will keep you safe,” Brody’s voice was deep and angry.