Starting Again: A Freaky Friday Two-Shot
Or "How Jake Came To The Wedding."
Part I: Tess
Tess Coleman smiled to herself under her down comforter. It would be the understatement of the century to say that this had been a crazy day.
But the craziest thing was that despite all the makings of disaster, it had actually been one of the best days of her life. She was still getting married to a wonderful man tomorrow. Just as importantly, she finally knew that her kids were okay with it. Anna's, well, her own, well, anyway...the first wedding toast had completed her day. Finally she and Anna were able to understand each other. They had communicated on some of the big issues. They had each been forced to look outside their own self-centered perspectives and consider the other's feelings. She could almost sigh with happiness.
She also knew that their struggles weren't over. They wouldn't agree on everything. She would still grit her teeth while the band practiced in the garage and she would still tell Anna to keep her stomach covered. But now she saw how important Anna's band was to her, and how great her friends were, even in their grunge clothes, and how much she really liked Jake and how much he liked her...
Jake! Tess had almost forgotten him in the dizzy whirl of the rehearsal dinner. She sat up to consider. Today, she (as Anna) had clearly alienated him. She'd acted like herself, not like Anna at all, and he wasn't interested in her, that is, Anna, now. Which wasn't fair, considering he really did like Anna. He liked Anna so much that he was willing to follow around a grown woman with Anna's personality. After what Anna had done for her, Tess felt like she should attempt to repair the relationship that she had unwittingly sabotaged. It wouldn't be that hard. Two minutes with Anna would set him straight again. He would realize that it really was Anna who he had been pursuing yesterday and the real Ms. Coleman was not that interesting. What would be a good excuse to have him over?
Tess considered for a moment before the answer hit her like multiple anvils. The wedding! Of course, that would be perfect. While it might seem a bit odd—gloating maybe?—after the way he had acted toward her—well, Anna as her—Tess was sure he would come. Either for her or for Anna or for his own peace of mind. And then he would figure out that it really was Anna he had fallen in love with.
Once this solution had
been figured out, she realized she had another problem. How in the
world could she contact Jake? She didn't have his number or any
way to contact him.
Well, Anna slept like
the dead. Maybe the number would be in her room. Feeling both
guilty and excited, Tess tiptoed into her daughter's room. She
felt bad for snooping but at the same time she knew that Anna would
forgive her if she found it.She was in luck.
Anna's journal was out on her desk and-even better!-Jake's number
was scribbled inside the front cover. The writing next to the number
said Maddie says this is his number. I don't think I'll call it.Tess just hoped it was
the right number. She was about to go downstairs and dial when she
remembered that it was two in the morning.
Tess had to call at
8:30 in the morning. She just wouldn't have time afterward, with
getting her hair done and making sure the maid of honor could find
her shoes.
She dialed the number
and heard the phone ringing before she realized that she hadn't
thought about what she was going to say.
"Hi, this is Jake."
Too late. "Jake! Hi, um, this is Tess Coleman."
There was a slight pause and then a very quick, "Hi."
Tess grimaced. Hopefully this wouldn't end up too awkwardly. "Jake," she said, "I was wondering if you would be willing to come to my wedding this afternoon. I know it's short notice, but I think Anna would really like to see you there." There. Nicely done. Put the focus on Anna.
"Ms. Coleman, if this is about anything I said yesterday, I mean, Anna told me to stay away..."
Oh great. She hadn't really considered this, but it would be awkward, especially after how he had acted yesterday. She was the one who had told him to stay away.
"No, no, no Jake!" she protested. "It's for Anna that I want you to come. Not me, no, I'm getting married! It's just that Anna had a hard day at school yesterday and it was partially my fault. I'd like to make it up to her and she'd love to see you." That was as close to the truth as she could come without giving away what had happened. "Can you come?"
There was a pause at the other end. Finally, Jake said, "Yeah, I can probably come. When is it?"
Tess smiled. The forces of good were triumphing. "Two o'clock on Ocean St. in Santa Monica. There will be a big pavilion. You can't miss it." Tess paused for a moment, remembering what Jake looked like in her mind's eye. "It's a, um, dress-up affair," she said, trying to be as tactful as possible.
She heard what sounded like a chuckled at the other end and Jake said, "I understand. I'll see you...well, and Anna, this afternoon."
"Great. Thanks Jake. Bye."
"Bye."
