An Italian Wedding
An It's A Wonderful Life Story
Notes: This takes place 10 years after It's A Wonderful Life. This story was originally supposed to be set on cross country trip to Europe but instead I decided to set it in Italy. Ages of Bailey Children: Pete 23 Janie 19 Zuzu 17 going on 18 Tommy 14
The quote "Every time a bell rings and angel gets its wings." was my prompt for this story.
Mary Bailey always remembered that her husband George had wanted to see the world. They had never really gotten the chance to go on a honeymoon because of the issues at the Building and Loan so for their 10 year anniversary Mary decided to book a villa in Verona Italy so she and George could renew their vows and have the whole family be involved
On the afternoon of the ceremony Mrs. Hatch, Mrs. Bailey, Janine and Zuzu were all helping Mary get ready. Janie was the maid of honor and Zuzu was a bridesmaid. All the dresses were burgundy.
The church bells chimred signaling that it was 3:00pm.
"Looks like another angel got his wings." Janie comented.
Her sister looked confused. :" I still don;t get what that quote means. It;s so confusing to me." Zuzu said.
All the Bailey women exhanged a glance.
"Is this really a good time to discuss that?" Janie asked giving her sister an angry look
Mrs. Hatch patted her shoulder. " I think she's old enough now to find out about what happened that night sweetheart."
Mary let out a sigh. She had dreaded explaining that fateful day to her younger daughter. She felt she deserved to know the truth..
"Let's go talk privately Zuzu." Mary said
"Okay."
They went into the bedroom and shut the door behind them.
"Susan Anita you do rememmber how Mrs Welch callld to check up on you that Christmas eve because you went home sick."
"Vaugley. It was so long ago Mother."
"Your father was really upset that night, He went to the bar, had a few too many to drink and then had an altercation with Mr. Welch.:
"What happened next?"
"He went to the bridge and his plan was to jump into the river."
"What? Why would he do that?" Why didn't you tell me and Tommy?"
Mary sighed "You were both so young sweetheart. You would have not understood the enormity of the situation."
"Why would he want to kill himself?" Zuze repeated
"He admitted later i it had to do with stress at work."
"That's ridiculos."
Mary nodded. "We thought so too."
"What about the angel quote? What is the significance of that? Zuzu looked at her mother curiously.
A smile spread across Mary's face. "A guardian angel was looking out for your father that night. His name was Clearance. He was an angel in training waiting for his wings.
"So he got his wings because he saved Daddy?"
"Yes, exactly."
Mary noticed at that moment that her daughter was crying.
" I couldn't imagine my life without Daddy in it." she whispered/
Mary pulled her daughter into her arms and kissed her blonde curls softly.
I am so glad we did not have to. I would have been devastated if he had gone through with his suicide attempt."
"Then we wouldn't be here today celebrating your love." Zuzu said.
Mary released the embrace and wiped the last of Zuzu's tears away
"Exactly my love. Let's finish getting ready for the ceremony now. I love you my sweet Zuzu."
"I love you too Mother." Zuzu said.
George stood under the Romeo and Juliet anxiously awaiting Mary's arrival.
The procession started down the court yard aisle. The Bailey daughters were escorted by their brothers Pete and Tommy. They took their places on either side of the alter.
"You look very handsome Daddy." Janie said kissing her father's cheek
"Thank you sweetheart."
Silence fell over the courtyard as Mary entered escorted by her older brother Marty. George was in awe of wife. She looked just as beautiful as she did when they first said "I do." ten years before.:
