After watching a few Season 1 episodes, I thought it would be fun to have a story of Jill's early years. Thanks to Welsh Canuck and KP1185 for their ideas and help. Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters created by Spelling~ Goldberg, nor the title of "Charlie's Angels." This is written just for fun.
March 1, 1952 was a beautiful spring day. The sun was shining, and there were soft, fluffy clouds in the sky. The birds were singing their songs, welcoming spring. Inside a local church, there was a celebration going on. Helen Adams and James Munroe had chosen this day to exchange their wedding vows. James stood with his brother George and his other groomsmen, and watched the wedding procession. James thought he was the luckiest man in the world as he watched Helen walk down the aisle on the arm of her father. Helen looked absolutely beautiful in her long white wedding dress with its long train. Her blonde hair, styled in ringlets, flowed down her back and peeked out from underneath her veil. Her veil was held in place with white roses. James looked equally handsome in his black tuxedo. The cumberband and stiff bow tie were making him uncomfortable, though, and he couldn't wait to take them off and once again let the blood and oxygen flow through his body. James had slicked his dark blonde hair back. He had used lots of VO5 to hold it in place. He had shined his shoes until he could see his reflection in them. He and Helen made a nice looking couple.
Helen and her father, William, reached the end of the aisle as the organist played the concluding notes of the wedding march. Helen placed a kiss on her father's cheek as he put her hand in James'. William gave James a stern look that said, "You'd better take good care of her, young man!" He had never really approved of James Munroe, but since this was the man his daughter had chosen to be her husband, he would have to make the best of it.
James swallowed hard as he saw William's look. He was glad that Helen's dad hadn't been at the bachelor party the night before, where James had had a little too much to drink, and was still fighting the remnants of the hangover. James smiled back at William as he took Helen's hand.
The minister looked over the congregation, and then at James and Helen. "Dearly beloved," he began.
"Welcome everyone, to the marriage of Helen Adams and James Munroe. This is a special occasion for them, which they wished to share with you, their dear friends and family. " The minister continued with his speech about the happy couple going down life's path together, and then proceeded with the wedding vows.
"Dearly Beloved, we are gathered together here in the sight of God – and in the face of this company – to join together this man and this woman in holy matrimony, which is commended to be honorable among all men; and therefore – is not by any – to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly – but reverently, discreetly, advisedly and solemnly. Into this holy estate these two persons present now come to be joined. If any person can show just cause why they may not be joined together – let them speak now or forever hold their peace." Everyone present looked around to see if anyone would object to the marriage. Helen's mother, Martha, glanced at her husband. He was quiet. No else objected, so the minister continued.
"Marriage is the union of husband and wife in heart, body and mind. It is intended for their mutual joy – and for the help and comfort given on another in prosperity and adversity. But more importantly – it is a means through which a stable and loving environment may be attained.
"Through marriage, James Munroe and Helen Adams, make a commitment together to face their disappointments – embrace their dreams – realize their hopes – and accept each other's failures. James and Helen will promise one another to aspire to these ideals throughout their lives together – through mutual understanding – openness – and sensitivity to each other.
"We are here today – before God – because marriage is one of His most sacred wishes – to witness the joining in marriage of James Munroe and Helen Adams. This occasion marks the celebration of love and commitment with which this man and this woman begin their life together. And now – through me – He joins you together in one of the holiest bonds.
"Who gives this woman in marriage to this man?"
Helen's father stepped forward. "I do."
The minister continued.
"This is a beginning and a continuation of their growth as individuals. With mutual care, respect, responsibility and knowledge comes the affirmation of each one's own life happiness, growth and freedom. With respect for individual boundaries comes the freedom to love unconditionally. Within the emotional safety of a loving relationship – the knowledge self-offered one another becomes the fertile soil for continued growth. With care and responsibility towards self and one another comes the potential for full and and happy lives.
"These moments are so meaningful to all of us, for "what greater thing is there for two human souls than to feel that they are joined together – to strengthen each other in all labor – to minister to each other in all sorrow – to share with each other in all gladness.
"This relationship stands for love, loyalty, honesty and trust, but most of all for friendship. Before they knew love, they were friends, and it was from this seed of friendship that is their destiny. Do not think that you can direct the course of love – for love, if it finds you worthy, shall direct you.
"Marriage is an act of faith and a personal commitment as well as a moral and physical union between two people. Marriage has been described as the best and most important relationship that can exist between them. It is the construction of their love and trust into a single growing energy of spiritual life. It is a moral commitment that requires and deserves daily attention. Marriage should be a life long consecration of the ideal of loving kindness happy lives.
"By gathering together all the wishes of happiness and our fondest hopes for James and Helen from all present here, we assure them that our hearts are in tune with theirs– backed with the will to make it last."
The minister turned to James.
"Do you, James Munroe, take Helen Adams to be your wife – to live together after God's ordinance – in the holy estate of matrimony? Will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health, for richer, for poorer, for better, for worse, in sadness and in joy, to cherish and continually bestow upon her your heart's deepest devotion, forsaking all others, keep yourself only unto her as long as you both shall live?"
"I will," said James, looking deep into Helen's eyes.
The minister turned to Helen.
"Do you, Helen Adams, take James Munroe to be your husband – to live together after God's ordinance – in the holy estate of matrimony? Will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health, for richer, for poorer, for better, for worse, in sadness and in joy, to cherish and continually bestow upon him your heart's deepest devotion, forsaking all others, keep yourself only unto him as long as you both shall live?"
"I will, " Helen said, looking back into Jim's eyes.
The minister held out his hand.
"What token of your love do you offer? Would you place the rings in my hand?" Helen's sister Lydia and George placed the rings in the minister's hand. Helen handed her bouquet to Lydia as she and James prepared to exchange rings.
"May these rings be blessed as the symbol of this affectionate unity. These two lives are now joined in one unbroken circle. Wherever they go – may they always return to one another. May these two find in each other the love for which all men and women yearn. May they grow in understanding and in compassion. May the home which they establish together be such a place that many will find there a friend. May this/these rings on their fingers symbolize the touch of the spirit of love in their hearts."
The minister handed Helen's ring to James. Helen gave her bouquet to Lydia.
"James, in placing this ring on Helen's finger, repeat after me: Helen, you are now consecrated to me as my wife from this day forward and I give you this ring as the pledge of my love and as the symbol of our unity and with this ring, I thee wed."
"Helen, you are now consecrated to me as my wife from this day forward and I give you this ring as the pledge of my love and as the symbol of our unity and with this ring, I thee wed." James repeated. He placed the ring on her finger.
The minister handed James' ring to Helen.
"Helen, in placing this ring on James' finger, repeat after me: James, you are now consecrate to me as my husband from this day forward and I give you this ring as the pledge of my love and as the symbol of our unity and with this ring, I thee wed."
" James, you are now consecrate to me as my husband from this day forward and I give you this ring as the pledge of my love and as the symbol of our unity and with this ring, I thee wed." Helen repeated. She placed the ring on James' finger.
"May you always share with each other the gifts of love – be one in heart and in mind – may you always create a home together that puts in your hearts – love – generosity and kindness." The minister continued.
"In as much as James and Helen have consented together in marriage before this company of friends and family and have pledged their faith – and declared their unity by giving and receiving a ring – are now joined.
"You have pronounced yourselves husband and wife but remember to always be each other's best friend.
"What – therefore – God has joined together – let no man put asunder.
"And so, by the power vested in me by the State of California and Almighty God, I now pronounce you man and wife – and may your days be good and long upon the earth.
You may now kiss the bride."
Helen and James shared their first kiss as husband and wife in front of their family and friends. James proudly lead his bride down aisle, out of the church, and into the waiting limo that would take them to the reception hall, as the recessional music played.
James helped Helen into the limo and climbed in behind her. They snuggled together on the back seat as the driver discreetly kept his eyes on the road. James took Helen in his arms. "I love you, Mrs. Munroe, " he whipered in her ear.
"I love you too, Mr. Munroe," she whispered back. Once again, James thought himself the luckiest man in the world as he kissed his wife.
The limo pulled up in front of the reception hall. The driver got out and opened the door for James. James disembarked, and then extended his hand to help Helen. Once inside the reception hall, they were greeted by their guests and a recieving line was formed. They shook hands and smiled for what seemed like hours. Then there was dancing and later on, present opening. There was an abundance of toasters and popcorn poppers, as well as plenty of other household necessities. Soon it was time to leave for the honeymoon. Helen and James changed their clothes and then got into James' car, which was decorated with old cans, streamers, shoes, and shaving cream. Friends and relatives waved goodbye.
"WAIT!" called Helen's sister Lydia. "Helen, you forgot to throw the bouquet!"
Helen looked down at the bouquet still in her hands and laughed. James helped her back out of the car. The bridesmaids and other single girls jostled each other for the best position. Helen turned her back and held up the bouquet. "One...two...THREE!" She tossed the bouquet over her shoulder towards the waiting girls. Lydia watched as it sailed through the air, and down, down, down...she dove and caught it just before it hit the ground. Everyone laughed and congratulated her. Her fiance' Paul came up behind her and put his arm around her. "Soon," he promised. Lydia smiled at him as James and Helen got back into the limo and drove off.
James and Helen arrived at their hotel. James checked them in, then offered his arm to Helen. "This way, Mrs. Munroe." Helen laughed as he led her to their room. At the doorway, James unlocked the door then lifted Helen in his arms. "Helen, we are going to have a great life together," he promised. He carried her over to the bed and placed her gently on it.
"We will, James, I know it."
James leaned over and kissed Helen. "I love you, you know."
"I know."
That night, Helen's parents, Martha and William sat having dinner. William stared at his plate as Martha happily relived the day's events in her mind.
"I don't think I've ever seen Helen so happy," she remarked.
"She was happy when she got her first bike," William grumbled.
"Now, William, James is a nice young man. He is Helen's husband now, and you are just going to have to accept that."
"But I don't have to be happy about it." He took a sip of coffee.
"You never have approved of James. As I recall, you never really liked Lydia's dates either."
"At least Paul has a job."
"And James does too."
"I don't call working in a grocery store a good job. And playing baseball? What kind of job is that?"
"He hopes to make it into the majors some day. At least he has something to fall back on in the meantime."
"I guess it's better than nothing," William grumbled into his coffee. "But he'd better be earning a decent living before any babies come along!"
"William, I share your concern. But, the kids are married now. We have to let them live their own lives. If they have trouble, we will help them. But we need to stay back now. Today, as they exchanged their vows, I promised not to be a meddling mother in law. I am going to keep that promise."
"Good for you," William muttered and took another swig of coffee.
Across town, James' parents, Frank and Evelyn, were also having dinner. "Helen looked so beautiful today," Evelyn remarked. "And James was so handsome!"
"Yes, they both looked nice," Frank agreed. "I wish them all the best."
"I do to, but I worry about James. I hope he will be able to take care of her."
"James had his wild side, but he has settled down now, and he will be a good husband. Look at the way he looks at Helen. He treats her like a queen."
"As a husband should."
"You're still my queen!" Frank declared. Evelyn leaned over and kissed him. George came into the room.
"Knock it off, you two."
They pulled apart. "Hello, son. What are your plans for this evening?" Frank asked.
"I'm going to go down and help out at the bar for a few hours. After that, I will meet up with some of the guys."
"Don't stay out too late," Evelyn admonished.
"Mom, I am not a kid any more," George kissed his mother's cheek. "But I will be careful. See you." He was gone.
"Now we need to get him married off," Evelyn remarked. "The Smiths' granddaughter is visiting them. I wonder if she would like to get acquainted with George."
"Now cut that out," Frank said. "I'm still hungry. Is there any more food left?"
Evelyn happily served her husband some more dinner.
3 Months later...
Helen Munroe was playing tennis at the local YWCA. She really enjoyed the sport, and had even played on her high school team. After graduation, she hadn't had much time to play as she had held down a job, and then gotten married. Now she just played whenever she could. She tossed a ball toward the wall and tried to hit it. She missed. She tried to hit another ball. She missed again. Her game seemed to be really off lately. Helen tried to hit a few more balls. Some she hit, a lot she didn't. Wearily, she picked up her balls and racquet and headed for the locker room. She wiped the sweat from her face and neck. She seemed to be so tired lately. She thought she might be getting a stomach bug. Her breakfast didn't agree with her and she had thrown it up. Helen quickened her steps as another wave of nausea hit her. She really wished she could shake this thing. Helen made it to the locker room, but another, larger wave hit her. She ran for the toilet stalls and barely made it as the contents of her stomach came up and splashed into the bowl. She leaned against the wall of the stall and took several deep breaths. When she was more composed, she made her way over to the row of sinks. Her legs felt like rubber. Helen rinsed her mouth out, and splashed cold water on her face. She sat down on one of the benches and put her head in her hands. What was wrong with her? She hardly ever got sick, unless...Helen thought back to the last time she had had a period. It had been just awhile. Of course! That had to be it! She was pregnant. Just to be sure, she wanted to have her doctor check it out. Helen quickly showered and put her street clothes on. She could hardly wait to tell James! Helen rushed home. Once there, she pulled her address book out of the desk drawer and looked up the gynecologist who had taken care of her family's female needs. She made an appointment for the following day.
The next afternoon, Helen nervously paced the living room in the apartment while she waited for James to come home. The doctor was 90% positive that she was pregnant, but had run a pregnancy test for confirmation. He was going to call with the results. Helen bit her fingernails and paced some more. The door opened and James came in.
"James!" Helen exclaimed as she ran to him and threw her arms around him.
"Hi, Babe! What's wrong? You usually don't welcome me home like this."
"Well..." Helen hesitated. "Maybe we'd better sit down." She led him over to the couch.
James sat down. "Babe, what's wrong?"
"Nothing. I went to the doctor today."
"Are you alright?"
"I'm fine, but..."
"Helen, tell me what it is!"
"I'MGOINGTOHAVEABABY!" She let out in one breath.
"What?" James was stunned.
"I'm going to have a baby," Helen repeated, more slowly this time.
"A baby..." James repeated. "Are you sure?"
"I went to the doctor today, and he was pretty sure. He gave me a test, and he's going to call me with the results." Helen watched her husband anxiously. She thought he looked angry. "Are you mad?"
James took Helen in his arms. She snuggled against his chest. "No, Babe, I'm not mad," he reassured her. He kissed the top of her head. "I'm just surprised. I thought we were going to wait awhile."
"We were, but sometimes accidents happen."
"I guess so."
The phone rang just then. Helen leaned over the back of the couch to answer it.
"Hello? Oh, hi, Doctor... Really?... When? ... Ok, thanks, Doctor! Bye!" Helen hung up the phone.
"James, we're going to have a baby. I'm due in February."
"That's great, Babe." He hugged Helen. She got up to prepare dinner. "I need a drink," James said to himself and poured himself a stiff one. "A baby," he repeated. He set his glass down and went into the kitchen area where Helen was starting dinner.
"Babe, how are we going to afford this?"
"The baby? We're going to have to afford it. It's too late to do anything about it now."
"I don't make that much in the grocery store, and it may be awhile before I can try out for the majors."
"James, I'll get a job and help out. We'll be alright. Our parents can help if we need it."
"Helen, no one is going to hire you while you're pregnant. Your old man doesn't think that much of me as it is. This will just confirm his opinion of me."
"Oh, he likes you. He just has a funny way of showing it."
"Sure he does."
James picked up a knife and started to help Helen slice vegetables. "I'll just have to get a second job. I don't want our folks to have to help us out."
Helen kissed him. "That's sweet of you. I know we'll be alright." They continued to fix dinner in silence.
"So how are we going to tell them?" James asked.
"Our parents? What if we had a dinner party? Then we can break it to all of them at once."
"Good idea. Are you sure you're up to hosting a party?"
"I'll be fine, and our mothers will insist on helping."
James nodded. They finished their dinner prep and sat down at their little table to eat.
"I'll see if Whataburger is hiring tomorrow," James said. Helen inwardly sighed and ate her dinner. She wished she could get a job too, but knew James was right. No one was going to hire her if she was going to quit in a few months.
The big day arrived. Helen was putting the finishing touches on the dinner. Since their dining area was not very big, she had decided to serve the dinner buffet style. Both her mother and James' had called to see if they could bring anything. Helen had thanked them politely, and declined. She knew that would not stop them though. More than likely they would bring something. The door opened and James came in.
"Babe!" He called.
"Hi, honey. Did you get the wine?"
"I did, and some flowers too." He handed Helen a bouquet of daisies.
"James, they are beautiful! Let me go get a vase for them." Helen carefully set the flowers down on the counter and pulled a stool over to the cupboards. She started to climb onto it.
James stopped her.
"Careful, Babe. I don't want you getting hurt. Let me get the vase for you. Just point me towards the right shelf." He lifted her down off of the stool.
"Thanks, honey. It is in the back corner of the top shelf of that cupboard." She pointed. James climbed on the stool and got the vase down. He handed it to Helen.
"How are you feeling?" He asked.
"A little tired, but I'll be OK. I'll rest after everyone goes home." Helen filled the vase with water and put the flowers in, just as the doorbell rang. James answered it to find both of their mothers standing outside the door with casserole dishes in their hands. The fathers were right behind them.
"Hello, everyone! Come on in!" James stepped aside to let them in. The mothers headed for the kitchen. Neither wanted to let the other get there first. Martha won.
"Helen, dear, it's a lot of work to feed so many people, so I brought a little something to help out. Here is a lasagne."
"Thanks, mom, but I cooked a roast."
"Well, we'll just put it on the table with the rest of the food, just in case." She moved a couple of dishes out of the way and put the lasange down.
"And I made a chicken pot pie. I hope you like it," Evelyn added. She also rearranged a few dishes and put hers down.
"Thanks, both of you," Helen said graciously. She cast a glance for help at James. He was rather amused by the situation, and had to work to hold back his laughter.
"Would anyone like some wine?" Helen offered. "James, why don't you pour?"
James nodded and got out the glasses. He poured for everyone. "None for me, thanks, " Helen told him. Suspicious looks from the mothers went her way.
"Helen, are you feeling alright?" Martha asked.
"I'm fine, mom. Why don't all of you sit down?"
"Are you sure, Helen?" asked Evelyn.
"Yes, Evelyn. I am fine."
"You look a little pale," Martha insisted.
Helen tried to sidestep the subject. "Since we have such a small table, we decided to serve dinner buffet style. We'll eat out here in the living room, and serve up in the dining room."
"Helen, I'm your mother. I know when you aren't feeling well. Something is wrong. What is it?"
"Mom. Nothing is wrong. I am fine. Just fine. OK?"
"Ok, dear, if you insist." Martha still wasn't convinced. Neither was Evelyn. Neither was Helen as she felt the now familiar wave of nausea creeping up on her again. She had felt fine all day...until now.
"Excuse me, " she said hurriedly as she pushed past everyone and ran for the bathroom. She barely made it. "Damn morning sickness," she muttered as she rinsed her mouth out. "It should be called "All Day Sickness" because I have it all day!" Helen dried her hands and face. She opened the bathroom door to find both mothers standing outside of it, arms folded.
"When are you due?" Martha demanded.
"Why didn't you tell us?" Evelyn added.
Helen smiled sheepishly and looked towards James for help. He came towards her as both Evelyn and Martha each took one of her arms and led her to the couch. Both fathers were standing there, stunned. Helen sat on the couch as both mothers fussed over her. Evelyn removed Helen's shoes and put her feet up on the couch.
"James, go get some pillows and put them under her legs," she ordered.
Martha, not to be outdone, propped couch pillows behind Helen's back and shoulders.
"Really, I'm fine," Helen protested.
James returned with the pillows and put them under Helen's legs. Helen smiled weakly at him. This was not going as she had planned it.
"Will someone please tell me what's going on here? " William demanded. "Helen, are you all right."
"I'm fine, Dad. I guess now is a good time as any. We were going to tell all of you after dinner. Mom and Evelyn guessed it. I am going to have a baby. I'm due in early February."
The mothers hugged Helen. The fathers glowered at James. He grimaced in what he hoped was a smile.
"Young man, I'd like to have a word with you," William ordered. "Outside."
"Now hold on, there, Adams. He's my son, and I want to talk to him as well." The men went out into the hallway.
Helen buried her face in her hands. Her dinner party was quickly going downhill. "Mom!" She protested.
"Now, dear. You sit there and rest. Would you like me to get you anything?"
Helen shook her head. "No, thanks."
James squirmed uncomfortably out in the hall. "Just how in the hell are you going to support my little girl and a baby, young man?"
William enquired. James wished he was anywhere but here.
"Sir, I have a job. I'm picking up a second one tomorrow. I went to the Whataburger and applied. I know it's not that great of a job, but it's better than nothing." James ran his finger inside the collar of his shirt.
"At least you're trying, then. I don't want them to want for anything! Understand?"
James nodded miserably. "Yes, sir."
Frank stepped forward. "Son, I know you had planned to wait awhile, but accidents do happen. I'm with Adams on this one. Helen and the baby come first, before anything. Before your fun, before your sports, before anything else. Got it?"
James nodded again. "Yes, sir," he repeated.
"Now, with that said, Congratulations, son." Frank clapped James on the back. "You're going to be a father."
William shook James' hand. "Congratulations."
The men went back inside. Helen was still on the couch. She looked rather pale. James went to her and took her hand. "Are you OK?"
"Yes. I will be fine. Our mothers have everything under control." Helen gestured over to the dining table where Evelyn and Martha were busily serving dinner for everyone. "Yep. Under control. " Helen sighed. It was going to be a long pregnancy.