Ellen's POV
Today, we celebrate my father's life. I still can't believe that he's not with us anymore. He was a great man who provided for his wife and family. I know my mother angered him when she worked briefly, but he never let it get him down.
I put on my conservative black dress, with three-quarter length sleeves and a modest scope neckline. It is form-fitted to the waist, where it flares slightly, ending just below my knees. There is a wide belt to give it shape. I put on a pair of nude pantyhose and my two-inch leather pumps with a sturdy heel. My hair is in a French twist, low enough so my hat can fit on my head. I take out my black gloves and place three packets of tissues in my small black clutch. I have minimal make-up on, enough to enhance my beauty, but not too much that I will have mascara lines. I grab my black dress coat from the closet, prepared to go to the funeral home. My mother comes in dressed in a similar style to me, and I help her to Frank's Buick. Frank is wearing his only black suit with a crisp white dress shirt that I starched and pressed this morning. His shoes are shined, and he's wearing a black and gray tie.
We arrive at twenty to two. As the daughter and widow, we are allotted a few minutes with Dad before the rest of the mourners arrive. Just as we are about to enter the slumber room, Valerie comes in with her sister-in-law Diane.
"Valerie, you shouldn't have traveled here from California. It isn't good for you to be flying in your condition." Valerie is six months pregnant with her first child, a girl, and I am so proud of her. Val is wearing a pretty black maternity dress with sensible black flats. No heels for a woman in her condition.
"It's okay, Mommy. The doctor cleared me to fly. Besides, Angie here never got to meet Grandpa. I only felt it fitting for her to be here," she replies with her hands on her belly.
"Come, let's go in the room so you can sit down." I escort my eldest daughter into the room where my father is in repose. My mother finishes her prayers, then sits in one of the big chairs in the front row. I bring Valerie up to the casket. Suddenly, I hear the door open. I'm about to chastise the rude person who is interrupting our time when I see it's her, Stephanie, walking in. I observe that her so-called husband is nowhere to be found. Hmph. Serves her right.
"Grandma, I can't believe it. I miss him already." Stephanie exclaims as she hugs my mother, sobbing in her arms.
"I know, Stephanie, but he's in a better place. Now, he can eat all he wants of whatever he wants. Don't be sad. Where is that granddaughter of mine?"
"She's with Carlos. He's changing her diaper. I finished feeding her as we pulled off the highway."
I take a moment to look at the harlot. She's wearing a black dress that is too low and too short. It's tight, and definitely not appropriate. A skirt that ends above the knee? And a neckline that plunges below the collar bone. Where did I go wrong?
"Steph, you look great. I can't believe you only gave birth three weeks ago."
"Well, I didn't gain too much weight, to begin with, and I immediately went back to my exercise regimen once I got clearance. I still have about ten pounds left to lose. I already lost ten."
She already lost ten pounds? Only has ten more to go? How much did she gain?
"You only gained twenty pounds?"
"Twenty-seven. But since Julie was seven pounds on the nose, I don't count that weight."
At that moment, I see her husband walk in, wearing a perfectly fitted black suit with a gray button-down shirt and tie that matches Frank. He also has on cufflinks. His shoes are so shined that you can see your reflection in them. And, he's carrying a baby girl who looks like him, with his dark skin, dark eyes, and hair. She's wearing pajamas with a little dog on them. I have no idea how old she is.
"Carlos, my boy, let me see my great-granddaughter. I want to meet Julie."
"Grandma Mazur, here you go."
I watch as my mother takes the child from that Carlos. She holds her as the baby looks at her intently. "You have your mother's nose and her cute little mouth. But you have daddy's hair, which you should be thankful for. Your daddy has great hair. I'm your great-grandma Mazur. You better be like your mother and fly. Your mommy and daddy will let you fly."
"What is that?" I ask my mother.
"What is that!? That is your granddaughter. Yes, Ellen, your wayward daughter, the one who would never amount to anything worthy of the Burg is happily married, with a beautiful baby girl, Julie. She has a home, a good job, and her husband supports her. She is living her life the way she wants to, not the way you have tried to force her to live her life. Don't embarrass me by talking about your own flesh and blood like that."
"You knew?"
"Of course, I knew, Ellen. Stephanie and I have always been in contact. In fact, she came over the day after Christmas to tell me in person that she was pregnant. Her husband, who might not be a Burg man, treats her better than any Burg husband I've seen. During her visit, he was always making sure she was comfortable, had water, and helped her get up from whatever chair she was sitting on. Since Julie's birth, he's been helping her with the feedings, diaper changes, baths, and everything else. His grandmother, Rosa, has offered to stay with Stephanie for a few months to help her get acclimated to being a mother, to help her get a schedule that works for her and Carlos. Carlos and Stephanie prepare dinner together and clean up together. Lester, who rents an apartment from them, also helps by doing the grocery shopping, watching Julie so Steph can take a nap, or just being there to help capture Julie's first moments. It's what a family should be. I'm proud of Stephanie for all that she's accomplished, and I'm pleased that she's not 'Burg worthy.'"
I can't believe my mother approves of her. Stephanie is a disgrace, marrying that…that…man. Now she disgraces my family by having a child that looks like him. Thank God Valerie did the right thing and married Steven. I don't know why my mother doesn't see what a good husband, Steven, is to Valerie.
"Ellen, where's Steven? How come he's not here with his pregnant wife? Why is she here with Diane?"
"Mother, you know Steven has an important job. He couldn't just pick up and leave to fly across the country. Now really."
"Ellen, don't be stupid. Everyone knows that you get at least three days for the death of a close family member. I'd say that your wife's grandfather would be considered a close family member. He should be here with Valerie, not back in California. He's probably banging his secretary."
"Mother, now, please. The rest of the mourners will be here in a few minutes. We mustn't talk like that."
"If you want me to 'behave,' then you better treat Stephanie with respect as she deserves, and you better respect your son-in-law who is here."
I have no idea what has gotten into my mother, but I have had enough. I go to sit in the second big chair and see that Stephanie is sitting in it, with her daughter sleeping in her arms. Her husband is beside her, holding her hand as she stares at my father. I guess I'll just wait for her to get up so I can take my rightful seat.
"Ellen, dear, you need to calm down. Don't worry about Stephanie. I'm sure she'll only be here for the afternoon. You know that the baby will need to be put to bed early. Then, after tomorrow, she'll go crawl back under whatever rock she came out from, and we won't need to see her again."
"I hope you're right, Frank. I don't know if I can put up with her for two full days."
It is with that hope that I started to greet the family and friends who came to say their last goodbye to my father. I was thankful when Stephanie and Carlos didn't join us for dinner, instead choosing to go to the Rizzi house. I was, however, shocked when she returned in the evening. I insisted that Valerie stay home to rest, thinking that Steph wouldn't be here. Now, Val will look like the bad granddaughter. But I do see that she's here without the brat.
"Where's the baby?"
"Your granddaughter, Julie, is with her great-grandmother and her Aunt at Tia Celia's house. Tia Celia and Abuela Rosa are watching her for me tonight."
"Shouldn't you be with her? How will she eat?"
"She's on formula. She wasn't able to nurse."
"Can't even feed your child properly."
"There is nothing wrong with formula feeding. Julie is getting all her nutrients and is growing on schedule. She's a healthy little girl. That's all that matters."
At that moment, Joe Juniak and his wife enter the room. He immediately walks over to Stephanie and Carlos.
"Stephanie, Ranger, I've heard some great things about both you. What is it that I heard you broke every record at Rangers school?"
"Well, it wasn't all of them."
"Yes, it was Carlos. You know that."
"I just want to be the best I can be, Sir."
"There's nothing wrong with that, son. Stephanie, I hear that they want to move you up when you return from your maternity leave."
"It's true. I'm not sure, though. With the higher clearance, comes more danger. Now that I have Julie, I'm not sure I want to make my life more dangerous."
"I think it would be foolish to waste that opportunity. Stephanie, I'm so glad you came to talk to me about going to West Point. I knew that if you went, you would fly, and so far, you have. I want to see you reach new heights, to be the best ever. You have the potential. Go for it. As for you, Ranger, you need to be careful. I don't need my goddaughter to be a young widow. Do you understand me?"
"Yes, Sir. I will make sure I come home to Stephanie, always."
"Stephanie, your grandfather was a good man. He supported me more than my father did, and for that, I will help you in any way I can. I'm so sorry for your loss."
"Thank you, Uncle Joe. I appreciate it. I hope I continue to make you proud."
"Where's your daughter?"
"She's with Abuela at Tia Celia's."
"Oh, well. I guess I'll have to wait until next time." Joe stated. I'm shocked he knows so much about my younger daughter and her disgrace of a husband. I need to try to get the gossip from Elisa Juniak. I guess it's time I invite her to the next brunch with Angie and the other proper Burg women.
"Have you thought about what you might do when you decide to retire?" I overhear Joe ask Steph and that man.
"We've talked about opening up a security business of some sort. With our training, we feel we can offer people things that others can't. I have a few buddies I might bring on board. But that won't happen for at least five or six years. We need to build more capital, Sir." Her husband replies.
"I think that's a great idea. I know that whatever you and Stephanie decide to do after you retire from the military will be a success. If you ever need anything, please, call me. I'll always be here for you." Joe responds.
I can't believe that Joe is so supportive of Stephanie and Carlos. Doesn't he know that what they do isn't right? When the night ends, Frank, my mother, and I all return home to my house. I get undressed, neatly folding my dress to bring to the cleaners. I carefully hang Frank's suit, inspecting it for stains, before I retire for the night. I called Val, checking on how she was feeling. She was sleeping, or so Diane told me. Once I knew mom was set, I turned in for the night.
The next morning, the Sun was shining. We had an unseasonably warm day for February, in that it was 50 degrees at seven. The high was supposed to be about 62. Thankfully, we wouldn't be freezing at the cemetery.
I once again dress carefully, this time wearing a black suit. I place a white blouse under my black skirt suit, with a string of princess length pearls around my neck and small pearl earring in my ears. My wedding band and engagement ring, along with my watch, are my only other pieces of jewelry. My hair is coifed in a bun, with no stray hair hanging. Frank once again dons his suit, pairing it this time with a blue shirt, tie, and handkerchief. My mother walks down the stairs wearing another black dress, looking frailer then she had yesterday. I hope she's okay.
We arrive once again at the funeral home, where, after a brief service, my father will be brought to the church. There, we will have a full funeral mass before heading to the cemetery to bury him. Valerie enters wearing a different, tasteful maternity dress, with her hair also in a bun. I can tell she's wearing stockings, which is appropriate, though I hope they are thigh highs or maternity stockings. Regular pantyhose aren't suitable for a pregnant woman.
Stephanie once again arrives with her husband and baby. She's wearing a form-fitted suit dress, without stockings, and three-inch black stilettos. She has on dog tags. What woman wears dog tags. I swear, she has no sense of propriety. Her hair is down, and she's wearing mascara. Where did I go wrong? Her husband, at least, knows how to dress. He's wearing another well-cut suit, this one is black pinstripe, with a white shirt, black and white tie, and white handkerchief. I once again notice the cufflinks and the shiny black shoes. Now, my father was never in the military, but a few of his friends were, along with some of their sons. His best friend, Sal Biondo, and his son, John Paul, arrive. John Paul was in Vietnam and stayed enlisted. I think he holds the rank of Colonel.
"Ellen, I'm sorry for your loss. Your father was a good man."
"Thank you, Mr. Biondo. John Paul, I didn't know you were in town."
"I only arrived a few days ago to celebrate the first birthday of my niece's daughter. We would have been here yesterday, but Mom's knee was giving her some issues. She claims rain is on the way."
"Please give her my love. I hope she's feeling better." I reply. I notice John Paul look up and smile.
"Excuse me, Mrs. Plum. I see someone I know from the Army." I watch as he walks towards Stephanie and her husband.
"Lt. Plum, Lt. Manoso, what are you doing out of uniform?" he barks, causing them both to jump and immediately straighten up.
"Col. Biondo, what are you doing here?" Steph's husband asks.
"My father was good friends with Stephanie's grandfather, Ranger. How are things going? I heard about your first mission. I thank God that you are safe, and we were able to get you."
"Thank you. It was crazy, but I am itching to go on another one, what that hopefully will end more smoothly."
"As much as Julie and I don't want to see him go, I know that he's getting restless. Tank, Lester, and Brown just returned from a small operation. They were gone for two weeks."
"That must've been difficult, sitting on the sidelines."
"It was, but with Stephanie due to give birth, I wouldn't want to be anywhere else. As it was, I missed most of her pregnancy. I didn't want to miss my daughter's birth."
"I understand. If either of you ever needs anything, please give me a call. Good luck."
"Thank you, Sir," Stephanie replies.
The funeral director comes out, saying a small prayer so we can proceed to the church. I got a limo for Frank, Mom, Valerie, Diane, and myself. I will not sit with that brat and her family. I know my mother is annoyed, but she'll have to deal with it. If she wanted Steph to come with us, she should've handled the arrangements herself. I see Steph and her husband get into a relatively new black BMW. How do they afford that car? Valerie is driving a Honda minivan that is four years old, and her husband is a lawyer. It must be stolen.
Once we arrive at the church, we enter. I am appalled to see Stephanie holding her baby. Doesn't she know babies don't belong at a funeral mass? The baby and her father should be waiting in the car. That baby better not make a sound. We process down the aisle, following my father's casket, until we reach the front of the church. Valerie and Diane enter the first pew, followed by Frank and me. My mother, the widow, chooses to sit in the second row with Stephanie. "Mother, what are you doing? You should be in this row." I whisper.
"Then make room for Stephanie. Val, move down to the end." My mother replies. I watch as Valerie complies. My mother sits next to me, with Steph sitting next to her and that man on the end, holding their baby, who is, thankfully, asleep. The mass is beautiful, and Father Carmine delivers a heartfelt eulogy. I am eternally grateful. When we move to exit, I notice that the baby is awake. I wonder when she woke up. At least she was quiet. We once again piling into our vehicles to head to the cemetery.
Once again, my disgrace of a daughter Stephanie brings her baby to the graveside. I can't believe how she is embarrassing me. I mean, she has all of his family here to take care of the brat. Once we get there, I take one of the seats, my mother the second, and Stephanie the third at my mother's insistence.
"Mother, Valerie needs to sit. She's with-child."
"Then give her your seat. Stephanie is holding her daughter and shouldn't be standing. She's still recovering from childbirth. You remember what that was like, don't you? I know I do, and I had you a long time ago. The proper procedure would have been to ask for four chairs for your father's wife, daughter, and two granddaughters. Stephanie was always his favorite, you know."
I stand, giving my chair to Valerie as I lean on Frank. He tells me to calm down that we are almost done with Stephanie. I take a deep breath, knowing that my father wouldn't want me to make a scene. Once again, the short service was lovely and incredibly sorrowful. Steph stands to place her flower and one for her daughter on the casket. When she releases the flower, she starts to cry. Her husband pulls her into his arms, effortlessly taking the baby out of her embrace. He's whispering to her, running his hand down his back, comforting her. He hands her a handkerchief from his pocket, which she uses to dab her face. She seems to get her control back. I watch as my mother talks to Stephanie.
"Okay, Grandma, we'll meet you at Marsiello's." Now, I'm pissed. Why does she need to come for lunch? Why me?
Now that we are back in the limo, it's time to talk to my mother. "Why did you invite Stephanie? You know that baby shouldn't be there."
"Can it, Ellen. Stephanie is my granddaughter, and her daughter Julie is my great-granddaughter. I would like to spend some time with them, as I haven't seen her much in the last year. She stopped over at Christmas, but I wasn't able to see her or Julie until yesterday because of your father's illness. She is expected to eat with us, you wouldn't want people to talk now. If you don't treat your daughter with respect, Ellen Angelina Mazur Plum, I promise that you will be sorry. I am still your mother, and you must listen to me. Do I make myself clear?"
"Yes, mother," I reply. This is going to be a long day.
End of Part II
A/N: This is the end of my daily updates for now. I am on page 65 of Part III, I'm guessing about halfway done. I don't want to post daily because I will run out of chapters too quickly. As soon as I finish the story, I'll push up my updating, but until then, I'm back to Friday/Monday for updates. I'll post chapter 1 of part III on Saturday for this week only. Thank you for your reviews, your comments, and your continued support. Thanks to my fabulous beta Susan, and to my military fact-finders, HermoineIncarnate and Aruvqan. Without you Babes, this story wouldn't be as good. Thank you! :-)
