I'm going to Norwalk. Norwalk in Connecticut. Wilson Point to be exact. It's right on the waterfront.
The driver explained the surcharges to drive out of New York City, and gave her an estimate of eighty five dollars.
It's fine, Jessica said, hoping that her beautiful dress wouldn't wrinkle on the way there. The driver moved eastward down fifty ninth street and turned north to the FDR drive. The scenery became more sketchy as they moved upwards, and Jessica wrinkled her nose in distaste at the depressing towers of low income housing. This was definitely a part of New York City that she didn't like.
They crossed over a bridge and onto interstate two seven eight, and Jessica figured they were somewhere in the Bronx. The yellow car moved further along onto interstate ninety five, and within half an hour, Jessica spotted the sign stating "Welcome to Connecticut…The Constitution State."
She sat back in her seat, making herself more comfortable as the car moved along the journey. The scenery along the way, once they got out of the city was fascinating to Jessica, and she paid close attention to the road signs as they moved further east. Brilliant fall colors entered her vision, and she now understood why everyone raved about New England's famous foliage.
She looked down at the luscious silk fabric of her dress, that appeared either more blue or green every time she turned it from left to right.
The price was well worth it!
Jessica noted the signs and directions for Greenwich, Riverside, Old Greenwich, Cos Cob, Stamford, Darien, and her anticipation grew with every mile. They'd be in Norwalk pretty soon! After another fifteen minutes of driving, somewhere around Noroton Heights, the car approached a long line of vehicles, that didn't seem to be moving. Jessica sat up in annoyance, willing the cars in front of them to get out of her way.
Looks like an accident, the driver said, as the cab slowed to a snail's pace.
Jessica frowned, as she looked at the clock. It was only just past one, she assured herself. She still had lots of time. She opened her purse, and pulled out her jewelry and nail polish. She put on her new necklace and earrings, and began to work on her nails, while keeping an eye on the clock.
One fifteen… one thirty…. one forty five. They had probably moved less than a mile as the minutes crept along.
I don't believe this! How far away are we,? she asked the driver.
We're very close to Norwalk, the driver said apologetically. Just fifteen minutes away.
She sat back in the seat, and began to see red, as red as her freshly painted nails.
She pulled her new silk wrap tighter. She looked at the driver in frustration. Of all the days to be late for somewhere!
Dammit! It was almost two o' clock!
And she had tried so hard too! To be on time for once in her life. She hadn't even tried this hard for her own wedding. After what seemed to be another hour, but was more like five minutes, the traffic cleared and they drove past Darien and into Rowayton, where the car turned downwards into Norwalk's Point Road. Jessica sighed in relief as she saw the sign for Wilson Point at the waterfront. She looked at the meter, handed the driver a wad of bills, and got out of the car, running towards the dock.
Jessica put the strap of her purse around her neck and walked straight to a man seated at the helm of a small vessel, with "Tavern Island Ferry" written on the side.
He looked up as Jessica approached him, and tipped his black sailor's hat.
Looks like you're dressed for a wedding, the man said, smiling. He was probably a bit older than her father, with bright hazel eyes and freckled tanned skin.
Hi, can you take me across please,? Jessica smiled in return. You drive this ferry right? Jessica asked in her sweetest voice. Your name is?
Captain John, the man smiled again at her, obviously impressed with the lovely vision in front of him. I operate all these boats, he spread his arm out and gestured at a number of smaller vessels bobbing with the ripples in the water. In addition to this one. Of course I'll take you, he said, looking her up and down. Do you have your invitation Miss?
Jessica's face fell. No, I don't. But it's my sister's wedding. You have to take me! Please?
I'm sorry, but I can't take you unless you have your invitation. What's your name? The man pulled a clipboard and looked through the sheets of paper. I have a list here, if yours is on it, I'll take you to the island.
Jessica. Jessica Wilk…Wakefield, she replied hopefully, knowing that there was no way her name would be on that list.
I'm sorry, the man said again, shaking his head.
But please, you don't understand, Jessica insisted, almost in tears. I have to get to that island. Isn't there another way?
She started opening her purse.If I pay you will you take me?
I'm sorry, John shrugged, looking apologetically at her. I'd really like to help you, but it's a private island, only for guests. No amount of money will get you across unless you are on the list. And unless you are on this list, or you have your invite, then you're not getting on this boat. The only way is if you contact someone on the island, and they give me permission to bring you over.
There's a payphone right there, he motioned to her.
But I don't have a number, Jessica told him.
Well, there's nothing I can do, he said.
Fine, then don't help me then! Jessica muttered as she hiked up her dress and stalked off in her three inch heels, that were not made for walking on the hard concrete…that were beginning to hurt her feet.
What a jerk! Jessica thought miserably. I make a special effort to get here and this happens!
She moved away further up the docks and looked at the island in front of her. She began to get angry at Elizabeth.
Why did she have to have her wedding on an island anyway? Why not somewhere that's more accessible! I'll never make it now!
A small motor boat sat temptingly in front of her. She had been to Secca Lake enough times to understand the basic start up for a small watercraft vessel like this one. A plan began to form in her head. She looked back to where the ferry was docked and John seemed to have disappeared and out of site.
I'll just have to borrow this one, Jessica decided, growing more determined. She pulled the dress higher and stepped into the small fishing boat. She looked at the motor, trying to figure out what to do. The island looked so close.
I can practically swim there. It's not that far.
She could see several people walking up and down on the small landmass.
They've probably already started. I'll just be a little late. If only I didn't have this dress on.
She focused back on the boat. She looked at the engine and saw the throttle. Jessica's heart started pounding as she moved it to the start position. A noise indicated that she had given the little boat some life.
Now what? She stood up and removed the thick, looped rope that was around a wide wooden post, holding the boat in position and from drifting further into the water.
There was still no sign of Captain John anywhere.
Well that was easy, Jessica grinned in triumph, as she tossed the same rope back on the dock.
She sat down again on the wooden seat, trying her best to not mar her dress.
Jessica ran her finger along the planks. I hope this boat is clean. Why isn't it moving? Jessica sighed in frustration.
Oh yes! I have to pull this thing!
She grabbed hold of the knob in the motor and gave it a sharp tug. The boat began to bob up and down in response, as if it wanted to go as much as she did. But there was still no movement in the right direction. She gave it another pull, this time with more power from her slim arms.
Ugggghhhhhh. Why isn't it working?…. Stupid boat!
She looked in front of her and tried to concentrate. Another knob with the word "Forward" caught her eye.
I'll push this….see what happens. She pushed the lever slightly and what happened next was cause for her to get out her pompoms.
The little boat started moving slowly ahead!
The Hallelujah chorus started playing in her head and Jessica smiled at her victory.
Now how do I steer this?
Jessica pushed on the handle on the tiller arm, and saw that she could control her movements from right to left. She aimed the boat right to the island, and moved along steadily, the light wind stroking her lovely curls.
That was a piece of cake! Jessica congratulated herself. Well done Jess! She zeroed in on the small site floating tantalizingly ahead of her.
Tavern Island, get ready! Your shores are about to be graced by Jessica Wakefield!
Hey! A voice yelled from the docks. Stop! Thief!
Jessica turned around at the sound. It was John, the captain, and even after going about three hundred feet into the water, Jessica could see that his face was contorted with anger.
I'll just tell them…I'll have them explain. Mom and Dad will explain that I belong on that island with the rest of my family!
In a frenzy, she pressed on the throttle and the little boat dashed forward. Jessica tried steering, but the added speed made it difficult. The slightest touch to the left or right moved it much more than she intended. She held it stable and forward, heading straight to the island, now getting closer and closer.
Now how do I stop this thing?
The slim stone jetty was looming just ahead, maybe two hundred feet away and she imagined how painful it would be if she crashed right into the boulders that it was built with. Jessica began to panic. She managed to slow down, but she was still going much too fast. To her horror, after what seemed to be less than a minute, the jagged rocks of the small pier were less than fifty feet away.
I have to turn this! Jessica pushed on the throttle again, and the boat veered left. She sighed in relief as it slowed down and neared the beach that couldn't be more than fifteen feet wide.
Jessica stood up in the boat, as she attempted to maneuver the tiller steered engine to a stop, not aware that it was probably the worst idea she had all day.
The boat jerked forward, and she lost her balance while standing on her three inch heels. The coldness of the water was the first thing she felt as she plunged into the Long Island Sound.
Jessica screamed and ducked into the water, as the still moving boat almost knocked her head. It danced around the water for a while, and finally pulled up on the shallows of the sand. Jessica swam the short distance to the shore with salty tears streaming down her face.
How could this be happening! This was the worst day of her entire life! And the stupid boat! It was there on the small beach, the engine was still alive, as if it had somewhere to go!
She went up to it and kicked it with her left five hundred dollar shoe. The right shoe had managed to come off her foot, and there was no way she was going back in for it. She watched as her brand new silk shawl floated away in the direction of the mainland. Her dress was ruined, shoes were ruined. Her new purse with everything in it, that she managed to hold on to was soaked. She was freezing cold, what more could happen on this horrible day? She no sooner had those thoughts when she heard voices yelling at her from the water.
Oh no! Jessica cried as she saw Captain John approaching her in another small craft. And he wasn't alone. The boat had Norwalk Marine Police written on it's side.
Oh God! He's called the cops! Jessica looked to the house ahead. I'll just have to find Mom and Dad. And Liz, Steve, they'll explain. It's Elizabeth's fault for having her wedding on this stupid island! And It's all Captain John's fault for not bringing me here when I told him to!
She took off her lone shoe, ran barefoot along a small path, and moved to the front side of the island's beautiful house. Jessica heard the sound of music and voices the closer she got to the sloping lawn out front. She arrived amidst several seated guests, and looked ahead where the first thing she zeroed in on was a vision of blonde hair, the same color as her own, that is... when it was dry.
Oh thank God,! she exclaimed in relief. Finally!
If anyone can show just cause why this couple cannot lawfully be joined together in holy matrimony, let them speak now or forever hold their peace, the minister stated, as Jessica sped towards the bride's walkway, after turning around and seeing Captain John and his police officer companion approaching.
Lizzie,! Jessica screamed, racing up along the aisle, and causing a gasp among the wedding guests, disturbing them with her intrusion.…
