Authors Note: Here we go, I guess you could call this chapter 1 since the first part was an introduction, I think I'm finally back into the swing of things as it were, enjoy x
DISCLAIMER: Pretty much the usual, don't own them, Craig Bartlett does blah blah blah, but can you guess what film I was watching when this idea sprung to mind? ^_~
Father of the Bride
Chapter 1
Littlepinkbook
Well, there she was, standing there the spitting image of her mother at that age, when we had gone to Miriam's parents' house and broke the news. Only Arnold was lucky all things considered, my father in law was a drunk and tried to kill me, I remember it all too well. However I think Helga would have rather I tried to kill Arnold in a drunken rage instead of just sitting there dumbly, which stupidly was what I did. I doubt she expected me to jump for joy but at least expected me to speak.
What I did finally say I'm still kicking myself for, I know I'm not winning any Mr. Sensitivity awards but even I knew what I said was harsh…
*
"What is this? Some kind of joke?" Bob yelled and half-laughed.
Both Pataki women rolled their eyes and simultaneously groaned, "Boooob!" Arnold shuffled nervously, not liking his father in law's reaction too much. He mumbled "Oh Boy" under his breath and bit his bottom lip anxiously.
"No, Bob, contrary to what you may think, this is not a joke!" Spat Helga, her voice wavering with the first bubbles of rage.
"But you can't get married, you're too young to get married! You're what? 19?"
Helga's eyes narrowed into dangerous, blue slits. Sixteen years and he was still pulling this one?
"Actually, you moron, I'm twenty-five! You'd know this if you ever took any interest in anyone besides yourself!" Spat the young woman bitterly.
For the first time Bob stood up, taking a step closer to his daughter pointing a finger at her as authoritatively as he could muster, his wife rushing to his side trying to take control of the situation.
"Hey! Don't you talk to me like that Lil' lady! You have no idea the responsibility and work involved in a marriage!" He bellowed gruffly.
Helga daringly moved closer to him, her face mere inches away from his, she stared at him coldly and bravely she batted his finger away. She didn't raise her voice but spoke in a low, menacing hiss.
"I am not your little lady, Bob, and I never have been! And as for knowing about marriage, you could have maybe once in your whole life have practised what you preach now! Then just maybe I might have had a reason to listen!"
*
Her words hit me like a ton of bricks, and they stung all the more because I knew she was right. I'm not a man who likes to be wrong, even when I am I don't admit it. But as I watched her go, whispering something to her mother and pulling Arnold behind her, I felt the strongest hit of regret and agony I had ever been struck with. I wanted to run after her but because of the stubborn fool that I am I stayed rigid to the spot. I heard Miriam say something but I didn't hear what she said, but I picked up on the tone, disappointment…
*
Helga slammed the door angrily as she and Arnold entered their apartment, she tore of her coat and flung it with all her might across the room. Anyone else in Arnold's position would have probably cowered from Helga while her volcano attitude was erupting, however, Arnold gripped her shoulders firmly as she seethed and ranted while gently coaxing her anger back to room temperature.
"I can't believe him, who does he think he is? Trying to lecture me about my decisions when he has never taken any responsibility for his own…"
"Honey", soothed Arnold "Its ok, calm down, he was probably just shocked to hear he's losing his little girl".
She glared stormily at him for that remark "Don't you start! I am not his little girl, I never have been!"
"Helga, sweetie, please calm down. I understand your Dad can be a little…" he searched for the right word "Difficult but let's not let him ruin our night". He smiled at her warmly as he cupped her face in his hands.
Immediately she melted and a smile lighted up her face, the tense anger leaving her body and allowing her to go limp in her fiancée's arms. Arnold grinned goofily as she wrapped her arms around his neck in appreciation.
"C'mon blue eyes, lets get some sleep, we've got one heck of a ride ahead of us", he sighed, leading the way to their bedroom. Helga sighed in unison with him as though already feeling the exhaustion ahead.
To be continued…