Chapter Four
Christmas Eve, 1972. New York City.
"Can you believe it?" Elizabeth was so excited, she could hardly sit still. "This is like a dream come true. I'm moving back home!" Elizabeth was tempted to bounce up and down on her train seat, but she restrained herself.
Mika, who was sitting beside Elizabeth, gave her friend a knowing smile. "It is exciting," she agreed simply. Then, still grinning, she bounced slightly in her seat. Elizabeth laughed.
"Seriously, though," Elizabeth said. "I mean, not only do I only have half a year left of school, but I get to finish at New York University. Who would have thought? That paper freshman year was a better idea than I ever imagined!"
Elizabeth could hardly believe her good luck. She'd gotten an extension on her final paper back in 1970 and had turned in a full-length article, full of interviews, quotes, and pictures from men and women who'd lived during World War Two. Hannah Marks had spoken all about being a nurse and Mimi had offered an eye-opening view of what it was like to be in Japan during the war with a husband fighting for America. Elizabeth had also spoken with a few women who went to work in factories, learned what it was like to have to ration everything, and what it felt like to have a husband or boyfriend fighting across the world. Elizabeth's professor had been so impressed with the paper that not only did Elizabeth get an A, but the professor sent the paper along to the head of NYU's journalism department. Later, Elizabeth got an invitation to apply to NYU's journalism program, along with a chance at an internship with the New York Times. Elizabeth had turned out a few more stories, articles such as "Up Close and Personal" which was a profiling of a few students from UC Stamford talking about their college experiences; plus an article about the war in Vietnam, which had ended the previous August. The application process was a long one but finally, just a few weeks earlier, Elizabeth learned that she'd been accepted and could transfer at the turn of semesters. Even though Elizabeth only had one semester left of college, her internship with the Times was offering that if they liked her work, she would be signed on as a full-time employee after graduation. Elizabeth felt like her life was just beginning.
"My father's going to be proud," Elizabeth commented to Mika. "And maybe he'll take to Patrick easier, if it's on top of good news."
"Your parents will love Patrick," Mika said. Elizabeth reached over and squeezed Mika's hand, grateful for her presence. The two women were on the train heading for New York City. It was Christmas Eve and Mika was going to spend the holidays with Elizabeth and her family, and then help Elizabeth move back into the apartment. The one bad thing about transferring was that Elizabeth would no longer be Mika's roommate. But Elizabeth silently swore to herself that they'd stay best friends, no matter what the distance.
There was also Patrick to think about. Elizabeth smiled as her thoughts drifted to Patrick Thomas. They were still dating after two and a half years. Elizabeth was sure that she was in love. Nothing had ever felt so right to her. Patrick had already graduated, of course. When he learned of Elizabeth's opportunity, he had decided to go to New York as well. He had a job lined up with a company called Walker Stuart Franchises, and had moved into his new apartment earlier that week. In fact, he was going to pick Elizabeth and Mika up from the train station.
Elizabeth dropped Mika's hand and reached down for her purse so that she could get her vanity case. The train would be pulling into Grand Central Station any moment now, and Elizabeth hadn't seen Patrick in a week. She wanted to look nice for him. A look in her vanity case revealed that her make-up was fine and her hair was shimmering. Elizabeth took a deep breath. "I think the fact that Patrick decided to move to New York too really says something, doesn't it?" she commented to Mika.
Mika didn't seem a bit fazed about Elizabeth's sudden change in topics. "I think it means he really loves you, Liz," she said sincerely.
Elizabeth sat back in her seat with a sigh. "I'm going to marry him," she murmured. Mika's eyes widened. "You're going to marry him? Oh, Liz!" Mika threw her arms around Elizabeth. "When did he ask you?"
Elizabeth pulled away, laughing. "He didn't ask me yet, silly. I just meant that if he did ask, then I would. I mean, he traveled all the way to New York just to be close to me. He really does love me." Her eyes twinkled.
"That's great, Elizabeth," Mika said, hugging her friend one last time as the train pulled to a stop. "It really is. I know this is just going to be a magical Christmas for you."
"Yes," Elizabeth agreed as she got to her feet, pulling on her long black coat. "A magical Christmas."
"All out for New York City!" the conductor bellowed as he walked down the aisle. "Grand Central Station, last stop!"
Elizabeth ran a hand through her hair and took a deep breath, her anticipation at seeing Patrick briefly overshadowing her general excitement. She didn't have much luggage, since most of her stuff had been sent ahead to her parents' apartment. All she had was her small purse, which she put over her shoulder. Then she followed Mika down the aisle towards the exit.
Outside, it was a briskly cold, late December night. The train station was shadowed and dark, with steam from the cold engines billowing all around them. Worlds away, faint Christmas carols were being sung and somewhere, a bell was jingling. As Elizabeth climbed down the stairs and onto the platform just outside the train station, her eyes swept the area, looking for Patrick's familiar build. The platform was crowded with passengers but Elizabeth hardly saw anyone else. Her eyes were meant only for Patrick.
"There he is!" Mika suddenly said, grabbing Elizabeth's arm. Elizabeth whirled and looked in the direction that Mika was pointing. Immediately, her mouth spread into a bright smile. Patrick was striding down the walk, his eyes trained on her and her alone. Elizabeth's heart pounded as she hurried forward, anticipation quickening her steps. "Patrick," she called, almost giddy with happiness. He reached her in a few short strides and Elizabeth threw her arms around his neck, holding him close and breathing in his warm, familiar scent. Patrick squeezed her tightly in return.
"Hiya, angel," he said as he finally let her go. Elizabeth stepped back and looked up into his eyes, and saw only his love for her shining in them. Immediately, it was as if they'd never been separated. Elizabeth grinned as she hugged him again.
"Hey, Mika," Patrick said over Elizabeth's shoulder. Elizabeth pulled away and turned to face Mika, who was watching from the shadows, a smile on her face. Elizabeth shot Mika a wink and then took Patrick's hand. "Let's go," she suggested. "I'm sure my parents are dying to see us."
"Ahem," Patrick cleared his throat as the trio began to walk. "Your parents are nice, right?"
"Nervous?" Elizabeth teased. Patrick was also going to join them for Christmas Eve dinner and it would be his first time meeting Elizabeth's parents.
"No, of course not, Liz," Patrick responded. "I just---ah---well, yeah, okay. I'm nervous." He smiled sheepishly.
Elizabeth nudged him lightly. "Well, there's no need to be. I already know my mother will love you. And Dad will certainly be respectful of you, seeing as how you're already a college graduate and everything."
"Barely," Patrick acknowledged. "Still, I'm sure this will go okay. After all, I fully intend on making great friends with your parents."
"You'll get along famously," Elizabeth promised, while inside she was glowing. Obviously the Marks' impression of Patrick was important to him. Did he have ulterior motives? Is he imagining them as his in-laws? she wondered. The thought that Patrick might actually ask her to marry him was both exhilarating and frightening, and Elizabeth found herself gripping his hand more tightly, as if to calm her nerves. Patrick smiled down at her and Elizabeth smiled back, instantly reassured. As they walked down a sidewalk, they passed a group of carolers. "Jolly old St. Nicholas, lean your ear this way. Don't you tell a single soul what I'm going to say . . ." The carol was echoing beautifully throughout the crowded streets. Next to the group, a charity Santa paced the sidewalk, ringing a bell and calling, "Ho ho ho, Merry Christmas." Elizabeth thought back to Mika's words on the train and, in a sudden flash of Christmas spirit, Elizabeth pulled some change from her pocket and headed over to the Santa. He smiled at her as she approached and held out a small UNICEF tin, where Elizabeth dropped her coins.
"Merry Christmas," Santa wished her.
Yes, Elizabeth thought as she rejoined her group. A few stray snowflakes drifted onto her nose and she absently brushed them aside, smiling at Patrick again. Patrick loves me, she thought. And all you need is love. This will be the merriest Christmas ever.
* * *
In a short time, they had arrived at the apartment. Elizabeth knocked on the door and waited. Beside her, Patrick fidgeted nervously and Elizabeth reached out a hand to touch his shoulder, relaxing him. Patrick took a deep breath just as the door swung open. There stood Hannah, looking beautiful and relaxed in her red and green seasonal dress, holding a plate of cookies. "Elizabeth!" she exclaimed, setting the plate down aside. She hurried forward and swept Elizabeth into a tight hug. "Oh, welcome home, honey."
"Hi, Mom," Elizabeth said, laughing as she hugged her mother back.
Hannah let go of Elizabeth and noticed Mika and Patrick. "Merry Christmas, Mika," Hannah said warmly before shifting her gaze to Patrick. "You must be the young man my daughter's so taken with," she said with a teasing smile as she held out her hand. "I'm Hannah Marks."
"Patrick Thomas," Patrick replied as he reached out, taking her hand in a firm but gentle shake. "It's so nice to finally meet you."
"Likewise," Hannah replied as she stepped aside to let them in. "Although, Elizabeth talks about you so much, I feel as if I already know you."
"Mom," Elizabeth whispered in protest, her face flushing.
Patrick looked slightly amused. "Well, I hope it's all good things," he said.
"Would they be anything else?" Hannah replied. Then they both laughed and Elizabeth decided to forget about her chagrin. Hannah and Patrick were getting along, so what else mattered?
"There's my little girl," another voice boomed and Elizabeth instantly remembered what else mattered. Dad. Frank Marks was approaching them, managing to look both stern and friendly at the same time, as he had a gift of doing. Elizabeth loved her father but, like most men, he was protective of his daughter and especially wary of her suitors. Elizabeth hoped that he'd be easy on Patrick.
"Hi, Dad!" Elizabeth said enthusiastically as she gave him a hug. Frank hugged her back before instantly focusing on Patrick. "Is this your young man?" he asked.
Elizabeth cleared her throat. "Ahem. Yes, Dad, this is Patrick Thomas. Patrick, my father."
To anyone else, Patrick looked cool and calm, but Elizabeth could see the nervousness in his eyes as he reached out to shake Frank's hand. "Very nice to meet you, sir."
Frank nodded, looking Patrick up and down as if he expected the handsome boy to morph into a snake at any moment. "What's your business, Patrick?" he asked immediately.
"Franchise," Patrick replied smoothly. "I'm currently working with Walker Stuart."
"Ah," Frank nodded. "Good company. Been there long?"
"No, sir, I just transferred," Patrick replied.
Frank nodded again and asked a few more questions, which Patrick answered with ease. Elizabeth watched, a little breathlessly, as Frank slowly relaxed his wariness and looked a little friendlier. After what seemed like ages, Frank offered Patrick a cigar and the two walked off, still chatting about business. Elizabeth grinned. She knew Patrick had passed the test.
"Isn't he great?" Elizabeth said to Hannah, who looked pleased as well.
"Liz, I think you've chosen a fine suitor," Hannah replied as she and Elizabeth began walking for the kitchen. "I think you'll be very happy together."
* * * *
The dinner went smoothly. Along with Elizabeth, Patrick, and Mika, the Marks' had invited several of their friends over as well. Judy's best friend Sarah was also present. Everyone talked and laughed and congratulated Elizabeth on her opportunity. And Patrick got along better with Elizabeth's parents than she ever expected. He talked warmly and made jokes with Hannah, and spoke to Frank about journalism, revealing that he had a strong interest in writing as well. "Sometime I may go back to school for it," Patrick commented. Frank looked thrilled. Elizabeth knew that Patrick had won over her parents with ease.
After dinner, Elizabeth and Mika helped Hannah and one of Hannah's friends with the dishes while everyone else gathered in the parlor for cigars and after-dinner wine. Elizabeth was in the middle of drying a glass when Patrick entered the kitchen. "Do you ladies mind if I steal Elizabeth away for awhile?" he asked.
Elizabeth glanced at Hannah, who waved her on. "Go ahead, Liz," she said. "We're almost finished here anyway."
"Well, okay. Thanks." Elizabeth dried her hands and turned to Patrick expectantly. Patrick took her arm and gently led her away from the kitchen. "How does a carriage ride sound?" he asked.
"Romantic," she replied. "Let me get my coat."
A little while later, the two were snuggled in the back of a carriage, riding through the streets of New York. Elizabeth had gone on carriage rides before, but none like this. The night was perfect: cold enough to be magical, with tiny snowflakes dancing in the air around them, making Elizabeth feel as if she were in a snow globe. The driver took them on the outskirts of the city, so that they were overlooking New York Harbor, and in the near distance, the skyscrapers blended against the night sky, lights twinkling like a thousand blue stars. It was quiet except for distant city noises, the gentle waves of the water sloshing against concrete, and the clop-clop of horses' hooves.
"Elizabeth," Patrick spoke up. "You know that I love you, right?"
"Of course," Elizabeth replied, turning so that she was looking into his eyes. "I love you too."
Patrick smiled slightly. "I've never felt this way about anyone before," he went on. "You're easily the most incredible woman I've ever met and I'd happily spend the rest of my life with you."
Elizabeth's eyes widened. Was he going to do what she thought he was going to do?
Patrick reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a small, black velvet box. Elizabeth automatically gasped. Patrick gave her a small grin and said, "I'm not really very good at this sort of thing, Liz, and I guess the easiest way to say this is to just say it." He paused, looking deep into her eyes as he opened the box. Elizabeth put a hand to her mouth as she looked down at the ring glinting back up at her. It was a perfect, gold ring with a large diamond stone. Elizabeth felt her eyes start to well with tears as she looked back at Patrick.
"Elizabeth," he said, "will you marry me?"
"Yes!" she cried, letting out a sob as she leaned forward, hugging him tightly. "Yes, I'll marry you, Patrick."
Patrick's own eyes were bright as he kissed her and then took her hand. Gently, he took the ring from the box and slipped it easily onto her finger. Elizabeth was so happy, she felt as if she could burst at any moment. She kissed Patrick again, feeling all the love that they had to share washing over them in thick waves.
She had never been happier.
* * * *