Amy strolled along the sidewalk, her sights set on the town hall in front of her. It was to be the site of Jo's bridal shower being the only place large enough to house all of the events that went along with the soiree. The girls had come to her with the idea, a little unconventional with it being Jo's second wedding. However, if there were any excuses for Amy to give a party, then it would have to be thrown. As she made her way up the steps, Amy took note of the design of the hall, already placing tables and chairs in her mind.
"Mother!" Bess yelled, racing across the floor. "Won't this be wonderful?" Nan was behind her, looking much less enthusiastic.
"Of course it will be!" Amy encouraged. "I've already spoken to Asia and she has agreed to help with the food preparation. Obviously we need to have this occasion as soon as possible. We can't have things running together." She smiled at the two young women. "Let's get started!"
The trio swept across the room; Amy pointed out her ideas as Nan took them down on a notebook, constantly rolling her eyes at the lavish arrangements. "We will have to keep the tables pushed into the corners, leaving room for the festivities."
"Festivities?" Doubt was written all over Nan's face.
"Well, yes," Amy explained, "Things like games and well… festivities?"
Nan was still not convinced. "We are going to play games? Like what? Tag? Football?"
Bess broke out in giggles. "Don't be silly! This isn't that type of event. At showers, women get together to celebrate the bride. Some take part in trivia games or other entertainment that is associated with the wedding."
Amy grinned. "I remember when we threw a shower for a childhood friend of mine. We couldn't say her name the entire evening."
"Wahoo," Nan muttered sarcastically.
"It will be fun," Bess reassured. "Besides, there won't only be games. There is the food and the conversation… and the gifts!" Nan groaned. "You said you would do this for Aunt Jo."
"I just don't think this is such a good idea," she said, defensively. Mother and daughter's imploring stares created guilt in Nan. She sighed loudly and deliberately. "So, what games are we playing?"
XXXXX
Nick's senses were bombarded by the smells of freshly baked bread and brewed coffee as he stepped through the back door and into the kitchen. The place was already filled with commotion as Asia tried to prepare breakfast with an inexperienced assistant. Nick began to chuckle as Tommy proceeded to spill half of the pancake batter onto the floor, attempting to pour it into the pan.
"Lemme help ya with that," he said, snatching the bowl from the boy. Asia, who was utterly grateful, shooed Tommy into the dining room. "Go on now. Set the table. And try not to break anythin'." She turned to Nick. "I don't mind the help but I end up cleanin' more than cookin'."
Handing the bowl to her, Nick grabbed a cloth to start cleaning the floor. "Don't Jo normally help ya with this?" he inquired, scrubbing against the gooey mixture.
"Yeah, but I'm gonna let her sleep this morning. Bring her up somethin' later."
Nick stopped rubbing and looked up at her. "She's missed breakfast three days in a row. Last night's supper too." Anger and worry washed over his face.
Sensing his disapproval, Asia slowly nodded. "She's been too tired or too busy to eat. But I'll force her this morning!" She tried to sound reassuring.
"This don't make any sense. She shouldn't be workin' herself so hard. No reason for it."
Asia walked around the counter and stood in front of him, her hands on her hips. "Yes, there is. She wants everything to be perfect for this wedding."
"But it will be… no matter what happens. She knows that. 'Sides, she's been through this before."
Asia sighed in frustration. "That's exactly why she's doin' it. She wants to do this for you."
Nick's eyes flashed with guilt but that was soon replaced with resentment. "I never asked her ta do all this." He stood up, throwing the batter-soaked cloth onto the counter. "She can't use me as an excuse." And with that, Nick stormed from the kitchen.
A little stunned, Asia remained on the spot for several seconds, trying to understand what had gone on. A clatter from the dining room awoke her from her thoughts as Tommy ran into the room with a broken plate. Holding up the pieces he blushed. "Sorry, Asia."
She sighed. "Don't worry," she answered, looking at the back door. "I don't think we'll need that plate this morning anyways."
XXXXX
"Ouch!" Jo yelped, dropping the sandpaper and the chair leg she was working on. She stared at the burn marks over her fingers as well as the cuts and bruises that covered her hands. The design of the chair was slow going and although the boys had worked long and hard over the past few days, it was only partially completed.
Discouraged, she stood and quietly climbed up from the root cellar. It was nearly midnight but the kitchen was still brightly lit. Closing the door, Jo was surprised to see Nick, sitting at the table, his back to her. Not wanting to draw attention, she resorted to sneaking behind him, trying to get to the stairs.
His voice startled her. "You're up late again."
Jo stopped, staring at the back of his head as he continued to eat the snack in front of him. Nick refused to turn and look at her, making her incredibly uncomfortable. "Yeah." She sheepishly looked at her feet.
"You should be sleepin'." His tone was unusually monotonous and uncaring.
Concerned, Jo stepped to the table. "I know. I was going up there now." Her words hung in the air as she took a seat across from him, trying to read his face. His eyes were cold; she couldn't help but feel a bit anxious. "You weren't at supper tonight," she stated, looking at him tentatively.
"Were you?" he snapped but immediately afterwards his face fell with regret. "I was in town."
Jo nervously tapped her fingers against the table. "What for?"
Nick shook his head. "Nothin'." He shoved another piece of bread into his mouth.
"You must have been there for something. I mean… you just don't go into town…" Jo continued to press him for information.
He sighed with annoyance, his temper beginning to flare but he tried to restrain it. "I went to see to Laurie but he wasn't there."
"About what?" she asked, pushing further.
"Jo… don't." Nick looked at her, his words firm.
This demand heightened Jo's own frustration; the lack of sleep making her emotions more uncontrollable. "Don't what?" Her voice rose. "You never talk to me anymore, Nick. Lately, you've been very quiet… distant. How am I supposed to react to that? I just want to help… I just want to know what's going on!"
"Me? Distant?" His voice was filled with sarcasm. "What about you, Jo? I don't see you anymore and when I do, you're always heading off to do something about the wedding…"
"Is this about the wedding?" Jo interrupted.
Nick continued as if he hadn't heard her. "You haven't been eatin' or sleepin'. No wedding is worth all of the stuff you're doin'."
Jo's face fell. "I've been doing this for you," she said through clenched teeth, her tone placed blame.
Nick knew he had to leave. Standing, he threw his plate into the sink and turned towards the door. Grabbing his hat that sat on the counter, he looked at her one last time before leaving. "Don't do me any favours, Jo. I didn't ask for 'em."
