Clarisse awoke suddenly and looked at the television before finally realizing that she had been dreaming. She looked at the clock near her bed that read 1:48pm. She'd dozed off after Charlotte had told her goodbye. The DVD might've been a dream but all the memories that played from it were not. She silently praised God for bringing her to her senses. Quickly she dug the box out of her closet and dressed. The jeans were a bit tighter than they had been the night of their first kiss. She dashed down the stairs and across the main hallway. It was strange not to see anyone around but when Clarisse heard of the wedding she gave everyone the day off whether they went or not. There were a few people left for security but she'd easily elude them.
She made her way down the path to Joseph's cottage. She wanted to enter through the back so she crossed the brook that separated the property from the palace. He had built a small wooden bridge in which to cross. The backdoor was unlocked as usual. It had always amazed her why a man that had engrained himself in her security his entire life, could be so at ease with his own private home. No matter she was grateful. She ran in the house nearly tripping over Spock. The keys were in the usual place and she was thrilled that he was so consistent. Next she ran to the garage and flung open the door.
"Lord, please protect me." She said aloud.
His Harley shimmered with the sun. She was hoping to ride the old one, the one they had been on together, but there was no such luck, it was out of commission and under a tarp. Slowly she straddled the new Harley and felt a twinge of danger and excitement. Quickly she found the keyhole and started the hog. The feeling was wonderful but she also knew that she hadn't yet figured out how to drive it. Clarisse prided herself on practicality and defining research of her subjects. She had been this impulsive since she was a teenager. She closed her eyes and envisioned Joe on the bike and then attempted to mimic his actions. The gas had more throttle then she realized and she went zipping from the garage. The brake was tight as well and when she stopped she was stopped hard. She managed to dismount, close the garage door, wave to a curious Spock and get back on again. It took her some time to get the gas and the brake acclimated to her comfort level. She scolded herself for not wearing a helmet.
The ride to town wasn't as worrisome as she had feared. By the time she entered Philligran she was seriously considering buying her own Harvey as she called it. Luckily there weren't many people around and she was happy that the people she had seen didn't seem to notice her. Everything was fine until she missed the turn onto DeMarco Avenue and ended up driving right down the boardwalk to the beach. Clarisse figured she would have enough room on the sand to turn around. The sand had other ideas. As soon as she hit the soft sand of the beach, the motorcycle dipped front wheel down in the sand. Clarisse remembered seeing the ocean coming closer and closer and realizing that something was wrong. She landed fast and hard on the sand a few feet from the water. Two men suddenly appeared.
"Your Majesty? Are you all right?"
"I think so. Will you please help me to my feet?"
They pulled her up slowly trying to ensure she had no broken bones. By the grace of God she seemed completely unharmed.
"I daresay being throne from a motorcycle is nothing like being thrown from a horse. Thank you gentlemen for helping me up."
They stared in awe.
"You both look very familiar. What are your names?"
"Ben DeAngelo."
"And I'm his brother Anthony. We run the Coney Island Café and Pavillion down there on the beach." He said pointing to the red roofed pavilion down the beach.
"You make the Corny Coney? My granddaughter and I love your establishment! I frequent it often."
"Yes your Majesty, you order two Corny's, a small Ferris Wheel Fries, with a large Astro Apple shake, hold the bananas, add extra whipped cream, eight packets of ketchup and plenty of napkins. You like to sit in the back, the third table on the left." Ben concluded.
"But surely you can't remember everyone's order can you?"
"Only the ones that he has a capital crush on your Highness." Anthony said slugging his younger brother.
She blushed and squeezed Ben's hand that was equally as red as his face.
"May I ask a favor? I am trying to get to a wedding that already started. It's a long story. Would you boys be willing to give me a ride to St. Vincent's Cathedral?"
"Sure thing!" Ben chimed
"Good now what do we do with the motorcycle."
"We'll park it at the restaurant and Joe can come get it later." Anthony said with a wink.
"Um ok fine let's go."
They moved the Harley and set out in Anthony's Jeep.
"How did you know that the motorcycle was Joseph's?"
"We've been friends with Joe for a long time. He's in the Rain Riders with us, along with our friend Dominic. Listen no offense to my younger bro here cause he likes you a lot but Joe loves you a lot. All the guys introduce him to younger sisters or cousins or friends and he turns them all down. He got it bad for you. Begging your pardon ma'am, I don't mean to step out of place."
"I've been terrible to him. I'm the one very much out of place. If he gets married, then I deserve to lose him. Still, I hope I'm not too late."
They pulled up to the cathedral and Clarisse noticed that there weren't any cars left. She hoped perhaps that she was early as she didn't know the official time of the ceremony.
"Thank you both so much. I will see you soon at your wonderful restaurant."
"A word of advice. If you're gonna give Joe another knock to the jaw, do it away from the reporters ok?"
"I beg your pardon?"
"Here, have a peak. Our best to you and Joe." Ben said affectionately.
He handed her the Genovia Gazette. There on the front page was Clarisse punching Joe at the gala. The headline read "Queen Clarisse puts her security to the test." She shuddered at the photo. She folded the paper and ran into the church.
Charlotte was heading toward the door with Shades and Lionel. She dismissed them both.
"The wedding is over your Majesty."
"Oh no. And everyone is gone?"
"Yes, Joe left to attend to the flight. I imagine he will call you when gets some time. How did you get here?"
"Long story. The point is all of it is over. Joseph is married and in a few short years I will no longer be queen. You will sit on Parliament and marry Dominic and I will be alone for the first time in my life."
Charlotte stared silently and attempted to speak before Clarisee cut her off.
"I think I will sit in the church for a little bit. Please tell Shades I will page him when I'm ready to leave."
"As you wish ma'am." Charlotte said sniffling.
Clarisse walked in the sanctuary in tears.
"Goodbye Joseph. May you be blessed and never alone as I am." She said into the serenity of the church. She'd have to get used to living alone like this. Her jealousy had cost her everything and it wouldn't be a lesson she would soon forget.