Chapter 12- It's Only in Summertime
Jeanette wandered around the hotel, looking for her room. She wasn't known for her ability to find her way around, and now she was lost, again. She had arrived the previous morning and all the signs were in German it seemed. Everyone knew English, but she was far too embarrassed to ask for aid in her quest to find her way back to her room. The sun shone in the large windows in the lobby. They were stained glass, depicting traditional Swiss scenes of revelry. The light was beautiful, but blinding; she wandered about looking for anything she recognized. It was disorienting, the whole scene she was placed in, but she soon remembered that she was on the third floor. She walked to the elevator and pressed the up button. A young man and what she assumed to be his young bride were standing behind her, waiting for the elevator as well. When it arrived, they all entered together. They were speaking French together as she stood in the corner. The elevator moved slowly to the second floor, but before it got to the third floor, it jerked to a stop and the auxiliary lights replaced the main lights.
"Qu'est qui s'est passé?" the man said to his bride. She looked worried and grabbed a hold of him. Jeanette remained calm and remembered her French for a second. He was what happened.
"Je ne sais pas," Jeanette responded in a weak French accent.
"Vous parlez Francais?" The woman responded, Jeanette understood what she said but decided to respond in English.
"I do, but it isn't much. If you speak to me in French, I can respond in English.
The man contemplated what she said for a second and responded, "We can speak English, I'm glad you assumed that."
"Yes, we probably know English better than you know French, so we'll talk in English."
Jeanette smiled, "Good, well, the Elevator has stopped."
"How long will it take?" the man asked as his wife let go of him.
"To start again? I'm not sure," Jeanette said, "just get ready for a short wait."
"When will Dave arrive?"
"It will be tomorrow I think. He had to finish some business in California so he took a later flight. What about Mrs. Miller?"
"Today I think, but it's unsure. She may have missed her flight. You know her, always forgetful," Brittney said to Simon as they floated around the pool in the Hotel. It was a beautiful pool, overlooking the mountain scenery. The still snow brushed mountains were played off by the now blooming environment. Grassy fields were filled with new flowers and shrubs, and the sunlight bathed them in a divine glow. They started to get out of the pool and towel off, "Have you seen Jeanette yet?"
"I haven't," Simon responded, "I knew she got here yesterday, but I haven't seen her yet."
"Have you seen her since that night?" Brittney asked. Simon hadn't seen her since that night he came to her apartment and saw them together. Simon never went to meet her at the pre-determined location out of lack of interest. He was hurt too far to see her again and he decided to avoid her.
"I haven't."
Brittney looked out the window despondently, "You think that for the best?" Simon didn't exactly know what to think of this question. He stared away and thought defensively, but soon realized he was in the fault.
"Brittney, I'm not sure what to think anymore. I just continue with my life and try not to think of the past," he gave her a weak smile and motioned to start walking away, "It mostly likely is not for the best, but I'm not sure either way I'll be able to resolve anything. What can I possibly say?"
Brittney knew this was a hypothetical question, but she still tried to answer it. She thought for a moment as they walked out of the pool and into the lobby, heading towards the elevator, "I'm not sure. There's not much to say at this point. You two have done enough talking I suppose."
"I would agree with you," he reached out and grabbed her and held it. She smiled and they continued to the elevator. When they arrived there were a group of people standing around it, including the hotel staff that worked in the lobby. Simon asked a young woman who was standing near the elevator, "What's going on?"
She turned to him and said in a thick accent, "Something has happened and the elevator stopped working. There are three people in it right now."
Britney responded, "Oh that's awful, is there anything we can do, Simon?"
"Uh," he was stumped, "I don't think so, and I'm not exactly well versed in elevator mechanics."
"I'm disappointed," she said jokingly, "I was under the impression that you knew everything."
"Well, that's true. I don't know most everything," they laughed together and walked to the stairs, "I feel bad for the people who are stuck in the elevator. That must be awful."
"So you two are here for your honeymoon?"
"C'est vrai. We got married in Marseille last week and we've been floating around Europe since," The man and woman Jeanette had encountered in the elevator had been sharing their experiences over the last few years with her. They were together for two years before getting married and now were stuck in an elevator with her, "Well, now we have another story to tell our children whenever they are born," they all laughed. Jeanette was still having a rough time understanding their accents but she could get by.
"I'm actually here for a wedding, so it's kind of related."
"Oh that's lovely. Who's wedding?" the woman asked.
"My younger sister. She and her high school sweetheart are getting married in a few days. They've been together for 6 years now I think."
"6 years! Wow that it fantastic!" The man said.
She looked away, "It really is. I'm very happy for her."
The woman looked to her, "My love, you look saddened. What is the matter? This is a happy occasion!"
The man chimed in, "Is something troubling you?"
Jeanette looked to him, "I would say so, yes."
"Well," the woman said, "what is it?"
The man looked at the woman, "She needn't speak if it makes her uncomfortable. I mean, she really just met us an hour ago."
Jeanette interrupted him, "Oh no, don't worry, I would like to share."
The woman looked at her, "Are you sure, my dear, we don't mean to pressure you!"
"No, I really would like to share."
The man lit a cigarette, "then please, go ahead."
"Well, I've been surrounded by all of these good feelings for quite some time now, and it pains me to be around it. My boyfriend and I broke up a while back, and now he's with someone else and he's here to attend the wedding, with her," Jeanette held back, she knew she wasn't divulging the entire truth, "It's hard to see him with someone else, you know?"
The man whispered to the woman at a level that Jeanette couldn't hear, "My dear, she is not telling us everything."
"I know, but we can't expect her to, right?"
"You're right," he looked at Jeanette, "You must let him free now. If he is happy, it should make you happy to see him that way. I'm sorry things did not work between the two of you, but the hardest things one can ever do for someone else is to let them be free. It will be difficult, my dear, but that's the only way you can find happiness later in life," he looked at this watch. The man couldn't remember when they had gotten in the elevator, but it had been some time now, "Do you understand?"
Jeanette was deep in thought, "I do. Thank you so much."
He smiled and the elevator started to move again, "Ah Mon Dieu! Finally!"
They all stood up and the woman grabbed hold of the man's arm, "Fantastique, we can finally get out of here," she looked at Jeanette, "Young lady, we never got your name!"
"I'm Jeanette, and you two?"
"I'm Stephanie, and this is my husband Claude," their floor came and the door opened. They started to walk out, "I can't believe we spent all of that time together and we never knew each other's names!"
Jeanette responded, "Neither can I," The door started to close, but Claude stretched his arm out and stopped it.
"Jeanette, remember what we told you. Good luck, mon Chere," they continued to walk out until they were out of sight.
"I will, Claude."
That Friday, Mrs. Miller and Dave arrived at the hotel par Simon's intuition. It was late Friday when they arrived, so they waited to get caught up with everyone until after the wedding. Nervousness was thick in the air the entire day. Jeanette and Alvin stayed together most of the time and didn't see the others. At that point, Jeanette and Simon hadn't made amends, so she was privy to stay away from him, not to his chagrin. Eleanor and Theodore were wandering around, lost in each other most of the time, until Friday night came. They slept in separate rooms according to tradition. Mrs. Miller echoed, the bride and groom can't see each other on their wedding day, so the two didn't. Saturday morning came, the wedding was to be in the afternoon. Theodore and Simon were together, getting their tuxedoes on.
"You still haven't talked to Jeanette?" Theodore asked Simon as he put on his white shirt. Theodore had stayed in Simon's room the night before, and naturally they got changed together. The room was bathed in the soft glow of natural light coming in through the window. IT was mild outside, and they let the breeze roll in while they were getting ready, "For that matter, have you talked to Alvin since then?"
"I have talked to Alvin, multiple times at that."
"How does he feel about this," Theodore said as he walked into the bathroom to use the mirror to tie his tie.
"About what, Theodore?"
"Please don't play dumb Simon, it doesn't play to your strong suits well."
"Well, if you must know, I have no idea how he feels about this."
"So you two haven't talked about it at all?"
"Brilliant, and again, you are right."
"Hey, there's no need for you to get snide with me," Theodore said as he walked into the main room again, where Simon sat in waiting.
"Well, I really don't see the point of you coming and bothering me when I can deal with my own problems at this point. I'm a college grad after all."
"That's fantastic and I'm fully aware of that. It doesn't mean that I can't worry for you two still."
Simon walked into the bathroom and closed the door, "It does mean that you don't need to anymore."
"Simon, you know what I mean. You two will always be my brothers," Theodore hadn't shown this side of his personality for quite some time. Upon entering High School, he got more composed and intellectual, much like Simon. He was still generous and caring, but he wasn't exactly the same. Now, he was acting like himself, "and I just want you two to be happy."
Simon came out of the bathroom and put his hand on Theodore's shoulder, "Thank you Theo, for always being there for me. I've been through a hard few years, but you've always been supportive of me. I will always be there for you as well and hopefully I can find the happiness you have one day," Simon leaned in and hugged his younger brother, the one that had always had the problems with being picked on and teased, at this moment, seemed to have his life the most together, "Come on, let's get to the church."
Theodore broke away from Simon and grabbed his tuxedo coat, "Yes, let's go," they walked out the door and met Alvin, who was waiting for them. Alvin leaned in and hugged Theodore.
"Today's the big day, isn't it?" Alvin said. Simon averted his gaze to the floor.
They all walked forward, Theodore in between his two brothers, "It is. I'm glad you both could come."
"And miss this?" Alvin said, "I would have gladly missed a thousand concerts if only to come see my baby brother get married."
Theodore laughed, "Baby brother? Our differences in birth times are negligible."
Simon and Alvin both laughed and put their arms around their brother. Simon said, "You'll always be the baby of the family, Theo."
They got to the first floor lobby and walked out of the door. Theodore responded, "I couldn't have it any other way," The light outside was bright, but none of them minded. They walked to the car, where Dave was waiting for them. They all got in and Dave drove them to the Church, just like it had been old times.
"Brittney, how does my hair look?" Eleanor, who usually was deep in composure, was fretting in the Church, going over last details, "I mean, I need to look perfect today," she was wearing her full white gown, and Brittney was in a green draped dress par Eleanor's decision. She put on her a sapphire necklace that Mrs. Miller had bought her in Paris before arriving. She wore Mrs. Seville, Dave's mother's, Emerald ring, and a pair of Mrs. Miller's vintage shoes. The last addition was a white lace sash she wore around her waist that she got in town as something new.
"Your hair looks stunning, and, regardless of how many times I tell you, you look amazing," Brittney said as she finished the last touches of her make-up.
"Thank you Brittney, I'm just starting to freak out."
"It's understandable. It's quite a momentous event."
"Your recent bouts of clear composure has been refreshing, Brittney."
She looked over to her, "When have a not been composed, ever?"
Eleanor laughed, "That's true, you've always been the picture of elegance."
"You're right! Absolutely true!" Simon entered the door and signaled for Brittney.
"Brittney, it's time to go."
She looked to Simon, "Oh right, let's go," She started to walk out the door, "I'll see you at the alter, Ellie."
She looked to her oldest sister with longing, "I'll see you on the other side," they both left and Eleanor was left with her thoughts for a minute until there was another interruption. A woman walked in the door and immediately embraced Eleanor.
"Ellie, it's so good to see you again."
Eleanor looked a little shocked, "Jeanette, it's nice to see you again. Where have you been?"
"The hotel, getting ready. I just wanted to know how you were doing before I go out there."
"Just a bit nervous, but what about you? Where have you been since that day Alvin and I saw you?"
"I'm fine, Ellie, don't worry about me. Good luck today,'" she started to walk out the door, and Eleanor grabbed her arm.
"Wait, Jeanette, stay for a second. Are you alright with Simon and Brittney."
"My feelings aren't of any concern, today is your day, so stop thinking about us and enjoy it!" Jeanette walked out the door as the music started to signal the beginning of the procession. Jeanette had always been the one that would sacrifice herself to spare others, and she was doing it again. Eleanor heard her cue to start walking. Mrs. Miller, entered the room and grabbed her by the arm.
"Let's go, Ellie, it's time!" Mrs. Miller was teary eyed and visibly excited. They left the room and headed for the chapel. The Chapel was filled with music and light. All the people they had ever met in their travels was there, and they were all full of amorous feelings. The air was intoxicating with the deep feeling of nostalgia, longing, envy, and love. Eleanor gracefully made her way down the aisle, and there he was. Her best friend, her confidant, her only one, he was always there for her. She approached the alter and her grabbed her hand.
Theodore whispered, "Are you ready?"
"I've never been so ready," she responded in the same fashion. The priest looked and both of them and spoke.
He said, "Let me not to the marriage of true minds. Admit impediments. Love is not love which alters when it alteration finds, Or bends with the remover to remove: O no! it is an ever-fixed mark that looks on tempests and is never shaken; It is the star to every wandering bark, Whose worth's unknown, although his height be taken. Love's not Time's fool, though rosy lips and cheeks Within his bending sickle's compass come: Love alters not with his brief hours and weeks, but bears it out even to the edge of doom. If this be error and upon me proved, I never writ, nor no man ever loved. Now, join hands as you say to each other your vows. Eleanor Miller, Do you take Theodore Seville to be your wedded husband, to share your life openly, standing with him, in sickness and in health, in joy and in sorrow, in hardship and in ease, to cherish and to love, so long as you both shall live?"
Eleanor looked lovingly into her lover's eyes, "I do," the crowd swooned at the words. Eyes teared up and people held each other.
The priest continued, "Theodore Seville, Do you take Eleanor Miller to be your wedded wife, to share your life openly, standing with her, in sickness and in health, in joy and in sorrow, in hardship and in ease, to cherish and to love, so long as you both shall live?"
Theodore held softly, "Of course I do," they both smiled huge smiles at each other and Theodore gave out a barely audible laugh.
The priest continued, "do we have the rings?" Alvin and Brittney gave Theodore and Eleanor their respective rings.
Eleanor spoke first, "I, Eleanor Miller, give you, Theodore Seville, this ring as a sign of my love and eternal commitment." She slowly placed the ring on his finger.
Theodore was next, "I, Theodore Seville, give you, Eleanor Miller, this ring as a sign of my love and eternal commitment." He grabbed the ring and gently placed it on her finger. It fit perfectly.
The priest said, "Mr. Seville, you may kiss your bride," Eleanor was smiling so largely it was hard to kiss her. Theodore leaned in and they shared only a moment's kiss, but it seemed to contain all their future dreams in that one kiss. The world stopped for just one second, and one second only to witness their union. The priest finished, "Ladies and Gentlemen, I'm honored to present to you for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. Seville," The procession quickly erupted in glorious uproar for the couple. Simon, Jeanette, Alvin and Brittney all ran out of the church to join a line outside of the church, waiting to throw rice on the newlyweds. Theodore put her veil back on and they slowly walked outside.
They reached the blinding summer's sun, greeted by a barrage of rice. They covered their heads as they headed to a limo that was in wait for the two. Alvin, Jeanette, Simon and Brittney were the last people in the train. Alvin and Brittney were emphatically throwing rice in the air and cheering, while Simon and Jeanette were more reserved. The two pairings were facing each other on opposite side to the tunnel. Alvin averted his gaze from Brittney most of the time, and she was kind enough to do the same. Theodore and Eleanor climbed into the limo and started to drive away.
"Theo, can you believe what just happened?" They were held up in the corner of the limo opposite the side they got in, gently holding each other, "I mean, we're married now!"
"It will hit us tomorrow I'm sure. I still can't believe it to tell the truth," He looked out the side of the window, and then to the back of the Limo. He could still see the people celebrating, "you can still see everyone."
Eleanor looked back, "Oh yeah, but check that out," she pointed to the snow capped mountains that lined the ridge that the church was located on, "I can't believe it's snowing," A light snow was falling in the direction of the church on the tops of the mountains.
The crowd stayed for a while after the bride and groom had left their view. In the end, it was only Simon, Brittney, Jeanette and Alvin. Jeanette started to walk away to her car, which prompted Simon to look up, but it was too late to get her attention. Brittney was still clutching his arm when she looked up at Alvin. Their eyes met for the first time in a long time, and for the first time since she had gotten together with Simon. These eyes, which had so much history together, would not have been quelled easily. For a few seconds, they met without emotion. Alvin's eyes suddenly looked empathetic and he suddenly let out a smile. A weak, very weak smile. At the that moment, the light snow had turned to a light rain and it started to rain on the four of them. Jeanette stopped near her car and noticed the rain. Simon, Brittney and Alvin all looked up. The rain was lightly falling on their faces. At that moment, the rain was falling in Hollywood, at their family home. At the campus in Philadelphia. At the hotel back in town at the bottom of the mountain. And at that small church in Switzerland. It cleaned the rice away from the walk way and other various dirty stain acquired that day. Alvin looked back at the two of them, still with the weak smile he had earlier. Brittney, retuned the smile he gave her, and Simon followed suit. They all began to walk to their car.
Simon said, "You know, they say that rain on a wedding day is a sign of a good marriage to come."
Alvin responded as they got in the car, "They tend to say many things, but, in this case, they're right."
Hello Readers,
Ah, well that's the end. I'm glad you came with me on this journey and hopefully you'll share you'll thoughts with me. Awareness is the Option is the next installment and that's probably going to take me a year to whip out so don't expect it for a while. In the meantime, Dicerox presented me with an interesting idea so I'm going to take him up on it. Another thing I will be making is an anthology of Short Stories that take place in between Awareness is the Option and Slanted and Enchanted. They'll be in chronological order, over the five years from the end of Awareness is the Option, to the beginning of Slanted and Enchanted. The last one will be the first that I write and it will be based around the mysterious break up that Alvin and Brittney had a year before the current timeline, 5 months before Slanted and Enchanted. It will be 10+ one shots, hopefully, that will show snapshots of their lives in times that I'm not writing about. If the response to them is so grand, I've been entertaining the idea of the fifth installment, if I ever get that far, to be set 3.5 years before Slanted and Enchanted. The anthology's name is yet to be decided upon, but I think its going to be, Frozen in Time; Poems, Short Stories and Proses of the S&E series. The second volume of the anthology will either take place before or after the 3 book.
I hope I can make all of these things to happen, but, being a new college student, it's difficult to really find free time. The one shots will flow and hopefully so will the chapter of Awareness is the Option. That's all really, continue to read. I really appreciate it.
Cheers,
B.t.E