Savor the Rewrite: chapter 9 Grandmommie Dearest
Angela finally convinced Tony to head into the reception. She knew they wouldn't make it through the whole reception with the way Tony couldn't keep his hands off her throughout the night. They enjoyed the appetizers and mingling with their guests. Tony made sure she sat and rested as much as possible and catered to her every need.
As the night went on, they shared their first dance. They had gone back and forth on a song for the past couple of weeks but finally decided on It Had to Be You by Frank Sinatra. Ever since they danced to that song last year at the the Starlight Lounge, they had considered it their song. They could have played any other song for all Tony cared- he was lost in everything Angela and barely heard the music stop. They danced a few more dances- Tony making sure he danced with Mona and Mrs. Rossini while they both danced a mother/son and father/daughter dance.
Dinner was served followed by the bouquet toss. Samantha ended up catching the bouquet, which almost caused a panic attack for Tony. Angela was able to calm him down as they prepared for the cake cutting. They had chosen a simple but elegant chocolate cake with buttercream icing. Fall colored flowers draped the cake as they cut the first piece. They fed each other a piece of the cake before allowing the staff to cut the rest.
By the time the cake was finished and they invited everyone back onto the dance floor, Tony convinced Angela to head out. They said their goodbyes to Mona, Samantha and Jonathan as they exited the reception. The limo was waiting to take them to the Fairfield Inn. They booked the wedding suite for two nights. They weren't leaving for their honeymoon until Wednesday so they had a few days to be home before leaving.
They arrived at the Fairfield Inn and checked in, both very excited to officially check in somewhere as Mr. and Mrs. Micelli. Tony carried her over the threshold of their suite and laid her down on the bed.
"How are you feeling Angela?" he asked as he gently rubbed her stomach.
"Just exhausted… the nausea is gone for now but be warned the mornings aren't pretty! This morning was the worst by far…" she said.
"Oh sweetheart! I knew you sounded sick this morning when I called! I'll make sure I get you some ginger ale and maybe some crackers in the morning. How long have you been feeling sick? And how long have you known you were pregnant? And how did this happen? Not that I'm complaining… I'm over the moon about our baby! But I thought you were on the pill" he said, the questions coming in rapid succession.
"Slow down Tony! Yes I was on the pill but the antibiotics I was on apparently made them ineffective, something the initial pharmacist neglected to tell me. The pharmacy called the night before we found out about Joey's death and left a message to remind me to use alternative birth control. That morning you found me looking at the calendar, I realized I was almost two weeks late. I was planning on telling you but then with the news, the funeral and then you trying to live life to the fullest, it was never the right time. I took the pregnancy tests last week and saw my doctor who confirmed the pregnancy. I think that answers all your questions!" laughed Angela.
"You've known for over a week? Oh Angela… if I hadn't acted like a jerk, you would have been able to tell me and I could have taken care of you! I promise from now on, I'm absolutely, totally committed to you and this little one…" he said as he kissed her stomach.
"We have an appointment on Monday afternoon for a sonogram and to see exactly how far along I am. I suspect I'm around eight weeks pregnant, which would make this little one due the end of June or early July. A summer baby…" she said as she placed her hand on her stomach.
"I can't wait Angela! That's perfect timing! I will have graduated by then and hopefully secured a job for September. I can spend the summer helping you with the baby! Oh there will be so much planning to do… but first I think I need to show you just how deep my love runs for my beautiful bride…" he said as he moved up on the bed and captured her lips with his own. They spent the rest of the evening showing each other just how deep their love ran for one another.
They decided to spend the next two days just relaxing in their suite. As Angela predicted, she was sick as a dog the following morning. Tony made sure to take care of her every need and made sure she was well hydrated, resting until she felt better. They ordered room service throughout the day, alternating between eating, sleeping and making love. The next morning, after Angela felt up to it, they checked out and took a taxi home. They were able to get showered and ready for her afternoon appointment.
They arrived early for the appointment. Tony took a copy of every pamphlet they had on pregnancy as well as copies of a few magazines. Angela was called into the exam room and her vitals were taken. Everything look good so they had her lay on the exam table for the sonogram. Tony could barely keep still he was so excited; he finally settled down next to her when the doctor came in.
"Hi Angela! How are you feeling today?" asked the doctor as she started up the monitor and prepared the sonogram machine.
"Tired and very nauseous. The nausea doesn't let up until about mid day or longer. My breasts are starting to get tender too but other than that, things have been good" said Angela.
"Okay good. So you think you are about eight weeks along, give or take. Let's see what we have going on shall we?" said the doctor. As she placed the gel over her stomach and turned on the machine, a small little gummy bear shape appeared on the screen.
"Angela! Is… is that the baby?" asked Tony with a sense of awe and wonder in his voice.
"Yes it is! I think you are right about the dates too. The fetus is measuring right at eight weeks, maybe slightly over. Let me get some more measurements and then we can hear the heartbeat" said the doctor. Tony and Angela couldn't stop looking at the screen, tears of joy in their eyes. Soon, a quick swooshing sound could be heard as the baby's heart rate filled the room.
"It's so fast! Is that normal?" asked Angela.
"Yes it is. Everything looks very good. I will print out some sonogram photos for you and then we can meet in my office" she said as she finished up. Tony was able to help Angela up and off the table. He gave her a quick kiss as they walked hand in hand to her office.
"So it looks like you are due July 6th. Due to your age, I'd like to see you more frequently, every two weeks until thirty six weeks and then every week after until you give birth. Once you are in the second trimester, we can talk about doing further testing to make sure the baby is healthy. Listen to your body and rest as much as you can. Stay hydrated and if there are any complications, we will address them then" she said.
"We are supposed to go on our honeymoon in two days. Is it still safe for her to fly?" asked Tony.
"Yes it is safe. Just make sure you stay hydrated, rest as much as possible and move around the flight when you can to avoid any blood clots" said the doctor.
"I'll make sure she doesn't lift a finger and rests as much as possible!" he said.
"I'm sure you will! Take some brochures on pregnancy and I recommend getting some books to read to prepare for the changes of pregnancy and birth. Other than that, you can contact me with any questions" she said.
"Thank you doctor, we will" said Angela as they both headed out the door.
"Alright Angela… you heard her! Rest, rest and more rest! We can have a nice relaxing honeymoon and then when we get back, I'm going to make sure you don't work too hard! This little one is going to be top priority!" he said as he put his hand on her stomach.
"You're right Tony. I think I will need to figure out a better work schedule once we get home. It's been hard enough not feeling well… I can't imagine going into the office as early as I do. I can barely keep my eyes open by lunch time! We will make it work" she said as her hand joined his on her stomach.
"Alright let's head home so I can start dinner while the two of you rest. We still have more packing to do and I need to get down the suitcases from the attic" he said.
"That sounds like a plan. I'm already exhausted so resting sounds good. C'mon let's go home…" she said.
They spent the rest of the day and the following day preparing for their honeymoon. They had decided to go to Paris and London, saving some money and spending more time in each city. Their flight was scheduled to leave midday Wednesday, which worked out well with Angela's morning sickness. Samantha and Jonathan gathered to wish them well as the taxi pulled up.
"Alight everyone! We will be back in a week and a half. Make sure you get in the mail, water the plants and try not to burn down the house will ya?" said Tony.
"I still can't believe you are going to see Nanna on your honeymoon… when you see her, thank her for keeping up with inflation with all her checks over the past eight years!" said Jonathan.
"I hope she remembers me… it's been too long…" said Angela.
"Well you know, it's been almost seven years… she probably wouldn't even recognize ya… well… not that you've changed… if anything you look younger, much younger… c'mon Jonathan let's go and help me with this luggage!" yelled Tony, trying to pull his foot out of his mouth. Just then, Mona walked in through the back door.
"Mother is there something you want me to tell Nanna for you? I wish you were coming to see her" said Angela.
"Huh… get real! I'd rather catch a plane to Bermuda than be anywhere near her!" said Mona.
"Mother! I was hoping things would be different between you two!" said Angela.
"They will. She will be there in the confines of her London apartment and I will be here, trolling for eligible bachelors…" said Mona.
"C'mon Mona… how could you not wanna see your own mother? What's the matter? You afraid she would give you a curfew?" laughed Tony.
"Oh, she makes me nervous and awkward and… I mean when she's around I feel like… Angela!" said Mona as Angela stopped going through her purse and looked up at Mona.
"Uh oh! You think the Atlantic Ocean is a big enough distance?" laughed Tony, followed by Mona until Angela came to stand next to them with a stern glance.
"Enjoy your time with her Angela. She's just going to be glad to see you. Although I would like to see the look on her face when you tell her you got married! Once the shock wears off, she will be thrilled I'm sure. Believe me, she will not even know that I'm not with you…" said Mona.
"Very funny you two! C'mon Tony we have to head out now. I'm just hoping that cab ride doesn't stir up my morning sickness" she said.
"Don't worry I've packed crackers and ginger ale for you. Alright Jonathan, help me with the bags" said Tony as he hugged Mona and Samantha and headed out the door.
"Alright you two. I'm leaving you in charge Samantha. Make sure Jonathan goes to school and gets his homework done. No parties while we are gone and we will check in as soon as we get to Paris. If you need anything, this is the hotel information" said Angela as she handed Samantha the paperwork.
"She's in charge? You don't trust your own mother?" asked Mona with a fake pained expression.
"Absolutely not… I don't want footprints on our ceiling!" she said as the cab horn honked again.
"I love you both! Behave Mother!" said Angela as she headed out the door. Jonathan hugged them both as the taxi drove off. He came back into the house as Samantha and Mona were talking.
"I just don't have a good feeling about them seeing my mother. She's conniving and always has her nose up in the air. Just going to try and break them up, mark my words!" said Mona.
"But they just got married! It's not like they are dating!" said Jonathan.
"You don't know her like I do…" said Mona.
"So how come we've been living here for seven years and never met her or even heard of her before?" asked Samantha.
"What are you deaf? You don't know her like I do… that's why!" said Mona as she headed back to her apartment. They just shrugged their shoulders and headed upstairs.
They arrived at the airport, Angela's morning sickness holding off as she drank her ginger ale. Tony got the bags out of the taxi as they headed to the ticket counter. While the airport was busy, they were able to check in and go through security easily, boarding their flight on time. Once the flight hit cruising altitude, they unbuckled their seatbelts and were able to curl into one another, Tony's hand finding her still flat stomach as it had often been since finding out about the baby. The flight attendant came around with drinks and snacks. Tony poured them both a glass of ginger ale and made a toast.
"Here's to the start of a wonderful marriage, a nice relaxing honeymoon and of course the start of this new life we have created…" he said as he put his hand back on her stomach.
"I'll drink to all of that! I love you Tony!" she said as they clinked their glasses.
"I love you too Angela… both of you!" he said as he leaned over for a quick kiss, that turned into another and another until the flight attendant had to tap Tony on the shoulder to get his attention for the meal service. They spent the rest of the flight watching the inflight entertainment and resting whenever possible.
Once they landed in Paris and got through customs, they were able to take a cab to their hotel. Tony insisted that they rest until dinner and have something close by. By the next morning, they were able to head out after Angela felt better and did some sightseeing. Tony had to alter his initial itinerary due to Angela needing to rest more often. Over the next few days, they ate at wonderful restaurants, saw the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Arc de Triomphe, the Seine River and the Louvre. By the end of the trip, they accomplished everything on their to do list.
They made it back to the airport and were able to get their flight to London without any issues. Again, they took a cab to Reed Hamilton's apartment. The doorman greeted them and escorted them to his penthouse apartment. They were given a key to the apartment as the doorman brought up their luggage.
"Oh Tony! This place is beautiful! We have to thank Reed when we get back!" said Angela.
"Yes we do! Have you seen the size of this bedroom? It has its own bathtub! Looks like it's got plenty of room for two…" he said with a wink and a smirk.
"That… sounds delightful… first though I think I need to take a nap… I can't wait until the first trimester is over and I get some of my energy back!" she said as she sat on the bed.
"I can't wait until you start to show! Then I can start to feel the baby… it's going to be so exciting!" he said as he sat down next to her, wrapping his arm around her back.
They spent the afternoon alternating between napping and other more rigorous activities. By the early evening, they got themselves ready to meet Angela's Nanna. They took a cab to the restaurant and headed inside. They were able to sit at the bar and ordered a drink for Tony and a glass of water for Angela. Just then, a tall woman with grey hair walked into the restaurant.
"Angela, is that her?" asked Tony as they stood up and walked to the front of the restaurant.
"Angela!" Nanna said as she walked right up to her and wrapped Angela in a hug, completely ignoring Tony.
"Oh Nanna! Oh Nanna!" said Angela. They started getting into a conversation, still ignoring Tony.
"And you are?" asked Nanna.
"I'm sorry! Forgive my manners, Nanna I want you to meet Tony Micelli! Tony, my Nanna, Mrs. Reynolds" said Angela.
"So this is the famous housekeeper from Brooklyn your wrote me about. He's even more attractive than you described him" said Nanna.
"Thank you, thank you! And I'm not just a pretty face… I can cook too! Here, let me get your coat" he said as he helped her out of her coat. They were soon seated at a table. Tony pulled out the chair for Nanna and then Angela.
"Well thank you dear! So Angela… it's been too long! I haven't gotten a letter from you since early summer. What have you been up to?" she asked.
"I'm sorry Nanna. I should have written you sooner. I wanted to but things were so hectic this fall that I only had time to send a quick telegram. See the thing is, I got engaged and married this fall!" she said.
"You did what? Oh Angela! Congratulations! I wish I had known! I would have come! I'm sure your mother was happy I wasn't there… anyway, so when am I going to meet your new husband? Is he on business?" she asked.
"You just did!" said Angela as she grabbed Tony's hand.
"You married your housekeeper?" she asked, completely shocked at Angela's words.
"Yes!" said Angela.
"Nanna!" gushed Tony as he leaned over and gave her a hug. Nanna's shocked expression only grew more intense. Her face became pale and she looked like she was going to pass out.
"Nanna? Nanna!" shouted Angela as Nanna's expression froze on her face.
"You should have told her about us!" said Tony.
"Oh I am alright dear. Just… shocked by the revelation of your… marriage…" she said as she looked at Tony with distain and then back at Angela with love.
"Can I get you something? Tea? Water? Liquor?" asked Tony.
"No I'm fine Tony, thank you. It was just a little bit of a shock for someone who's a bit old world-ish like me. To suddenly find out that her favorite granddaughter has married the umm…" she started as Tony interjected.
"The scullery maid?" he asked.
"You see my point!" she said with a laugh. Tony responded with a nervous laugh.
"But Nanna I don't care that he was my housekeeper. I love him and he's studying to be a teacher! He's going to be a great one! Maybe someday he will be a professor or even dean of a university!" gushed Angela.
"Whoa Angela! Please… you don't have to sell me that hard… last semester I got three A's and a B!" he gloated.
"Ah! Looks and intelligence! What a winning combination!" said Nanna sarcastically.
"There really is no telling where Tony will go!" said Angela.
"So I'm assuming this is your honeymoon then? Why are you wasting it dining with an old lady? You should be out on the town, enjoying the sites! That's assuming you've budgeted for our expensive city! Not sure how far you can stretch a housekeeper's salary these days…" she said.
"Yes this is our honeymoon and we have a whole itinerary planned out! We'd love it if you would join us on some of the excursions if you would like" said Tony, trying his best to use his charm to win her over.
"Oh that sounds… lovely…" said Nanna.
"We'd like to do some souvenir shopping too for Mother, Jonathan and Samantha" said Angela.
"Samantha?" asked Nanna.
"Oh yes my daughter Samantha. You see… actually, she was the reason that I originally took this job as Angela's housekeeper. You see our neighborhood was beginning to get a little rough and I wanted Sam to have a better life. I didn't know just how better of a life I would end up with…" he said as he kissed Angela's hand.
"Well that's quite noble of you" said Nanna.
"Well yes it is, isn't it" said Tony. Angela and Tony told her of their whirlwind romance turned engagement and finally wedding. Tony was going overboard trying to impress Nanna but to no avail. He finally gave up as the main dishes were served. They finished off dinner with dessert before making plans to meet up at The British Museum the following day. By the time they got back to the apartment, they both were exhausted- Angela from pregnancy and Tony from trying to win Nanna over. They both fell asleep but were up early the next morning. While Angela was taking a shower, Tony decided to call home and check in on things.
"Hi Mona! How's the house and the family?" asked Tony.
"Everything is good here! How's things with you?" she asked sarcastically as Tony gave her the rundown of the trip so far.
"So, have you got my mother eating out of your hand yet?" asked Mona.
"No, but she showed me a lot of teeth! I don't know what else to do? I turned on all the charm! I did everything but tap dance!" he said.
"Tony, there's no pleasing my mother. The sooner you learn that lesson, the happier you will be! And Tony… watch out for her… she's going to try and break you two up, mark my words!" said Mona. They quickly finished up their conversation as they hung up the phone. Mona's words lingered in Tony's mind as he started to get ready for the day.
Tony and Angela walked to the museum as it was close by to the apartment. They stopped along the way as Tony's protective nature continued to kick in to make sure she rested. Nanna was already waiting for them at the entrance to the museum. They toured the museum, Angela and Nanna taking the lead, Angela's love of art history obviously being inherited from Nanna. Tony thought more than once he'd have been better staying back at the apartment. Angela stopped to use the restroom as Tony and Nanna sat down on a bench.
"You don't look very happy Mr. Micelli… is art not your cup of tea?" asked Nanna sarcastically.
"Please call me Tony. I'm trying to make an impression here, but nothing seems to work!" he said.
"Oh I don't know, I'll always remember your cologne!" she said with a smirk.
"Look… I don't care. I don't care! If I can't win your approval then that's okay because I can give Angela something… something better than money and class and a great life…" he said as his words trailed off, realizing what he was saying.
"We've painted ourselves into a corner haven't we?" asked Nanna.
"No… no! Because I can give her happiness, that's right! And if you cared about her half as much as you say you do, you wouldn't stand in the way of our brand new marriage and our…" said Tony as he stopped himself from saying baby. They had talked about waiting to tell Nanna about the baby until she was further along.
"Look…every time I mention your name, Angela's face lights up. It's like she has this glow about her… she seems truly happy, truly in love. Who am I to stand in the way of love? Now please forgive an old lady's prejudices engrained upon her soul for generations!" said Nanna.
"Done! Hey I knew inside of that tough exterior was a heart of mush!" said Tony as he wrapped his arms around Nanna. Just then Angela came out of the bathroom, happy to see Tony and Nanna getting along. They wrapped their arms around each other and kissed before walking down the next museum corridor. Nanna hung behind, distain written all over her face.
"As god is my witness, I will see that that man never stays married to Angela!" she said as she walked behind them.
Then next few days, Tony and Angela did some sightseeing, courtesy of Nanna. She arranged for private tours of Stonehenge, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, The Tower of London and a changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace. Nanna's plan was to use finances to break them apart. She figured if she could provide Angela with a vacation that Tony would never be able to afford to give Angela, she would soon realize she could do much better than a housekeeper as a husband. Nanna's final surprise for them was an all expenses paid dinner at one of the fanciest, most expensive restaurants in London. They met Nanna at the restaurant.
"Nanna! This restaurant is amazing! I don't even know what to order on the menu! It all sounds delicious!" said Angela.
"Anything you want Angela! You deserve to be treated like royalty! You may never get a chance to have a meal like this again!" said Nanna.
"I wouldn't say never. There are plenty of fancy places to eat back home I plan on taking her to…" said Tony as Nanna hid a satisfied smile as she picked up her wine glass.
"But Tony! This is London! The cuisine is exquisite!" said Angela.
"Oh Tony is right… I'm sure there's plenty of restaurants of equal caliber in… Brooklyn…" she snickered.
"Eh oh, oh eh… what's that supposed to mean?" he asked.
"Oh nothing! I was just hoping tonight's palate would be more to Angela's liking, that's all" said Nanna.
"Yes Tony… now please drop it…" said Angela with clear irritation in her voice. Tony sat back, stewing over Nanna's words, as Angela and Nanna got lost in their own conversation. Every time Tony would chime in, Nanna would find someway to pull the conversation back to just her and Angela, until it became too much for Tony.
"Would the two of you like to dine alone? I'm sure I could find a bar close by that would satisfy my palate…" said Tony.
"Tony! That's not very nice! Nanna has spent all this time and money on us for our honeymoon! We should be thanking her for planning this trip, knowing we couldn't have afforded to do half the things she scheduled for us!" said Angela.
"And there it is! Just come out and say it Angela! Not we can't afford it but Tony can't afford it. I can't afford to provide you with the lifestyle you deserve!l" shouted Tony, causing the other people in the restaurant to stare.
"Tony! That's not true!" she shouted back. They continued to bicker back and forth until Tony got fed up, threw his napkin down on table and left, saying he needed some fresh air.
"How could he say those things? And then storming out of here like a child! That's the thanks I get for trying to make this honeymoon special!" cried Angela.
"Darling I'm just as shocked as you are… but better you should find this out now" said Nanna. Just then, Tony came back into the restaurant.
"Oh excuse me but I wanted to make sure I paid for my portion of dinner tonight so I stopped at the bank. I wouldn't want to be accused of not providing for at least myself" he said as he started to pull out his wallet.
"Why are you doing this Tony? Nanna is only trying to make sure we have the best honeymoon here in London" said Angela as she wiped away her tears.
"That's just it! Don't you see Angela! She's gone overboard trying to show you what you are missing out on since you married your housekeeper! I could never have done everything she planned for us. I'm surprised we didn't dine with the Queen! Mona was right! She told me Nanna would try and break us up but I didn't believe her until today. She thinks you can do better than me Angela! And… maybe she is right. You deserve everything in this world!" he said as he grabbed onto her hand.
"Oh Tony… you know I wouldn't care if you mowed lawns in Central Park! All I want is you and this brand new life we have started… Nanna, is it true you did all of this to try and break up my marriage to Tony?" she asked.
"Look Angela I'm sorry, I was just trying to do what was best for you…" said Nanna.
"I know what's best for me… and it's Tony. I'm sorry I got carried away Tony… I don't want you thinking you can't provide for me… for us…" she said as tears once again formed in her eyes.
"Hey… I may not always be able to give you every fancy thing in the world, but you will always be taken care of. I just want you…" he said as they embraced.
"Well you can't fight true love I suppose… kids, I hope you two will be very happy and I give you my blessing…" said Nanna.
"Actually the three of us. Nanna, I'm pregnant. We are over the moon in love with each other and this baby. I… we want you to be a part of our lives and get to know your newest grandchild but that will only happen if you accept us as a couple" she said.
"You're pregnant? Angela! That's wonderful! And Tony… I think I may have misjudged you. For real this time, I hope you forgive me. As a token of my love, I hope you both will accept this wedding gift" she said as she took out a box and handed it to Angela. She opened up the box to reveal two antique crystal candlesticks.
"Oh, oh my! Your antique crystal candlesticks! I've always loved these!" she gushed.
"I know that dear… and now they are yours… both of yours!" said Nanna as she took Tony and Angela's hands in her own.
"Oh Nanna!" gushed Tony. They spent the rest of the dinner enjoying each other's company. Tony and Angela said their goodbyes, with promises to keep in touch and let her know when the baby arrives.
They spent the rest of the honeymoon spending it the way they wanted to- seeing sights and enjoying each other's company. On the morning of their flight home, Tony and Angela were finishing packing their suitcases when Angela brought over the candlesticks.
"It was nice of Nanna to give these candlesticks to me" said Angela.
"To us Angela!" said Tony.
"Oh sorry! It us… our candlesticks. Where do you think we should put them when we get home?" she asked.
"Well what about on the mantle? Wouldn't you like to see them up there?" asked Tony as he grabbed the candlesticks.
"No I don't think so. I think closer, maybe on the table behind the sofa!" she said as she tried to take them back. As they continued to discuss where they should go, their hands kept going back and forth. Finally, Tony took them back, accidentally knocking one to the floor, shattering it to a million pieces. They both stood speechless as they looked from the mess to each other.
"Uh oh! Yours broke!" said Tony as they both stood there, looking at one another until they burst out laughing, both thinking it was just the perfect Tony and Angela way to end their honeymoon.