Chapter 63
Christmas Eve 1912, Pittsburgh, PA. 0730 AM
"It'll be a second, girls." Marion called from her room, as Jon and Eric's mother and Ruth helps her into her new, but slightly altered dress. Rose and Jessica were sitting on the leather ottoman bench that was out in the hallway, as Marion got dressed for her big day, while Jack, Eric and Jon were preparing little Jack for his walk down the aisle, for he was to hold a ring for his uncle and his new aunt, as they're finally getting together.
They nearly got into a scuffle, as who would be Jesse's best man. Eric was Jesse's first friend, and brother-in-law, but they had little in common. Eric wanted to be away from the farm, and wanted to stay in the big leagues, while Jack, on the other hand, had shared a more brotherly bond with Jesse since the day they met back on the ship. They were more like brothers in almost every way; even their arguments were more like brothers than close friends. It was then decided Jack would be Jesse's best man; and when Jack's time came, Fabrizio would be his best man.
"Hey, where is Jesse?" Eric finally asks.
"Bride and groom are not supposed to see each other before the wedding. Especially her wedding dress." Jack says, echoing what Jesse's grandmother had said back at the farm house. "Besides, he's at the hotel, with Marion's parents. They're probably ready and are waiting at the church now." Jack turns his attention back at the mirror. He was adjusting his shirt and his tie, but he was a little worried about his pants, as they were a little short. He adjusted them a bit, then he was satisfied, as he looked at himself for the final time, making sure everything was in perfect order. Mr. Almstead knocked on the door where the boys were, and asked if they were ready. Eric checks his hair to make sure it stays in order, before leaving with the other men, and little Jack, as they left the house to meet Jesse at the hotel.
...
At the hotel, Jesse sat on a chair, while a jeweler from a nearby shop pierced his ears. He was leaning on the boy's shoulder, to help guide his instruments, and to keep him steady. Jesse winced as the man guided his hot needle into the lobe of his ears. Soon, both of his ears were fitted with small, diamond studded earrings, and after the jeweler was done with Jesse. Marion's father finally put him in a suit, and fixed his tie.
"You've got a really tough one there. Something tells me this boy will truly become someone special." The jeweler says, pointing towards Jesse.
"Yes, he is. Now my boy. You look like you own a mine yourself." he says, while Jesse pulled at the flaps, then Mr. Highland smoothed out any wrinkles in the suit, which made Jesse's shoulders appear to have more slope to them.
"Now, what occasion is this? A family reunion? Celebration of sorts?" The jeweler asked, packing away his instruments.
"No, it's a wedding. He's going to be my son-in-law soon." Mr. Highland proudly says, smiling, then turns back to Jesse. The jeweler watched as Jesse flicked his head, but after he did, his hair fell and hung over one eye almost immediately. Jesse's hair reminded the jeweler of his own grandfather's, who had the similar hairstyle back in the Civil War era, but only this was different. It had a taper in the back and the sides, something he had never seen before, and it was starting to grow back a little (à la Kim Taehyung aka "V") since his return trip back to New York a couple months prior. Jesse momentarily looked towards the jeweler, who was still eyeing him, before being spun back to the mirror. A girl walked into the room, rubbing her eyes, who was clearly awaken from the commotion. The girl's mouth dropped upon seeing Jesse, who was biting his lip in a modest manner while Mr. Highland kept adjusting Jesse's jacket and the vest he wore under. She watched on as Jesse ties his bolo tie, then looked at himself in the mirror for the last time, before playing with his hair once more. He is the most handsome boy she has ever seen. Almost like a prince.
"Now, Julie. That's not how we treat our guest." Mr. Highland says, paying the jeweler, then slapping Jesse's back. He shook his hand in pain.
"You're very muscular, despite being young. What else do you do, besides taming horses?"
"I help my father run his shop," he says, as Mrs. Highland came with her maid. The maid nervously gestured to Jesse to sit in a chair once more, before she dipped her hand in hard animal fat. Then, with shaking hands she rubbed the animal fat into Jesse's hair, slicking it back. She stood back, admiring her work, while Jesse slowly opened his eyes, and looked up at the maid, who nervously swallowed. Soon Mrs. Highland looked into Jesse's brown eyes. With tears in her eyes she pulled the boy into a tight hug.
"Thank you for being a part of our daughter's life. I don't know what would've happened if-" she trailed off, sniffing back sobs. Her husband stood behind her, rubbing her shoulders as she sobbed softly. Everyone soon turned their attention back to Jesse once more, who was adjusting his sleeve, then pulled on his jacket, before letting out a big yawn. To the girl that was the most beautiful yawn she has ever seen, then began to yawn herself. They soon heard a door knocking.
"We're ready for the wedding, sir." his driver says, poking his head in.
"Very well. Come, my boy. It's time." Mr. Highland says, motioning Jesse first, as he buttoned his jacket, then his family packed up, before they made their way to the church. Jon and his father also left, back to their home, to inform the women.
...
Back at the Almstead residence, Ruth calls out the women sitting on an ottoman in the hall to see Marion. Rose and Jessica were stunned. Marion's dress had gone all the way down to the floor. The outer layer of the dress had a crocheted turquoise lace to it, the bodice itself was turquoise, adding a beautiful touch Ruth had done to the dress. The top of the neck was fastened with a large turquoise pin, a symbol of Marion's new Native American family heritage, and something that was new to her as well. The shoulders of the dress were topped with turquoise lapel pins, and her wrists were adorned with a turquoise bracelet. Jessica added a turquoise necklace, something her grandmother made with love, and she was proud of her Native American heritage. Rose had tears in her eyes. She was proud and happy for her friend.
"You look even more amazing." Rose says, as she begins to sniffle, and tears welling in her eyes. She pulls the girl and gives her a hug. She knew that Marion was different from all the girls, and that Marion did not belong in the world her mother also wanted her to be in. She knew Marion wanted to explore the world she was in, and to feel what love was like. Rose was glad she told Marion her stories of meeting Jesse on Titanic, and the two had been inseparable since. Marion also knew what love was like, and that was the reason Jesse had come into her world. Rose was also glad her mother would watch this joyous occasion, even if she did dislike her for all the horrible things she has done in her past.
Both Jon and his father came back to the house, as Marion twirls around, showing all the women in the room her dress for the final time, including the two men.
"Alright. They're almost ready for the bride now." Jon says, as he began to gather some last minute supplies for the wedding.
"Here. Put this oil back in the car. It should be warm now." his father says, giving Jon a lukewarm pan filled with the car's oil. Jon took a good look at the oil, which appeared to be dilated from sitting too long on the stove, but he didn't have a choice, as Jesse and the Highland family had left for the church as they left in the cab. Jon poured the oil back in the car's crankcase, and with difficulty, started the hand-crank engine. With the car running and slowly warming up, Marion nearly had a difficult time getting in the car, as she did not want to ruin the perfect dress she was in. Eventually, she got in, just like she normally would getting in the car, and they left the house.
0945 AM
Church bells ring merrily indicating the start of the ceremony. The cold but sunny December weather was a good indicator that this was going to be a good wedding indeed. The ceremony was small, but patrons of all walks of life come about. They are dressed in their very best, as they enter the quaint church, while a local church choir sang Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, followed by The First Noel at the front of the church. There, the guests greeted their friends, family members and even getting acquainted with new members of the extended family, or la familia, as Jesse likes to call them.
...
Meanwhile, a dark car was parked not far from the church, as the driver looks through his glasses to the guests. He puts his glasses back in the car, before he took a last drag, then flicks his cigarette out the window. He turned to the passenger seat, to something that was covered in tinfoil. He unwrapped the foil, then took a bite of a sandwich, before reaching down for another cigarette. Cal comes in from the back seat, and the driver hands him the binoculars while he was still chewing his food. Cal tries to look for Rose amongst the crowds, but couldn't make out any of the people who were entering and leaving the church.
"Do you think she's inside?" the driver asks, with a mouthful, as crumbs flew out of his mouth.
"How the hell should I know?" Cal seethed, putting aside the glasses, as he squinted out to the distance, towards the church.
"Damn good chicken sandwich." the driver says, looking at his food as he peeled back the foil, then tried to offer it to Cal. "Want a bite?"
"Get that thing away from me and help me find my fiancé!" Cal snapped. He looked into the eyepieces again. A passenger door creaked opened, then closed with a hollow, metallic thud, as a heavy set man got into his seat.
"This is the wrong church. His fiancé isn't in there." he says, his voice a bit raspy, thumbing at Cal. He took out a photo of Rose, then showed it to the driver.
"Let's go check the other one; there's two ceremonies going on today." The raspy one says. The driver tapped a gauge, before he wrapped up his sandwich.
"Steam pressure and temperature's dropping."
"I told you to leave this thing running. There's a leak somewhere in one of the low pressure steam lines. I hope you can get it fired up while its still hot." The driver fiddled with a few knobs and dials, until they heard the burners rumbling inside the boilers. They soon got going, to the other church.
...
Back in the church little Jack was very excited he was going to have a new aunt. He watched as his uncle talks with a few people who sat close to the pulpit, then began to help with the preparation. Jack begins to scratch the neck of his shirt, much to his mother's dismay. She had spent all night making his clothes at her husband's parents' house.
"Be still. You're tearing your clothes." his mother scolded.
"Its itchy, Mommy." Jack whined, still scratching at his neck. Everyone was congratulating Marion's parents and much praise from friends, her father's co-workers and even total strangers. She even got a congratulatory hug from her relative, even though she had a slight envy to her. Henry was even given praises about his son, and many wishes that were to come.
Jack Dawson and Jack Almstead had grown attached to each other, since they met after the elder Jack arrived from the hospital back in New York. He even tried his best to keep the kid entertained while unknowingly, Jesse was also recovering at that same hospital. Since then he has adored the kid's enthusiasm and his wonders of the world around him. Little Jack often reminded Mr. Dawson of little Cora, as she too was full of wonder and happiness. He had shown Jack how to draw and the boy had a strong interest in his drawings, as he drew his sketches on the sketchpad. He really was like his uncle, and hoped one day, he too will draw wonders of the world around him.
"You look so beautiful." Rose says again tearfully, as she gives Marion a final hug, before setting her off with her own father, who was going to walk with her down the aisle. Ruth also comes to hug her former maid for the final time as well.
Up front Jesse and Jack watched anxiously, as they adjusted their ties, and Jesse, adjusting his bolo tie, then he puts his hands in front of him. Jack couldn't be more proud for his brotherly friend, and he did admit Jesse was more beautiful, seeing him in his fitted suit, the bolo tie adding a nice touch to his outfit, and his hair was slicked back, thus having that shine. Jack couldn't resist fixing Jesse's bolo tie, returning the favor Jesse did back on Titanic, as he got him ready for the dinner at the Grand Staircase.
The pastor told his choir to take a seat, then begins his service. He asked for the ring bearer to come forward.
Jon gives his son the rings, who nearly drops it on the marble floor as he trembled with nervousness.
"Go." Jessica tells her son. Jack nervously walks down the aisle, as guests and immediate family members give their best awes and admiration to the young boy. Jack makes his way to the altar, then stands next to Jack and Jesse, as he tries to scan the room for his grandparents. Soon, Jon, Jessica, Ruth and Henry make their way down the aisle, before sitting down at the front pews.
The Wedding March begins playing from an organ, and everyone arises from the pews.
"Ready?" Rose asks.
"Ready." Marion quietly answers back, swallows hard, then meets her father to walk her down the aisle. She slowly makes her way down the aisle, holding on to her father's elbow. She feels a dozen eyes staring at her, as the guests all awe at the sight of her. She blinks a few tears back as she sees Jesse, in his formal wear, the bolo tie really standing out. He had a slicked back hair, as it shines in the light from the windows behind him, making him look like an angel. He was smiling as wide as his face will allow. Some of the women began to cry, as the bride and her father slowly makes their way through the aisle.
Rose was standing back, watching as Marion makes her way down the aisle, arm in arm, with her father. It felt like a dream, a beautiful dream from one she had she never wanted to be awaken from.
Marion locks eyes with the beautiful man she loves so much. She has never seen him so handsome, his hair slicked back, with a few wispy strands in front of his face, his intense brown eyes looking at her with every content, and she saw that he had his ears pierced, as the earrings glistened to the light. He is the epitome of beauty. Her heart pounds loudly in her chest, as she tries to fight the tears that were coming to her eyes again. She was marrying the man that had gotten into a fight with her friend's fiancé, and had nearly died on the Titanic, both by the lunatic and the water coming on board the ship. They were going to be together forever and now nothing could ever stand in their way. With every step she takes, Marion feels more nervous, at the same time, more joyful.
Once she reaches the end of the aisle, she kisses her father, who then finds a place next to his wife on the pew.
Once the song ends, Marion makes her way up the raised platform, to Jesse, as she slowly raises her hand, and Jesse kisses, remembering the image of Jack back at the Grand Staircase when he first courted Rose to the dinner.
"Dearly beloved. We are gathered here today in the sight of God to bring this man and this woman together in blessed and holy matrimony. To bond Jesse Jules Williams and Marion Deja Highland together for as long as they both shall live."
Marion could barely hear what the pastor was saying. Her mind was flowing with many happy thoughts, new memories to be created with the man she was now with. She doesn't need a lengthy sermon or a large crowd to express their love; being in each other's company was all that's needed.
"Now we will hear the vows of these two individuals." the pastor says, gesturing towards Jesse.
"Marion, you are my best friend. Nothing in this world means more than having you in my life. Today I give myself to you in marriage. It was not about your looks nor your status; it was your laughter, your infectious smile that made me want to be with you even more. The love you give to others is hard to find, more rarer than most precious treasures here on earth. The joy you create also cannot match the value, as it contains memories that are life lasting, and treasures here on earth that cannot match. You never let anything hurt you or others and nothing will ever get in your way of coming between what you love best. Above all, it is you that I cherish the most, and love with all my heart. No matter what obstacles life may throw at us, I know that our love will always be there and to flourish with many years to come. I love you forever and many more to come."
Marion takes a deep breath, her breath shudders, as she slowly feels the tears come.
"Growing up, I have heard many a stories about some fantasy guy, a knight in a shining armor of sorts. He was merely created in dreams and fantasy, and that such handsome men will never exist in real life. But when I came into your life I knew you were the perfect man for me. Your smile, your heart, your soul, your passion. That is what made me even more attracted to you even more. I could never ask for a more perfect man for me, to comfort me, to talk to everyday when you come home every night. No longer will we have to say goodbye every evening; just goodnights now. You showed up when I thought there was a time I would be in the darkest hour, trapped, and you were that knight in shining armor, the fantasy dreams of a man that most would say doesn't exist except in stories in medieval times. Jesse, I love you will all my heart, and we will make memorable memories together."
Rose's eyes were filled with tears, and she even let some fall, as the couple exchanged their vows. She truly felt like she was immersed in a story book of some kind, lost in the words and that she will never put the book down, where the couple are whisked away on a horse, riding off into the sunset, and Jesse will do the same, riding a horse with Marion back to New Mexico, with the sunset. She was longing to have what the couple were having, then she looks over at Jack, the man who could give her what she wanted and even more, as their hands interlock on their laps. Even Mrs. Highland cried softly, delicately wiping her eyes in her handkerchief, while her husband had his gentle hand on her knee.
"Let us now have the rings brought forward and presented by the ring-bearer." the pastor says.
Jessica quickly prompted her son. The pastor takes the rings, smiles at the boy, then sends him on his way to his mother. The pastor then holds up the two glinting silver bands.
"May these rings symbolize your inherent wholeness and unity with one another; giving you the strength to happily honor your commitments to each other. May they remind you that marriage is not a destination but a journey; with no beginning and no end; just a moment to moment opportunity to love and be loved to the best of your ability," he blessed the rings, and at the couple. "God, bless these rings and these two who exchange them. Fill them with your Holy Presence. Keep them safe in the circle of your protection and love." He handed one band to Jesse. He gave a small smile, as he slowly slides the silver token of love onto Marion's finger, as she blushed, and her eyes welled with tears. Marion takes the other ring, then slowly slides it onto his finger. Jesse smiles even more, looking into his bride's eyes.
"Do you, Jesse Williams, promise to take Marion Highland to be your lawfully wedded wife, in sickness and in health, till death do you part?"
"I do." Jesse smiles, then looks at Marion.
"And do you, Marion Highland, take Jesse Williams to be your lawfully wedded husband, in sickness and in health, till death do you part?"
"With all my heart and soul, I do." Marion smiles, looking up at the groom's eyes.
"By the power vested in me by the state of Pennsylvania and by the loving hand of God there to guide you, I now pronounce thee man and wife. You may now kiss the bride."
Marion leaps forward, wrapping her arms tightly around Jesse and kissing him with all her might. Jesse returned, his kisses were more as passionate as Marion's as he held her tightly, even as the Native American jewelry she was wearing began digging into his shoulder and chest. Jesse slowly broke from his kiss, then places his arms over Marion's shoulders, then interlocks his fingers behind her head. Marion messed up Jesse's hair, then took ahold of his arms, before he bent forward to give her another passionate kiss. The small crowd around them breaks out in cheers and applauds, while some of the men throw their hats in the air, and women were throwing rice at the still embracing couple. Marion eventually breaks and gives her new nephew a hug as well. During the time Jesse was gone, she and Jack shared an incredible bond, practicing for when she would become a mother herself someday, and Rose and Jessica there to guide her along the way as well.
The couple makes their way slowly down the aisle, towards the main entrance, hand in hand, like something out of a royalty-style fairy-tale. The small crowds were laughing and cheering, the aisle becomes smaller as the people congratulated the young, happy couple. Behind them, the choir began to sing another Christmas carol, this time O Come All Ye Faithful.
As the excitement continues, Rose slowly wipes her tears from her eyes. She could not be any more happier for her friend and former maid, and Jesse. She kept her distance from the crazy crowd, which had buried the couple in joy and praise.
They eventually make it outside, despite the craziness.
"Alright ladies, it's time for the tossing of the bouquet." An elderly voice called.
All the eager faces of the happy women, from all walks of life, gather as Marion shuts her eyes, smiles, and throws the flowers in the air. The bouquet flies over the many eager hands of the women below, until Rose sees it lands her way, then grabs it.
"Congrats to you." A man with a slight British accent says, tipping his hat at Rose. Rose smiles, as the man walks away, cane in hand, and was adjusting his hat with a gloved hand, before he disappeared behind the church. Suddenly there was a loud commotion and surprised gasps coming from the front of the church. Rose turns her attention to where the noise was going on. Even the choir stopped mid-song, to find out what was happening. Everyone looks in confusion and fear as two men in dark clothing and hats show up. Suddenly her blood ran cold. Rose knew why, as she quickly ran back inside the church, then took cover behind the door, her breathing and heart rate intensifying.
Caledon Nathan Hockley was in town, and had ruined the plans of the wedding, as she peeked through the cracks of the door. She watched as one of the men begins to advance on Jesse, as he seemed to be overpowered by the men. The slender-looking man gave a sharp blow to Jesse's stomach, making him double over in pain, while the heavy-set man watched on, who was putting on a pair of black gloves. Both men didn't seem to care that there were many witnesses watching them like a hawk.
Marion was in total shock. "W-what's going on?" she asked, on the verge of crying, as her tears were beginning to fall. This wedding was beginning to become a total nightmare, not the fairy-tale wedding she had always dreamed of.
"We're taking this man in for questioning." The slender man says, beginning to cuff Jesse with the heavy cuffs. Jesse couldn't believe what was happening, as he was led away to the car, his stomach reeling in pain. He soon fell over, the pain was too great for him to stand on his own now, much less walk. Darkness soon swirled over him.
"Hey! What the-?! Aw great! Get me a hand over here!" He yelled to his partner, while he tried to drag Jesse's dead weight across the snow. Despite Jesse only looking like he weighs around 65 kg, and slender, he was no lightweight to the two older, slightly unkempt men who were trying to pick him up and drag him to the car. Their first attempt at hauling him over their shoulders like a sack of potatoes failed.
"What? Why?" Jessica was in complete shock, and worried as she watched helplessly, her brother being dragged away to the car. "What is he wanted for?"
"Attempted murder, theft, possible kidnapping and blackmail." The slender one says, as the heavy-set man drags Jesse by his underarms along the snow, mud patches, and gravel, while his head lay limp over his chest. The heavy-set man gave a deep breath, then with all his might he picks up and shoves Jesse into the back seat, then slams the door, before arching his back. Jack fell on his knees and began to cry, as he watched his friend/brother being hauled away, while Marion let out a pained cry, as if something she loved dearly has been taken away from her forcefully.
"What?! That's utterly preposterous! My son would do no such thing. Release him at once!" Henry demanded, pointing his finger at the man.
"Sorry. No can do, sir. This boy is wanted in connection with the Hockley family. Now please, get back sir!"
"Release him at once! I'll have the police-" Henry began, waving a fist at the man.
"Get back, sir! He is now the property of Hockley!" The man turned, then smiled to himself of the deed he had done.
Jon shielded his son as best he could from the madness that was happening all around them. Rose was practically sobbing, as Ruth tried her best to comfort her, and she was still clutching the bouquet that earlier, the happy Marion had thrown. It felt like a few years had gone by now. Henry shook his head, as he loathed the Hockley family, while Jessica comforts Marion, along with her mother, as she was sobbing as hard now, and her hands were over her face.
The guests begin to talk amongst each other, trying to comprehend the situation that had unfolded before them. The slender man got into the car, threw his gloves on the dashboard, then slammed the door.
"That was too easy. Like taking candy from a baby." he snickered.
"Why did you do that? He didn't pay us to have the kid beaten to a pulp." the raspy passenger asked, then turned his attention to the back seat. "Uh oh. I think we have the wrong one. That is not the blond kid he wanted." The driver didn't answer, he just smiled, as he blew into his hands, then fiddled with the knobs and dials once more, before he got the car running, then they quickly sped away from the church, leaving behind puffs of steam. Rose slowly makes her way to Marion, who was sobbing harder now, her face still buried in her hands, while Jessica still comforted her now new sister-in-law. It really broke Rose's heart to see her friend in this way, in what was supposed to be a happy, and special moment. She hugged Marion, then they both sobbed together. Jessica, Henry, and Marion's parents all comfort the newly-wed bride in this difficult situation.
Rose then remembered Jack. She walked through the crowds, until she found him, kneeling in his sadness, in front of the steps of the church. Jack looks up, his eyes bloodshot and puffy from the crying he endured of losing his best friend/brother to a coward who had sabotaged the wedding. They both embraced, and cried together.
Henry knew Caledon Hockley was in the area, and wanted to take matters into his hands, even if that meant he would be killed. But he knew he needed help eventually. He knew Eric was still working for Mr. Hockley. Mr. Highland puts a hand on his shoulder, startling Henry a bit. They both greet each other, as Mr. Highland adjusted his hat. He cleared his throat.
"I never thought I'd live the day I have to say this, but you got a son there who is almost as beautiful as a girl. Almost feminine-like. Why would he be involved with something like that?" Mr. Highland gestured, turning red a bit. He turned his head down a little, closed his eyes, then cleared his throat once more. His breath could be visible after he cleared his throat from the cold Pennsylvania winter.
"Its a very long, and complicated, story. It'd be like writing a fiction, fairy-tale novel." he says, before coming up with a plan to rescue his son from the steel tycoon.
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