A TWIST OF FATE
Chapter Forty-Eight
The happy couple emerged from the cool of the
church into the light and heat of the day. Fabri beamed with pride and happiness
as he led his bride by the hand. Maria looked beautiful in her cream organza
gown, made in Italy itself. Her dark hair was pinned up and adorned with
flowers and she clutched a bouquet with white lilies in her hand.
Behind her came Jack, escorting Theresa,
dressed in blue. She too had flowers in her hair and carried a small posy of
white roses. Jack leaned over to her and whispered
“I haven’t had the chance yet to say how
lovely you look today”
Theresa smiled back. She was enjoying being
on Jack’s arm.
“Why thank you Mr. Dawson.”
Jack sighed to himself.
“Please Theresa, call me Jack”
“Very well then Jack. And may I have the
pleasure of the first dance with you tonight?”
Jack flushed slightly at her forwardness.
There was no escape.
“It is the tradition,” she cheerfully told
him.
“Then it would be an honor”
They followed the bride and groom out of the
church where a crowd had gathered to wish them well. A man was setting up a
camera in the corner. Jack was trying to take in as much as possible. He hoped
to make some sketches later. His wedding present to Fabri was to be a portrait
of him and Theresa. He could not afford an extravagant gift and Fabri was
thrilled at his offer, He knew how good Jack’s portraits were.
Taking the opportunity, Jack offered Fabri
his hand and kissed Maria on the cheek. He gave them his congratulations and
best wishes. Theresa too came over and hugged her sister.
There were many people there. The older
women, dressed in black stood close together talking. Children of all ages ran
amok around the gravestones and people, chasing and playing. Theresa’s family
were close by to wish them well too. It made Jack happy to see just how lucky
and contented Fabri was with his new family. It seemed they had come so far
from the starving wanderer’s, freshly arrived in America. To Fabri, it was a
new life, a dream realized. He always wanted to come to America, land of
opportunity as he called it. It was a burning dream and it had come true. He
had a wife, a new family, a job and a home. He belonged here now. But Jack,
well, he wasn’t so sure. He wanted to come home, he felt he was ready. But here
he was, wandering still. No home, no family. Not sure of what he wanted to do,
other than be with the flame haired woman who had captured his heart. But,
could she ever be his? There was the job in New York. He had accepted it. He
also had to get out of Philly. Rose was there and he could not be with her. Nor
did he want another beating. What was he going to do?
“What are you day dreaming about?” Theresa
asked. Jack hadn’t even seen her approach.
“Ah, nothing” Jack replied, avoiding looking
directly at Theresa.
Theresa followed the line of Jack’s gaze to
Fabri and Maria.
They make a lovely couple, don’t they?” she
asked.
“They sure do. Fabri is a very lucky guy. And
just maybe your sister is too! I couldn’t wish for a better friend.”
“So you didn’t mind leaving without him?”
Theresa asked. Jack looked at her for the first time, quizzically.
“When you left on your own, I was surprised.
I thought you would stay in New York, especially as you had been everywhere
with Fabrizio.”
“I was on my own before we met. I was glad he
was happy”
“But what about you. Are you not happy?”
Jack smiled good-naturedly.
“What’s this? Twenty questions?”
Theresa looked down.
“I’m sorry Jack. I didn’t mean any offence.”
“None taken. And yes, I think I am happy.”
Theresa’s expression picked up again,
misunderstanding Jack completely. She reached out for his arm.
“Come on, let us have our photograph taken!”
Jack took her arm again and they rejoined the
crowd just as swirls of rose petals were thrown over Fabri and Maria. A slight
breeze blew the petals at Theresa and Jack and they rained down on them.
Theresa, still clutching Jack’s arm giggled. It was almost as though she and
Jack were the bride and groom.