A TWIST OF FATE
Chapter Forty-Nine
Jack sat his table. He couldn't believe the
day was passing so quickly. The reception at Benito's had been excellent so
far. The tables were all crammed together with crystal glasses and cream linen,
flowers everywhere. The scent of the lilies was overwhelming. Also, the food
had been delicious, Jack having chosen pasta, chicken, salad and bread. There
was so much wine! And speeches too. Stories of Maria's younger days, a
recollection of when Fabri and Jack first turned up at the bakery and Maria's
parents wishes for plenty of grandchildren to spoil. Fabri's speech was funny,
recounting how he knew Maria was to be the girl for him as they already had the
same surname. He thanked Jack for being there and being his best friend. Then
there were toasts, each with the intention of making the newly weds kiss, much
to the delight of the crowd. The glasses were clinked again and again.
Now the evening was falling. The tables had
been cleared and the band had just set up on the platform. Chairs had been
pushed right up to the platform to accommodate everyone. The children were
still playing, running in and out, being periodically chastised by the older
ladies, dressed in black. Jack came to realize they were the grandmothers and
they kept an eye out for unruly behavior. The children were frequently called
to their side and after a quick kiss and promises to behave, they were off
again. In the evening warmth, the windows were open and voile curtains billowed
in the breeze. Candles had been lit and were casting their romantic flickering
shadows on the walls as the light began to fade. Jack watched with pride as
Fabri and Maria were ushered onto the floor for the first dance. Maria was
clutching a lace bag into which people were putting envelopes of money. This
amazed Jack, for he had never seen anything like it.
They whirled around the floor, oblivious to
anyone but themselves, whilst they were applauded. Jack clapped loudly too.
"Don't forget you me a dance Jack
Dawson!" Theresa reminded him as she slipped into the seat beside him. She
had not sat beside him during the meal, although he caught her glancing at him
a few times. Jack sipped his wine.
"How could I forget?"
"It has been a lovely day. I hope my
wedding is just as romantic." Jack paid no attention; he was watching the
dancing couple. Theresa caught his arm to attract his attention and let her
hand linger there a little longer than necessary.
"I was just saying that I hoped my
wedding was a good as this. Do you think you will settle down Jack?"
"One day, if the right girl will have
me." He replied and began clapping again as the dance finished.
"Come on, it's our turn!" Theresa
cried enthusiastically grabbing Jack's hand. He was dragged onto the dance
floor behind her.
"I don't know how to do this!" he
whispered to Theresa.
"I'll show you" she replied
sweetly, placing his hand on her back and taking his other hand. There were a
few other dancers and Theresa led Jack round the dance floor. Forgetting
himself for a moment, he laughed out loud as they fumbled the steps and whirled
round and round.
Several dances later, Jack admitted defeat
and went back to his table for a drink. Theresa went to find another dance
partner. Fabri who had been watching whilst trying to speak to as many guests
as possible, wandered over.
"You having a good time eh Jack?"
"Sure and you?"
Fabri replied in Italian that Jack didn't
understand, but his face was aglow.
"You are Theresa are getting on
well."
"Yes we are." Jack then realized
where Fabri was leading. "Oh no, no. We are friends Fabri and that is
it."
"You haven't seen the way she looks at
you?"
Jack swallowed a mouthful of wine. And held
his hand up.
"No Fabri. She is a lovely girl, but no.
She is Maria's sister!"
"So? You could do worse." And she
isn't married, thought Fabri but kept his opinion to himself. He could get Jack
set up with Theresa, then he would be far better off. He wouldn't get into any
trouble, he may settle in New York where he could keep an eye on him.
Maria too was going round and speaking to as
many people as possible. She beamed with happiness. Her hair and dress still
looked immaculate, like a princess. She called to Fabri and came over.
"Come on, we have to dance more!"
Fabri took her hand. "Think about it
Jack!" he called as he went to dance.
Jack shook his head and smiled to himself.
Maria's little sister! Honestly! He finished his drink and decided to have a
walk outside to get some fresh air. The evening light was fading rapidly now.
The inside of the restaurant was now bathed in a warm, golden glow from the
candles. The music poured out onto the pavement. New York suddenly seemed a
very small place.
Jack rolled his shirtsleeves up and leaned
against the wall. He suddenly felt very lonely and didn't know why. It was a
feeling he used to have a long time ago and it came back to him like an old
acquaintance. Sighing, he rubbed his eyes. It was like being fifteen all over
again. Alone, lost. All these things he had felt then. But why? He didn't
understand just what was going through his head.
"You are going crazy Jack," he
chided himself. "You are at your best friends wedding and you think you
are lonely? Maybe you have had too much to drink again."
"Jack, are you OK?" Theresa had
been watching him for a few minutes, unsure of what was going on.
"Yeah" he said almost miserably.
"You don't seem OK" Theresa
ventured a step closer.
"I have a lot on my mind, that's
all."
"Do you want to talk about it?"
"No, it's my problem."
Theresa paused for a moment. She had noticed
Jack wouldn't look at her directly and didn't know why. She paused before
taking a deep breath. Might as well come out with it, she thought.
"You still think of me as Maria's little
sister don't you."
Jack smiled and looked at her. She was pretty
like Maria, small with long black hair and dark, mysterious eyes.
"You are Maria's little sister."
"I am eighteen next month. I'm not a
little girl anymore. My mother was eighteen when she got married. Maria was my
age when she met Fabri."
"Theresa, I, I" Jack was suddenly
lost for words. He closed his eyes and wished that the girl before him was one
with red hair. More than anything he wished his loneliness and emptiness would
go. But it wouldn't, not yet. He might as well add regret to those feelings.
Fabri glanced around the room, unable to
locate Jack. He stuck his head out of the door to see if he was outside. Jack
was there, his arm wrapped around Theresa in an embrace, oblivious to anyone
else. Fabri grinned and went back inside.