CHAPTER 18

Sunday brought the first truly crisp air of ecstasy to Elizabeth. She's not bride of the D-day as Clayton would call it but her excitement was soaring. It had been years since the last wedding she attended. To be exact, it was before Melody was born. It's not that there were no weddings to attend to. In fact, she had received large quantity of invitations since then but not a single she had graced with her presence.

All of Elizabeth's senses have been working in their greatest extent. The morning light filtering through the leaves, the grassy patch, the smiles of people who were passing by and even her breathing felt out of the ordinary. Was it due to her excitement or concern on what she would do?

"Go!" Nana heartened.

"Can I do it?" Elizabeth fretfully asked.

Elizabeth has been walking back and forth in front of the room. She had been there for an hour, and she'd been in deep thinking. She was looking at the smart phone and kept on rubbing her hands in tightness. Just like a kid, she couldn't find the confidence to knock and talk with her daughter since arriving at the hotel early.

Melody decided that the preparations would not be too luxurious. It wasn't because of being thrifty. Rather, Melody wanted it to be minimal as she had dreamed. Melody's dream wedding was not about extravagance but about the attendance of people that she knew and loved. As a result, Melody had declined the proposition of Keith's family. Wanting the occasion to be more memorable and being known as one of the prominent families in Bremerton, they have offered the Longley to stay at Silverdale Hotel and Suite, a four star historic hotel in Bremerton, the night before the wedding.

Not wanting any conflict by setting aside the differences, Melody and Keith came up with a compromised decision. They have agreed that Melody's family would just have the rooms at the hotel on the day of the wedding instead of having them for two days. There are times when things have to be negotiated in order to come up with the best deal for both parties involved.

From afar, Nana was staring at Elizabeth. Instead of convincing Elizabeth to knock, Nana herself entered the room where the soon- to- be- bride was preparing. She deemed it appropriate to talk with her now while there was still time before her dream wedding. She realized that she had to say things about marriage with Melody from the perspective of familiarity since Elizabeth wasn't privileged to experience one. Nana asked the people assisting Melody to give them some time and in seconds, they were alone.

"How are you feeling?" Nana smiled as she approached Melody and sat beside her.

"Edgy?" Melody nervously answered while showing Nana her trembling hands.

Nana held Melody's hand and squeezed it. "I know how you feel. I had been there." She gave a heartening beam. Nana was the only one who could give some words about marriage since Melody's mother, Elizabeth chose not to. "You have to take pleasure in every bit of the moment. They say that it is a once-in-a-lifetime event. Conversely, not all are privileged to experience it. I'm not just talking about your mom. She made the decision because she saw that she would be happier raising you alone than find someone else to be with," Nana explained.

"Do you think then that I'm not doing the right thing?" Melody confusedly asked.

"I'm not saying that you're mistaken with what you're about to do. Like your mother, I hope you would also base your decision not on anything else except yours and Clayton's happiness. Whatever you would do, we would always be here for you. Your mom and I would always support you and Clayton," she sympathetically reminded.

"I have thought about it. Keith's a good man. He's a better man than any other men in the area. It would be foolish of me not to marry him. He would be a good husband to me and a good father to Clayton." Melody calmly exhaled. "Time and again, he has proven himself to me, to you, to mama and to Clayton. His sincerity is beyond anyone else that I know," she added.

"I know that he's a good man. There's no question with that. However, marriage is not about being good or bad. It doesn't matter to me if you would marry a great man or not. Marriage, after all, is basically about love and happiness. If you could see yourself delighted now until the rest of your life then that would be enough," Nana clarified.

"Yes. I'm contented with Keith and I know I would be happy with him as my husband."

"Then why is it that in your eyes, I see flickers of doubt?" Nana frankly questioned.

Melody couldn't answer. How could she? Melody knew that Nana knows everything about her, her gratifications, her solitudes, her resolutions and even her doubts. Nana's familiarity with her thinking and her action is beyond skepticism. Even without a word, Nana could straightforwardly pin down the reason of Melody's doubt.

As both ladies embraced by the arms of silence, Elizabeth knocked on the door and entered the room slowly. Nana stood up seeing the readiness of Elizabeth's eyes. Her time with Melody was up. She's satisfied on being able to say what she had to say with Melody.

Nana sensed both Elizabeth and Melody needed to be alone, as they would have a lengthy discussion. It was supposed to be their moment. Nana has only set the mood for it.

Before any one could say a word, she asked to be excused in order to give Elizabeth and Melody, the so-called mother and daughter talk.

"Mom!" Melody pleasantly expressed.

Instead of answering, Elizabeth moved towards her and embraced her tightly. The embrace was longer than the one they had after Elizabeth returned from Texas. In addition, the biggest difference was the feeling attached with the embrace. Before, it was more of desolation, this time, it was more of best wishes.

Elizabeth let her go and wiped a tear that was falling from Melody's eye. "Don't cry! This is your day. You should be happy, not crying."

"I'm just…" Melody got a tissue and wiped her own eyes. "I'm just crying out of excitement," she explained.

Elizabeth started to dial a number and call. It rang for three times before someone answered the call. "Good morning! I hope I'm not bothering you," Elizabeth said to the person on the other line.

Melody stared at Elizabeth curiously. She knew that Elizabeth doesn't use much of her cellular phone. Elizabeth was not into gadgets especially on the use of smart phone. Melody was the one who insisted and bought a phone for Elizabeth so that in case of emergency, she could be contacted easily.

With no clarification, Elizabeth instantly gave the phone to Melody and said, "Someone wants to talk with you."

Not wanting to be rude, Melody took the phone thinking that it might be one of her mom's friends or a well-wisher.

"Hello!" Melody greeted.

Without a word, Elizabeth straight away stood up, walked out of the room and went to where Nana and Clayton were waiting. She didn't want to stay longer inside the room as Melody conversed with the person on the other line. She saw it inappropriate for her to listen to their conversation. As a mother, she just wanted to fulfill a promise she made and correct whatever mistake she had done.

"Hello! I'm Mario Clements," the person on the line said.

Mr. Clements was eagerly waiting for this moment. This was the content of his long prayers kneeling in front of an altar. It wasn't a dream anymore. It wasn't a wishful thinking. It was really happening. In excitement, he even asked Mr. G. C. the night before to stay with him until he's able to talk with her.

Like a son being asked a favor by his father, Mr. G. C. gave in to the request of Mr. Clements. How could he refuse the man who provided him with all that he needed, the man who guided him to achieve the success of his career, and the man who has been there in both heavenly and hellish times? Mr. Clements, after all, was like his second father.

Melody couldn't answer. How could she? She has not anticipated that it was her dad whom Elizabeth called. By just hearing his name, Melody understood what was happening. She was knowledgeable on who her dad was. She knew the name of her dad. It was not a secret. Elizabeth told her everything. She was even told where the hometown of her dad was.

Until that moment, she hasn't given up hope that one day she would be able to talk with him. For years, she kept on wishing for it, but she always gets a disappointing result. Now hours before her wedding, the greatest gift that she could think of was granted.

Finally, it was happening. The wish that she had been making during Christmas. The gift that she had been waiting on her birthday. And the prayer that she had been imploring every night. She had dreamed and imagined this day several times. An expected call from her dad where she could ask and say all the things that has been bothering her for a long time. But now that it was taking place, she's lost for words. There are many things she wanted to say and ask but she didn't know where to begin.

"Congratulations on your big day!" Mr. Clements expressed.

"Thank you!" She paused for a while. "By the way, I received your letter," she earnestly informed.

Without further details, Mr. Clements has easily identified what Melody was saying. He knew that it was about the book, which contained his letter that started the search of Eric for his daughter. Logic struck him knowing for a fact that Eric was in Bremerton during the event at the Center.

Mr. Clements remained silent as he waited for his daughter to express all the rage and disappoint she had towards him. He was aware that he was no near being a good father. He was conscious he couldn't even mull over himself as a father for all the years he had missed in her life. Yet, it didn't happen. Melody didn't burst in anger. She remained calm and quiet.

When he sensed that Melody would not say a word.

"I see that Eric was able to give it to you," he said.

"Technically, he didn't give it to me. He gave it to mom and was just passed on me," she explained.

"So is he still there for the wedding?" Mr. Clements curiously asked.

Melody didn't reply. She wished that Eric's still there and that she would see him inside the church later on since she had no clue where he's currently at. The last time she saw him was during the event at the CARE Center. Additionally, the last time she was able to talk with him was in the morning at the shop before the event. She hadn't sent a message to him nor has she received any from him.

"I see," he articulated.

"Could you come today for my wedding? I really wanted you to be the one who would accompany me walking down the aisle." It was a wishful query. Yet, Melody was aware that she was asking the impossible. Despite it, she still insisted to pop up the question, as part of her wanting her dad to feel the longing she has for him.

Mr. Clements wanted to say he could. His heart and his mind wanted to say yes to her. Regrettably, he knew that if ever he would even try, he wouldn't be able to see her before he reached the church. He would die on his way to Bremerton alone. Instead, he said, "I would love to but…" Tears started to fall from his eyes. "I'm sorry! I couldn't. I want to but I couldn't."

"It's all right. I understand," she puffed out. "You should strengthen yourself then for your fast recuperation," she encouraged.

"Yes, I will."

"You have to. You should still need to see your grandson, Clayton, my son. Is it all right for us to visit you? I'm certain that Clayton would love to see his grandfather." She beamed. "And I would also love to see you," she added.

Why wouldn't be okay? It was what Mr. Clements longed for. He now has the chance to see his daughter and also his grandson not through pictures but in person. He wanted to ask but he was afraid that he might be rejected. Fortunately, it was his daughter who asked first. How could he reject such pleasure? "Of course, that would be great!" Mr. Clements smiled.

For a minute, both were quiet. They were concerned on what to say next. Mr. Clements wanted to apologize for what he wasn't able to do but he couldn't decide where to begin. Melody, likewise, craved to hear more from her father.

"I think you should be resting now. I will just get your number from mom and call you after the wedding," she suggested.

"You should also be preparing." He paused for a while. "I'm sorry!" he remorsefully blurted out.

She was bolted from the blue. Melody didn't expect her dad to drop a bomb on her. Moreover, she didn't want her father to ask for forgiveness. In the first place, she deemed that he didn't do anything wrong. It was a test and he passed it. It may have taken time but it didn't have a limit at the start. Moreover, she was even grateful to her father. Through contemplation before, she realized that without him, she wouldn't exist. Life itself is the most wonderful miracle and she has received it from him.

Wanting to start anew, Melody brushed off the apology of her father. "Don't be. You didn't do anything wrong. What's important now is how we would shape our present and future," she optimistically said.

"I don't know what to say. I feel like I'm dreaming. Thank you!"

"Well, sometimes, dreams do come true," she added.

After the call, tears started to fall from the eyes of Melody. She tried her best not to be too emotional during the conversation. She didn't want her father to hear her crying. But immediately after it, everything burst out from her. It wasn't anger or regret though. It was more of joy and relief.

When Nana and Elizabeth heard Melody's crying, they, right away, entered the room and gave her comforting hug.

Even without Melody's narration, Elizabeth could tell that things worked out well. "Don't cry! You should be smiling! It's your wedding day today, the day you have dreamed for so long."

For minutes, they continued to comfort her until she was able to compose herself again.

On the same time at the hospital, Mr. G. C. saw a bright aura, which he had never seen before being shown by Mr. Clements. He sensed that the conversation was a dream come true for Mr. Clements. He was delighted that at last, Mr. Clements was at peace.

"So, how did it go?" Mr. G. C. lightheartedly asked.

Mr. Clements didn't answer. He just smiled.

"Now you have more reason to live. Now, you better take a rest since you woke up early today waiting for that call."

Mr. G. C. assisted Mr. Clements on his bed. As Mr. Clements' eyes closed, Mr. G. C. started walking out quietly. When he was about to step out of the room, he heard Mr. Clements saying, "They would come to visit us. They would come to visit us."

Instead of answering, Mr. G. C. just smiled and closed the door.

The church of the wedding ceremony was a very easy choice for both Melody and Keith. The Our Lady Star of the Sea Church has always been the perfect church for Melody's dream wedding. It's after all what she considered as her second home. It's the sanctified dwelling where she received strong commitment to Catholic education and faith formation.

Located on the Fifth Street and Veneta Avenue, the Our Lady Star of the Sea Church's rich history dates back to the beginning of settlement in the Kitsap region. Called as the church on the hill, Our Lady Star of the Sea is a sixty-four-year-old landmark in Bremerton and the focus of local pride.

The church building has undergone major renovations throughout its existence. Currently, it's a mix of old and new where the heat, sound and lighting systems were brought up to date while the structure was extensively refurbished inside and out to match its original design and architecture. Keeping it close to the original, the brick Romanesque design of the walls outside and the façade were preserved together with the wide doorways and rose windows.

Inside, the church has a longitudinal plan with a composition centered on the altar and Eucharist. It has many original stained-glass windows depicting various saints and Eucharistic symbols. In addition, frescoes that have tall circular piers and is roofed with transverse arches supporting a series of barrel vaults, adorn the marble-clad sanctuary that has wooden crucifix with a round stained glass good shepherd designed just above it. The tabernacle is elevated slightly in the sanctuary and aligned on the center axis of the church. Among the reconstructions done with the church were the stained glass windows separating the vestibule from the main body of the church, which added not only aesthetic but also solemnity.

Melody at a younger age has already fallen in love with the church with what it has and what it offers. Moreover, it is dear to the heart of the Longley family. They have been active with the church's fantastic formation programs like excellent mothers' group that meets on Fridays after the morning Mass, the thanksgiving dinner program for individuals who are struggling financially and the pancake breakfast every Tuesday.

Due to the closeness of the Longley family and the Stone family with the community, the pews of the church were relatively occupied. Various people were in attendance. There were politicians as high as the governor; police enforcers; employees from RR's Restaurant, Dust Jacket and CARE Center; relatives and friends of both families; and other members of the church.

Aside from the presence of town folks, the church was filled with timelessness, class and one-of-a-kind-beauty decorations. It was transformed into an enchanted-garden setting with hedge-like displays of roses, hydrangeas, and orchids, which accented the church's ivory columns and high vaulted ceiling.

The sanctuary of the church was overflowing with flowers selected to complement the earth and ivory tones of the décor. Each pew featured a lush aisle arrangement of hydrangeas and roses connected by swags of fabric, while a custom aisle runner hand-glittered in two shades of gold with mounds of snowy petals ran the length of the church.

The wedding ceremony started with the entrance of bridesmaids who wore matching mermaid gowns, carried simple bouquets of vanilla roses and were accompanied by gentlemen donned in black tuxedos with bow ties and white floral boutonnieres.

As soon as the small orchestra started singing, Melody made her grand entrance in a stunning gown from Sophia Tolli Veneto's collection featuring an ivory gown strapless metallic lace over misty tulle ball gown with sweetheart neckline, rich lace appliqués adorn bodice and hem, back corset, softly gathered voluminous skirt with chapel train that is embellished with floral embroidery. She also carried a glamelia bouquet fashioned from vanilla rose petals that complemented her angelic gorgeousness.

As she walked along the aisle, she noticed familiar faces. Among them were her colleagues in New York during her collegiate years. There were also some unknown to her. Many of them were friends of Elizabeth while some were related with the Stone family.

"She looks an absolute vision," one of the guests said.

"Melody looks stunning and, frankly, pretty sexy," another one expressed.

Wanting to stay focused, she directed her eyes towards the sanctuary and all she could see was the glorious figure of Christ, reminding her of the blessedness of the occasion and her life. She couldn't believe as little by little, her dream wedding was coming true. She only imagined before but never expected it to happen.

Melody recalled the time when she was still a young girl on a Sunday afternoon just after the Mass, she stood in front of the altar and promised God that if ever she would get married, it would be in Our Lady Star of the Sea Church giving a condition that God would give his father to her. She smiled as such promise was granted. She was able to talk with her father before the wedding and soon would be able to see him in person.

Following Catholic tradition just after the liturgy of the word, the priest joined Melody and Keith's hands as a sign of their union. The priest then asked their intentions about freedom of choice, faithfulness to each other, and the acceptance and upbringing of children. It was smoothly followed by the blessing of their rings. Up to this point, everything was flawless. It was picturesque in every angle of the church.

Minutes before the wedding, Elizabeth opened the door of the imperious red Rolls-Royce Phantom. If Melody had her way, she would rather have a mini cooper, which is much cheaper than the elegant and sophisticated Phantom. Since she was one who decided on the rooms of the hotel, she left it to the Stone family, her soon-to-be in-laws to decide on the bridal car.

The Stone family had been thoughtful with her. Ever since they found out that she caught Keith's eyes, they have constantly showed goodness and treated her instantly like a family member. From the start, they have already seen the kind of daughter-in-law that they were looking for in Melody.

Not surprising, of course, but most of the time, the Stone family would invite Melody to their annual Stone clan reunion. It even came to the point where the Stone family started introducing Melody as Keith's wife despite being new in their relationship.

It didn't take long for Melody to adjust with the treatment she was receiving from them. Not that it was unpleasant; rather, it was just out of the comfort zone that Melody was staying. The Stone family is one of the business clans in Bremerton. Aside from the restaurant in Marina, they also have business dealings in the nearby States just like a factory in Seattle.

Elizabeth sat next to Melody and slowly closed the door of the car. She glanced at her watch. It was coming up on half-past three. She comprehended that there's still time for Melody and her to waste. Elizabeth didn't know what to say during a mother and daughter moment before a wedding since she hasn't experienced it.

Elizabeth looked at Melody and tried to read her expression. "How are you feeling?" Elizabeth held the hands of Melody warmly.

Instead of answering, Melody just flashed a smile. "Is everything all right inside? Are my ladies present?" Melody was referring to her best friends and who are also her bridesmaids for the day.

It took Elizabeth a moment to respond. "Well, they're almost complete. Only Lea is not yet in. But I'm sure she would be here on time."

"As always. Late as usual." Melody paused as she shilly-shallied if she would ask Elizabeth or not. "Aside from her, have all the expected guests arrived?" she hesitantly inquired.

Elizabeth knew whom Melody was referring to. Melody might not be vocal with her but Elizabeth, most of the time, could feel the emotions of her daughter, Melody. "If you're asking about Eric," she gave a wan smile, "He's not yet here. I don't think he would come." Elizabeth noticed the disappointment on Melody's face. "Did you read his letter?" she asked.

Melody swallowed. "What letter?" she shrugged.

"The one I gave you at the shop. It was clipped with your father's book."

Melody shook her head. "Honestly, I didn't," Melody guiltily admitted.

Melody felt that if she would read the letter, she would be rattled. She had some ideas on what the letter contained. She was sure that rather than being enlightened, she would be all the more confused. That is reason she has decided to read it after the wedding.

"I wouldn't ask why nor would I give you any sage advice." Elizabeth cracked a smile. "What's more, I believe you don't need any. You're already an old head on young shoulders," she added.

Elizabeth knew that Melody would never make a faulty decision. She saw her growing up being a meticulous and judicious decision maker. All her moves are carefully analyzed and evaluated. After all, she carried the genes of her father, who's wise if he would only devote himself.

"Mom!" Melody warmly expressed.

"Besides, I knew Nana already gave a word to reflect on." Elizabeth giggled.

Elizabeth actually heard some of the words that Nana said to Melody while waiting in front of the room at the hotel. She knew that Nana's words were enough as an advice to Melody since they're not only words from experience but they're words resulting from her profound contemplation. If there is a person, whom both ladies respected, it was obviously Nana.

As Melody and Keith was about to exchange their vows and rings, Melody shed a tear. It was a tear of delight. It was a tear of satisfaction. She flashed a smile on Keith while tightening the hold of her hand on his. It was her way of sending a sign comfort to him, an assurance of her love and vow to him as his wife and as the mother of their future children.

What happened next passed like a lightning bolt striking an oak tree in an open field. The next thing Melody could remember were the cheers of the guests and the voice of the priest saying, "Brothers and Sister, may I present to you Mr. Keith and Mrs. Melody Stone!"

Ultimately, Melody's dream wedding came through with flawless stream and overflowing with affection from Keith and from the guests that filled the pews. She couldn't ask for a better wedding except for the presence of some important people in her life just like her father, Mr. Clements.