Rebelled, an Arelia LaRue Novel #7 Page 7
"Yes. I believe in some sort or higher power of another. Humans have to serve some purpose in the grander scheme of things, don't they?"
“Exactly!” Sabrina said. “A divided nation needs a united church.”
“Well there you have it America. Perhaps, we can turn this nation around.”
Lottie snatched the remote from my hand and switched off the television. “Arelia, that is enough! If you don't want to make last minute wedding preparations, then at least chop some vegetables or make another pot of gumbo. Do something useful. We open in exactly thirty minutes." Being a good twenty years older than me, Lottie had the tendency to treat me like her daughter rather than her boss. Her domineering side came out in full force every time there was another terror attack or mass shooting.
"Lottie you know I love you. I'll even chop the onions, so you don't have to."
Lottie shook her head in disapproval. "No! Your ring will end up smelling like onions, and you'll ruin your manicure. Jake, make yourself useful and chop those onions. This whole thing is your fault!" She looked accusingly at the chef who had broken the news to us as if he were the shooter. Poor Jake opened his mouth in an attempt to defend himself, but no words came out.
I smiled at her paranoia that something would eventually go wrong, and my wedding would end up being a total disaster. "This isn't Jake's fault. Don't shoot the messenger. Alright, if you don't want me chopping up onions, I'll put on another pot of gumbo."
“No! You’ll end up burning your hand and damaging your ring. Jake, start the roux!”
Poor Jake mumbled a few curse words under his breath before smiling politely and reaching for the butter.
Chapter Nine
Somewhere on the other side
Wedding Jitters
“I can’t believe it’s this weekend,” Tony said as we sped towards Darkwood plantation. His grin and excitement were contagious. I glanced over at him and was momentarily caught off guard by how much he had changed over the years. His once boyish good looks had developed into a mature handsomeness, the type that would only get better with age. The sunlight bounced off his sandy blond hair, and his icy blue eyes shone with happiness. He was more confident in himself and his abilities rather than solely being powered by his family name. I was proud of him and at that moment, there wasn't a reason in the entire world why I would ever want to marry anyone else.
“Neither can I, it seems like only yesterday I was heading to this plantation desperate for a job, and now I'm getting married there. It seems so surreal.” I rolled down the car window and took a long sniff of jasmine and honeysuckle as it whispered through the thick clumps of Spanish moss. The oaks with their claw-like branches were large, ghostly and eerily haunting. In the bright afternoon sunlight, they seemed watchful as if they were carefully observing our every move.
The warm wind combed through my hair, and strange chills crawled up my spine. The further we got from the city, the more nervous I became. I could feel Tony’s eyes on me trying to decipher my intense expression. I justified my strange feelings as wedding jitters and nothing more.
“Arelia, I promise you that the wedding is not cursed,” he said for what seemed like the millionth time.
I took a deep breath and tried to swallow the words that lingered on the tip of my tongue.
“Out with it. If we’re going to spend a lifetime together, we can't keep secrets from one another."
I let out a low sigh. “When did you get so mature?” I asked.
He shrugged and gave me a wide smile. “After the millionth time you threatened to leave me.”
"Touché," I teased. "You have to admit it's weird. How is it possible that every single wedding venue I picked fell through? Grand-mere insisted on St. Louis Cathedral, but it was booked. Sabrina insisted on having it at her new mansion, but then that strange cockroach infestation happened. Your mom insisted on having it at your place and a handful of other plantations, but every plan fell apart. Now, we're going to get married at a place that I haven't even seen and should have technically seen ten years ago. I don't believe in a higher power or spirits, angels and demons like the rest of this city, but even to my rational mind this seems a little too coincidental." Lottie's constant warnings of impending destruction rapidly came crashing down, and all I could think of was all the things that would go wrong this weekend.
I suddenly regretted the fact that I had chosen The Broken-Hearted Blues Boys as the band that would sing at my wedding. With all the tension that was engulfing the nation, it seemed like such a controversial choice. However, I couldn't think of anyone else's voice that held me captive like Ivan Beaus, or one that had as much soul and depth. Maybe the fact that he had accepted my request at all was a sign that the We Matter organization was trying to make peace. After all, the Dreaux’s were one of the whitest and richest families in all of America.
"You're making it way more complicated than it is." Tony brushed off my paranoia as typical wedding jitters. "The wedding planner invited you to see the venue numerous times, but you claimed you were too busy."
“Running a famous restaurant in the Quarter isn’t easy,” I defended myself.
“I know it isn’t,” Tony said soothingly. “You’ve seen pictures of the place, and my parents and the LaPlantes are close, they were more than happy to offer the location as a venue. The place is just sitting there. It hasn’t been open to the public in ages. My mother hired some help to clean out the dusty old rooms and spruce up the place before our big day.”
“I haven’t even met the LaPlantes. Are they coming to the wedding?”
“They spend most of their time in Europe and haven’t been back to New Orleans in years. I doubt they’ll be coming to the wedding. In fact, it looks like the only other people who won’t make this wedding is us. All the guests are already settled in their rooms. Even Sabrina and Bea are anxiously waiting for our arrival.”
“I’m sorry,” I said, as I straightened out my yellow sundress. “The restaurant has been insane…”
Tony took a quick glance at me. “You haven’t changed your mind, have you?”
I laughed nervously and looked down at my hand. My ring shone brilliantly. “No, of course not, I guess I’m making a big deal out of the location just for drama’s sake. It doesn’t matter where we tie the knot as long it’s with you.”
He gave me another smile. “I think that is the most romantic thing you’ve said to me ever.”
I shrugged. “I’m learning… Now, that is gorgeous!” I completely forgot what we were talking about as we pulled up to the large open wrought-iron gates of Darkwood. “The pictures don’t justify this.” I was hypnotized by the large oak trees that seemed to stretch out for miles and miles. In the background, there was a huge ten-columned portico connected to the massive main house. The road leading up to Darkwood house was lined with regal oaks that extended far down enough to scratch the top of the car’s roof. Their massive branches were decorated with delicate white and blush mason jars that were filled with tiny cream colored candles.
Grand bouquets of white hydrangeas, soft pink dahlias, peonies, roses and white chrysanthemums were intricately arranged in rows that led to a beautiful white canopy that rested on the emerald-green lawn. The luxurious canopy was nestled under the protection of a majestic oak and boasted billowy lace curtains that were tied to its pillars with delicate bouquets consisting of blush pink roses. A white and blush diamond chandelier hung from its covered roof. A mighty wind rushed through the trees, and the jars clamored together in a ghostly discourse. It was an enchanted fairytale setting, and I was the princess.
“What do you think?” asked Tony. “Is it what you were expecting?”
“I thought we agreed to keep it simple,” I said.
He raised an eyebrow. “According to my mother, this is simple as the wedding planner could project.”
“It makes sense given she had to pick the most expensive planner in all of New Orleans.”
Tony gave me
a shrug and another grin as we got out of the car. “I have to admit that this is amazing.” The house in front of us was extraordinarily beautiful and more than a little intimidating with its looming white pillars that shone under the bright afternoon sun. Child-like wonder gripped me as I took in the scene around me. I still couldn't wrap my head around the fact that I was getting married in such a gorgeous location. I had seen my share of Garden District mansions, but none of them came close to the breathtaking grandeur of Darkwood. Even the air smelled different. Sweet and melancholy was the perfect way to describe it. It seemed too extravagant and unnecessary yet at the same time too hard to resist. If I believed in past lives, I would have sworn that I had been here before.
Chapter Ten
Somewhere on the Other Side
The Magic Spell You Cast
The lawn was filled with excited wedding guests, half of who I had never seen before. Finely dressed in seersucker suits, designer sundresses, pearls and wide-brimmed hats fit to be worn to the Kentucky Derby, they chatted among themselves and sipped on cold champagne, imported wines, Pimm’s Cups, Hurricanes, Mint Juleps and Mimosas. Various reporters from local news stations eagerly filmed the scene happy to catch a glimpse of the biggest wedding of the season. The jazz band at the far end of the lawn belted out a soothing tune, and the lead singer’s buttery voice immediately caught my attention.
* * *
Hold me close and hold me fast
The magic spell you cast
This is la vie en rose
When you kiss me heaven sighs
And tho I close my eyes
I see la vie en rose
* * *
When you press me to your heart
I'm in a world apart
A world where roses bloom
And when you speak...angels sing from above
Everyday words seem...to turn into love songs
Give your heart and soul to me
And life will always be
La vie en rose
* * *
Like a sweet lullaby, the words held a strange power over me, and my eyes closed. “Give your heart and soul to me and life will always be la vie en rose.” For some unknown reason, tears started to run down my face in an embarrassing stream. This was supposed to be the happiest time of my life. Why the hell was I so damn emotional? Tony wasn't a fan of this song, and we have never shared any intimate moment while it played in the background.
“Babe, are you okay?” Tony wiped away my tears. My eyes opened.
"I'm excited that's all," I said the first normal thing a bride to be would say on the day before her wedding. A warm wind quickly dried my tears. I looked up at the bright blue sky, and half expected it to fall.
"So am I." He kissed my forehead. I did my best to push the song out of my head and all the strange feelings it evoked in me.
“Arelia! Finally! What took you so long?" Sabrina and grand-mere came rushing down the steps. A puff of Givenchy engulfed me as Sabrina wrapped her arms around me. She was the picture of Southern perfection with her pearls, large brimmed hat and a pink dress that appeared to have come straight out the closet of a 1950s housewife. Her pale skin was already turning a vivid shade of red due to the heat, but her waterproof mascara was firmly in place.
"Hey, we made it," I said, as I pulled away and gave grand-mere a big hug. "You look beautiful. Let me guess; Sabrina helped you pick out this outfit?"
Grand-mere’s kind eyes shone with pride. “Oh this old thing.” She waved at her long elegant sundress as if it were nothing more than a ratty bathrobe. “I had to make an effort for your wedding weekend, didn’t I?” Tears were already streaming down her face. I could only imagine how dramatic the ceremony would be. “What in the world took you two so long?” She turned towards Tony with an accusing look. Ever since we had gotten engaged, grand-mere had been carefully observing his every move like a watchful hawk. I suppose she was waiting for him to screw up, so I would call off the wedding. It was clear that she wasn’t ready to let me go just yet.
"Yeah, what in the world took you so long? My Little Angels have been practicing in the ballroom for hours, and I have been rehearsing the speech I'm going to give at the ceremony non-stop."
Sabrina’s eyes glimmered in excitement. I had asked her to conduct the ceremony and for the past year, she had been rehearsing the speech and the gospel songs that her choir of Little Angels was going to sing. Her enthusiasm was light-years ahead of my own, and sometimes, I felt as if she were the one getting married instead of me. Although she was still upset that we couldn't hold the ceremony at her mansion, she had distracted herself with endless songs and psalms that she would share with the wedding guests.
“Hey, don’t look at me.” Tony took a step back and raised his hands in self-defense as grand-mere was still giving him an intense stink eye.
“It’s my fault,” I said rescuing my groom to be from a public shakedown. “There were some last minute things I had to take care of at the restaurant.”
“I see.” Grand-mere’s expression softened somewhat, but her eyes were still fixed on Tony.
“Are my parents in there?” Tony asked. He was clearly desperate to escape the ever watchful eye.
“You bet they are. Your momma has been given the caterers a non-stop scolding, and your daddy is on his tenth Sazerac already as is your best man.”
Tony’s eyes sparkled at the mention of Sazerac. He gave me a soft kiss on the mouth. “I’ll let you ladies catch up,” he said before making a mad dash into the house.
“Let me show you to your room, you’ll love it,” Sabrina said enthusiastically. “All the guests have already settled except for the bride to be.”
Grand-mere gave me an approving nod. “Go, girls, go on. I have to find James before he has one too many Hurricanes and has himself another heart attack.” She fanned away the beads of sweat that were forming on her anxious forehead.
I reflected on the irony of it all. James, who had once been my fat, overbearing landlord from hell was the one who was going to give me away. Grand-mere had started dating him shortly after we had moved out of the tiny apartment and lo and behold; he became an entirely new creature. He had changed his manipulating ways, and grand-mere had somehow softened his cold heart. Over the years, we had formed a bond, and he became the father figure that I never had.
“We’ll catch you later.” I gave her a quick peck on the cheek before letting Sabrina drag me into the house.
Harps, trumpets and a choir of heavenly voices flooded into my ears as I stepped onto the shiny white marble floor. I followed Sabrina down the long hallway and to a spacious ballroom that boasted gigantic antique diamond and crystal chandeliers, a grand piano and even a golden harp that stood eight feet high. The large French windows were wide open, and the humid wind brought with it the delicious smell of magnolia blooms and honeysuckle.
The room was filled with Sabrina's Angel Pulse United Church choir. They were all dressed in white and golden robes. Some played instruments while others simply swayed to the music and sang as if their very souls depended on it. They varied in age, gender, and racial background, but they all sang in such unison that they could have been one single person. I felt as if I was watching a scene from Sister Act.
* * *
It's me, it's me, it's me, oh Lord
Standing in the need of prayer
It's me, it's me, it's me, oh Lord
Standing in the need of prayer
* * *
Not my father, not my mother
But it's me, oh Lord
Standing in the need of prayer
* * *
Not my sister, not my brother
But it's me, oh Lord
Standing in the need of prayer.
* * *
I stood there hypnotized by the music. It sunk into my very soul, and I couldn’t move.
"What do you think?" Sabrina asked after a few minutes had passed. "I know they're a little off key, but I'll mak
e sure they practice until it's perfect."
I forced myself out of the trance. “They sound amazing, Sabrina. Don’t they need a break? It looks like they’ve been singing for hours. Given the heat, I bet they could use some water.” I felt like rushing to the kitchen and whipping up a batch of sweet tea for the group and some extra sugary lemonade.
“Relax. They are used to it. Besides, they have to practice for the big event that we’re holding later this year. Did you catch me on Fox News last night?” she asked eagerly.
I felt so selfish that her event had slipped my mind. "Oh God. I'm so sorry. I totally forgot to say congratulations. You were amazing on the broadcast, and the event is a genius idea," I said sincerely. "It's exactly what this country needs at this time."
"You think so?" Sabrina wasn't one to fish for compliments. Those were her old ways. When she asked a question, it meant that she valued your opinion and carefully considered every word you spoke.
I nodded. "Yes, I do. That shooting was horrific. The reports say that it was ambush style, and the gunman was unstoppable almost as if he were possessed."
Her Botox filled lips quivered. "I know. I can't stand how all of this hatred is ripping our nation apart. I would hate if there were another civil war. Lord knows that's the last thing we need at a time like this."
I shuddered at the very thought of some civil war. Grand-mere had lived through the days of segregation, and she often told me that the amount of hatred and mistrust that she saw now was on par with the climate of those days. I wondered what kind of world my children would grow up in if there were a future at all. "Is there anything I can to do help?" I asked. My mind immediately went to how my restaurant could cater for the event and provide the attendees with refreshments.