We walked in and took our seats at the front, leaving an open chair for where the newly knighted Sir Ian McCreary would come sit.
“You okay Jackie?” I asked her. She hadn’t said anything since the reporters.
“Yeah, yeah. I am fantastic.” She waived her hand in front of her in a debutante fashion.
“Really, because my hand feels like The Incredible Hulk is upset with it.” I said holding up both of our hands. They were still fastened together like a vice.
“Oh, I’m sorry. That’s not acceptable behavior.”
“Jackie, no. You’re fine.” I lifted her chin in my direction. “You’re okay here.”
She didn’t say anything, but she laid her head on my shoulder. I thought that was better than words anyway.
“Jackie!” A deep voice said from behind us.
We both turned around. No one had talked to us after sitting down. The voice belonged to a British Marine hurrying up the aisle towards us.
“Linx?” Jackie stood up beaming. Don’t freak out, don’t freak out!
The two ran towards each other and hugged. Well that sucks.
“I didn’t know you were coming Linx!” Jackie’s voice squeaked.
“Well, your parents were always mine. You knew that Jax!” He said. I looked for the same reaction that she had always given me on the case, but it never showed up. Uh oh . . .
Suddenly, they were right next to me. “Tomas, this is Jonathan Linx. He was my older brother’s best friend and my older brother, now that I think of it.”
“How do you do, Tomas?” He reached down and shook my hand.
“Very well thank you. So has Jackie always been this adorable?” I asked, trying to turn the tides.
He looked down at her, still a hold on my hand and said, “Every second I knew her.” Well that bombed.
“You both are too kind. Sit up here with us Linx!” She offered him my seat since I had stood up to greet him.
“That’s very generous of you! I just may.” He smiled and sat down with Jackie beside him. I went to sit on the other side of her, but was quickly reminded that was where Ian would sit.
“Tomas sit beside Linx. He doesn’t bite last I checked, at least.” She giggled, giving him a nudge in the side.
“Not too hard. I’m sure a strapping man like you could take it.” He winked at me, patting the seat as I sat down. That went well. Oh and he warmed the seat for me, as well. This guy is a keeper!
The procession music started, and well all stood up.
Ian McCreary escorted a lovely woman down the aisle.
“Is that Herr Giggle’s wife escorting your father?” Linx asked Jackie. I was now a third wheel.
“Yes. She and her husband have been the closest thing to family my father and I have left.” Jackie whispered back. Get your faces any closer together and you might as well be kissing as the English say.
The woman was lovely. About the same height as Ian, but she was wearing heels so she was slightly taller.
“Jackie, why wasn’t this in Buckingham Palace like most of them?” I leaned in front of Linx. I wasn’t too curious, but I needed to remind her I was her date and only here by invitation.
“He is already an ‘outstanding citizen’ the Queen said, so she wanted many people to be here. She knew it would mean a lot to him because of our past being so followed by the media.” I nodded my understanding and leaned back up and faced forward. She hardly even looked at me. This isn’t quite what I had in mind for our first date.
Ian and Frau Giggle neared the Queen’s standing place. “Ladies and gentlemen, I am honored to welcome you here today. Ian McCreary deserves recognition for overcoming his past, living an excellent present, and forging an even greater future for the city of London. We all owe him for the lifestyles we lead, the places we have gone, and many times for our lives that he has touched. There is no better person to receive this award then Mr. Ian McCreary.” The audience clapped after the Queen’s speech. She was so frail. “Kneel, Ian McCreary.” She took the saber from the Abbot and ‘dubbed him, “rise, Sir Ian McCreary.” Once again the audience clapped and cheered. I hadn’t even recognized the Abbey filling up with spectators, friends, and guests.
Sir Ian McCreary turned and bowed, rising with a broad smile under his facial hair. “Thank you all for coming!” His booming voice called over the applause.
“I haven’t seen him this happy in a very long time. You know, he always smiles and laughs and never shows the sad side, but I’ve heard him behind closed doors. This may be what he needs.” Jackie said to Linx and me. Well at least she’s noticing me. Get over yourself Tomas. This is not about you. It’s Ian’s day.
“I sure hope so, Jackie.” I said, honestly. “He’s too good of a man to have to suffer.” Linx walked out with the rest of the guests. There was a dinner at Buckingham Palace, and the guests were on their way.
“He blames himself, you know?” She looked me in the eye.
“For what?”
“The accident.” She was still looking at me.
“Your brother?”
“And my mother.” She looked down now.
“You blame yourself, too. Don’t you?” I asked, pulling her chin back up again.
“Jackie! Tomas! Come along now my friends.” Mr. Giggle had appeared behind Jackie. He noticed that he interrupted something important. “Well whenever you’re ready.” He turned to leave, but Jackie grabbed his arm.
“No, no Joseph. We’re coming now. Lead the way won’t you.” She looked back at me as Joseph escorted her out of the Abbey.
Now you went and did it! No, you were just being honest. Did you she the way she looked at you? She’s clearly upset . . . maybe she’s just having trouble being honest with herself?
Either way, it was clear, Ian and Jackie were trying to hide their scars from view. The problem was I knew where to look, now.
***
I sat in the front row of the room. It was filled with statues, a fountain, white cloth, plastic pillars, and green foliage. Tulips, lilies, and roses had been brought in from the local florist.
My mom stood in between the two pillars, holding the hands of a man who was not my father.
“Brothers and sisters, family and friends, we are gathered here today to recognize the lawful wedding of Ann Marie Walton and Roberto Cantini. Do the ring bearers have the rings?” The Bishop said to the whole room. It wasn’t a big room, but about eighty people had made the trip to St. George, Utah to see the wedding.
Two little girls stepped forward with the rings. “Ah, thank you, ladies.” Roberto said. His Spanish accent flicked off his tongue very well, it was his native tongue after all. He was from Madrid. He had promised to take me there one day.
Roberto picked up his ring for my mother. “Do you Roberto, take Ann Marie as your lawful wedded wife?”
“I do.” He smiled.
“And do you, Ann Marie, take Roberto Cantini as your lawful wedded husband?” The Bishop turned to her.
“I do.” The couple put their rings on one another.
“Then I now pronounce you Husband and Wife. You may now kiss the bride.” I closed my eyes until the audience stopped giggling over the over-dramatized kiss. Gag me with a spoon, please.
“Please welcome the new couple: Mr. and Mrs. Cantini!” The Bishop turned his hands palms up and signaled the crowd to rise as the couple walked out of the chapel.
“Looks like we’re step-brothers.” I said to the gentleman next to me.
“Yeah . . . we’ll see.” He was ten years older than me. I didn’t know what to say. Could I get a punch in the stomach followed by an uppercut please!
He walked away so I didn’t have to fake being nice to him. My sister came up beside me. “Lets get out of here.”
“You read my mind, Jenny.” I took her hand and we walked outside. The weather in St. George was perfect at night. Sixty degrees and breezy; my favorite.
“Never thought my life would come to this . . . did you?” I asked my sister. She was always the wisest among us.
“The only plan I have is to be surprised.” She said putting her hands in her leather jacket.
“You know you really look beautiful tonight.” I said. I didn’t have to look at her. I knew she was blushing.
“You look fantastic yourself, Tomas.” She said. I knew she only said it to be polite, but I thanked her anyway.
“What do you think of Senor Cantini?” I thought I already knew the answer.
“Well I love his accent and I hope he teaches me Spanish. Maybe he knows some handsome Spanish boys . . . and girls for you of course.”
“Something tells me, he and I have different taste in women.” She laughed at all of my stupid jokes. She always said they weren’t stupid. “So when do you go back to San Diego?”
“In two days. When do you leave for L.A.?”
“Tonight. I can’t seem to stand it at Roberto’s house. It’s just not home.” I stopped walking, wanting to turn around.
“I understand. You know he’s not trying to replace Dad right?”
“Yeah, I know. As long as Mom’s happy, I am.”
Muffled bangs and booms echoed down the road. “Bill . . .” We both said together.
We hurried back to the party. Bill was always the pyromaniac. He nearly got us arrested or worse with his antics.
“Hop on my back!” I said. Jenny was lagging behind in her high-heels. She jumped on my back, and I took off running.
We were laughing and giggling harder than we had since we arrived in Utah.
“Man I’ve missed . . .” She was interrupted by four Saturn Missiles flying past us and exploding just feet away.
“Holy crap! Get behind that car, Jenny!” I had set her down a little too hard. I looked down the street for the origin of the Saturn Missiles and Bill was standing on the corner holding one thousand little rockets.
“Oh come on! Don’t ruin the game Tomas!” He hollered down the street.
“Bill you are out of your mind! Get Gary to do it.” I screamed back.
“I already did! He wimped out after getting hit in the forehead. He has a nice bruise and a little less blood from a rocket to the face! Funniest thing to happen in a long time.” He screamed back.
“Follow me, Tomas.” Jenny was crouching down running behind the cars all the way down the street, back towards Bill.
There was no such thing as being ‘prepared’ for a night with my family. Don’t let anyone lie to you. We’ve all done things we regret. Whether it be letting yourself get talked into jumping off the roof onto the trampoline, or playing paintball with highschoolers when you’re in fifth grade. The list went on and on.
I loved my family, but they were nuts. And I wouldn’t trade that for the world.
***
I decided to head home. I had found Ian before he got in his car, and I apologized. He was so understanding. “Sure, my boy. Joseph!” He called over the crowd. “Take Tomas here, back to his hotel room. He’s not feeling well.”
“Sure thing, Sir Ian.” Joseph gave him a little wink and hurried me away, avoiding the playful wrath of Ian.
Truth be told, I didn’t feel too well. I would have stuck it out, but I couldn’t afford it emotionally. I had come here to try and start anew, and the first thing I do is give someone my heart with out them opening up theirs’ to me. Always . . . I thought.
I walked on through the lobby, getting nervous looks from the staff and guests. I’m sure they were wondering why I had returned without the beautiful princess woman. It’s not everyday you see someone that can come close to her beauty, and it’s not everyday that a girl like that is left behind.
However, to some, today had been a special day. Why should it be any different for her?
If she is hurt by it, then I’ll apologize and win her back. If she’s not, then it doesn’t matter because I didn’t mean much to her anyway. We hadn’t so much as hugged, yet. She can’t pretend to know me very well.
I walked on through the opening elevator doors. There was nothing worse than elevator music, and I was eager to get back to my room.
Despite the blistering pace of today’s events, they had taken up six hours time. It was five p.m. I should order room service. The problem is, I didn’t know what any of the dishes were. There was a Welsh side and an English side, but what in the world is “bloaters sandwich with gentleman’s relish.” That sounds like some unfortunate soul’s prison sentence.
I certainly did not want to eat that. Can’t go five minutes without needing Jackie to hold your hand? Get over it boy! It’s free after all. If it sucks then apologize and order something else. No, you can’t take advantage of Mr. McCreary. He’s been nothing but generous. And how angry would he be if he found out you hadn’t eaten yet?
The argument in my head was truly mind-boggling. Ending in a very mature, Just forget it then!, it was a truly remarkable performance. I rather wish, someone could have seen it. Oh well.
I decided to go talk to the piano man. I could use some good music, and if I’m lucky he’d let me sing along with him.
***
Anytime Gary and Bill took me along, I felt special. Even though I had disagreements with both of them, I knew they were the closest things to heroes I could have in my life. Little did I know, tonight it was only because both of their ‘girlfriends’ thought I was adorable and sweet. The two of them weren’t good enough entertainers to have a date with out an awkward fifth wheel tagging along. Plus my mother knew they wouldn’t dare do anything around their tattling little brother.
I was only eleven years old. Gary was fourteen, but a little a head of his age with the ladies. It was Bill’s seventeenth birthday party, and we were trying to make it special.
“When are the girls getting here?” I asked in my high-pitched voice. The three of us were standing in the driveway playing basketball. It was a cool November night in Indiana. The fall was always my favorite.
“Well, hopefully, soon. The movie starts in like thirty minutes.” Bill answered heading up for a dunk. He was rejected by the rim, causing Gary and me to laugh in his expense.
I helped him off the ground. I was heavier and taller than most kids my age. Little did I know, but that would stop this year and I would start being the one lagging behind for a few years.
“Which movie are we seeing?”
“Blue Streak. That one with Martin Lawrence. I’m hoping it’ll be funny enough to make them forget that they’re bored.” Gary said taking a shot.
“Or . . .” I said rebounding the ball.
“Or, what?” They both looked at me.
“We could just give them a night they won’t forget.” Bill and Gary both rolled their eyes.
“First off Tomas, you’re eleven. Don’t pretend that you know more about women than we do. Secondly, a night like that takes money. Lastly, well I don’t have another one, but keep comments like those in your head.” Bill said. Gary backed him up with a raise of his eyebrows, something resembling ‘capisce.’
“Okay. You two may know more about women, but we could have made them dinner, taken a walk, sat by the fire, and talked. I don’t know. I’m just saying. After all, if it bombs we can just say it was Bill’s birthday and not a date, right?” Gary and Bill looked at each other.
“Now those are things we like to hear Tomas. Gary that’s not half bad.”
“Guys just let me sit in the middle, I’ll giggle a little and they’ll have the time of their lives.” I looked at both of them doing my best impression of Gary’s all knowing capisce. It totally failed, but they got the message anyway.
The girls pulled up just then, Katy driving. Katy was only five-three with long brown hair. She was way out of Bill’s league. He was lucky he held onto her this long.
Alexa stepped out of the other side. Gary went over and gave her a hug while Bill kissed Katy lightly. Ugh vomit in my mouth! Hopefully, that’s the last time I see that tonight. The disgustingness of one brother kissing was made up for the awkwardness of the other brother trying to figure out if he should or not.
Both girls looked at each other. Clearly, they had talked about this moment in the car. “Oh Tomas! Come here and give me a hug.” Katy squeaked. I hurried over with the biggest smile I could summon on my face.
“Hi Katy. Hi Alexa!” I hugged them both. Secretly I loved it, but I gave my brothers the ‘you owe me’ look. Might as well play the martyr for a while.
Suddenly, lights were shining in my face; blue, red, then white. Now they really owe me! I thought Bill and Gary had started shining laser pointers in my eyes. It wouldn’t have been the first time.
Instead, I opened my eyes to a police officer in my driveway. My father’s car was parked in front of it. “Please step into the grass and keep your hands out of your jackets and pockets, children.” The intercom of the police man’s car said.
“Bill is that your dad?” Katy asked, her hands raised awkwardly. She sounded a little intimidated.
“That one is. Not the cop.”
“Is he some kind of drug dealer or something?” Her voice was getting shriller.
“Not even close.” Bill said. “Dad! What is going on?” He had rolled down the window for the cop.
“Quiet down, son!” The policeman said. He was walking towards the window.
“Why don’t you get the hell out of the way so we can leave?” Gary said. Bill elbowed him hard in the stomach.
The policeman, luckily, ignored the rudeness. “Shut up before you get Dad in trouble.” I said.
“Looks like he’s handled that, himself.” Gary retorted.
For a half hour, we stood there, our hands raised in front of us. Eventually, Katy and I sat on the grass. It was cold, but she was playing with my hair, so it was worth it.
“And, we’ve missed our movie.” Bill said, shaking his head.
Finally our father stepped out of the car. The policeman pulled away as my father started laughing.
We all ran up to him. “What’s so funny Dad?” I asked.
“Well I thought since he ruined all of our nights with you missing your movie, and me getting a $350 ticket, I might as well ruin his as well.” Turns out, he had ran the stop sign that was right next to our house. A cop had been lying in wait in the shadows for some poor soul who was hurrying home and had a 'rolling-stop'.
“No way, what’d you do?” Bill and Gary asked together; so predictable.
“Sorry girls, you’re going to get to know me a little too well I’m afraid. So at the doctor today they gave me some special gum to help with going to the restroom. So I offered the cop some gum. In twenty minutes that man is going to be stuck on the toilet for the rest of the night.” We all started laughing. Did the cop deserve it? I’d like to think so.
“Speaking of which . . .” My father said hurrying into the house.
“Well on that note . . . what do you want to do now?” I asked our party.
“We could go on a walk!” Alexa said, grabbing Gary’s hand.
“How about the park?” Katy suggested.
Bill and Gary looked at me. All I had to do was smile, and I had won.
***
so maybe if you try "I looked for the same reaction that she had given me about the nickname, but it never showed up," that might make things a little clearer. Less subtle, but it means your reader is more likely to get the reference to what happened earlier. It's a good reference, one that you definitely want us to catch. 
]
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