| Coming to their Senses |
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*Coming To Their Senses*
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Luis clutched the steering wheel of his car, large brown eyes focused on the gray stone church before him. His undone bowtie hung loosely around his neck, white knuckles shimmering in the summer sunlight as he watched the church be prepared for today –the day he would be married to Beth.
His eyes fluttered shut and he remained unmoving as he struggled with the memories of his one true love, Sheridan. He began to drown in thoughts of their times together: laughing, fighting, loving and planning their life together. Memories of their dancing the tango played before his eyes and he just wanted to reach out and touch her soft cheek. Before he could be completely overwhelmed, a nearby van door slammed, jarring him from his reverie. Taking a deep, steadying breath, Luis opened the door to his car and took one step closer to his fate as Beth’s husband.
Following the florist through the large oak doors into the vestibule, Luis’ eyes landed upon the statue of the Sacred Heart where he had prayed for Sheridan’s life –not once but twice. His stomach clenched at the memories, but his hands unconsciously traced the wooden railing, an overwhelming sense of longing flooding him. He could almost feel her behind him, her angelic presence filling the room, but he wouldn’t and couldn’t turn to face the truth; she wasn’t really there. She hadn’t been there in over a year and he refused to keep imagining her presence. Instead, he closed his eyes and whispered her name. “Sheridan.”
Dropping his hand from the podium, Luis felt only an incompleteness and pain that would never be associated with one’s wedding day. Tears pricked at the back of his eyes, one rolling down his cheek and he brushed it away angrily. Turning on his heels, he headed for the aisle, spotting the hideous lime green décor of the wedding. Two women busied themselves at the front of the church with the arrangements of foxtails, calla lilies, and baby’s-breath that seemed gaudy –nothing like the roses from his and Sheridan’s almost wedding…
“Excuse me sir,” a man brushed by him, dropping several pungent smelling calla lilies on a nearby table for the bridesmaids.
Gently removing one, Luis fingered the angular stems, trying to find the beauty in them –there wasn’t any. He sighed, dropping the flower back onto the table and turning to face the altar once more. He was surprised to find the unseeing eyes of Father Lonigan pinned on him.
“Luis? Is that you?” the knowing priest asked, moving closer to the younger man.
“Yes, Father.”
“You’re early.”
Was he? Checking his watch, Luis realized he was several hours early. “Guess I needed some time to think and check on things.”
“Always the perfectionist,” he grinned tightly. “I sense a feeling of sadness –is something wrong?”
“Cold feet,” Luis shrugged. “I think I need some fresh air,” he quickly exited the church with no place to go but finding himself by the fountain where he and Sheridan sat on their “wedding day.” This time instead of fighting his memories, Luis let them flow freely along with his tears. The pain of the year without her overwhelmed him, destroying what was left of his broken heart.
Diana tried to follow Brian as he weaved between people at the airport; his rushed pace to get him to his brother’s wedding on time. She had an overwhelming sense of déjà vu at this airport, her eyes constantly watching everything going on. “Brian, wait!” she cried, waving him to stop. Slowing, Brian gave her a chance to join him, his hand grabbing hers. “We haven’t much time,” he argued. Before she could reply, a female’s voice filled the busy airport. “Last call for flight number 1130 to Paris, France, boarding at gate three.” Diana stopped dead in her tracks, wide blue eyes filled with surprise. “Brian! I’ve been on that flight!” Brian looked at her as if she had two heads, trying not to laugh. “Diana, you’ve never been here before. How could you have taken that flight to Paris?” She shrugged. “Sounds familiar,” she whispered sadly, tears pooling in her eyes. She hated when he made her feel as if her memories didn’t count. All she wanted was to find where she really belonged. “Do you remember anything about it? Do you remember Paris?” he questioned. “No,” she responded meekly. “Well there, you’re just mistaken. Now come on, we have to check in yet before the wedding,” he dragged her along. Diana looked back at the gate, her eyes seeing a scene of the past –her Luis at the end of the gate as she climbed aboard the plane to Paris. Why did she feel as if he was still so near and only getting closer? Luis watched Beth fidget slightly, his mind not comprehending how the wedding had progressed so fast. One minute he was outside mourning Sheridan and now it was time to agree to his vows. Where did everyone come from? How did this all happen? Was there any way he could change what had been happening? What was he doing? Father Lonigan waited expectantly, along with the rest of the church, for Luis to finally speak. Beth shifted again, squeezing Luis’ hand to get him to say “I do.” In five minutes, she would be Mrs. Lopez-Fitzgerald and her mother would eat her words. She would win –Sheridan’s memory and love would fade away. Stealing a glance at her mom, Beth smirked and then realized Luis still hadn’t moved. “Do you?” Father Lonigan prodded once more. “I…I…I can’t,” Luis mumbled, not meeting Beth’s eyes. “What?” her eyes widened in surprise. He couldn’t marry her? “I’m not ready for this,” he shook his hand free from her grip, leaving Beth at the altar as he stalked away. Gasps and murmurs filled the air as he rushed down the aisle towards his freedom once more. Mrs. Wallace laughed, calling to her daughter. “I told you he’d never be yours! He’ll always love Sheridan! I knew God wouldn’t let you be happy.” Beth watched him leave, anger dancing in her eyes as the door to the church closed with Luis on the other side. Diana and Brian entered the garden of the church, his eyes dropping to his wristwatch once again. “Come on, Diana, we’re already late,” he insisted. She paused, looking at the giant stone fountain before her. “Brian, wait. This fountain…” “Is familiar because we were here at Christmas time. Now come on, we’re late.” “Go on in, I’ll be there shortly,” she told him. He hesitated only a second before going into the church, leaving her at the fountain. She sat on the semi-warm stones, her hand unconsciously dipping into the cool pool of water as she watched her image ripple in the waves. For a few moments, she was silent, wondering if Luis’ final resting place was near and just why she was drawn to this fountain. The bright light danced on the water, further distorting her reflection and she found herself talking to the image. “So,” she started, “do you think I buried him here? Does he have a beautiful headstone from his family? Just why do I feel so close to him now?” The church door opened, Luis stepping outside and heading for the garden, his eyes squinted against the bright light of the sun. He hadn’t explained himself inside and he knew he would need to eventually, but at that moment he needed to be alone. His feet directed him to the water fountain, stopping at the edge of the brick path. He was surprised to see her there and rubbed his eyes in disbelief. Slowly, realization set in and Luis breathed her name. “Sheridan.” She seemed un-phased, so he summoned all his energy and called to her once more. “Sheridan!” Her hand stilled in the water, her head slowly turning to face him. Mouth dropping open, Sheridan felt tears fill her eyes. “Luis? Is it really you?” “I could ask you the same!” He moved closer, nearing her cautiously until he could touch her. “You’re really here!” She nodded, jumping up into his arms. “I’m here, Luis! I’m finally here with you!” He held her closely, protectively, placing kisses all over her face. “I thought I would never hold you again,” he kissed her lips. “I love you.” “I love you too,” she cried, clinging to his strong shoulders. “Hold me?” “Forever,” he whispered. “I’m sorry. I couldn’t let go, Sher. I couldn’t put you to rest. I needed you…wanted you. Not Beth.” She looked into his eyes. “I’m here now, Luis,” she told him. “You can have me now.” He cupped her cheek, gently caressing the soft skin of her face. “I guess we have all the time in the world to talk, don’t me?” She nodded. “Our whole lives.” He smiled. “I do have one question though, Sher.” “Yes, Luis?” she asked as he led her down the path through the garden. “Well, Mrs. Lopez-Fitzgerald, where have you been all this time? I missed my wife.” Tears rolled down her cheeks as she remembered the impromptu wedding at the resort in Bermuda: the way Luis had looked as he slid the gold band onto her finger in the soft candlelight of the chapel, the kiss at the end that was gentle and loving and their sweet vows written on the spot. “Luis, you wouldn’t believe me if I told you…thank God I came to my senses,” she grinned. Luis beamed. “Thank God we both did,” he whispered, kissing her again. He rested his forehead against hers, silently thanking God for bringing his wife back to him and promising this time to never let her go. “Luis?” she broke is silent prayer, her eyes focused on her left hand resting on his shoulder. “Where is my wedding band?” Luis pulled a chain out from beneath his shirt, the sunlight glistening on the Saint Christopher medal that rested beside her gold wedding band. Quickly removing the chain and then the ring, he slid it onto her left hand. “Right where it belongs,” he whispered, lifting her hand for a kiss. Sheridan smiled brightly, hugging him close. “Right where I belong,” she clung to him. Luis sighed contently, kissing the top of her head. He had come to his senses only to realize one thing: no one could replace Sheridan just as he could never be replaced in her heart. They left the church hand in hand, starting a new chapter in their lives as husband and wife.
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