Sandra almost collided into a woman when leaving the gym. This woman just happened to be a casual friend whom Sandra had not seen in a while.
-“Sandra! It’s me Gina! How are you? She asked while scrutinizing Sandra from this close frame.
-“Gina! Good to see you! I am very good - considering. I am so glad I bumped into you! My son is getting married next month, and I’d love for you guys to come too. It’s just a little civil ceremony at the Marina Club.”
-“They are not having a religious ceremony? By the way Sandra, are you aware there is a flap of skin hanging loose from your cheek?” Gina asked with a perplexed expression on her face.
-“Oh! This? I’m just peeling now. It’s a glycolic acid peel. I’m not supposed to touch it at all, just simply let it all hang out. As to the wedding, you know my son is an atheist, so there you have it. It will be just a civil ceremony.”
-“How long will your skin peel off? I would love to see the results. We should get together after your peeling in done and have some coffee!”
-“This peeling will be done in about three weeks. By the way Gina, forget coffee, life is too short for coffee meet ups. I will take you to my favorite new place. It’s the riffle firing range….you will love it!”
Sandra looked ravishing in her strapless mint green dress. This dress set off her golden tan, and hugged her shapely form. The previous week, she had spent a week in a Caribbean island, courtesy of one of her dates.
For her son’s wedding, she invited Jeff to be her date. He looked very handsome wearing a tan colored suit.
One her way to the restroom, she encountered her soon to be ex-husband.
-“Hello Sandra, are you making a political statement today? Don’t tell me, you are voting Democrat this election.” Kevin asked while intercepting her in the hallway.
-“Hello darling, you must be psychic. Actually I would suffer from acute apathy if I voted Republican this election, all things considered.” Sandra smiled sweetly.
-“Although victory may be sweet, I hope it will be permitted to be long lasting, all things considered.” He said.
-“Sarcasm has always been the core of your charm darling.” Sandra responded.
-“I’m merely realistic darling. Mankind has evolved very little since the stone age; man is still barbaric. Besides, if you want to predict the future outcome, or behavior of people, you only have to analyze past behavior.” He said this in a serious tone.
As more of the guest gathered, Paul called Sandra to join a circle of people.
-“Mom! I want you to meet Sherry’s parents; they just flew in last night from New York.” Paul said enthusiastically.
The beautifully decorated garden and the oppressive heat of the day seemed to swirl around Sandra. She felt lightheaded and collapsed in a heap on the pristine manicured lawn.
Sandra came to, as Paul gently shook her, after placing a cotton ball soaked in alcohol near her nostrils. Sandra asked Paul to help her get indoors. It was the heat of the day which had made her lose consciousness.
While they walked to the bar, leaning on Paul’s frame, Sandra diverted their destination into a storage room. She pulled Paul inside and quickly closed the door.
-“Paul! Listen to me son. You can’t marry Sherry. She’s not the girl for you. You simply can’t!” Sandra started crying while she desperately pleaded her case to her son.
-“Mom, the heat stroke has obviously affected you. It’s too late now. Nothing you can say to me, will make me change my mind. I am marrying Sherry in less than an hour, whether you like it or not!” Paul said this sternly to Sandra as she sat on a stack of boxes.
-“Yes, there is something I can tell you that will make you change your mind son. Sherry is your sister.”
To be continued…
