Filed to story: Love on the Sidelines (Natalie & Karl)
“February second,” Hugh told her. “We didn’t really want a big wedding, and we didn’t want to wait.”
My father was staring at me as if I’d suddenly developed huge purple spots all over my face, and there was no doubt he’d demand an explanation the first chance he got.
He knew only too well how I felt about Karl, and he wasn’t buying the elopement story for a second.
For that matter, neither was Jenna. To my surprise, her blue eyes were swimming with tears when I glanced at her. Before I could say anything, she jumped to her feet, mumbled an “excuse me”, and darted toward the bathroom.
Hastily, I shoved my chair back and went after her. She was locked in a stall when I got there. I checked to make sure we were alone.
“Jenna, I’m sorry I didn’t tell you.”
There was the sound of toilet paper tearing away from the roll and a sniff, but no answer.
“Please, I know you’re upset with me, but can’t you be happy for us?”
“Happy?” She half-laughed, half-choked the word out. “Does Hugh know it’s Karl you love?”
“He knows,” I said quietly. “He knows everything.” There was the click of a lock turning and the stall door opened. Jenna faced me.
“Are you really married?”
“Yes. We got married prom night.”
“But why? Why did you marry him when you don’t love him?” I took a deep breath and checked the room once more. “I’m pregnant. Hugh and I had a long talk and I told him the truth about everything. He wanted to marry me anyway, Jenna. He even wants the baby.”
Her face whitened as she stared at me. “You’re using him to give Karl’s bastard a name.”
I stiffened as equal measures of pain and anger ripped through me. I might have expected that sort of reaction from people who didn’t know me well, but not from my best friend.
“Yes, Jenna. That’s exactly what I’m doing. I set the entire thing up to trap Hugh.
And since you so obviously disapprove, don’t feel obligated to continue the pretense of being my friend.” I turned and marched out of the bathroom, my head held high.
Mama, Aunt Darla, and Helena had their heads together, excitedly making plans for a big reception to announce our marriage when I slid into my chair. Hugh arched an eyebrow at me.
“Where’s Jenna?”
“She wasn’t feeling well. I think she went home.” I sat numbly through the rest of the meal, letting Hugh handle our respective families. He managed to convince them not to schedule the party for another few weeks, and insisted that he and I preferred picking out our own furniture when it appeared the families were going to take over that area, too.
Afterward, we barely had enough time to run home and throw some clothes in a suitcase. I was happy I’d avoided Daddy for a while. I didn’t think I could stand another scene like the one with Jenna. Not right now.
Mama dug out a bag of rice while I was packing, and when we left, they pelted us with the white grains. Everyone hugged, Mama cried a little, and the Judge squeezed 97 me a bit tighter than normal, his eyes damp. When Daddy hugged me I promised him quietly that we’d talk when I got back and told him not to worry.
Once in Hugh’s car, I relaxed a little. “I think they bought it.” I shifted to look at him. “When did you come up with the idea of the trip?”
“Saturday.” He smiled and closed his fingers around my hand. “I figured it would give them a week to calm down and get used to the idea without driving us crazy. I hope Hawaii is okay with you?”
“It sounds wonderful. I’ve never been out of the state before.”
“We went a few times for vacations. It’s a beautiful place.” He glanced at me again.
“Are you going to tell me what really happened with Jenna?” I sighed. “She said I only married you to give Karl’s bastard a name.” His hand tightened on mine. “I’m sorry. You two have been friends for a long time.
She was probably hurt because you didn’t tell her sooner. I’m sure she’ll come around when she has time to think about it.”
“Maybe.” I wasn’t sure I could ever forgive her, though. Calling me names was one thing. Calling my baby a bastard was something I couldn’t and wouldn’t tolerate.
The airport at Jonesboro was a small one, mostly flying commuter planes to bigger cities like Little Rock and Memphis. Ours went to Memphis, where we caught a jet for the islands after a short delay.
We were somewhere over the ocean, Hugh dozing beside me, when it finally hit me exactly what a honeymoon was for. Dear Lord, Hugh wasn’t simply my friend anymore, he was my husband and this was not a game we were playing. For better or worse, we were married and that gave him the right to make love to me.
I’d never wanted anyone but Karl before and the idea of doing with Hugh what I’d only done with the man I loved sent me teetering on the edge of panic. Could I do it? I had to, somehow.
I think that was when I began to delude myself about my new husband, forcing myself to see only what I wanted to see, not what he really was. It was safer that way, and it allowed me to get through the honeymoon with my sanity intact.
In the dim light of the plane, I studied Hugh’s profile. He didn’t look eighteen, I realized. He looked older, maybe mid-twenties. And he was ruggedly handsome, his skin a deep bronze with tiny smile lines around his eyes and mouth. His light brown hair was streaked abundantly with strands of gold.
No, he wasn’t Karl, but Karl was gone and he wasn’t coming back. I had no right to deny Hugh when he’d taken on so readily the responsibility that Karl hadn’t wanted.