Rise (Alfie Solomons)

Chapter 14

Two weeks flew by like nothing, and the day of their wedding was here. Shirley's mother had already arrived in London with her aunt, who she brought along for support. It also didn't hurt that she was gifted at doing hair and makeup.

Shirley proudly wore the wedding dress her mother gave her. It was a bit out of style, but they fixed it up, removing the corset and flouncy fabric. Her aunt, Ruth, fixed her hair in an updo with finger waves complementing the oval structure of her face.

The women were ready and out of Shirley's apartment by noon. Since they were engaged, Alfie had been paying her rent despite explaining he paid her a hefty enough salary that she could more than afford it. Today would be her last day here. After the wedding, her brothers would come to pick up the last of her things and take them to Alfie's home in Margate.

Abraham picked them up, complimenting Shirley on her attributes. She was flattered and high on life at the moment. She was marrying the love of her life today, and her stomach fluttered like she was going to be sick. Her mother rubbed her back to comfort her.

When she arrived at the synagogue, if she wasn't nervous before, she was now. She made her way through the doors. Alfie made his way to the chuppah first; he preferred it that way, and then she followed after with her mother. She invited her father, but he didn't show. Alfie's mother and father were dead, but she still wanted it to be as proper as it could be.

The wedding ceremony would be quick and over in fifteen or so minutes. Shirley just had to wait for her last brother to sit down. Her eldest brother, Judah, would walk her down the aisle with her mother.

Alfie had a tallit wrapped around his shoulders when she walked over to him. When everyone was adjusted, the Rabbi began to speak, blessing them with a happy life together with many children. When he gave her the cue, Shirley started to walk circles around Alfie. When she was done, the Rabbi began to speak again.

"Today, we have come together to witness the joining of this man and woman. For them, out of the routine of ordinary life, the extraordinary has happened. They met each other, fell in love, and are finalizing it with their wedding today. Romance is fun, but true love is something far more, and the desire to love each other for life is what we are celebrating here today."

He went on to talk about expressing their love for one another and not going to bed angry. Their marriage signifies standing together and having the capacity to forgive.

They exchanged rings and then began to read the seven blessings. Soon enough, the breaking of the glass came, and Alfie stepped on it. Shirley's family yelled, "Mazel Tov!" ending the ceremony.

After the ceremony came Yichud, where Alfie and Shirley spent time in separate rooms to reflect in isolation. Even though she desperately wanted to hold him and kiss him, it was tradition, and they must do it. For eight minutes, she sat alone, her heart fluttering, waiting for Alfie to return. They had just gotten married, and she was eager to see him.

The eight minutes were up in what felt like an hour. Shirley was finally able to see Alfie again. When she saw the look on his face, it made her heart flutter. He was genuinely smiling. It wasn't a fake smile or a chuckle but an authentic look of happiness that Shirley could look at forever.