An Eternity of Change

Chapter 4

July 18th, 1810

            Jaylyn sat in the church beside Jane as music played a sad sounding tune despite how happy the occasion was supposed to be. Daniel was at the alter in his suit wearing a joyful smile on his face as Alice’s father walked her down the isle towards him. She could tell Jane was about to burst with joy and wished she could be as happy. Not many people were present for the ceremony, but that mostly had to do with the fact that not many of either side of their families were still living.

            Alice smiled at her dad as he sat down and the priest stepped forward. “We have gathered here today to…”

            Jaylyn tuned it out until the voice was just background noise while she studied the hanging decorations. They were simple, just a few flowers and candles here and there where people would see them. She felt a sharp jab in her side and glanced up at her sister who was giving her a stern look.

            “What?” Jaylyn asked innocently.

            “Pay attention. This is an important day for the family.” Jane whispered back harshly. “Father hasn’t been this happy in so long don’t ruin it.”

            “I was listening.” She muttered back, earning her from a scoff from her sister who turned back to watch the wedding.

            The priest paused as the wedding couple put on the rings before finishing. “I now pronounce you man and wife, you may kiss the bride.”

            Jaylyn glanced down at the ground as her father kissed Alice, or now officially her stepmother. She stood up with the others as they left the church and walked towards the train station where they would say farewell to her father and Alice as they went on their honeymoon. When her father glanced back at her with a broad smile on his face she forced herself to smile back faintly in return, Jaylyn knew she would have to respect his decision and she didn’t want to be the reason he was unhappy again. She would leave that to Alice herself.

            Daniel walked over and put his hands on Jaylyn’s shoulders. “We will be back in a few months, listen to Jane and Mark while we are away.”

            “Of course.” Jaylyn promised, truly meaning, or perhaps at least half meaning, what she said.

            “Good.” He gave her a brief embrace then walked off to find Jane, leaving Alice standing in front of her.

            “I know you wish you could come with us.” Alice told her sympathetically. “I wish you could too, we would have such a good time to get to know each other… But I guess it will have to wait.”

            Jaylyn actually had no desire to go on a trip with them but she gave her new mother a nod in agreement. “We will have plenty of time to become acquainted with each other when you get back.”

            “Yes, you’re right.” Alice gave her a bright smile and hugged her happily. “Oh I can’t believe this is actually happening!”

            Jaylyn stayed still, making no move to hug back. “Yeah, no one could ever guess a year could pass so quickly.”

            “Alice.” Daniel walked back over. “Time to go.”

            “Coming.” Alice embraced Jaylyn again before quickly letting go and following her husband onto the train.

            Jaylyn muttered under her breath and received a light cuff on her head from Jane. “Don’t mutter it’s rude.”

            “She hugged me.” Jaylyn stressed the fact to her sister.

            “Yeah, Alice is nice.” Jane replied, not noticing the disgust in her sister’s voice. “I told you she would love you.”

            “That was not what I meant.”

            Mark joined them as they left, giving Jaylyn a friendly smile as he took his place at Jane’s side. “And may I ask what you two are debating?”

            “Jaylyn here doesn’t think Alice is a good mother figure.” Jane told him.

            Mark looked down at Jaylyn. “And why is that?”

            “She is not my real mother.”

            “But she seemed so nice.” Mark looked back at his fiancée. “I thought your mother died before she knew her.”

            “She did.” Jane glared at her sister. “But it seems that, that has just gone over Jaylyn’s head.”

            Jaylyn frowned and looked down at the ground. Did they not understand? It was her fault their real mom was dead, had they forgotten? “I realize that Jane… I’m just not accustomed to having a mother… I will though, I’m sure I will.”

            “That’s the spirit.” Mark grinned like a teenage boy, though he was actually twenty-two at the moment. “Now let’s get you home.” 

            Jane moved closer to him. “Perhaps we should start planning our wedding…”

            “Hmm. It would be nice to have that sorted out wouldn’t it?” Mark thought it over.

            “Please no more wedding talk.” Jaylyn begged. “It does get tiring after hearing it for almost an entire year.”

            Jane ignored her sister’s glare. “Your are right. What was I thinking, if anything we need to teach you how to act like a proper woman.” 

            “I do act like one.” Jaylyn argued.

            Jane gave her a disbelieving look. “Woman, do not complain about meager things like this.”

            Mark laughed lightly. “Now, now. I think that is a bit cruel, how about we make this a bit more fun than that?”

            Jaylyn smiled at him, it seemed like she had found an ally. Perhaps these next few months wouldn’t be so awful after all.