The Futile Effort

PART II

“We are gathered here today to join these two in holy matrimony. If anyone is opposed to this union, let him speak now or forever hold his peace." At this point, the clerk paused, looking around the assembled people.
It was a beautiful afternoon. In the setting sun over the ocean, two women standing on a platform looked at each other, looking for any signs of uncertainty. Especially the bride dressed in a short ecru dress looked at her chosen one in a green tuxedo, expecting any sign that she wasn't ready for this step yet.
But Jess Hunter, over the past three years, has learned to hide her emotions.
“I know the reason why this marriage cannot take place.” Said someone whom those standing on the wedding carpet couldn't see.
Jess narrowed her eyes and, glancing briefly at her partner, shrugged and walked down the two steps of the gazebo to meet the woman who was walking briskly towards her. Only now did Jess notice her profile, and... that she wasn't alone.
There were murmurs of disbelief among the gathered. The bride-to-be blushed.
“Jess, come here right now. Let's finish the ceremony." The woman said out loud, but Jess didn't even turn to look at her. Her eyes landed on the intruder now standing in front of her.
"Julia."
"Hi Jess. Long time no see." The blonde said as if relieved. Her face was tense.
"What's going on?" Jess asked quickly, sensing the tension. She tried not to look at the little girl in Julia's arms, who was an exact copy of her mother.
“I…Jess…something bad happened…can we…can we talk somewhere private?” Julia said quickly, avoiding the glares thrown in their direction and the glare of the bride.
“Jess! Do not even think about it! Not today!" The bride screamed.
But Jess was staring at Julia intently.
"Okay, let's go." She said quickly and started walking across the carpet towards the beach and the hotel behind her where the wedding party was being prepared. Julia followed.
“Jess Hunter! If you don't come back here soon, we're done!" The bride screamed.
“Fine with me! Goodbye Kiara." Jess said without even turning around.
After a while Kiara's hysterical sobs and the curses of the guests were heard. After all, it was Jess's third wedding that didn't happen.
However, that was the closest thing to finalization.
When Jess and Julia were far enough away to talk freely, Jess paused and turned to her former sister-in-law.
"What's going on?" she asked sharply. Julia looked at her strangely.
“I know we haven't been in touch over the years since you cut us off completely and I understand your reasons but...Jess...we need your help.”
"In what? The company is thriving, you don't have to worry about finances. You have protection for life." Jess said icily.
"That's not the point Jess..." Julia sighed, tears welling up in her eyes. Only now did Jess look at the woman, how tired she was. The baby in her arms stared at Jess, playing with the small doll she held in her hands. Jess couldn't bear to look at the girl's big surprised brown eyes. The wind blew her red curls.
"Why did you bring her here?" Jess growled, turning her face towards the ocean.
“Because it was Eva's will. Clare will remain in your care."
Jess's practiced facial muscles remained impassive, though her heart beat faster.
“Is something wrong with Eva?”
"Jess..." Julia started to cry, the girl in her arms looked at her aunt and started crying too. “Can you… take her…?” Without waiting for an answer, she pushed the girl into the arms of Jess, who clumsily grabbed her, instinctively hugging her. Julia cried louder and crouched down, burying her head in her arms. Jess waited for an answer, her heart skipping a beat.
"Eva has disappeared Jess...she only left a note asking not to look for her and that she is transferring custody of Clare to you..."
Jess was too stunned to react. She looked at the baby in her arms who was watching her intently and made up her mind that once again she would clean up the mess Eva had caused in her life.