Kaleidoscope

Chapter Forty-Nine

With exams over, Jen prepared to introduce Brad to her family at graduation. Judgment day was about to arrive. Her parents had always set high standards for her, being the first child, and she was certain they would grill Brad until they were satisfied he was the one for their daughter. She had no worries. Brad was the kind of guy every parent loved, and she knew he would pass muster.

The party was well in hand, with Theresa and Rose at the helm. Rose's former job at the college, which she had given up to help her daughter after the accident, left her very well-prepared for the minutiae involved in the celebration. Invitations were out and responded to, the food was ordered, and the DJ contracted. This party would lighten the tension that had engulfed the entire Foster family for the last two years.

At home in her apartment, Jen adjusted the tassels on her mortarboard, pinned it on and threw her gown over her shoulders. Brad would be here in a few minutes to take her to the ceremony. One last glance in the mirror, her pride soaring with the reflection looking back at her, and she was ready.

Despite the warm weather, goose bumps covered her flesh with the anticipation of Brad meeting everyone. She had decided to let him sit separately in the hall and introduce him AFTER the Graduation. At least that way everyone would pay attention to the ceremonies and the guest speaker, instead of grilling him on the spot.

The doorbell rang, and she opened it to a big bouquet of roses, completely obscuring the giver.

"Oh, Brad, they're beautiful."

"Not as beautiful as the recipient," he said as he gazed into her crystal blue eyes made even more shimmering against the blue of her robe. Brad leaned in to kiss her, and she turned her cheek so as not to leave lipstick on him.

"I'm so excited for today but nervous because I'm introducing the love of my life to my entire family."

"I'm a bit nervous myself, but I'll, we'll be fine. But, one thing before we leave." Brad reached into his pocket, got down on one knee and opened the box he had in his hand. "I want to do this properly, Jen. Will you marry me?" Jen was aghast when she saw the ring. She asked Brad to put it on her finger, then threw herself into his arms. "Yes, yes, yes," was all she could think to say.

"I want it to be official when I meet your parents, Jen, so they know how serious I am about you. Now, let's get going. We don't want to be late for your graduation."

Jen's smile left creases at the corners of her eyes at the thought of a wedding in her future. Today was about saying goodbye to the past and moving on and away. But, she couldn't focus on that now; she had some celebrating to do.

Pomp and Circumstance began playing, and the audience rose to the strains accompanying the Graduates to their seats. Rose began to shed a few tears as her eldest child passed down the aisle. Whatever hurtful words may have been spoken in therapy and the confines of the family kitchen, they were forgotten in the joy of the present.

The Fosters hooted and hollered when they heard the name Jennifer Grace Foster and saw Jen cross the stage, shaking hands with the professors. It was official. She was a Physician's Assistant. At the conclusion of the ceremony, they all waited out in the lobby for Jen to join them. Lingering in the background was Brad, aware that the family standing nearby was Jen's when he saw Theresa in her wheelchair.

Cheers went up when Jen emerged from the throngs of people looking for their loved ones. She spotted Brad before seeing her family and went up to give him a big hug. Rose saw her melt into Brad's arms and immediately knew who he was.

Very handsome, she thought. But first I have to meet him before giving my approval. Rose immediately began rehearsing the questions she was going to ask him. Rose was Rose.

Jen approached, leaving Brad's side to give her family hugs and kisses. Then she brought Brad over.

"Mom, Dad, Theresa, Danny, I want you to meet my fiancé, Brad," she said waving her left hand around as her ring caught the light. "Brad, this is the crew I've been telling you about."

"Nice to meet all of you," he said as he shook everyone's hands. Danny was especially glad to have another guy joining the family. Theresa caught the glint and pulled Jen's hand down to eye-level to admire her ring.

"You go, girl," she said, with genuine, heartfelt warmth in her voice.

"Let's all get back to the house before our guests arrive and then we can get to know Brad," said Tom, wanting to hurry things along. He was afraid of hearing Rose's interrogation.

"Great idea," said Jen, pulling off her mortarboard and gown, responding to the heat outside the auditorium. "I need to get into something way more comfortable if we're going to party. I hope you brought something to change into, Brad. A suit just won't do for a backyard barbeque."

"No worries, Sweetheart. I've got it covered."

Tom blinked hearing Brad call Jen, Sweetheart. She belonged to someone else now. He would have to accept that.

"Come on, guys, let's party," called Theresa as she began to roll her wheelchair to the parking lot.

"I'm so ready," said Jen as she headed for Brad's car. Brad watched Theresa roll up the ramp of her van, admiration for her swelling inside. He couldn't wait to get to know her better.

While they were gone, the caterers had begun to set up in the backyard. When the family arrived home, the tents were up, tables set and the barbeque roasting. The guests would be coming in half an hour. Everyone changed into picnic clothes and helped themselves to the drinks chilling in the coolers set up for the occasion.

As soon as Brad had a beer in his hand, Tom approached him and shook his hand. He asked him about his schooling and where he thought he'd be when he graduated. Brad was very non-committal, making no mention of Chicago. He knew that wouldn't go well just yet with Jen's parents. At that moment, Theresa wheeled up and joined the conversation. Rose still hadn't approached him. She wanted to talk to him alone. The bar-b-que was in full swing before she saw the opportunity. He had gone over for another drink and was by himself, so she swooped in.

"Tell me more about yourself, Brad. Parents, siblings, studies"... and she continued. She nodded as he explained about himself. And then, she dropped the loaded question. If he loved her daughter so much, how could he let her go all the way to Chicago next year? What kind of love was that?

Stunned by the last question, and wanting to be delicate in answering it, he simply said, 'the best kind.'

"I love your daughter very much, Mrs. Foster, and I want what is best for her. Right now, this is an incredible opportunity, and we'll make it work. I'll graduate next year, and then we'll plan our future."

Rose was taken aback by his decisive answer and pleased at the same time. He seemed to want only the best for her daughter. It would still take some getting used to, but, for the moment, she was satisfied. Just then, Jen strolled over to rescue him from her mother's clutches.

"Enough, Mom, he's mine now," she said, taking his arm in hers and leading him away.

"Whew," Brad said, letting out a sigh. "That was a little intense. But, I know she's only concerned about you."

"Don't let her fool you, Brad. She just doesn't want me to leave. Anyway, I think you've passed muster, so let's just go have some fun."

They walked off together, the sun shining down on them.