Zap, Wham, Pow, Marriage

x. Epilogue

Unknown POV

"Hurry up Del, we don't want to be late," Leo said to Delilah as they hurried up the steps of the church.  

"I'm coming, I'm coming don't rush me!  What about the whole 'stop-and-smell-the-roses' saying?" Delilah retorted.  I smiled.  In the three years I've known her, Delilah has always had something to say.  

With a huge leap up the stairs, Delilah passed Leo and continued climbing at a rapid pace, reaching the doors before he did.  In between pants, she mocked, "Hurry up Lee, we don't want to be late."  Slowly walking up the last few steps, Leo reached out as he stood at the doors and began tickling Delilah.

"Leo!" she shrieked.

"Shh," he hushed her, although it was obvious he was trying not to laugh.  "Someone might hear us sneaking in late, and then we'll be in huge trouble."

"I know Janessa would definitely beat you black and blue if you missed the baptism of your godson and only nephew," replied Delilah, calming down instantly and pinching Leo's cheeks as she teased him.

With a terrified look on his face, Leo yanked open one of the big doors of the church and practically ran inside.  Delilah followed, a hand covering her mouth as she tried to stifle her laughter.  

As the door closed behind them I climbed out from my hiding spot behind a big flower planter and stood at the doors, facing the street.  My job today was to greet people coming to the baptism.  When I saw them though, I hid.  Delilah has been teasing me lately about....stuff.  Stuff named Frankie.  But whatever.

Once everyone had arrived, I crept inside the church and around the side of the aisles until I reached my family.

"Hey sweetie, what took you so long?" my dad asked, picking me up and setting me on his lap.  I think my dad sometimes forgets that I'm eight years old.

"Daddy, let me go," I whined squirming off his lap.  Then I told him in a conspiratorial whisper, "I'm avoiding Aunt Delilah."

"Ah."  My dad nodded.  "Don't worry, I'll let you know if she's coming."

"Thanks Daddy!" I said.  Then we had to sit and be quiet while the man up front in the dress started talking.  My mom says he's a priest, and it's not a dress.  I already knew that, but she told me anyway.  This year when school starts again, I'll be going to classes for a special occasion.  I can't pronounce it yet, because some of my words come out funny, but Delilah's helping me.

Suddenly Mommy was whispering at me.  "Janie!  Time to go up."  I obediently walked up the aisle behind my mom.  My dad was carrying my little brother, but Mom would take him once we were on the altar.  I remember Uncle Leo and Aunt Delilah's wedding.  They stood on the altar too.  But this isn't a wedding, it's a baptism.

We stood and watched and my little brother cried once, and his godparents, Uncle Leo and Aunt Del, said things too.  Then the priest asked my parents what my brother's name was.

"Christian Leonard Fargo," my mom replied.  We hadn't told anyone baby Christian's middle name before now, so Uncle Leo was just finding out that Mommy named the baby after him.  He was smiling, even though Leopold is an ugly name.  Next the priest poured water over my brother's head and pretty soon it was all over.

Finally it was time for the party.  Mom and Dad had cake and ice cream and Christian got presents even though he couldn't open them, so I helped him.  Lots of people gave him money, even though I kept asking why when he couldn't buy anything.  Everyone smiled at me, but only Aunt Delilah answered me.  (She had promised not to tease me about Frankie anymore.)