Summer of Love & Sorrow (Completed)

Chapter Seventeen

I had been working since Monday. Today was Wednesday. It helped more than I would have thought. I didn't have time to think what was waiting on me when I got home. Don't get me wrong, I loved that I was getting married. It was just a lot of thinking and planning. Which wasn't easy. Everything had to be just right. I was so thankful to mom and Betty. Even Lewis and Nathan helped.
I was cleaning until I heard a customer. "Yes, may I...Dr. Gibler."
He smiled. "Miss. Linwenski, how are you?"
"Alright. I got a summer job." I cleared my throat. Why was it awkward seeing a teacher out and about from school? It was like watching a safari gone wrong or something.
I was interrupted when Lewis yelled. "Dr. Gibler! How's it going?"
Dr. Gibler sighed. "Mr. Fitzgerald. I should have known you were close by."
"I work here. It is wonderful." Lewis jumped on the counter.
Dr. Gibler laughed. "Of course, you do."
From behind Dr. Gibler, Chester walked out of his office. "Lewis, I am warning you. Get yourself off my counter."
"Yes, sir." Lewis jumped off and came around the counter.
Lewis took this time to tell Dr. Gibler the news. "Oh, did Opal tell you?"
Dr. Gibler eyebrows raised. "Tell me what?"
Lewis grabbed my hand shoving it in front of Dr. Gibler. "She is getting married to Jack Wilson."
His face went into a surprised smile. "Congrats Miss. Linwenski."
I looked at Lewis, who took off. Then back to Dr. Gibler. "Thank you. I know we are young. But with my dad being sick, we wanted him there."
Dr. Gibler gave a sincere smile. "I understand. It is wonderful. I wish you two all the best."
I took his order. After I gave it to him. I stopped him before he left. "Dr. Gibler."
He turned around. "Yes?"
"Do you want to come to the wedding? It is just friends and their parents. Oh, Chester may come. My boss." I bite my lip nervously.
Dr. Gibler smiled. "Of course. Just email the time and place."
Lewis came out of the men's restroom gagging. "You are so lucky you don't have to clean the bathrooms today."
I laughed. "That bad?"
"You have no idea." He sat in a chair, propping his feet on the counter.
He folded his arms behind his head. "How did Dr. Gibler take the news?"
Shocked yet happy for us. He wished us luck." I slapped Lewis's feet off the counter.
"Hey, I am trying to relax." He scolded.
I scolded back. "People buy their food from this counter. Do you want Chester to fire you?"
"No, not necessarily." He got up grabbing the broom.
A few hours later, it was finally time to clock out. I was ready to get home. I hadn't been sleeping much. Working three days straight. Planning a wedding. I was a walking grumpy zombie bride.
Lewis caught up to me as I was leaving. "Hey Opal, can you give me a lift?" 
"You going to Nathan's?" I threw my bag in the back.
Lewis blushed. "Yes. He is wanting a movie night."
I smirked. "Come on love bird."
The whole way there Lewis didn't stop talking about Nathan. Since, coming out and being together, they had been glued to each other's hip. It was sweet. Lewis hadn't been this happy in so long. Nathan was also keeping him out of trouble. That was a first. No one really could keep Lewis from getting into trouble. Until Nathan Bottleman.
I parked in front of Nathan's. "Lew."
"Yeah, what's up?" He sat there giving me a worried look.
It was funny because this wasn't a worrisome topic. "We have to get Nathan to sign the contract."
Lewis eyes got big and a smile spread across his face. "Really? You think he is ready?"
"He has known us since we were kids and now you two are together. Plus, he has heard and seen a bit since showing up." I shrugged.
"When?" Lewis was excited.
"Tomorrow night. I will group text everyone. I will even get Jack to bring the goblet." I grinned.
Lewis hugged me. "I will talk to Nathan. Text, you later. Love you, Op."
Lew took off into Nathan's. I got out my phone texting the details to everyone.

                                    Tomorrow night @ 7.
                                      Jack bring goblet.
                                      Brin the alcohol.
                                     Betty the snacks.
                              We shall induct Nathan into the gaggle!
                             Lewis, bring Nathan. -Opal

I put my phone in the other seat and took off towards home. I was ready to see my bed. I have exhausted myself from lack of sleep.
I walked into the house to mom yelling at someone on the phone. Dad was sitting at the table waiting patiently to eat. I took my seat. "What happened?"
Dad scratched the back of his neck, leaning over to whisper. "They got the flower order wrong."
My mouth formed an "O" I was not about to say anything else until mom was off the phone. Afraid of her jumping my ass too.
When mom hung up, she slammed her phone on the island. She took a deep breath to gather herself. She came over taking a seat. Dad and I looked at her to each other then back to her.
Mom composed herself. "Who's ready to eat?"
I nudged dad's leg. He jumped a bit clearing his throat. "I am. Opal?"
"Yes, I am starved. Dad pass the mixed veggies please." I held my hands out for the bowl.
I swallowed the lump in my throat. "What happened with the flowers?"
Dad gave me a look like I was crazy. Mom sighed. "I asked for a thousand or so sunflowers. They sent daises. We only have until Saturday. We can't have mistakes this close to the wedding. They did get the purple and white petals right though."
"Daises are okay mom. It will be grea..." She held her hand up, stopping me from saying anything else.
"You wanted sunflowers. You are getting sunflowers." She took a sip of wine.
"Alright." I went back to eating. No way was I arguing with her on this one.
I listened to mom and dad talk for a bit. I slipped out of reality a few minutes in. I was thinking about everything and nothing all at once. I looked over at dad. He was smiling. I watched the way he held his fork. The way he took a drink. Then I looked at mom. I watched her do the same thing.
When my parents talked to one another. They smiled and laughed. In all the years growing up, I don't believe I ever saw them fight. Being together, it was their world and they conquered it all. I'm not saying they are perfect. But they were pretty damn near it to me. I can't imagine it ever not being this way. Though I know, one day, it won't be like this. Dad won't be at the table. He won't be making mom laugh and smile. I had no idea how I was going to be able to deal with those thoughts.