An Unforeseen Turn of Events

Chapter Sixty-Eight

It would soon be sunset. The first day of shiva was drawing to a chose. The last guest had left and family members couldn't wait to go home and collapse into their beds.

Christine insisted they sit shiva in her Brighton house even though Daniel's parents and brother offered their own homes. She ripped a garment, sat on a low chair, and covered all the mirrors as proscribed by Jewish law. Platters of food were heaped onto the kitchen and dining room tables. Family and friends kept bringing over food and asking if they needed anything else. Christine mused they had meals for at least two weeks. Dr. Sherman visited and left a catered meal for the entire family. The retired neighbor came over carrying the most beautiful tulips. Christine couldn't help smiling when she saw him walk in wearing his big, floppy straw hat. He was discreet enough not to give her his usual once over with lovey-dovey eyes and wink. Flowers arrangements adorned so many walls that Christine couldn't help worrying if Tim's allergies would act up.

Daniel's father rose, "Let's go, Judy." His face remained drawn and he no longer had any hint of humor in his expression. Christine noticed his skin sagged more and his gait slowed down.

Judy didn't stir—she looked like she was in another world. Upon glancing out the window, Harry's head jerked back and he turned to the others. "Who is that man standing in front of the house?" His eyes scrunched up in further examination as he remarked. "Why does he look so familiar?"

Tim was jolted out of his trance and hurried to the window. His face held no emotion as he turned to his mother and said, "It's him."

"Who Tim? Who is it?" Heather asked, and when her nephew didn't answer, she approached the window herself. "My God!" she jumped back.

"What? What's going on, Heather?" Seth got up but not before Rachel rushed to the window. "My God!" she also said. "It's Ryan Monti! He's gorgeous!" she declared and upon surveying the room, blushed, shrugged her shoulders, and said, "All the girls love him. I wonder what he's doing here."

Christine's parents' sat there, still and speechless. They had only now begun talking with Daniel's family in short, awkward conversations tonight, but their expressions told the story: it was apparent they knew something the others didn't.

"Why would a famous Hollywood actor be over here?" Harry asked as he turned to them. "Did he know Daniel?" he attempted a weak chuckle.

Christine, Tim, and Trudy all looked at each other. Finally, Christine said, "It's a long story, but yes, Ryan and Daniel knew each other. Distantly, of course."

Everyone stared at her, waiting for further explanation.

Finally, Seth cleared his throat and asked, "How did they know each other, Christine?"

Christine took a deep breath. "This is a tough subject to bring up, but you need to know that Ryan and I dated when we were kids. Even though it seemed like a mistake back then, it really wasn't."

Everyone stared at her, leaning their heads forward, nodding for her to continue.

"B-but it wasn't a mistake after all," she turned toward her kids. "What happened was the most wonderful thing that ever happened to me. They're my pride and joy, and they're the ones that connected Daniel to Ryan."

Christine's mother put her hand over her eyes and tears ran down her cheeks. Her father's eyes were swimming with tears.

Without saying another word, Christine opened the front door and stepped out. Before leaving, she glanced back and saw Daniel's family turning their heads from her to each other.

Her father's grave face gave away a hint of a smile. He shrugged and said, "You've got to watch that alcohol content. It can do strange things to people."

Her mother took her hand away from her face and did something her husband hadn't seen her do in years.

She laughed.