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Inside a nice house in the suburbs, is the Wills family. Four people live in this house. Currently in the living room is the husband and wife talking about their second child.
"I'm really worried about Rose Marie, Russell," says Julia.
"I know, and it doesn't help that your crazy sister is here," says Russell.
His large black hand picks up his glass of lemonade. Julia lets out a sigh. She reaches out to hold her husband's hand. Her fair hand makes a lovely contrast with his dark skin. The middle-aged couple sits in comfortable silence. Their daughter has been closing in on herself since she has returned from college. The husband and wife hear the front door open, close, and lock. Before Russell or Julia could greet their daughter, they hear shouting.
"Well if it isn't the useless child returning from God knows where!" a nasally female voice says.
"Why don't you answer you, stupid girl?" the same voice says. Not wanting to hear any more of the nonsense, Julia moves quickly out of the living room and into the doorway where she sees her sister sneering at her daughter. Despite her beautiful daughter is taller than her sister, Rose Marie looks so small standing in front of the door. Julia grabs a hold of her sister.
"That's enough Hazel! I thought I made it clear that you're not allowed to interact with Rose!" Julia's green eyes met Hazel's own green eyes.
"Then maybe you should bleach your daughter to be lighter like your son," says Hazel, "You should have never married a nig-"
"If you dare to finish that word I'll beat your ass and throw you out! I don't care if our parents won't forgive me. Don't relate that word to my husband and children," Julia squeezes her sister's wrist harder as she says this.
Seeing that Julia is not going to allow her to continue, Hazel rips her arm away from Julia's grasp. Giving Rose Marie one last disgusted look, Hazel leaves the doorway to go to her room that's isolated from the main rooms. Russell joins his wife and daughter right after Hazel leaves. He puts his arm around his wife and looks at his daughter with sad eyes.
"Are you okay, Rose Marie?" asks Russell. Rose Marie raises her head and her hazel brown eyes meet her father's brown eyes.
"I'm fine, daddy," Rose Marie says.
"Rose, sweetie," Julia starts to move closer to Rose Marie. Rose Marie shyly moves away and starts to make her way to the staircase.
"I'm going to return to my room now, please excuse me," says Rose Marie. Going up to her room, Julia and Russell hear the door open and quietly close. The two move away from the doorway and go back to the living room. Sitting down in their seats, the couple sits in an uneasy silence. Their thoughts are consumed with their daughter's current attitude. They fear that she'll choose to join God soon. Before Julia can say something, the house phone rings. Getting up, Julia moves to pick up the phone.
"Hello, this is Julia Wills, who's calling?" she says. A pleasantly surprised look comes across her face. A wide smile comes over Julia.
"Mrs. Carter, of course, you can visit soon. Thank you for calling," Julia hangs up the phone and rejoins her husband at the table. Julia looks at Russell with a confident look.
"I think I know of a way to get Rose Marie's confidence back," Julia says. Russell nods his head for her to continue.
"Ever since Mrs. Carter became a widow she has needed a companion. I was thinking that Rose Marie can be that companion. She needs someone who's not related to her to give her the boost she needs," says Julia.
"So if Mrs. Carter agrees to this she'll become Rose's mentor figure?" Julia nods happily as Russell continues, "What's in it for Rose Marie though?"
"I'm sure that Mrs. Carter will have no problem paying Rose Marie for her time. You know as well as I that Rose Marie enjoys helping others," says Julia.
"We'll first have to bring this up with Mrs. Carter tomorrow and see what she thinks but I know she'll agree with me," Julia crosses her arms in satisfaction. The conversation moves away from what they were talking about to other things.
Not long after, Russell goes to the kitchen and starts making dinner. After he's finished, Julia makes a plate and brings it to Hazel. When she gets back, Rose Marie and Russell are sitting at the dining table. She sees that Russell has also made her plate. Joining them, a quick prayer is said over the food and they begin to eat. Small talk about everyone's day fills the room. After they are all done, Rose Marie volunteers to wash the dishes. Once Rose Marie starts, her parent go up to their room and turn in for the day. As Rose Marie finishes the dishes, she turns off all the lights and goes back to her room. Knowing that no one was in the kitchen, Hazel goes there and cleans her plates and silver wear. She finishes the small task and returns to her own room. The house is quiet with only the noise of someone moving around in a bathroom, but even that stops soon and the house is silent.
The following day in the late afternoon, Joanne Carter visits the Wills' house. Sitting in the sitting area, Julia and Russell Wills make small talk before they make the suggestion to Mrs. Carter. Russell drinks his tea as Julia brings it up.
"Having a daughter really makes one worry, and you have four of them! How do you manage Mrs. Carter?" says Julia.
"It's all about being gentle but firm with girls. A mother needs to instill in her daughters a backbone. Speaking of daughters how has yours been?" Mrs. Carter says. She takes a sip of her tea.
Grateful that Mrs. Carter asked, Russell, speaks first, "She could be doing better actually and Julia thinks that you can help with that."
Mrs. Carter's interest is peaked and she holds out her hand for them to continue.
"Because of my sister, Rose Marie's confidence has crumbled. I wish I could kick Hazel out but with no job to support her and our parents being too old and sickly to handle her, there is nowhere she can go," Julia states.
"What nonsense has Hazel been saying to make the poor girl a shell of who she was?" said Mrs. Carter.
"It's the usual stuff like her being useless and not being as good as her brother because he's lighter," Julia answer. Both she and Russell's faces look as if they smelled something awful.
"No wonder the girl has been wearing unflattering clothes! She can't get a proper husband with destroyed confidence! And any man she does attract will be horrible for her health. So what can I do for her?" Mrs. Carter said.
"We were wondering if you could hire Rose Marie as a paid companion?" says Russell.
Without even waiting long, Mrs. Carter agrees. The front door opens, quickly closes, and is locked. Footsteps are heard by those sitting in the sitting area of the house. Julia calls out to Rose Marie who has just entered. Hearing Rose Marie answer back, Julia tells Rose Marie to come where they are. Rose Marie's footsteps are heard and soon she is standing at the entrance of the sitting room. Motioning for Rose to come to sit down, Julia watches as Rose Marie follows what she is told as she makes way for the available seating. Once she's seated, Rose Marie gives a polite hello to Mrs. Carter. Mrs. Carter says hello back with a smile.
Julia moves her body to face her daughter, "Sweetheart, your father and I was discussing with Mrs. Carter about you becoming her paid companion. Are you okay with doing that?"
Rose Marie looks at her hands and rubs them together. She looks unsure for a few seconds but gives a small nod, "I don't mind doing that for Mrs. Carter. Although I don't know if I'll be good enough to be around a well-known socialite."
"Nonsense girl, I'm sure I'll be on my way to adopting you once we start having our fun," says Mrs. Carter, "How about starting this upcoming Monday?"
"That's fine with me," Rose Marie says. She's more relaxed now than she was when she first entered the sitting room.
The visit lasts for another half hour and Mrs. Carter is off. Sunday comes by and the Wills family goes to church in the morning and returns home. Rose Marie organizes her clothes for Monday. The rest of the day is nice with Rose Marie going out for an afternoon walk and her father finishing up the novel he was reading. Julia spent some time with Hazel but the two sisters were only knitting together as any time Hazel opened her mouth, Julia gave her a look that threatened violence. Dinner is made by Rose Marie this evening and Julia makes a plate for Hazel and brings it to her. Russell and Rose Marie wait for Julia's return at the dining table. A prayer is said and they eat with a nice conversation. Done with their meal, Julia washes the dishes and Russell waits for her to finish. Rose Marie goes to her room and the rest of the evening is quiet.
Monday has Rose Marie taken away by Mrs. Carter. They spend the day browsing through trendy shops with Mrs. Carter complimenting Rose Marie on her figure and encouraging her to try on the clothes that caught her interest. With the gentle push Rose Marie does and with only a few words gains the confidence to lift her head a bit. After losing the argument on who will pay for the dress, Rose Marie makes the suggestion to get lunch. Mrs. Carter pays for the new dress and the two women go to a cafe to eat. Rose Marie quickly pays for their lunch and the two continue on with their day.
Rose Marie accompanies Mrs. Carter to dinner parties, church functions, and even picnics with her children and grandchildren. With each occasion spent with Mrs. Carter, Rose Marie is built up a bit more. Her wardrobe changes to clothes that complement a young woman with her figure. Rose Marie's back is straighter and she engages in conversations instead of being talked at. Hazel's remarks towards Rose Marie don't phase her anymore. Mrs. Carter answered and delivered Julia and Russell's prayers.
Rose Marie accompanies Mrs. Carter to a ball in a high-class hotel. Wearing a campaign art deco evening dress with a sheer shrug over her shoulders, Rose Marie exits the ballroom. Her earrings sparkle from the lighting and she holds her purse close. She makes way to the seats that are open near the ballroom. Rose Marie only sees an available seat next to a gentleman whose reading.
"Excuse me, sir, do you mind if I sit beside you? Everywhere else is full," she says. The man looks up. Rose Marie feels her heart flutter a bit. He is handsome and doesn't seem to be that much older than her. He looks around and sees that she's right about the available seating.
"I don't mind at all, miss?" he says.
"Rose Marie," she takes the seat next to him, "And you are?"
"Theodore," he said. Rose Marie sees his straight white teeth. She's glad that he hasn't been rude to her.
"Have you come from the ball that is going on?"
"Yes, and what are you doing here Mr. Theodore?"
"Business. I'll be here for several months,"
"Too bad it's not a vacation,"
"Yes, but I do enjoy my job,"
"That's good,"
"So, why did you leave the ball?"
"I needed to rest my feet and get away from the noise,"
"Were you having fun?"
"For the most part,"
"What part wasn't fun,"
"I'm not fond of people making assumptions of others."
"I understand your sentiment. Who was the sorry soul that assumptions were made about?"
"Someone by the name of Clyde, I think," Rose Marie notices that Theodore's eyebrows lifted.
"Do you know the name?" Rose Marie turns more towards him. Theodore does the same as he unbuttons his suit jacket.
"I know it,"
Theodore's gray eyes say that he wishes to move to another topic. Easily picking up on that, Rose Marie transitions to a new topic. Theodore smiles at her and engages with Rose Marie on the new topic. They continue on with their conversation until Rose Marie asks him the time. Looking at his watch he tells her it's almost nine. Hearing this, Rose Marie tells Theodore that she should rejoin the ball and excuses herself while wishing him a good evening. Theodore returns the pleasantries to Rose Marie.
Watching her go, Theodore can't help but find the woman he was speaking to attractive. She possessed smooth mocha skin with black hair that is parted off-center and wavy. Some men might find her to be too curvy for their liking but he's willing to try new things. When he gets the chance, he'll engage Rose Marie in another conversation. If he's lucky he might be looking at a new steady partner.
Getting up from his seat, Theodore makes his way to a worker at the front desk to ask how long those attending the ball will be staying. Hearing that those particular guests will be staying for two more days, Theodore thanks the man at the front desk for his answer and retires for the evening.
The next day in the late morning, Theodore's wish comes true as he runs into Rose Marie and the black elderly woman she is accompanying, Joanne Carter.
"Well hello, again Miss Rose Marie and Mrs," Theodore holds out his hand.
"Joanne Carter," Mrs. Carter shakes Theodore's hand.
"I'm Theodore Clyde. I met Rose Marie last night when she took a break from the ball last evening," says Theodore.
"So you're the gentleman that kept Rose Marie away for a while. And you're a looker too with your gray eyes and a full head of dark brown hair," Mrs. Carter gives him a wink. Theodore grins at the compliment he's given.
"So you are the Clyde that everyone was speaking about," Rose Marie joins the conversation.
"Guilty I'm afraid," says Theodore Clyde.
"Mr. Clyde I wouldn't have asked any probing questions if you had told me sooner," says Rose Marie.
"I know this now Miss Rose Marie, and I hope to know more," says Theodore. Rose Marie feels a blush coming upon her face. She smiles at him.
"Well, you two are old enough to have a conversation without a supervisor. If you need me, Rose Marie, I'll be over bragging about my children with the other old croons," Mrs. Carter said. She leaves them to continue on with the conversation without her.
"She's a nice old woman," says Theodore.
"Mrs. Carter is someone who can make you laugh alright. So how is the business going?" says Rose Marie.
"Good. The project I'm working on is going smoothly. It helps that the client is easy to work with,"
"What do you do Mr. Clyde?"
"I am a journalist. I'm currently covering the recently made museum and the architects who created it,"
"It doesn't sound like you need to be out here for several months to do that."
"You're right, I don't. But I'm also covering many special event parties and interviewing different individuals of their opinion of this state's desegregating law,"
"It's one of five states. Are you from a state that has a desegregation law?"
"Yes, although there are still people who wish it was different,"
"I am glad to hear that,"
"Why's that?"
"I didn't want you to use me as a short fling,"
"That's understandable. What is it that you do Miss Rose Marie?"
"Other than tagging along with Mrs. Carter, I work at a soup kitchen and teach children from low-income families how to read and write,"
"So you have a big heart is what you're telling me,"
"It seems I do,"
"Is it okay if I try making room for myself in there?"
"I'm not against you trying,"
"Then I'll see you at lunch tomorrow,"
"I will meet you in the lounge area of the hotel. I best be getting back to Mrs. Carter. I'll see you tomorrow Mr. Clyde?" she says.
"Definitely Miss Rose Marie," he said. He watches as Rose Marie joins Mrs. Carter at one of the tables in the hotel's cafe. Smiling to himself, Theodore Clyde makes his way out of the hotel as he was going to look at the museum he's reporting on.
Sitting next to Mrs. Carter, Rose Marie smiles widely at her. Rose Marie is an open book with her excitement plainly written on her active face.
"I'm guessing the conversation with Mr. Clyde went well?" says Mrs. Carter.
"Yes, we agreed to meet again tomorrow in the lounge area," says Rose Marie.
"You sure know how to pick them, my dear girl,"
"Why do you say that?"
"Mr. Clyde is from the east coast dear girl, plus he's old money,"
"That means there are other women who are trying to get his attention, right?"
"You're in luck because there's no other female competition,"
"Why's that?"
"Mr. Clyde is a widower. The gossip that I've heard is that he and his deceased wife were madly in love. No woman wants to compete against a ghost,"
"He seems willing to pursue me though,"
"Then you might just have a fighting chance," says Mrs. Carter. She moves on to a different topic and Rose Marie orders them lunch. They spend it in peace. After lunch, the two go for a walk and return to the hotel to get ready for the ball that evening. Today was overall a good day for Rose Marie and she hopes that tomorrow brings more pleasant surprises.
The following day Rose Marie wears a moth blush color outfit to stand out in the lounge so Theodore can easily spot her. He does find her quickly and offers his hand to help her up. Rose Marie takes his hand and he escorts her out of the hotel, driving Rose Marie to a small restaurant near the hotel. They enter and are seated and given menus.
"I didn't know there was a nice place like this near the hotel," says Rose Marie. She looks over the menu and decides she'll get the pasta.
"A gentleman I had a short conversation with told me about this place," says Theodore. The half chicken with rice and zucchini looks good to him. A waitress comes to their table.
"What would you be having?" she says.
Theodore gestures for Rose Marie to go first, "I'll have the cheese ravioli with marinara sauce and garlic bread. And to drink I'll have a mimosa."
The waitress writes Rose Marie's order down, "And for you sir,"
"I'll have the rosemary half chicken with white rice and zucchini for the sides. And to drink I'll have your house red wine," says Theodore.
"And will that be all for you two?" the waitress said.
"A glass a water for me please," says Rose Marie.
"Coming right up. Your meals and drinks will be ready soon. Please flag down a waiter or waitress if you need anything," she said.
"Thank you," said Theodore.
With that said, the waitress goes to give the kitchen the order that was placed. Once she was gone, Theodore and Rose Marie started talking about movies that have just come out. They move to a friendly debate about an actor who appeared in two movies. Their discussion is about which role he acted better in. The waitress comes back and sets Rose Marie's glass of water in front of her. Rose Marie thanks the waitress. They continue on with their talk of movies and Rose Marie takes sips from her water. Once the glass is a little under halfway gone the waitress comes back with their meals hot and drinks ready. Setting each order in front of the correct customer the waitress then dismisses herself after both Theodore and Rose Marie say their thanks. The two start eating their meal. Partway through it, Rose Marie speaks up.
"So am I to understand that you wish to continue seeing me?" she asks.
"I very much would like to continue seeing you. However, I asked the front desk of the hotel how long the gathering you're a part of will be going on. Tomorrow is the last day correct?"
"It is. I just live in another part of town, if you're wondering,"
"I will drive an hour away if it means I get to continue meeting you," says Theodore. It's clear that he means what he says. Knowing this, a blush comes on Rose Marie's face as she smiles at him.
"I would like us to continue seeing each other, Mr. Clyde," says Rose Marie.
Theodore smiles himself. The two finish their meal and Theodore pays for it and Rose Marie leaves a tip for the waitress. Both walking out of the small restaurant, they get to Theodore's car and drive around near the hotel. They talk about film's transition to talkies and how younger generations will grow up with only movies with sound. Once it became the early evening, Theodore drives back to the hotel. Parking his car, he and Rose Marie enter the hotel. They take the elevator to the floor Rose Marie is staying on. Rose Marie then asks Theodore his room phone number. He tells her and she writes it down. Moving to a new piece of paper she writes down her own room phone number and gives it to him. Taking the piece of paper Theodore puts it in his pants pocket. Saying their goodbyes to each other, Rose Marie enters her room and Theodore goes to the elevator to return to his room.
The following day, Rose Marie invites Theodore to go for a walk. He agrees and that late afternoon the two walk around a large park. They watch several families and other couples enjoy their day. Since it is the last day that Rose Marie will be at the hotel, she gives Theodore an already written down phone number and home address. Thanking her for the information Theodore treats Rose Marie with ice cream. Enjoying the rest of the afternoon together, Theodore brings up having a picnic the following weekend. Rose Marie agrees and their third date is planned. Theodore and Rose Marie continue to see each other for the following months. On their current date, the two are browsing a bookstore looking at the latest releases.
"Rose Marie, will you accompany me to dinner tomorrow evening?" says Theodore.
"I would happily accompany you, Theodore," she says.
"Excellent, you'll be meeting a friend of mine along with his wife," he says.
"And how will I introduce to them?"
"As my lover of course,"
"My, my, Theodore, that's quite bold of you,"
"I'm only stating the truth, my dear,"
"I'm glad to hear that," says Rose Marie.
They continue walking around the bookstore with their hands brushing against each other. It's not proper to show too much intimacy in public no matter how much they wish to hold hands. Theodore and Rose Marie leave the bookstore with matching books to discuss at their next meeting. Like a proper gentleman, Theodore takes Rose Marie home at a reasonable hour.
With the dinner date going smoothly and Rose Marie charming his friend and his wife, Theodore thinks it time that he meets Rose Marie's parents. He brings up wanting to meet Rose Marie's parents on a date at the beach. Seeing that he truly wants to make a good first impression, Rose Marie tells him that this Sunday afternoon is a good time to meet them. It gives her a chance to tell her folks about officially meeting her lover. Rose Marie's mother has been pressing her to bring Theodore over for afternoon tea. Her dad said he wants to talk to the man that finally caught his daughter's eye. Aunt Hazel said, who really cares about her thoughts? All that matters is that Theodore gets high marks from her parents. Now all she has to do is tell them.
Rose Marie finds her mother in the living room reading one of her favorite romance novels. Sitting on the opposite couch, Rose Marie waits for her mother to bookmark the page she's on. Rose Marie remembered picking up and scanning through that book once. Calling it a romantic novel seems wrong since it read more like an erotica. Seeing that her mother's attention is now on her. Rose Marie starts speaking.
"Mama, Theodore is coming over this Sunday afternoon to meet you and Daddy," says Rose Marie.
"Finally! I've been wanting to meet him since he first picked you up to see a film," Julia says.
"I know, but Daddy wanted to meet Theodore as well," says Rose Marie.
"He could have called in sick that time,"
"Mama!"
"So, we're meeting Theodore this Sunday for lunch? I'll have to make sure your aunt stays locked up in her room," Julia said.
"Thank you, Mama,"
"Anything for you baby,"
Rose Marie leaves the living room to go to her bedroom. She has to pick out what she'll wear this Sunday. Julia herself gets up to call her husband at work to tell him that Theodore is coming to visit. He should have been home today but one of the professors at the college got called away since his wife went into labor. Julia manages to catch Russell before he has to teach one of the classes he's substituting for. Telling him the news Julia hangs up after a quick "I love you" on the phone. She returns to her book thinking about what they should have for lunch this Sunday.
Thinking about it, Julia gets up and goes to Hazel's room. Knocking on the door once, Julia enters the room. Seeing her sister knitting, Julia clears her throat to get Hazel's attention because she knows Hazel ignored her knock. Knowing that she can't ignore Julia anymore, Hazel stops knitting and looks at her older sister.
"This Sunday I'm going to need you to stay in your room during lunch," says Julia.
"Why is that, Julia?" says Hazel.
"The man that has been seeing Rose Marie is coming for a visit and I don't want him to have to meet you," Julia said.
"He's probably some broke drunk that's black as night since your "daughter" is seeing him," Hazel goes back to knitting.
"He's not but there's no point in trying to convince you. Just make sure to stay here. I'll bring you food before the visit happens," Julia leaves Hazel's room and closes the door behind her.
She makes her way back to her book in the living room. The rest of the week goes smoothly with only Hazel shouting at Rose Marie once before Julia threatens her with a broom. Russell and Julia can see how excited Rose Marie is to have Theodore meet them. Julia can honestly say that Theodore has been a gentleman to her daughter and she hasn't even met him yet! Russell, like all fathers, is both happy for his daughter and sad. His little girl has found someone to spend time with romantically and that's good. It's a change that has made his daughter happy.
It's Sunday afternoon and Russell and Julia have been back from their church for a little over an hour. The food is all prepared and the fresh lemonade is chilled in a pitcher. Rose Marie will be here with Theodore any minute and both can't help but vibrate with excitement. Julia did one last check in the hallway to make sure that Hazel is in her room and is not out of it trying to embarrass Rose Marie. Not seeing her, Julia sits on one of the couches and takes deep breaths. She feels silly being this hyper about meeting her daughter's lover. She doesn't remember acting this way when she met Lloyd's now-wife Pauline. Russell moves to the front door. At first, Julia is confused until she hears two sets of footsteps.
"That has to be them," says Julia.
Russell opens the door and there stands Rose Marie and Theodore. Russell hates to admit it but Theodore looks good standing next to his daughter. Russell sees that Rose Marie has both her arms wrap around one of Theodore's arms. They both wear smiles on their faces.
"Do come in," Russell makes way for the young couple to come inside. Closing and locking the door, Russell holds out his hand to shakes Theodore's.
"I'm Rose Marie's father, Russell Wills," Theodore shakes Russell's hand.
"I'm Theodore Clyde, thank you for having me, sir," says Theodore.
The three go to the living room to where Julia is. Seeing them enter, Julia gets up from the couch and holds out her hand to shakes Theodore's.
"I'm Julia Wills. It's great to finally meet you," she said.
"You to Mrs. Wills," says Theodore.
"I believe lunch is ready?" says Rose Marie.
"Right you are. Just follow us to the next room," says Russell.
All four of them go to the dining room. A spread of food is placed on the table. All of it is covered so that none of the heat leaves the food. Julia removes the covers and the steam comes up from the plates. Russell takes his place at the head of the table and Julia sits to his right. Rose Marie and Theodore sit on Russell's left. Everyone takes the amount of food they wish to eat from the serving plates. Russell then says a quick prayer over the food and they all begin to eat.
"This is delicious, who's the main cook?" says Theodore.
"That would be me," says Russell.
"Rose Marie and her brother Lloyd thankfully got their father's culinary skills. I'm not bad at cooking but when you live with someone who makes meals this good, why bother?" Julia says with a dramatic wave of her hand.
"Now I want to try your cooking Rose Marie," Theodore said.
"I'll make something the next time we go on a picnic or we visit the beach," says Rose Marie.
"So does your brother not wish to meet me or does he not live close?" says Theodore.
"He and his wife Pauline live three hours from here. I only see them on the holidays,"
"Shame I'd like to meet them,"
"You will,"
"So how long have you two been seeing each other," says Julia.
"About seven months," says Theodore.
"What do you do for work?" says Russell.
"I'm a journalist and frequently write for several news and socialite magazines," says Theodore.
"Really? What have you written?" says Julia.
"For the news, in the Times newspaper and for the socialite articles, I've written for LIFE, Hollywood, and Silver Screen. My pen name is just T.C. just so you know," he goes on, "I'm wrapping up my research for my current project which is about the states that are desegregated. As it's been twenty-plus years since those laws have been passed."
"I've read some of the pieces you've written. To think my daughter is seeing such a known writer," says Russell with an impressed expression on his face.
"For the socialite pieces, how do you get invited to those events?" says Julia.
"To be honest, I come from a wealthy family, so I was already on the guest list. I've always loved writing and thought it would be fun to give people a look at what these parties were like. While I was in college, I submitted an article I'd written about a recent New Years' party. I was contacted soon after that. I kept improving my skills and after college, I became a freelance journalist," says Theodore.
"Do you have any siblings?" says Russell.
"Yes. My sister, she's a writer like me except she writes for Ladies Journal and Cosmopolitan," says Theodore.
"Have you met her yet Rose Marie?" says Julia.
"No, Mama. Theresa lives with her husband on the East Coast," says Rose Marie.
"That's where you're from, right?" says Julia.
"Yes, Mrs. Wills,"
"I do hope you plan on keeping in touch with Rose Marie once you return back east," says Russell.
"Don't worry I have a plan to kept Rose Marie in my heart," says Theodore.
"Daddy I'm sure we'll-" Rose Marie is interrupted.
"WHAT ARE YOU DOING WITH A MAN LIKE THAT! YOU NIGGER WOMEN ARE ALL THE SAME SEDUCING MAN WITH YOUR ANIMALIST WAYS!" Hazel said.
The four at the table all jump in their seats. They're surprised by the shouting, nasally voice. Theodore looks at the woman in question. He takes in that she's an attractive forty-something woman with the same green eyes as Julia Wills. If he had to take a shot in the dark, he guesses this woman is related in some way to Julia. Julia angrily gets up and goes to the woman whose face is as red as the tomatoes in their salads. Without saying anything, Julia drags a heavy breathing woman out the dining room and away to another part of the house. A door loudly shutting and what sounds like a chair being dragged are the only sounds in the house. Once that's done light footsteps are heard and Julia re-enters the dining room. Taking a seat, Julia takes a long drink from her lemonade glass. The other three stay quiet until Julia puts the glass down. Looking at Theodore, Julia smiles tiredly at him.
"I'd rather explain this now. That was Hazel, she's my younger sister. Her problem is the fact that a man she was interested in left her and two months later he was with another woman. That woman was black and Hazel believes that she seduced him from her. She ignores the fact that they had a number of fallouts. Hazel tried to get him back but he decided to marry the woman he was with. She thus has a vendetta against all black people but loathes black women," says Julia.
"It didn't help that her older sister married me and she couldn't find another man to marry," says Russell.
"Why does she live here?" says Theodore.
"My father and mother are too old and sickly to watch her. It doesn't help that she dropped out of high school and refuses to get a job," says Julia. She rubs at her temples.
"It wasn't easy having Aunt Hazel here. She preferred my brother Lloyd and constantly harassed me," says Rose Marie.
Theodore sees that Rose Marie's eyes got glassily and takes hold of her hand under the table. Giving it a squeeze, Theodore smiles and Rose Marie squeezes his hand back. Russell and Julia give each other a look and smile. Knowing what Theodore is doing they move to a new topic. Lunch continues on without Hazel visiting the table again. They all finish their food and move outside to the backyard. Sitting in yard seats under the umbrellas the conversation moves from topic to topic. It's clear to Rose Marie that her parents approve of Theodore. Russell and Julia now know that they no longer have to bother their daughter about meeting Theodore. When it became the early evening, Theodore departs from the Wills household and drives back to his hotel. Rose Marie is shooed back to her room and her parents clean up the afternoon lunch. They speak quietly about their thoughts on Theodore and agree that he's the one for their daughter.
Theodore and Rose Marie met up during his last month on the west coast. While Rose Marie doesn't mind having their relationship become long distant, she'll miss seeing him three times a week. Without her knowing, Theodore came up with a solution so that they don't have to miss seeing each other.
On their picnic date at the park, Theodore enjoys the lunch Rose Marie made for them. When they finished eating Rose Marie goes to the swing set to take a ride. Theodore follows her and surprises Rose Marie by pushing the swing she's on. As Rose Marie goes higher the breeze plays with her hair and hat. This goes on and the couple giggles at each other. Theodore slows down his pushing and the swing doesn't go up as high. Without it fully stopping Rose Marie jumps off the swing. Coming around, Theodore takes Rose Marie's hand, and the two walk back to where their picnic was. Before they reach their spot, Theodore halts his walking. Feeling the stop, Rose Marie stops as well and looks at Theodore.
"Why did you stop?" says Rose Marie.
"I wanted to get a good look at you while the sun shining down on you," says Theodore.
"Oh, and do you like what you see?"
"Yes, I like this image so much that I have to propose to you," pulling out a gold band from his pocket, Theodore shows Rose Marie the ring, "Will you marry me?"
Theodore watches Rose Marie with a smile as she blushes brightly. Holding up her left hand Theodore puts the engagement ring on her ring figure.
"Yes! Yes! Yes! I love you so much, Theodore! How did you know my ring size?" says Rose Marie.
"Julia told me,"
"Of course Mama would do that behind my back,"
"Now that we're engaged I was thinking we'll have a small imminent wedding and a long honeymoon,"
"I'd like that. But what about your family on the east coast?"
"Since my wife will be living with me you'll meet them after the honeymoon. I'll get an earful from Theresa but it'll be worth it,"
"I hope she'll like me,"
"You two will get along in no time. It's the staff at the mansion that might need convincing,"
"Why's that?"
"Let's just say some would have no problem with me being a widower until my dying days,"
"It'll work out, dear,"
"I know it will with you, darling,"
After finishing their date the newly engaged couple go to Rose Marie's home to tell her parents of their engagement. Julia has tears of joy caught in her eyelashes and Russell warmly hugs his future son-in-law. After her parents gush about the upcoming wedding for an hour Theodore departs from the house. Julia then calls Mrs. Carter to tell her the news. Mrs. Carter's excitement can be heard from the dining room. Once she was done talking on the phone, Julia speaks to Rose Marie about wedding plans since they have less than a month to get it done. Russell calls Lloyd to tell him about his sister's engagement and how he and his wife need to visit by the end of the month for the wedding. Confirming that his son can make it in time, Russell hangs up and joins his daughter and wife in the dining room.
Without wasting any time Russell, Julia, and Rose Marie work out a solid plan to follow so that the small wedding will be ready at the end of the month. Julia makes a small dinner as they are all too busy working out the details of the wedding to eat a normal size meal. When it becomes late they call it a night and get to bed. The following three weeks are filled with the Wills booking a caterer for the food, a white cake from a local bakery, a minister to marry them, and a tux and dress for Theodore and Rose Marie to marry in. It was hard but they had everything ready. Mrs. Carter's daughter Audrey and her only son Martin even did Wills and Theodore's hair for the wedding for free. The wedding day is going to be perfect.
On the day of the wedding, the late morning air feels better. Llyod and his wife Pauline sat right behind Russell and Julia. Mrs. Carter and her child make up the third row. The minister speaks clearly has Rose Marie and Theodore hold hands and say their vows. Julia and Russell tear up at their daughter in her long white lace wedding dress and veil. Rose Marie holds pink roses in one hand and her other holds Theodore's. Rose Marie looks at Theodore. He looks handsome in his tuxedo with his hair gelled back. Finally, at the age of twenty-four, she's getting married. Looking at his wife-to-be, Theodore can't help but feel his heart swell with love. If he didn't cry easily he'd be in tears now. He's glad he isn't crying because then the view of his wife to be would be blurred.
"I do," says Theodore.
"I do," says Rose Marie.
"You may now kiss the bride," the minister said.
Once given the chance Theodore pulls Rose Marie closer and the two kiss. They hear cheers behind them and end the kiss to move on to the reception. The food tastes great and the chocolate cake is cut and slices are passed around. Rose Marie doesn't know if her aunt is tied up in her room or not but she's glad she didn't make an appearance. The small party has different conversations going around the nice setup table.
"So Pauline are you going to have any children soon?" says Ethel.
"Lloyd and I haven't felt the desire to have any," says Pauline.
"The honeymoon is right after this?" says Martin.
"Yes, we leave this evening," says Theodore.
"You look stunning in this dress, Rose Marie," says Janet.
"Thank you, I'm glad you don't mind being here for this," says Rose Marie.
"Is it true that your sister is crazy?" says Faith.
"She's just too tightly wound up," says Julia.
"It seems that you're going to have to rely on Rose Marie and Theodore for grandchildren," says Audrey.
"I'm patient enough to wait for grandchildren," says Russell.
"It's fine if I take another piece of cake, right?" says Mrs. Carter.
"Of course you can," says Rose Marie.
The reception lasted until late lunch and the Carter family made their departure from the Wills house. Theodore and Rose Marie change out of the wedding clothes and into what they will be wearing on their evening travel. Pauline complains to her mother-in-law about how Ethel kept on warning her about waiting too late to have children. Julia pats Pauline's shoulder to comfort her. Once the newlyweds rejoin the others, Lloyd gets Theodore to take down Rose Marie's luggage from her room. Soon after they went into the room it's easy to hear them make their way down the stairs from all the noise. Russell opens up the front door so the two younger men can make it out the door. Russell watches as they load the luggage in Theodore's car. Once finish the two men come back inside and Russell closes and locks the door.
With everything loaded and ready to go, Theodore relaxes with his new in-laws. He's happy that he gets along with them so well. There isn't a doubt in his mind that if he didn't get along with them, he wouldn't be married to Rose Marie now. The hours passed by and it was finally evening. Lloyd and Pauline left to earlier return to their hotel. Russell and Julia walk Theodore and Rose Marie to the car. Giving one last hug to each of them Theodore and Rose Marie get in the car. It wasn't until the car was at the end of the dark street when Russell and Julia stop waving goodbye and re-entered their house. Their daughter is now in a new stage of her life.
It's a forty-five minutes drive but Theodore and Rose Marie make it to the airport. Once on the plane, the newlyweds finally sleep on their flight. Their three-week honeymoon consisted of them going to a number of socialite parties and staying in different high-in hotels. Rose Marie feels a rush every time she's introduced as Mrs. Clyde. She can see that several other women she met had tried but didn't succeed in catching Theodore's attention. More than once did someone bring up her predecessor, Lucille. Rose Marie doesn't let it bother her. She's the one married to Theodore now. Other than that their honeymoon has been great. The honeymoon comes to a close and the couple takes one last plane ride to the part of the east coast Theodore is from.
When they arrive Theodore and Rose Marie's luggage is taken care of by Theodore's driver. Taking a white limo to their home, Rose Marie sees the high metal gates to the mansion. It looks like her new home is surrounded by a forest. The limo gets closer to the privately owned land. In the center of the tall front gate is a stylized C. Here's her new home. The gate opens and the limo takes the long driveway up. It's certainly different from the suburbs she's used to. Rose Marie can't help be feel overwhelmed but Theodore tightens his hold on her hand. The limo breaks from the forest that seems to be the front yard and before her stands a house that shouldn't be that enormous. Eight staff members are lined up in front of the mansion. Here begins Rose Marie's life as Mrs. Clyde.
Theodore sees that Rose Marie's eyes got glassily and takes hold of her hand under the table. Giving it a squeeze, Theodore smiles and Rose Marie squeezes his hand back. Russell and Julia give each other a look and smile. Knowing what Theodore is doing they move to a new topic. Lunch continues on without Hazel visiting the table again. They all finish their food and move outside to the backyard. Sitting in yard seats under the umbrellas the conversation moves from topic to topic. It's clear to Rose Marie that her parents approve of Theodore. Russell and Julia now know that they no longer have to bother their daughter about meeting Theodore. When it became the early evening, Theodore departs from the Wills household and drives back to his hotel. Rose Marie is shooed back to her room and her parents clean up the afternoon lunch. They speak quietly about their thoughts on Theodore and agree that he's the one for their daughter.
Theodore and Rose Marie met up during his last month on the west coast. While Rose Marie doesn't mind having their relationship become long distant, she'll miss seeing him three times a week. Without her knowing, Theodore came up with a solution so that they don't have to miss seeing each other.
On their picnic date at the park, Theodore enjoys the lunch Rose Marie made for them. When they finished eating Rose Marie goes to the swing set to take a ride. Theodore follows her and surprises Rose Marie by pushing the swing she's on. As Rose Marie goes higher the breeze plays with her hair and hat. This goes on and the couple giggles at each other. Theodore slows down his pushing and the swing doesn't go up as high. Without it fully stopping Rose Marie jumps off the swing. Coming around, Theodore takes Rose Marie's hand, and the two walk back to where their picnic was. Before they reach their spot, Theodore halts his walking. Feeling the stop, Rose Marie stops as well and looks at Theodore.
"Why did you stop?" says Rose Marie.
"I wanted to get a good look at you while the sun shining down on you," says Theodore.
"Oh, and do you like what you see?"
"Yes, I like this image so much that I have to propose to you," pulling out a gold band from his pocket, Theodore shows Rose Marie the ring, "Will you marry me?"
Theodore watches Rose Marie with a smile as she blushes brightly. Holding up her left hand Theodore puts the engagement ring on her ring figure.
"Yes! Yes! Yes! I love you so much, Theodore! How did you know my ring size?" says Rose Marie.
"Julia told me,"
"Of course Mama would do that behind my back,"
"Now that we're engaged I was thinking we'll have a small imminent wedding and a long honeymoon,"
"I'd like that. But what about your family on the east coast?"
"Since my wife will be living with me you'll meet them after the honeymoon. I'll get an earful from Theresa but it'll be worth it,"
"I hope she'll like me,"
"You two will get along in no time. It's the staff at the mansion that might need convincing,"
"Why's that?"
"Let's just say some would have no problem with me being a widower until my dying days,"
"It'll work out, dear,"
"I know it will with you, darling,"
After finishing their date the newly engaged couple go to Rose Marie's home to tell her parents of their engagement. Julia has tears of joy caught in her eyelashes and Russell warmly hugs his future son-in-law. After her parents gush about the upcoming wedding for an hour Theodore departs from the house. Julia then calls Mrs. Carter to tell her the news. Mrs. Carter's excitement can be heard from the dining room. Once she was done talking on the phone, Julia speaks to Rose Marie about wedding plans since they have less than a month to get it done. Russell calls Lloyd to tell him about his sister's engagement and how he and his wife need to visit by the end of the month for the wedding. Confirming that his son can make it in time, Russell hangs up and joins his daughter and wife in the dining room.
Without wasting any time Russell, Julia, and Rose Marie work out a solid plan to follow so that the small wedding will be ready at the end of the month. Julia makes a small dinner as they are all too busy working out the details of the wedding to eat a normal size meal. When it becomes late they call it a night and get to bed. The following three weeks are filled with the Wills booking a caterer for the food, a white cake from a local bakery, a minister to marry them, and a tux and dress for Theodore and Rose Marie to marry in. It was hard but they had everything ready. Mrs. Carter's daughter Audrey and her only son Martin even did Wills and Theodore's hair for the wedding for free. The wedding day is going to be perfect.
On the day of the wedding, the late morning air feels better. Llyod and his wife Pauline sat right behind Russell and Julia. Mrs. Carter and her child make up the third row. The minister speaks clearly has Rose Marie and Theodore hold hands and say their vows. Julia and Russell tear up at their daughter in her long white lace wedding dress and veil. Rose Marie holds pink roses in one hand and her other holds Theodore's. Rose Marie looks at Theodore. He looks handsome in his tuxedo with his hair gelled back. Finally, at the age of twenty-four, she's getting married. Looking at his wife-to-be, Theodore can't help but feel his heart swell with love. If he didn't cry easily he'd be in tears now. He's glad he isn't crying because then the view of his wife to be would be blurred.
"I do," says Theodore.
"I do," says Rose Marie.
"You may now kiss the bride," the minister said.
Once given the chance Theodore pulls Rose Marie closer and the two kiss. They hear cheers behind them and end the kiss to move on to the reception. The food tastes great and the chocolate cake is cut and slices are passed around. Rose Marie doesn't know if her aunt is tied up in her room or not but she's glad she didn't make an appearance. The small party has different conversations going around the nice setup table.
"So Pauline are you going to have any children soon?" says Ethel.
"Lloyd and I haven't felt the desire to have any," says Pauline.
"The honeymoon is right after this?" says Martin.
"Yes, we leave this evening," says Theodore.
"You look stunning in this dress, Rose Marie," says Janet.
"Thank you, I'm glad you don't mind being here for this," says Rose Marie.
"Is it true that your sister is crazy?" says Faith.
"She's just too tightly wound up," says Julia.
"It seems that you're going to have to rely on Rose Marie and Theodore for grandchildren," says Audrey.
"I'm patient enough to wait for grandchildren," says Russell.
"It's fine if I take another piece of cake, right?" says Mrs. Carter.
"Of course you can," says Rose Marie.
The reception lasted until late lunch and the Carter family made their departure from the Wills house. Theodore and Rose Marie change out of the wedding clothes and into what they will be wearing on their evening travel. Pauline complains to her mother-in-law about how Ethel kept on warning her about waiting too late to have children. Julia pats Pauline's shoulder to comfort her. Once the newlyweds rejoin the others, Lloyd gets Theodore to take down Rose Marie's luggage from her room. Soon after they went into the room it's easy to hear them make their way down the stairs from all the noise. Russell opens up the front door so the two younger men can make it out the door. Russell watches as they load the luggage in Theodore's car. Once finish the two men come back inside and Russell closes and locks the door.
With everything loaded and ready to go, Theodore relaxes with his new in-laws. He's happy that he gets along with them so well. There isn't a doubt in his mind that if he didn't get along with them, he wouldn't be married to Rose Marie now. The hours passed by and it was finally evening. Lloyd and Pauline left to earlier return to their hotel. Russell and Julia walk Theodore and Rose Marie to the car. Giving one last hug to each of them Theodore and Rose Marie get in the car. It wasn't until the car was at the end of the dark street when Russell and Julia stop waving goodbye and re-entered their house. Their daughter is now in a new stage of her life.
It's a forty-five minutes drive but Theodore and Rose Marie make it to the airport. Once on the plane, the newlyweds finally sleep on their flight. Their three-week honeymoon consisted of them going to a number of socialite parties and staying in different high-in hotels. Rose Marie feels a rush every time she's introduced as Mrs. Clyde. She can see that several other women she met had tried but didn't succeed in catching Theodore's attention. More than once did someone bring up her predecessor, Lucille. Rose Marie doesn't let it bother her. She's the one married to Theodore now. Other than that their honeymoon has been great. The honeymoon comes to a close and the couple takes one last plane ride to the part of the east coast Theodore is from.
When they arrive Theodore and Rose Marie's luggage is taken care of by Theodore's driver. Taking a white limo to their home, Rose Marie sees the high metal gates to the mansion. It looks like her new home is surrounded by a forest. The limo gets closer to the privately owned land. In the center of the tall front gate is a stylized C. Here's her new home. The gate opens and the limo takes the long driveway up. It's certainly different from the suburbs she's used to. Rose Marie can't help be feel overwhelmed but Theodore tightens his hold on her hand. The limo breaks from the forest that seems to be the front yard and before her stands a house that shouldn't be that enormous. Eight staff members are lined up in front of the mansion. Here begins Rose Marie's life as Mrs. Clyde.
