Best Friends

Written By: LJ

(This is a birthday gift for Mel and it is in response to his request for a story about Shelley’s reaction to the desk, the shower and her wedding.)

Darby lay as quietly as possible. ‘How did I get into this mess?’ he thought. ‘You know damn well how! You climbed the tree and crawled through Shelley’s bedroom window. Again!’ he silently admonished himself.

He just wanted to spend some private time with his best friend before the bridal shower he was holding for her later that afternoon. With that in mind, he had parked his car a safe distance from Shelley’s parental home. After walking through several neighbours’ backyards, he made his way across the wide expanse of the Mandel’s lawn to the foot of the big oak tree. Having done this so many times in the past, he could probably do it in his sleep.

He barely managed to scramble under the bed in time to avoid being caught by Shelley’s mother. Mrs. Mandel had entered the room all of fifteen minutes after he’d got there. His eyes flew open and his cheeks grew warm as he heard Jacqueline Mandel start to falteringly tell her daughter about the facts of life.

“I know your wedding is a week away, my dear, but as your mother it is my responsibility to, aah… prepare you for, hmmm… what will happen on… that special night.” Mrs. Mandel took a deep breath before plunging ahead with what she perceived to be one her motherly duties. The older woman was far from being the modern, up-to-date, broad-minded individual her daughter was.

Darby had a hard time deciding who was more uncomfortable with the situation: Shelley, her mother, or him. He softly groaned into the carpet and forced himself to find something else to occupy his mind. He smiled and concentrated on remembering the look of happiness on Shelley’s face.

************

It had been yesterday afternoon when Darby and Rowan had followed Shelley and Toby on the guided tour of their future home. Much smaller than her parents’ house, sparsely furnished, smelling of fresh paint and newly laid carpeting, it represented a new beginning for the young couple.

“We’re keeping this space empty for the time being,” Shelley informed Rowan while directing his attention to cosy alcove on one side of the living room. “Just in case my dream to own a special piece of furniture ever comes true. Darby knows what I’m talking about, don’t you, Darb?”

“Yes,” Darby softly answered as he shared a knowing glance with his partner. Darby had been here several times over the last couple of months, but this was Rowan’s first visit.

“Are we expecting another delivery of something, Shelley?” Toby inquired. He was standing by the picture window and looking out at the unmarked cargo van backing into their driveway.

“Not that I know of.” Shelley joined her fiancé and together they watched two men getting out and walking around to the back of the vehicle. They failed to notice Rowan and Darby’s silent exchange of amused grins at the young couples’ expense.

“Wonder what that can be!” Toby exclaimed as a quilt-covered object was slowly pushed down a ramp and towards their front entrance. He held open the double doors to facilitate easier access for what appeared to be a rather heavy item.

“Hi, folks! Name’s Mike!” The taller of the two men greeted as he removed his hat and stuck his hand out for Toby to shake. “This here is George.” He informed everyone, indicting the big, burly guy on the other side of the still unknown shipment.

“Yoah! Where do ya want this?” George asked after a brief salute with his hand.

“Right here!” Darby called out and pointed to the alcove. He was literally bouncing with excitement as he impatiently waited for the special gift to be put in its’ designated place of honour. He and Rowan made sure all eyes were upon them before gently tugging the padding off their surprise. “It’s your wedding present!” Darby announced to the speechless couple.

Shelley’s eyes lit up and she stared in wonder at the beautiful, solid oak, roll-top desk. Her hands were covering her mouth in an effort to curtail her cries of delight as tears slowly made their way down her cheeks. She looked into the face of her best friend and with a joyful sob, ran into Darby’s arms. “Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!” she whispered repeatedly as she clung to him.

“Both Rowan and I so much wanted you to have something extra special, Shel!” Darby tightened his embrace in hopes of quelling the small tremors running through the slim body he held in his arms. “I knew you’d like it, my little matzo ball.” Darby’s light teasing enabled Shelley to regain control of her emotions and the usage of a long-time nickname resulted in gentle laughter.

“I don’t know what to say, Rowan. Just ‘thank you’ seems so inadequate,” Toby murmured, clasping Rowan’s warm hand in his own and shaking it.

“I consider it more than sufficient, Toby. Especially in addition to the enjoyment we’re experiencing at seeing our partners happiness,” Rowan assured the younger man. He gently steered Toby out of the way to make room for Mike to wheel in the antique office chair.

“Thank you so much for all your help and for getting this here so quickly,” Rowan said as he accompanied the deliverymen out to their truck.

************

“You can come out, Darby. It’s safe now.” Shelley’s coaxing voice brought Darby back to the present.

“I guess having one-on-one time with you is not meant to be, Shel!” Darby complained as he squirmed out from under the bed. “I finally manage to get away for a little while and look what happened.”

“I’m sorry, Darb!” Shelley’s soft laughter at her friend’s piqued expression belied her remorse. “We’ll have more time to spend together after Toby and I return from our honeymoon at the end of the month.”

“Hope you’re right. Just now, I’ve got to get home before Rowan does. He was running errands and I was supposed to be finishing up a few chores.” He glanced out the window before moving away. “Wish I could go out the same way I come in,” he griped. “But I’ve been there, done that, and the last time didn’t go over too well.”

“I’ll say! You were thirteen the second time you attempted it. You fell most the way down and broke your wrist.”

“At least your parents never found out. My stepmother kindly informed me that it served me right,” Darby grimaced at the long-ago memory. “My dad told me if had he been home at the time, a sore wrist wouldn’t be the only thing I’d be nursing.”

“So you’ll keep playing it safe and use the stairs, right?” Shelley teased.

“You got it!”

“Did you get everything done for this afternoon, Darb?” Shelley asked, leading the way towards a long winding staircase.

“Pretty much!” Darby’s grin widened. “Man, someday I’m gonna have to bring Skyy over here. He would just love this banister!” he commented as he followed his friend down to the foyer.

“Oh hello, Darby. I didn’t realize you were visiting this morning,” Jacqueline Mandel bewilderedly greeted him and set an arrangement of fresh flowers on the hall table. She often wondered how the young man got into the house without her seeing him until he was ready to leave.

“Hi, Mrs. Mandel. I’m just leaving.”

“Good day, Darby!” Lawrence Mandel spoke up on his way to the front door. “I have to go into the office for a couple of hours. Come on! I’ll give you a lift.”

“Aah, thank you!” Darby hugged Shelley goodbye and reluctantly trailed after her father.

“So where did you leave your car this time, young man?” Mr. Mandel asked in an open and friendly manner, glancing at his passenger.

“On Chestnut Street,” Darby answered. He was having a hard time determining what the question might be leading up to.

“Do you remember a couple of years ago when we had a number of trees removed from the property, Darby?”

“Yes, I think so.” Darby hesitantly replied while wondering what the older man found so amusing.

“Well, Jacqueline wanted that old oak tree on the side of the house where Shelley’s bedroom is located, to be taken down as well. I reckon it’s safe to do so now. I mean with the wedding and all only a week away. What do you think?” Lawrence Mandel laughed out loud at the expression of trepidation on Darby’s face.

‘He knows! He’s known all along!’ Darby thought and had to remind himself to breathe.

“I want to tell you how much it means to me for Shelley to have you for her best friend,” Mr. Mandel softly but sincerely stated. “I believe with all my heart, Darby, my daughter could never have found anyone better.”

“Thank you, sir!” Darby responded with an equal amount of sincerity. “Hmmm, will you and Mrs. Mandel be attending the shower?”

“Wild horses couldn’t keep me away!” the older man assured him as he pulled over to the curb behind Darby’s car.

“See you later then!” Darby said, getting out of the car. “And thanks for the lift.”

************

Darby arrived home later than he’d planned. He cringed when he saw Rowan’s car already parked in their driveway.

“I’m sorry, Row. I-I didn’t mean to be gone so long,” Darby stammered out his apology in the face of the older man’s disapproval. “I thought I’d be home before you got back.”

“Is that why you didn’t bother to leave a note, Darby?”

“Nooo, I just forgot.”

“You also forgot to take your cell phone, didn’t you?”

“I didn’t mean to! I finished everything on the list and felt like visiting with Shelley. I didn’t plan to be gone so long.”

“Not meaning to, doesn’t take away from the fact that I came home to an empty house and didn’t have anyone to help me carry the supplies in from the car,” Rowan pointed out, his displeasure making itself known. “How many rules were broken here, Darby?”

“At least two,” Darby sadly answered as he lowered his eyes and shuffled from one foot to the other. “I really am sorry.”

Rowan stepped closer to his partner, took hold of his arm and turned him slightly to the side. After quickly landing six firm, but not overly hard, smacks on the seat of Darby’s jeans, he enfolded the younger man into a comforting hug and gently said, “Reminders, little one!”

Darby was fully aware of the difference between reminder swats and warning ones. Another repeat of these offences would involve a warning, which would consists of double the amount of much harder swats, administered on his bare bottom. A third repetition would result in a proper spanking before the slate could be cleared. It was something both men tried to avoid. He released a hitched sigh, nodded his understanding against Rowan’s broad shoulder, wrapped his arms around the older man’s waist and cuddled closer.

“I’ve put the perishables in the fridge, Sweets, but I could use your help getting the rest put away.” Rowan waited several moments before speaking and disengaging himself from his Brat’s clinging embrace.

************

“Whatever made Darby decide to have an old-fashion garden party for a wedding shower, Rowan?” Jayson asked. He and Rowan were standing on the deck overlooking the small group milling around the Kincaide’s spacious backyard. Both men were dressed in suits their great-grandfathers would have been proud to wear.

“It was important for Darby to fulfil his role as Shelley’s Man of Honour by making another one of her dreams come true. He did a great job of organizing everything, considering it’s been just over a week since we returned from our vacation.”

“I’m sure you must have been a big help,” Jayson commented.

“I tried,” Rowan admitted. “My assignment consisted mainly of picking up supplies. I was also commandeered into setting up the tables and chairs. Darby took care of everything else: invitations, flowers, music, decorations, costumes, menu and caterers. It will probably take me two days to get him off the adrenaline high he’s on.” Rowan glared at the other man’s snickering response. “Thanks for the sympathy, old man!” he retorted, causing Jayson to laugh uproariously.

“What’s so funny, Jay?” Riley suspiciously inquired as he walked over to stand beside his partner. “You better not be laughing at this monkey suit you made me wear!” He ran a finger around the inside of the cravat he was wearing.

“Not at all, babe; you look too handsome in that outfit to be anything other than admired,” Jayson patiently assured the younger man and placed an arm around his shoulders. He was used to his Brat’s ill-tempered mood when he was forced to dress in formal attire.

“Yeah, right!” Riley groused while secretly enjoying his lover’s words. “It’s too hot to have on a suit jacket!” he complained.

“Maybe Darby would be open to a suggestion of the men dressing down a bit. Go ask him, love. He’s sitting over there with Shelley and Toby.” Jayson gave Riley a gentle, encouraging push.

“Is it how you imagined it would be, Shel?” Darby leaned over and whispered in his best friend’s ear. He reached up and straightened the wide-brimmed sun hat he’d accidentally brushed against.

“It’s fabulous, Darb!” Shelley breathlessly exclaimed. “I can’t believe you went to so much trouble.” She gazed around at the various costumes being worn by their numerous guests. Ladies were in soft flowing pastels, accented by lace gloves, shawls, fluttering fans or slowly twirling parasols. Men handsomely attired in Victorian tailcoats and trousers; some with top hats, double-breasted vests, spats, y-back braces, pocket watches, or canes. As she listened to the string quartet warming up in the gazebo, she felt as if she had stepped back in history.

“I got most the ideas off the Internet,” Darby informed her. “Being able to raid the drama club’s wardrobe was a big plus and having co-operative caterers didn’t hurt. They kinda liked the challenge of preparing all these special finger-foods, beverages and desserts.”

“I must say, it’s a little unfair that the ladies look so cool in their dresses while the guys are sweltering in suits,” Toby commented.

“You’re right! So if the guest of honour doesn’t mind, I think it’s time for those of us who are so inclined, to relax and remove our jackets and ties.”

“I was just going to suggest that, Darby!” Riley exclaimed, joining the trio of good friends.

Shelley and Toby excused themselves and strolled over to visit with some of the other guests. Darby and Riley filled small plates with an assortment of hors d’oeuvres from the refreshment table and sat down to enjoy the light snack.

“You know what I think, Darby?” Riley asked around the petit four he had crammed into his mouth. Not waiting for an answer, he swallowed and continued, “I think as a teenager, you spent a little too much time hanging out with a girl.”

“I hung out with guys, too!” Darby contradicted. He pretended to be put out by Riley’s observation.

“Sure you did. As a member of the debate team, the drama club, the literary society……man, you’re a real nerd!” Riley teased.

Other than rolling his eyes and chuckling to himself, Darby chose to ignore the other man. He looked up to see Rowan and Jayson coming towards them and breathed a sigh of relief. ‘Perfect timing!’ he thought as he gave his partner a beaming smile.

“I can’t thank you enough, Darb!” Shelley murmured, hugging her best friend a couple of hours later. The party was wounding down and the last few remaining guests were getting ready to leave. “Everything was absolutely perfect! I’m go glad you went with ‘Best Wishes Only’ and encouraged everyone not to bring gifts. We’ve received so many already and are more than grateful for each and every one. But this will always hold extra special memories for me,” she added, gently sliding her fingertips over the leather-bound guest book in her hand.

“It will be even better when we get the pictures developed for you to put in it,” Darby said as he returned the hug. He stepped over to shake hands with Toby and Shelley's parents while Shelley embraced Rowan.

“You have every reason to be proud of today’s event, Sweets,” Rowan commented. He and Darby were standing side by side, waving goodbye to the last of their departing guests. “All your hard work paid off. Shelley and Toby were thrilled,” he complemented the young man bouncing next to him. “Maybe we can put all that surplus energy of yours to good use and get this place cleaned up.” He laughed at his Brat’s groan of feigned displeasure at the suggestion.

************

Exactly one week later, Rowan was helping his younger partner get ready for Shelley and Toby’s big day.

“Here you go, gorgeous!” Rowan held the jacket while Darby slid his arms into the sleeves. The two men looked at their reflections in the full-length mirror. “You dress up soooo good, baby!”

“Yeah! I mean, who’d have thought a white tuxedo would look this cool?” Darby’s voice had a note of wonder in it.

“We better leave now, Sweets, if I’m going to get you to the Synagogue on time,” the older man teased.

“You’re supposed to drop me off at Shelley’s, Rowan. I’ll be making the half-hour long trip with Shelley and her parents; remember?”

“I’m only teasing, Darby.” Rowan picked up on his partner’s apprehension. “You’re going to be fine, sweetheart,” he murmured, taking the younger man into his arms for a reassuring hug before taking his hand and leading him out of the house.

“It’s going to be a rather interesting wedding, Row. Part traditional and part modern,” Darby informed his partner as he undid his seatbelt and opened the passenger door.

“I’m looking forward to it and to seeing you later, love,” Rowan smiled and waved goodbye. He watched the fleeing figure and when Darby had disappeared into the Mandels’ home, he slowly pulled away from the curb.

The festivities began two hours later at different locations in the same building. The greeting of the Chatan (Groom) and of the Kallah (Bride) were held separately, since they could not see each other before the ceremony. It was at this time that relatives and friends greeted the Bride and Groom and blessed them, individually offering them their heartfelt wishes.

The time came for Toby to join Shelley in the Bride’s rendezvous area, where he lovingly draped a veil over her face. This was done in the presence of their wedding party, family members and a few friends. This ancient custom served as the first of many actions by which the groom signals his commitment to care for and protect his wife.

The wedding ceremony was held outside under a Chupah (canopy) which was open on all sides. The Groom, accompanied by his father, father-in-law, best man and groomsmen, proceeded to where all the guests were anxiously awaiting their arrival. The Bride, escorted by her mother, mother-in-law, her Man of Honour and her bridesmaids, slowly walked down the aisle between the rows of smiling well-wishers.

Shelley moved to stand beside her future husband. She turned and handed her bouquet to Darby. Their eyes met, and there for all to see were the very special, long-time feelings they had for one another. Darby reached up and gently removed a tear from the corner of Shelley’s eye. His nod enabled her to take this last step that would once again change their lives forever.

Prayers were said, passages recited, and vows exchanged. Then Toby took the wedding ring in his hand, and in clear view of two witnesses, he placed the ring on the forefinger of his bride’s right hand. The ceremony came to an end with a final blessing from the Rabbi and everyone milled around offering congratulations to the happy couple. Eventually the entire assembly gradually meandered over to their cars with plans to meet back at the Mandel’s home for an elaborate reception.

************

Darby tentatively knocked on the bedroom door before opening it and whispering, “Are you ready? Toby’s waiting for you!”

“Not really!” Shelley replied. There was a definite edge of irritation in her voice.

“What’s wrong, Shel?” Darby asked, stepping into the room and quietly shutting the door.

“Look at this horrendous, peach-coloured, two-piece, old-fashion dress my mother expects me to wear on my honeymoon. She calls it my ‘going-away’ outfit. How dated can you get?” Shelley was pacing around her room and swinging her arms in time with her ranting. “Do you have any idea how long I’m going to be stuck wearing this hideous rag? I’ll tell you, it will be for hours!”

Darby had heard it all before and had come up with a plan to get his friend out of her present predicament. “Here, Shel. I brought something to help calm you down.” He walked towards her carrying a small glass of wine. Just as he got to within a couple of feet of her, he accidentally tripped and spilled the red liquid down the front of her dress. “Oh, I’m so sorry!” he intoned in a totally unrepentant manner and laughed at the shocked expression on Shelley’s face. “I’m afraid you’re going to have to wear something else.”

“Darby! You…you…” Shelley sputtered through her gales of laughter as she removed the matching jacket of her ensemble and toss it on the foot of the bed.

“Bet you’ll feel a lot more comfortable in this, Shel.” Darby held up the light, multi-coloured sundress he had taken from her closet.

“Oh, yes!” Shelley agreed and presented her back to him. “Please unzip me?” she requested. Once Darby had obliged, she let her dress fall to the floor and stepped out of it.

“Aah, guess I should find something else to do for the next minute or two,” Darby muttered and turned away.

Shelley quickly finished changing her clothes while Darby stared out the bedroom window. “Okay, Darb! I’m decent again!” she chuckled at her friend’s apparent discomfort.

“One of the reasons for my coming up to your room, Shel, was to say goodbye in private.”

The two young people gazed at each other in silence for several long minutes with memories of carefree days spent together, racing through their minds. Hazel eyes filled and over-flowed while green eyes turned misty. They moved into each other’s arms.

“Have a wonderful life, my little matzo ball,” Darby choked out. “I love you!” He tightened his embrace for a few moments; then released her.

“I love you so much, Darby. And not everything changes!” Shelley murmured, drying her cheeks with the palms of her hands. “No matter what, we will always be ‘best friends’!”

The End.