Snip

The Saphire Hall

“You’re late,” Aubrey Garfield announced wearing her usual less than thrilled expression. She and Lexi looked very similar to each other with the dark hair and pale skin. It was only Aubrey’s sardonic countenance which made people instantly realize the two sisters were not the same person at a casual glance.

“Yes I am aware of that,” Lexi set her purse on a table by the door. Fluffing out her hair, Lexi took a deep breath. The flush to her cheeks from joking with Chris on the way over could easily be explained away due to her rushing to the event. At least that was the story she was sticking to for the public.

Staring at Chris, Aubrey snapped a picture with her phone. “Do you know your ex is here,” she announced much louder than needed in a droll tone. The volume of her tone carried exactly as Aubrey intended making everyone in the room turn to look at the door.

“Hello to you Aubrey, you’re looking… well.” Chris said as he looked over at Lexi as he seemed to scrunch his face together as a way of saying what now. He already felt a little awkward as it was and this certainly didn’t aid in making that feeling go away.

Giving Chris a reassuring smile, Lexi turned it into a glare staring at her sister. “Again yes I am aware of that. Did you really need to announce it to the entire hotel,” Lexi growled irritated with her youngest sister. Being the youngest child, she tended to do things solely to annoy the rest of her sisters filling the role of family tattle tale perfectly. The problem was Aubrey also lied and covered up what she chose to from her parents in defense of her sisters. This made Aubrey the swing vote in any situation which raised or lowered Lexi and Hannah’s opinion of her based on what was occurring.

“Darling,” Toby strolled up to the pair pulling down his sleeves as he walked. The man looked completely different from Noah. In fact, he bore a similar resemblance to Chris with dark blonde hair and blue eyes. The hair was not as ruggedly casual or maybe Toby just didn’t know how to style it the same. Either way, if you only saw the two men from the back, one would have a hard time telling them apart. The frontal view had one huge difference which was the smile. Toby’s smile had the slightly artificial quality to it many reporters learned to plaster on their faces.

She could tell Toby wasn’t happy with the stiffness of his stride but could she really blame him. “Take the baby,” Lexi pulled Ruth off of Chris’ shoulder a little more jerky than necessary and handing her to Aubrey. By the time the half-asleep baby was peeled of Chris’ body, Toby had crossed the room.

“Toby,” Lexi leaned in letting her fiancee kiss her cheek. “I am so sorry I am late. I got tied up when I ran into an old friend. “This is,”

“Wow I never realized how much your ex looks like your fiance Alexandra,” Aubrey bounced her niece in her arms. The meeting between the three of them was not as spicy as Aubrey would have liked so the comment was meant to season the greeting like a bowl of chili. Not too hot but just enough to make your tongue tingle. Secretly she was loving the tension coming off the trio. Lexi’s anxiety was almost palpable. Chris was bordering on uncomfortable which was not something Aubrey usually saw. Toby was holding back a simmering anger. This is so much better than a soap opera, she mused.

“What? You’re crazy,” Lexi wrinkled up her nose at her sister and widened her eyes slightly. “They look nothing alike. Chris is…taller,” Lexi struggled to find one glaring characteristic that separated them.

“No no really. I mean look at them. Chris and Tobey could be brothers or at least cousins like never removed. The resemblance is sooooo obvious,” Aubrey dramatically drew out her words and looked back and forth comparing them. “They have the same hair color, eyes, build. It’s like you are trying to replace one with the other.”

“We are not exs… not in the traditional sense. Just old friends… something Aubrey has never had… friends are people you don’t piss off cause they know about the time you went to your parents cottage with those two boys and drank all the liquor and blamed it on Klingons… and they would NEVER say that outloud because they want to keep their secrets safe… isn’t that right Aubrey?!” Chris said in a chiding tone as he looked at Aubrey with a stare that could melt durasteel as a warning for her to know her role. Chris had all the dirty on all of Lexi’s family in some form or another from knowing them all so long, and he knew how to make sure unruly ones stayed in line.

Aubrey locked eyes on Chris. They narrowed slightly as she let a slow grimace replace the look on her face. ““I’m on the fence about which golden boy I like less,” Aubrey said walking away with the baby on her shoulder.

“You know it’s still me sunshine!” Chris said in a slightly loud voice, Aubrey and him may have clashed at times but part of Chris did like her, even if she needed to put in her place from time to time.

“Thank you Aubrey,” Lexi grabbed her sister’s shoulders and spun her around. “I am sure Ruth needs to be changed. You are such a big help. So go help okay,” Lexi spoke in a tight voice.

Spinning around to face the two men, Lexi was dumbstruck at how similar the two men really did look especially side by side. For as laid back as Chris was, he was in no way a pushover. The rank was looking good on him. He was always built but with age came a filling out men did not have in their early youth. While Chris looked good in the casual outfit, Lexi was positive he made the uniform growl worthy. She was also more than impressed with the officer side of him which just popped out..

“So Christopher was it,” Toby extended his hand. “I think Alex might have mentioned you once or twice. You had a few classes together over a decade ago at the academy right,” he supplied the information in the most basic form. Locking eyes with Chris, Toby gripped his hand with far more force than necessary. He just needed to let this Chris know who was in charge.

Lt. Lexi Garfield

Chris eyed Toby as the grip the man used seemed to be a bit tighter than normal. Chris didn’t seem phased as he simply matched the strength as he shook it in turn. “I wish I could say the same about you, but it seems I didn’t get all the memos from Lexi after all.” Chris quipped as he looked over at Lexi with a wry smirk. “Pleasure to meet you though Tabby.”

Christopher Robins

Good one golden boy, she complimented the display of male fortitude occurring at the entrance to the private dining room her family was using to pick out food.
Aubrey was close enough to hear the conversation from the small parlor adjacent to the door that she had taken Ruth. Only a thin curtain separated her from the trio. This was good because it would have been way more obvious that she was eavesdropping if it was pulled open. Aubrey hadn’t been a fan of Chris the past few years but if she had to pick a team right now it would not be Team Toby. Chris was not scoring any points though and definitely needed her help one-upping Toby.

Exiting the room Aubrey locked her dour gaze on Chris. “I hate that name. I have hated Sunshine since my sister brought you home for that first spring break, Hannukha, Yom Kippur, Rosh Hashanah, Grandma Rebecca’s birthday, and every bar and bah mitzvah this family has had in the past twelve years,” Aubrey painted a lengthy list of events Robbins had attended. Lexi might have downplayed how much of a fixture Chris was in the family but she was going to make it clear he was not some half-forgotten college acquaintance.

“Oh come on… I could call you Aubz… isn’t that what you wanted us to call you when you where in 9th grade? It was so modern chic.” Chris said with a wink at Aubrey, he had to admit he didn’t hate the back and forth she was giving Toby right now as he smiled. She was a unique taste Aubrey, but somehow she always seemed to be loyal when it was needed most.

“Thank you Aubrey,” Lexi gave her sister a side glance. This only seemed to encourage her to continue instead of shutting her up.

“There was that disastrous vacation at the Dead Sea and the time we got attacked by kangaroos on your little scenic drive in the outback,”

“For the last time, those were wallabies and they didn’t attack us, it just tried to hump your leg and then ran off with your food. If anything it was a bad first date.”

“I am sure we don’t need to go over every event in the family right now,” Lexi shot her sister a murderous glare. Shut up she mouthed turning her head slightly so only Aubrey could see her lips.

“What? I didn’t catch that,” Aubrey said pointing to her mouth. “You seemed to be mouthing something to me.” While her face often appeared slightly angry to the average person, inside she was grinning. Toby was an idiot. Chris was too but he was the lesser of the idiots swooning over Alexandra.

“I said,” Lexi turned giving Chris and Toby a forced grin, “why haven’t you changed the baby yet?” If they were not in a public place, Lexi would have taken her shoe off and thrown it at Aubrey by now. She knew her sister well enough to see the Grinchish glee on Aubrey’s face as her heart started to grow three times too large instigating all this chaos.

“I would but Chris has the diaper bag.” Walking purposely up to Toby, Aubrey waited long enough to grab the attention of the trio. Slapping her forehead with her free hand she let out a fake happy laugh. “Must be Chris one,” she threw out another twin comment before reaching her hand out so that Chris could slide the diaper bag on her shoulder. Her point was made and it was far more dramatic to label them Chris one and two. Having sown more seeds of discontent, Aubrey made her way back to the small parlor.

Lexi was furious with Aubrey but instead of prolonging the tension, she moved forward with the reason they were here. The tasting table was lined with numerous dishes all plated in bite-size portions of what would be served at the reception. Baked Local Rockfish with Tomato, Onions, Fennel, Olives, Roasted Strip Loin in Béarnaise Sauce, Beef Bourguignon, and Grilled Herb Marinated Game Hen were the main courses. Assorted sides dotted each plate. All the food was amazing but nothing Lexi wanted. After sampling the plates she set her fork down and looked at her finance. “Toby I still don’t see why we just can’t go with the surf and turf like we originally planned. Everyone likes steak and you also got the option of lobster or shrimp as a seafood choice,” Lexi tried to sound diplomatic.

“Because we are Jewish Alexandra and we don’t eat bottom feeders,” Toby rubbed his forehead. “How many times do I need to explain that your dream menu is not a menu for the kosher friendly?”

“Who is keeping kosher and we have more than a few non-Jews showing in,” she instantly snapped back.

“I mean, I like surf and turf. We used to go out and I would order and we would share, perfect couple meal…” Chris said as he felt a slight flush at the phrase. He didn’t mean for it to come out that way but looked at Lexi then back at Toby as he felt the tension seeming to rise up and up.

Lt Lexi Garfield

Chris felt a bit out of place as the two bickered as the night went on, he wasn’t quite sure what he wanted to do at this moment. He felt like some time traveler viewing the past but unable to interact with it. Moving to the side he found one of the waiters and grabbed a small quiche from the plate and slowly meandered around as the food rolled out.

One Hour Later

Chris had no idea tastings could last so long, or be so boring. Yes this cheesecake tastes slightly different from the other, but neither tastes bad so just pick for christ sake where the words often playing in his head at every single variation the people brought out to them all.

One solace Chris had felt this wasn’t his wedding, so he could slink away and find some time to just unwind and let his mind process the whole day. He had landed only a few hours ago, and mentally and physically was beyond exhausted.

Poking his head into a side room he found the motherland of couches as he saw Aubrey sister in there, watching Ruth to make sure the young child didn’t get into anything. “Being stuck on baby duty is not half as bad as it seems… it beats trying nine different asparagus’s to taste the perfect version.” he said with a smirk as he plopped down letting the cushions form to his body as the tension began to leave his body.

“Are you tagging me out. Ruth hasn’t sat still since you left to sample the culinary cretin’s new and improved menu,” Aubrey barely looked up from her phone as she spoke.

As he sat on the couch closing his eyes as he just blocked out all noise he felt a small tug at his feet as he opened his eyes as he tried to register what was happening. Looking down Ruth was bellow as she smiled looking up at Chris, those beautiful blue eyes that still seemed so familiar to Chris as he looked down at her.

You’re back. Aubrey just keeps throwing food at me like I am Romeo and Juliet, Ruth tugged at Chris’ pants. Let me up and I will tell you all about it While she wasn’t walking independently she had mastered the art of pulling herself up. Knotting her fingers in the khaki material, Ruth kept lifting a chubby baby leg in the air as if searching for an invisible step to boost her up.

“Get down. Go lay on the blanket,” Aubrey blurted out not really caring or reacting to the situation. It was pure lip service. Chris wouldn’t let her fall. She just had to say something so it appeared she was watching the kiddo.

The second Chris lifted Ruth into his lap she immediately went for his face with the open-mouthed kiss. I wuv you so so much, she chased his face with her mouth leaving large wet drool kisses all over his cheek and chin.

Sighing deeply she curled up on his chest. I want my mommy, she yawned blinking her eyes at him, “but Aunt Aubby won’t let me leave.” Wiggling some on his lap, Ruth felt herself getting grumpy no one was doing what she wanted. Straightening her body out, Ruth went into the noodle pose to try and get back down. This room was boring and she could hear her mommy from behind the curtain.

“If you try to leave again I am sticking you in the crib,” Aubrey threatened. “I am tired of chasing you. Just go to sleep,” she moaned watching her try to slide out of Chris’ arms.

But I need mommy. She needs me, Ruth let out a grunt as she got caught on Chris’ arm. Swinging her feet she tried to extricate herself from his grip by going limp.

“Ugh give her to me. Bean gets all teen drama queen when she is overtired,” Aubrey acted like she was irritated but the silly look on her face to make Ruth laugh showed the dour expression wasn’t removed even for her niece but the edge to her voice wasn’t there either. Aubrey’s word might be firm but her tone was soft and gentle.

“Oh no, she’s fine… I got her.” Chris said as he leaned forward and picked up the girl from the ground.

She won’t let me go. Will you take me to see mommy, Ruth stood with Chris holding her for balance and looked Chris in the eyes.

“He isn’t taking you either,” Aubrey said more firmly. “I have to go get a drink. You have her,” she asked although it felt more like a command or rhetorical question.

Summoning enough energy she turned to look at her aunt and then blew a raspberry at Aubrey before dropping her head with a thud on his chest. I so seepy. Take me to mommy and we can cuddle with her? She seemed to just know exactly what they both needed as her head rested over his chest as she seemed to go asleep long before Chris even had a chance to react.

“You read my mind pumpkin.” he said softly to her as he kissed the top of her black curly locks as he settled in as he cradled her in his arms to keep her safe and secure as he too let his eyes close and his mind drift.

Time seemed to slip away as Chris found himself jolted up, no one was there but him and Ruth as he looked down at the small child as she slept in his arms. “This must be all new to you as well little one. So many people, not all you know surrounding you… putting dresses on you parading you around.” he said softly as he began to gently caress her hair as he took a deep breath.

“You should have been mine…” he said softly as Chris shook his head at the insanity of this situation he had let himself get into. “You almost were, literally my men missed the bus it seems by just a mere hours… though you don’t need to know that.” Chris said as he seemed to think back at just how he got here.

“I loved her… love her. I don’t know if it will stop, but that’s life little one… you meet the one you want to be with forever, and they slip away. If I had been just man enough to say something sooner you would have had my name, and this would have been my wedding… but I did try… I tried so hard.” softly Chris spoke as he voice seemed to crack as he spoke to Ruth, a blank slate he never had to be accountable for as he bared his soul.

“I tried, so many times… always seemed someone else got in the way. It never stopped me from loving her, I should have said I loved her in the ice cave… or a million other times. The one time I did, it backfired. Maybe it was always meant to backfire.” Chris said as he tilted his head looking at Ruth in his arms as she slept soundly.

“The thing is I loved someone so much a long time ago and they broke me I think… cause I seem to make the worst choices, instead of asking your mom to be my girl I chased others. Every time I thought maybe I had a chance your daddy always showed up… and that’s fine as she loved him… maybe still does, I am not sure… but I didn’t expect him to marry Kylie that was a curveball. You never meet Kylie sweet girl, Uncle Ian loved her but she was never the one.” Chris paused as he thought about all that happened in the past, every misadventure and missed chance that seemed to compound over and over.

“The truth is, if you are lucky enough to fall in love don’t hesitate. You tell him or her or whatever you love them little one, you tell them and you don’t stop telling them until they tell you to. Don’t let them escape, don’t let them marry someone else… or have a kid with someone else. You have to always let them know you love them, don’t be like Uncle Chris… afraid of his own shadow it feels. I could do anything but admit I love someone…” Chris said with a slight choke in his voice as he took a deep breath, thinking back to all the past and how it left him here alone with the love of his loves love child with her ex as she prepared to marry someone else.

“I believe in love, and if it’s right someone always stands up and… we didn’t. We didn’t stand up and we should have. I should have…” trailed Chris as he felt a small movement in his arms as Ruth began to stir.

“Shhh shhh shhh.” he said as he kissed the top of her head as he began rocking her gently as he began to lull her back to sleep, the laughter from the other room made him think things had begun to wrap up. He wondered if he should come in but knew his place was never fully going to be in there.

“It all comes down to choices though… I made some bad ones… let other people’s choices effect me far too much. If I could take it all back though there isn’t much I would change… expect that day… that horrible god awful day. I shouldn’t have left, I had a ring for your mommy, it was beautiful and perfect just like her. I have had it for eight years in fact, still have it. It’s weird when you can’t get rid of something that you never even used. It’s not like any memories are attached to it, I guess though maybe there is some memories in it, the ones I never got to make.” Chris said as his tone seemed to be changing more from sadness to regret. In the end, these where his choices that brought him here. He ran, he never fought when he should have.

“Maybe I have a false idea of love, is it always supposed to be so damn hard? It’s supposed to be easy… you love them they love you… it’s never been that easy for me…” Chris said as he paused looking at the little Ruth as he smiled softly he cuddled her tight, holding the memory of what might have been. “What am I doing here… who comes to their ex’s wedding… why didn’t I leave the cafe’ and go home… I don’t even know where home is anymore, it was always where she was… maybe that’s why I feel so lost… I don’t have a home anymore.” Chris felt the single tear fall from his cheek, pulling his free hand he wiped it away as he tried to calm himself as he let every moment he ever spent with Lexi seem to flash before him.

Christopher Robins

“Hey you two,” Lexi walked in and sat down on the couch next to Chris. Reaching out she rubbed Ruth’s back gently smiling as the baby slept on peacefully with her little mouth open snoring the entire time. It had been a long day for everyone. If Lexi felt tired, a nine-month-old baby had to be utterly exhausted keeping these hours. everyone had left the tasting which afforded Lexi a moment of quiet. Moving closed, Lexi snuggled up on Chris’ shirt. He still smelled amazing. Closing her eyes, Lex let the feeling of safety and security lull her to sleep.