Maple Falls….Family Bonds: The Wysocki Sisters’ Wedding Day

Chapter One

1997 

Margie was especially confident that day. She was not sure if it was the glorious weather or the fabulous dress she was wearing. Whatever the reason, she felt exuberant. She was the youngest of eight girls, she was Daddy’s baby girl. This was a title she loved. Now twenty-four years old she was tall, thin, and ready to take on the world. She never thought of herself as pretty. Her nose she got from her father, pointy and a little misshapen. Despite her nose, she often received compliments on her full lips and hazel green eyes. Her unique looks caused her to be a shy teenager, college changed her somehow. She found her new self to be outspoken, self-assured, and ready to make her mark on the world. Margie still struggled, she knew she was an introvert at heart, but desperately wanted to be the extrovert. She so envied those sisters that could comfortably fit into any social situation. She struggled, always feeling like an outsider that was intruding. If she asked questions of others, she felt like she was intruding. She did not want to be a gossip or a busy body.

Margie felt good today in her slim-fitting creamy yellow dress; her tan cleavage glistened from the plunging neckline. Her long thin neck displayed strands of pearls. She selected three-inch, cream-colored heels to compliment her sleek, toned calves. Her silky sandy-blond hair pulled up in a well-placed tousled twist and cinched with a crystal studded clip.

Ronnie, her closest sister, walked a few steps behind. They were on their way to their sister Vivienne’s wedding. “Come on Ronnie, pick up the pace.”  Margie pleaded with her sister. “I’m coming. I can’t help it. God gave me these little legs. I don’t want to scuff these shoes. They cost a fortune.” Ronnie’s dainty little voice matched her petite figure. Ronnie hurried to catch up with Margie. She had out dressed her baby sister in a white strapless silk sundress. It was adorned with tiny red flowers. The dress fell, mid-thigh, with a red crinoline flouncing from underneath the hem. A bright red sash cinched her tiny waist. It was tied into a big bow. The bow flowed from the middle of her back down to the hem. Ronnie sported stunning red high-heel stilettos and a small red clutch.

 Ronnie was the ten of the family. She had long blond wavy hair and blue eyes. She was a former cheerleader and homecoming queen. Ronnie was only five feet tall and weighed only ninety-nine pounds. Ronnie was most notably a flirt. Ronnie did not have anyone special in her life at the time; she was always searching for someone better. She dated plenty of men over the years. She used them and tossed them aside like a worn pair of shoes. She had plenty of shoes. At one time Ronnie aspired to be a Hollywood star, now twenty-seven, she still lived at home. She worked as the activity’s director for the Maple Ridge community center. She also worked as a cheer leading coach at Maple Fall’s High School. Her career suited her perfectly. If there was a more ideal career for Ronnie it would have to be a professional cheerleader.

“Can you believe Vivienne is finally getting married? At this age, she may as well stay single, she will be thirty-five in a few months, for God’s sake!” Ronnie spouted critically.

 “Jeff is perfect for her; he is just a year older. I can not believe he was never married before. He is the best-looking guy in town!” Margie was upbeat.

Their sister Vivienne entertained a few suitors over the years, most likely because she was so stunning. She had long silky black hair and bright green eyes. One of the taller girls in the family. Vivienne was five-eight and thin, model thin. Of all the girls, Vivienne was the most elegant. She was known for her perfectly put-together outfits, and never a hair out of place. Vivienne worked as a stylist at the high-end salon, Alvita’s on the town-square.

Jeffrey, her groom, was a good-looking guy, an advertising executive. They resembled a couple right out of GQ magazine. Jeff was about six-foot. He had strong shoulders and chiseled facial features. He had sandy brown hair worn short. His dashing smile complemented his light blue eyes. His smile also matched his easy-going personality.

“I bet he is hiding something, why would somebody that gorgeous still be single at his age? Ronnie was showing her suspicious side.

“Because he’s smart!” Margie replied laughing.

 “I don’t plan on ever getting married. If I end up getting married, I hope I am at least forty. Why would anyone give up their freedom? Look at Ginger, what she was eighteen when she got married. What a long, boring life.”  Ronnie took a breath.

“Ginger could never survive without Dean; she can not even check the voicemail on her own phone. She was lucky to find someone to take care of her. Dean spoils her rotten, Ginger gets whatever she wants. Did you see her new car; she got the red mustang she always wanted. Bitch!” Ronnie rambled on. She was a bit envious of their sister Ginger.

Ginger was just six years older than Ronnie. Ginger was thirty-three and had already been married for fifteen years. She was unlike all their other sisters; she latched on to the first adult male she dated. It was no surprise when they announced their engagement. They started dating and six months later they were married. Ginger was working at their dad’s drug store with no college plans. Dean came in to buy a magazine. He was a smart-looking college graduate. He asked her out, so she grabbed on and never let go.

“We better pick-up the pace. The wedding starts in 20 minutes. We have to make a quick stop at the Mayflower and make sure the courtyard is done.” Margie was in charge of making sure the reception hall was all set-up. Margie was often asked to take control because she could be counted on to get things done. Although she did not like to admit it, Margie knew she was a control freak.

“Vivienne lucked out. She got some gorgeous weather today.” Ronnie commented while looking up at the sky as she hurried behind Margie.

The sky was gorgeous. It was a vibrant blue, a fabulous blue, like the Caribbean Sea floating above. The full, fluffy, white clouds slid effortlessly across the summer sky. The sun was shining down on them as they made their way through the park. A soft breeze rustled through the orange blossom bushes lining the sidewalk. As they passed by the fountain, droplets of water danced on Margie’s arm. The water was refreshingly cool.

The two girls made their way swiftly to the Mayflower Hotel in downtown Maple Falls. Margie carefully checked the courtyard to ensure everything was in order. Meanwhile, Ronnie received a call from her latest boy toy and excused herself from Margie’s presence. Everything in the courtyard was perfect. The orange and blue flowers stood out against the navy linens. The five-tiered buttercream frosted cake was decorated with blue and orange frosting flowers. The orchestra’s chairs were in place. The band was getting set up. The seating card signs were all in order.

They headed out of the Mayflower and on to St. Timothy’s Church. Ronnie chattered on her phone like a giggly schoolgirl. Margie phoned Ginger to let her know that they were right around the corner. She finished her call. She tucked her phone into her small white purse. The purse swung from a braided yellow strap slung over her shoulder.

As they reached the top of the church steps, Margie stopped in front of the doors. She placed her hands on her hips. She was waiting for Ronnie to catch up.

“Let’s go, say goodbye. The wedding starts at 4 pm sharp, we only have a few minutes.” Margie was sternly chastising Ronnie as quietly as possible.

“Thanks for calling; I will talk to you later.” Ronnie hung up her phone.

“Make sure you shut that off we don’t need it blowing up in the church.” Margie sharply reminded Ronnie.

“Thanks Mom!” Ronnie snapped back. She turned off her phone and tucked it into her clutch.

Margie and Ronnie rushed down the aisle to the fourth row where Ginger had been saving their seats. As they hurried down the aisle, Ronnie flirted with every single male she could find. She winked here and waved there. She even dared to blow a kiss. Margie focused on getting to her seat so as not to delay the ceremony.

As they sat down, the beauty of the church drew Margie inward; everywhere she looked there were bright floral arrangements. The church itself was beautifully ornate, intricate stained, glass windows lined each side of the church. Orange Gerber daisies, blue hydrangeas, and delphiniums were everywhere. Subtle dots of white roses and daises and set off the other colors making them even more vibrant. The heavy scent of incense and oils weighed upon her.

“How does the courtyard look?” Ginger asked with a whisper, jarring Margie from her daydreaming. Margie gestured a thumbs-up.

The music became louder with the traditional Wedding March. Carol, Vivienne’s best friend, entered the church. She wore a bright orange lace dress. She was accompanied by a bouquet of white Gerber daisies, orange roses, and blue hydrangeas. Carol and Vivienne had been friends since kindergarten and today Carol displayed pride as Vivienne’s maid of honor. Carol had her auburn hair pulled up in the back. Tendrils of curls danced around her fully freckled face. She was as beautiful as Vivienne.

As the music rose in excitement all the guests sitting in the church did the same. Vivienne came down the aisle next on the arm of their dad. She was stunning in her ivory lace gown; it was cinched tightly around her slender waist. The dress was sleeveless and had a plunging v-neckline. It had a lace scallop trim. She had little cleavage to display. The smell of her heavy perfume floated down the aisle with her, a small train swayed behind. After Vivienne gave her mom and Dad a kiss, she took Jeff’s arm and turned toward Pastor Burns.

Vivienne approached everything in her life with great passion. She had ballet lessons throughout her childhood. She continued dancing through high school. When she was not dancing, she loved playing dress-up. She spent hours dressing up her sisters, putting on their make-up and styling their hair. Today she dressed herself up to be a beautiful bride. Margie admired Vivienne, not because she was beautiful, but because she always seemed to pull herself together so easily.

“She looks gorgeous in that dress” Ronnie whispered in Margie’s ear. “Jeff’s best man looks hot today! He did not look that good at rehearsal. He is single, isn’t he?” Ronnie rambled.

“He has a girlfriend, hands off. She’s Jeff’s sister.” Margie cautioned quietly.

“Look at Sheila, what is she wearing? It looks like one of Mom’s old dresses.” Ronnie whispered again.

“Shush” Margie tried to quiet Ronnie down. She could not help but look at their sister Sheila. She sat at the end of the row behind their mom and dad. Her seat was just two rows ahead of where Margie was sitting with Ronnie, Ginger, and Dean. Sheila was a little teary-eyed as her eldest sister exchanged her vows. She was currently unattached and had been so, for the past five years.

“I can not believe she let Ken get away with what he did to her. If any man ever treated me like that, I would have cut off his nuts and sent them fed ex to his wife!” Ronnie whispered, sniping.

Sheila was tall, about five-seven and blond. She had more of a stick figure, her older sisters referred to her as olive oil. Today she wore her pale, long blond hair, pulled back. She was wearing a plain mint green belted dress, accompanied only with a simple gold cross necklace. She had a matching summer sweater of the same shade wrapped around her shoulders. Sheila was plain but beautiful; she had pale white porcelain skin and dainty lips. Today her lips were lightly painted pink with a light stroke of pink blush on her cheeks.

Margie leaned in toward Ronnie. “Sheila looks beautiful in green. Don’t be so mean.” Margie defended Sheila; she always felt a little sorry for her.

“Boo-hoo! You are no fun. I suppose you have nothing to say about Ginger here falling out of her dress.” Ronnie reached over. She stuck her fingers down Ginger’s cleavage. Ginger gasped and slapped her hand away snickering. Margie furled her lips and held back laughter as she grabbed Ronnie’s hands to restrain her. Ginger was usually the instigator, Ronnie and her together were trouble waiting to happen.

Ginger had curly, chestnut brown hair that was always cut short to maintain the natural curls. Her big chest was spilling over the square neckline of her dress; she was busty like their mother. Ginger’s blue-green eyes were just like their father’s, beautiful and mesmerizing. She dressed as fun as her personality. Today she had on a fuchsia pink and white floral sun dress with pink piping. Her chest was even bigger than normal as she was now five months pregnant. A white flower adorned her curly hair, and a strand of white beads wrapped around her tiny thin neck.

Margie was suddenly drawn to the sound of a clicking pen. Ginger was scribbling an inappropriate message under a drawing of a naked couple while Ronnie looked on. They both held back laughter under their tight-lipped smiles. Margie grabbed the pen giving them both a shameful glare. Ginger leaned over and grabbed Margie’s arm to pull her closer, squeezing Ronnie between them.

“Debbie Downer!” She whispered loudly into Margie’s ear. Margie held her breath and pinched both Ronnie and Ginger, while pressing her lips together tightly. Ginger had always been the fun one. From scaring the life out of her sisters, to the trouble she was making now. There was one story that Margie reflected on about Ginger. When she was about twelve, she hid in the bushes in front of the house. It was just getting dark. Lisa, Val, and Vivienne were returning home. They had bags in one hand and ice cream cones in the other. First, Val went up the stairs. Vivienne then followed, and Lisa came last. As Lisa stepped onto the porch, Ginger jumped out wearing a Halloween horror mask. She was yielding a water gun. Ginger started attacking her sisters. Val, Lisa, and Vivienne screamed as bags and ice cream went flying everywhere. Vivienne claims to this day that Ginger owes her for ruining her favorite white dress. Her dress was forever stained when Lisa’s chocolate ice cream ended up all down her back.

Give Ginger an outdoor picnic and a bowl of Jell-O or pudding topped with whip cream. Someone was sure to be wearing it before the picnic was over. She never seemed to let a day go by without a laugh. Dean on the other hand was the extreme opposite. Dean was an engineer by trade, analytical and methodical. They were opposites for sure. Once Ginger said I do, she never looked back. She became a stay-at-home wife and soon-to-be a mother.

Lisa, their most cultured sister, had just turned thirty. Her husband Alex was just a few years older. They were sitting in front of Ginger and Dean. Lisa turned around abruptly. “You two behave yourselves!” Lisa spoke from the side of her mouth with a muffled voice. She glared at Ronnie and Ginger showing her contempt.

Ronnie stuck out her tongue and Ginger snickered. Ronnie leaned into Margie and spoke softly, “the bitch is back.” Ronnie and Lisa did not always agree completely. Lisa was more of a feminist and Ronnie the boy crazed cheerleader. They could not have been more different. “What’s with her hair, why doesn’t she just change teams already?” Ronnie never liked Lisa’s hairstyle; she was always poking fun at her for her style choices.

“Be nice!” Margie whispered back. “Lisa is right, you two are terrible.” Margie squeezed Ronnie’s knee. Lisa looked back and Margie gave her a ‘I have it under control’ wink. Lisa turned her attention back to the ceremony. She sat perfectly straight next to her slightly slouching husband of five years, Alex. Lisa had dressed in a deep purple suit with a blue and purple paisley scarf tied around her neck. Lisa always had a majestic look. She displayed it with her dark hair cut short and her dark as night, brown eyes. Lisa looked most like their mother. She was only five-four and a little thicker than her siblings. Yet, she still maintained an hourglass figure. She was a principal at Pinkerton High School in a small rural town about four hours from Maple Falls. Lisa had a large smile, too big for her face but it lit up a room. Margie thought to herself, Lisa’s outfit was as if she was heading to a meeting not attending a wedding.

Ronnie leaned into Margie again. “At least Alex is wearing a suit today. I bet he has a sweater vest underneath it. ” Margie tried to ignore Ronnie. Alex was an odd duck and an outsider.

“Val looks good today, so does Guy. It looks like she may have put on ten pounds. She has back cleavage. Ronnie was still finding things to criticize.

“Would you stop, I’m going to move to the next pew if you don’t.” Margie looked over her shoulder at an empty seat behind her.

“I’m quite sure she wore that dress last summer at Mom and Dad’s anniversary. It was not as tight. “Ronnie was relentless.

“You’re wrong; I just saw a picture from their party last week. She was wearing darker blue.” Margie found herself defending another sister.

Valerie was sitting just an arm’s reach away in front of Ronnie. She had an air of resentment today; she gazed at Vivienne as if she were looking right through her. Val had always wanted to be like Vivienne, but truthfully, Val wanted to be like everyone else but herself. Valerie seemed to be somewhat depressed for most of her life. People say she never got over the loss of her high-school boyfriend. Margie was only fourteen at the time. Her memory was faint, but she recalled it was a rainy night. There was a motorcycle without brakes. The story had been retold several times over the years. Valerie was an accountant and Guy, her husband of three years, was a statistician for an insurance company. Val and Guy lived in a stately home, drove the finest cars, and wore the finest clothes. Like today, Valerie was in a beautiful pale blue silk shantung dress, a Vera Wang most likely. She was wearing real diamonds. Her husband Guy wore a black sleek suit, Hugo Boss. On a scale of 1 to 10, Valerie was an eight. She stood about five-seven. She was of medium weight. Her curly hair was brown, and she had brown eyes. Valerie was naturally tan. She was certainly gorgeous enough to attract a few men in her time. She was now twenty-six and still very pretty. Guy complemented her well. He was only five-nine and stocky. He had brown hair and brown eyes. Guy was more of an intellectual type.

There was only one sister missing today. That was Vina; she left home at seventeen and never returned. Margie remembered the day she left in her blue jeans and navy sweater. She carried only her backpack covered with patches. It was stuffed with the clothes she valued.

The three brothers were absent, they all lived out of state and did not make the trip back.

The ceremony was over, the music started, and Vivienne and Jeff floated back down the aisle beaming. Heading thru the doors, they fell into each other’s arms for a photo op. A tall man wore an old-fashioned waistcoat and top hat. He awaited them with an open white carriage lined in red velvet. Two white horses were pulling the carriage. Jeff helped Vivienne into the carriage and stepped in after her. The driver jiggled the reins. The horses trotted off, taking the new couple for a short ride around the park.

The remaining sisters gathered outside the church with the other guests. “Ronnie and Ginger, are you two ever going to grow up?” Lisa descended upon her one older and one younger sibling.

“Lisa, you know if it weren’t for these two you wouldn’t have made it as a principal. They’ve given you plenty of practice over the years.” Margie tried to lighten the mood.

“Oh please, Lisa was born a bitch that’s why she’s a principal!” Ginger laughingly replied.

“Now, now girls, fight nice.” Val chimed in.

“You look cute today, Sheila, have you lost weight?” Lisa drew Sheila into their circle of conversation.

“No still the same.”  Sheila sheepishly replied.

“Please, Sheila loses anymore weight, and she’ll blow away with the next breeze.” Ronnie giggled and pushed on Sheila as if trying to knock her over.

“Who are you kidding; you’re so light the next drizzle could take you down the storm drain.” Ginger pushed Ronnie.

“When I saw you in the church, Sheila, I thought that dress was hideous. It looks better now that you’re standing. It could have been a little shorter.” Ronnie reached over and hiked up Sheila’s dress, giving unwanted fashion advice.

“Your dress could have been a little longer.” Lisa looked down at Ronnie’s legs with judging eyes.

The men of the family walked over to where their wives had gathered. “Okay ladies. Let’s head out.” Margie headed down the steps. Ronnie followed her down. Ginger and Dean headed toward Ginger’s new red Mustang. Alex and Lisa were driving in her little VW. Guy and Val headed to his Cadillac. Sheila was driving their Aunt Rosie, Uncle Joe, Aunt Kate, and Uncle Donald in her sedan.

As Ronnie and Margie walked down Main Street, Ronnie continued gossiping. “Do you think Val and Guy are happy?” Ronnie asked inquisitively. 

“Honestly, no.” Margie spoke very matter of fact.

“What do you mean? They are both pretty boring.” Ronnie replied flippantly.

“Val was not always that way. She used to be more fun. Remember when we were little how she was always playing practical jokes. Sometimes she would hide her bloody finger in a box. Other times, she would break a branch and fall from the tree, pretending it was an accident. She was like Ginger. After high school she started writing all that dark poetry. “My soul is weeping like the Willow,” blah, blah. She should have gotten therapy after Tim was killed.”

“I forgot that bloody finger trick. You are right about that, I guess that was long before real life dragged her down. Now she seems so down all the time.” Ronnie furled her brow.

They reached the Mayflower and Margie stopped to admire their parents. “Doesn’t Mom look beautiful? She should wear blue all the time. With her black hair, she really stands out.” Margie said lovingly.

Their mother only stood five-two; she was a little taller than Ronnie. She had coal black hair, coal black eyes and alabaster skin. She was busty and had an hourglass figure. She was a little heavier than she used to be, the royal blue dress she was wearing made her look thinner. 

 “Thanks to her, I’ll never be a supermodel.” Ronnie quipped. “She looks pretty funny standing next to Dad; they look like the letter b.”  Ronnie laughed.

Their Dad was tall, standing at five-eleven. He was thin and had blond silvering hair. His hair complemented his permanent tan and blue eyes. He was a pharmacist by day and a gardener by night.

“They make an adorable couple!” Margie said admirably. Margie had an unending respect for her mother, Catherine Wysocki was an extraordinarily strong woman. At the age of four she lost her mother and six years later her father passed away. Catherine was only ten and without parents. The next-door neighbor was her mother’s best friend. Mabel Saltzman, she adopted Catherine, or back then, took her in. Catherine’s little sister Susan was taken in by her Godparents, the Evans. The now parent-less sisters grew up a few doors down from each other in a small Pennsylvania coal-mining town. The family Catherine grew up with certainly seemed to love her. Margie cherished the childhood memories from trips to Pennsylvania. They visited the old towns, extended family, and her dad’s relatives. Catherine grew up in a large stately home with four sisters and five brothers. But she often spoke of her life as a caretaker. She was so thankful to Mrs. Saltzman for taking her in that she spent her life taking care of her new family.

Margie realized early on that her mother was a wonderful person. She cleaned, cooked, and cared for all of them as if she were their maid.