July 1992

  “Okay guys. We’ll see you ter.” Ariel says, as she heads to the door with Melissa and Elle.

  “Bye.” The guys say as they get ready to head out themselves. They had an appointment to get fitted for some tuxedos. Much to the chagrin of Jackson and Jerry. Chris can’t say he’s too thrilled about it either, but Elle said she was eager to see him in it so he decided he was doing it for her.

  A few minutes ter, they are out and at the tuxedo store. The boys were surprised when the store employees treated them like royalty. Drinks, snacks, the music wasn’t too bad, for being cssical. Even Jerry and Jackson got into it, going through the measurement routine. Arms out and everything.

  “Not what you thought it was gonna be, huh, boys?” Simon asks.

  “No, this is all right.” Jerry says, leaning back in his chair, trying to look regal.

  The rest just ugh.

  The man helping them comes out from the back and informs them it should only take about an hour to finish the alterations to all five. Larry suggests going out and getting some lunch, then come back. So they leave and find a bistro just a block away.

  “So how are you guys liking Portnd so far?” Larry asks.

  “It’s so awesome.” Jerry says.

  “Yeah, yesterday was a bst.” Jackson tells them.

  Yeah, Chris was still a little tired from yesterday. They spent their entire day, from sunrise to sunset, traversing the city, taking in its sights and sounds. Visiting the sights and sounds of Portnd. From the old-world scenes to the port to the art museums. Which Elle discovered she had a newfound appreciation for art. Which also prompted them to visit one more museum than they pnned on. But it was all right. Everyone enjoyed it. They even got to go see a festival, Alive at Five, he remembers. A free outdoor concert. Elle even showed off some dance moves she learned, with the help of her dad and Chris himself.

  “How do you guys like the hotel suite?” Simon asks them.

  “It’s awesome.” Jerry says. “The bathtubs are as good as the hot tub outside.”

  Simon ughs and pats him on the back. “Well, I’m gd you guys are having fun.”

  “We’ll have to visit California next time we vacation. Visit our old stomping grounds in San Diego.”

  Jackson and Jerry cheer for that one, mentioning the beaches. Now they have Chris eager to go.

  After lunch, they head back to the tailor and try out their new tuxes. Each one is a perfect fit. Chris had to admit, they looked pretty sharp. Even Jackson and Jerry liked their new clothes.

  “You guys look handsome. I think our girls will be awestruck. Right Larry?” Simon points out.

  “I think a certain young dy is gonna be awestruck indeed.” Chris’ dad puts a hand on his shoulder.

  He couldn’t think of much else after that. He was envisioning her in many different dresses, all kinds of looks, different hairstyles, the works. The st couple nights with her had his thoughts wondering to her almost constantly. Falling asleep with her cuddled up against him. The smell of her hair, the feel of her legs and arms wrapped with his. The sound of her breathing. It is undeniable that he has been feeling aroused for the past two nights.

  “Chris?” Jackson says, snapping him out of his daze.

  “You all right?” Larry asks.

  “Uh, yeah. Fine. Mind was wondering.”

  “Ho-ho! I know where it was wondering to.” Jerry being Jerry.

  Chris has learned one thing from Elle. He smacks Jerry in the chest.

  “Jerry, that’s none of your business.” Simon informs him.

  “Sorry.”

  After they try on the tuxes, the men get a hair cut such and head back to the hotel. The women get back as they finish cleaning up. Chris is eager to see Elle, but she just gives him a, ‘nope, nope, nope‘, instead. He had to wait until she was ready and dresses. Not even their mothers would show themselves. Chris felt like he was waiting all night for the best Christmas ever.

  “All right, guys. We’re ready.” Melissa calls from behind the separating door.

  “Close your eyes, Chris.” Elle calls out.

  He smiles and obeys, closing his eyes. He hears the door open and a couple whistles. A smile grows on his face.

  “Okay, Chris. You can open your eyes.”

  He slowly opens them and had to blink a couple times. He couldn’t believe his eyes. Elle was a vision of an angel. Her hair had been done, curled on one side, shortened on the opposite. Some glitter sparked on her forehead. Not a lot, but just enough to highlight. Some light makeup to accentuate her face. And her dress…wow. A one shoulder wrap around that went longer down one leg than the other. The shorter side was kind of short. Showing her long leg leading to blue elegant heels. And shimmering blue, like the sea. Very appropriate. It even came with matching elbow-length gloves and a hand-purse.

  “How do I look?” Elle says in a shy voice.

  Chris smiles and shakes his head. “I’m trying to find the words. Elle, you look amazing.”

  She giggles.

  “You are so beautiful.” Chris goes and takes her hand.

  “Thanks.” Elle swoons. “You look handsome yourself.”

  “Wow, Elle. Chris said it. You look great.” Jackson comments.

  “Yeah, Elle. Wow!” Jerry adds his own.

  “Thanks guys.”

  “So, what about us.” Ariel says standing next to Melissa.

  “I think I speak for the boys in saying all of our wonderful dies are looking absolutely fabulous tonight.” Larry says as he brings out a camera.

  They take turns getting pictures taken. Chris and Elle, the boys, the girls, the parents. Simon then gets a call for the limo.

  “Okay everyone, limo’s downstairs. Let’s go.”

  Chris holds out his elbow and Elle puts her arm through and they’re off to the dinner.

  **********

  As the limo pulls up, they spot some reporters by the door with cameras. Great. At least they were kind enough to let them out of the limo and not rushing it first.

  “Hi, I’m Ellen Dakoto. Channel 7 News.” The reporter says as they approach the doors to the convention hall. As happy as any reporter sounds on the TV. “I wonder if I could have a few words with you?”

  “I think we have time for a few.” Larry says. He continues to introduce everyone.

  “Great. A pleasure to meet you all. Now, I hear this new miraculous procedure won’t be ready for a while?”

  “Yes. Though we did successfully, and with a bit of extreme luck, get my lovely daughter to walk again.” Simon motions to Elle, who just smiles and blushes a little. “That is just one part of the human body. It’ll take a few years before we can see other parts of the human anatomy…repceable, as it were.”

  “Wow. That is absolutely amazing. And how do you feel right now, Ms. Prowman?” Moving the microphone if front of Elle.

  “I feel great. And I am so lucky to have such wonderful family and friends.” She moves her gaze to Chris who squeezes her hand.

  “That’s wonderful. Any pns for the future?”

  “Well, I started dance csses a couple of weeks ago. And I’m loving every moment.”

  “Great, the best of luck to you.”

  Larry and Simon excuse themselves and everyone goes inside. They greet some of the other scientists and medical professionals. Chris stays by her side and holds her hand tight. Easing her nerves with his spark. And she needed it. He could feel her ire rising. While he doesn’t bme her, he is frustrated by the constant repetition of the same questions. He was getting annoyed.

  Finally, the doors to the hall open and everyone files in and is led to their seats. Of course they get a table nearest the main stage area. And there were a lot of tables. About forty or so. By their table was a small stage, a four person cssical band setting up. A podium stands in front. Everything else was set up like a five-star restaurant. Folded cloth napkins, candles, centerpieces, one of each piece of silverware by their ptes. Even the lighting was subdued.

  They settle in at their tables.

  “Why so much silverware?” Jerry asks.

  “To confuse those who don’t know how to use silverware.” Larry says.

  “Like you.” Elle says cheerfully.

  Jerry picks up a small pronged, long handled fork. “So this must be to pick dingle berries?”

  Everyone busts up ughing.

  “Sure, Jerry. Go right ahead.” Jackson tells him.

  A dy comes by and informs them of the appetizers along both walls. The families go and load up their a pte with small finger foods and other assorted goodies.

  “Wait guys.” Jerry stops everyone. “We’re at a fancy pce, with fancy foods.” He shoots up his pinkie and forks a bite of food, then eats it.

  “Jerry…” Melissa says but can’t continue. He had everyone ughing. “Be nice. Put your pinkie down.”

  “In some cultures, that is a sign is disgust.” Elle tells him. “So don’t whip your pinkie out in public.”

  Jerry wags his pinkie at her and makes a face. She returns the gesture.

  “Really?” Chris asks.

  “Oh, I don’t know.” Elle smiles.

  After the appetizers, the chairman of the conference goes to the podium and welcomes everyone to tonight’s dinner. He welcomes some big names, including those of them from TalCorp. Larry and Simon are asked to give a short speech before dinner.

  “Thank you.” Larry starts and introduces himself and Simon. “It’s a real honor to be here. First, I’d like to thank those of you here who have given their support over the st few months. That support has been a great push to further our research and push for even more advances and breakthroughs.”

  “That’s right.” Simon says. “We just want to help provide for those who would otherwise suffer. We hope this weekend we can enlighten, inspire everyone here.” Simon waves to the table. “Elle. Come on up here, sweetie.”

  Elle goes up to the podium. She gets a round of appuse.

  “Last October, my daughter was in a horrible accident. She ended up with a piece of metal stuck in her lower back, which severed her spine. But thanks to Mr. Talvert’s invention, a lot of luck and sleepless nights, Elle is able to walk again.”

  Elle smiles and waves. A soft round of appuse resounds throughout the crowd.

  “Okay, hun. You can go back, now.” Simon tells her.

  Elle comes back and sits down while Larry and Simon finish.

  “It’s the amazing walking, Elle.” A pause. “Ouch!”

  Jerry rubs his shoulder.

  Chris doesn’t have to ask what she did.

  The dads hand the microphone to the chairman, who announces that they will release tables in groups to begin serving dinner. Chris looks at the lines of food being prepared. The smells making his mouth water. Good thing that their table is one of the first few to go. Pork tenderloin, flounder, some kind of scalped potatoes, vegetables, the works. Not to mention the soft dinner music. Everything was perfect.