Brunch

by Julie Elizabeth

November 2002, Firthness Challenge Entry

Rated PG

Author's Note: This is very short but I hope you like it.

A few days after becoming engaged, Will and Elizabeth invited Jane and Charles to brunch to share the happy news. Jane was Elizabeth’s favourite sister and her husband just happened to be Will’s best friend. They were to meet at eleven at a little cafe that was a favourite spot with the foursome.

Will and Elizabeth were early and when eleven arrived the usually punctual Jane and Charles were nowhere to be seen. The reason became clear when they finally arrived fifteen minutes late with Charles’ obnoxious sister Caroline trailing behind them.

Elizabeth and Will glanced at each other and groaned as the new arrivals approached the table. “I’m so sorry we’re late,” began Jane but she was interrupted by Caroline who slipped into the chair Charles was holding for his wife which happened to be next to Will.

“It was all my fault, William,” she simpered. “I arrived just as they were leaving and they graciously invited me along.”

“Had to is more likely,” thought Elizabeth darkly. Caroline was going to ruin their announcement.

“I’m so sorry, William,” continued Caroline, “I hope you didn’t suffer from the company too much.” This last was said with a sneer at Elizabeth.

Will was seething inside but managed to smile and say, “Actually, Caroline, the company was delightful.”

Caroline’s countenance darkened momentarily but quickly brightened again. “Oh, William, you’re so polite.”

Elizabeth glanced at Jane who smile apologetically. Elizabeth smiled back and shook her head. Caroline would never change.

Lizzy was excited. Jane had met a new friend in school and was bringing her home to play. Lizzy desperately wished to go to school too but she wasn’t old enough yet. But Jane was going to bring a part of the experience home today. After waiting for what must have been twice as long as usual, Jane finally arrived home with Caroline. Lizzy ran to meet them and waited anxiously to be introduced.

“Caroline,” Jane said, “this is my sister, Lizzy. She is going to play with us.”

“Surely you don’t expect me to play with your little sister.”

Tears stung in Lizzy’s eyes but Jane clearly didn’t know what to say and she had to rescue her.

“Oh, you don’t have to play with me. I just wanted to meet you.”

Caroline huffed and stalked into the living room. But Jane smiled gratefully and whispered, “Thank you, Lizzy. I’ll play with you later.”

Lizzy watched sadly as Jane and Caroline went into the playroom. She then went up to her room and cried herself to sleep.

Though it wasn’t the way she had envisioned this brunch, Elizabeth realized she would enjoy finally putting Caroline in her place.

“So,” said Charles, once everyone’s food had arrived, “what is it that you two want to tell us?”

Will smiled broadly and took Elizabeth’s hand. “Lizzy has agreed to marry me.”

“Oh, Lizzy,” cried Jane, jumping up to embrace her. Charles rose too and vigorously shook Will’s hand.

Caroline had been completely forgotten and therefore no one noticed when she got up and left. And everyone assumed it had been a random act by mischievous teenagers when they left the cafe and found the tires on Lizzy’s car slashed.

Copyright held by Julie Elizabeth - 2002