Wedding Joy and Sorrow

A modest reception takes place on the rooftop of the groom's parents residence. They were lucky their pad was left unscathed by the wrath of Hurricane Katrina. The whole area has been transformed into a Grecian paradise.

Vintage lamps that resemble torches light the walkway. A lamb roasts on a spit. Fresh fruit and rich, stinky cheese make for a delectable spread on a faux marble table.

Everett watched as a group of thirty somethings gyrated to the sounds of Alanis Morrisette and Blessed Union of Souls.He should socialize, but the lovely shock of seeing his daughter again leaves him tongue tied. Dancing would be nice, but none of the music has him in a toe tapping mood.

Everett is sitting on a generic folding chair figuring out his next move, when a spidery manicured hand, grabs him.

" Time for the Father-Daughter dance ," Kera said.

'Runaway' by Jefferson Starship begins to play.

" I am so glad you are here," his daughter squeeled in her operatic voice.

" Who put you up to this anyway? It isn't like you to fly out of your comfort zone," Kera says, wrinkling her brow.

" I decided to try this thing, where I act like a human being instead of a automated machine."

" Turns out, I don't fancy an existence without you in it very much," Everett continued, eyes moist.

" After Katrina,it seemed pretty stupid to hate you , " Kera sighed, popping champagne grapes in her mouth.

"Also, a very wise woman told me to find a way to hurl the hurt and despair from life's woes into the depths of the ocean; Not to forget the lessons they taught you, or the scars they left behind. But rewinding back to when the betrayal happened in your head day after day will make you bonkers. I think that was one of mom's problems." Kera nodded, fingering a Crepe Myrtle Tree.

" That is half the population's problems, " Everett groans.

" Do I know this woman," Everett asks slyly.

He sees Celeste Richards, looking like an aging Venus, in a Grecian cranberry hued gown,with a fringed shawl draped tastefully around her shoulders.She is stowed away in a corner reserved for smokers.

" Perhaps, I am sworn to keep her identity a secret." Kera, looks down at her Jimmy Choo knockoffs.

" I hate to leave you , but my guests and husband are going to think I am a runaway bride like Julia Roberts.Hit me up on my Blackberry anytime," Kera says kissing her father's bald pate.

He should say hello to Celeste, or at least honor her with a polite thank - you. It is so obvious she set the merry reunion between him and Kera in motion. Celeste ,three other woman and one male are loudly discussing if a black leather sofa or a muted corduroy couch goes best with purple drapes.

The conversation appears to be long lasting. Everett does not want to be put in the tortuous position to give his opinion on living room choices. It just isn't a subject his mind entertains.

Everett decides its time to leave, and realizes that he has been carrying his wedding present , an unwrapped toaster with a card full of money all day long.