The Tears Of A Clown

Chapter Eight

Although Lizzie was officially Melanie’s Aunt, Melanie’s three children had grown up calling her Aunt as well, and never thought of Lizzie as anything else.

Her hair was mostly grey now, and she had put on a little more weight But she was less tetchy than she use to be, mellowed with old age and enjoying her grandchildren, she and husband Hugo still travelled with the circus along with their children and grandchildren. Melanie and her three were also part of that extended family

So it seemed only appropriate they all gathered in Aunt Lizzie’s caravan, plotting and planning for the surprise party for Ricardo and Melanie’s anniversary.

As Maria sat with Lizzie and the others, including Carla and Lisa, she was suddenly curious about the circumstances for her parents getting married in the first place. Especially in the light of learning recently that they didn’t even seem to like each other in the beginning.

Recalling her mother was around her own age, Maria found herself appalled at the idea of being made to marry so young.

“Aunt Lizzie, is it true that my mom was forced to more or less marry my father?” Maria suddenly enquired slightly intrigued

An uneasy silence fell amongst the other three woman as they exchanged looks

“Who told you that? Your mother?” Lizzie demanded with a small frown, though finding it hard to believe Melanie would say such a thing

“Well no, not exactly, “ Maria replied, “She did mention once that she had married my father because it was arranged by her Grandfather, and I had always assumed it was because she and Pops had feelings for each other still. But Lisa told us that they didn’t even like each other in the beginning. So I an assuming she must have forced to marry him then”

Lizzie shot her daughter Lisa a sharp look, making her shif uncomfortably, “well it’s the truth,” she said a little defensively

Lizzie now turned her attention back to Maria, addressing her, “Well I wouldn’t exactly say they were forced to marry each other. Your mother was very young when your Great Grandfather George took sick and ended up dying of cancer. He just wanted to make sure she was taken care of after his death and wanted the best for her, and an arrangement was made between him and your father’s parents. and as far as I know neither your father or your mother openly protested about the arrangement, and seemed quite happy to go along with it” she finished pointedly

“I see,” Maria replied thoughtfully, “But they were not in love with each other at the time, either?”

“What has that got to do with anything?” Lizzie snapped in her no nonsense manner.

“I just think its fascinating,” Maria replied, “In a way I feel I don’t know my parents as much as I thought I did. There is this whole side of them I am only discovering about now, and to find out how it was in the beginning for them. I mean she was the same age as me when she got married. It is so young, not something I would fancy doing, especially if it was to someone I didn’t even like” she frowned at the thought of it

“Well luckily your mother was nothing like you, and knew her place and what was expected of her,” Lizzie said, “Anyway the arrangement turned out for the best in the end; your parents are very happy together now, anyone can see that, and that is the main thing”

“I guess so,” Maria relented, “I mean I am glad that they are married to each other, and it worked out, It’s just hard to imagine them not liking each other. Which is why I am trying to picture them both not getting along, but I can’t” she admitted with a shake of her head.

“Good,” Lizzie replied firmly, “Some things are better left in the past and not dragged up again,” she informed her sternly

Hear, hear,” Carla heartily agreed, feeling suddenly guilty as she remembered her own shady relationship with Ricardo back then, and how it had a hand in also helped bring about Maria’s parents marriage.