Best of Intentions, Chapter 13

It is the last Sunday in January 1941, wedding day for Ben and Rita.  The yard behind Rita's house in Mexico City is decked out for a small, simple affair.  About 50 guests are present, sitting on chairs facing Ben and a Catholic priest who will officiate. Finally, all are quiet as Rita, in a cream-colored, laced, two-piece, tailor-made dress, and escorted by her brother, Miguel, starts to walk down the aisle.  When she reaches Ben, Rita takes his hand, stands next to him, and faces the priest who starts speaking in Spanish. When the ceremony is over, Ben and Rita kiss and the guests converge on them offering their best wishes.

At the reception, a small band plays traditional Mexican music. The guests sit at tables eating, drinking, and laughing.  Ben and Rita circulate, greeting them all.  Later, under the lights, the newlyweds dance slowly to the music.  Finally, they are alone.

"I couldn't wait for everyone to leave so I could hold you in my arms and kiss you.  Seems to me people ought to be alone when they get married.  I love you, Rita."

"I love you very much and you will make me very happy for the rest of my life."

The next morning at breakfast, Ben exclaimed that, "You know, living here in Mexico is like an adventure for me.  I want to make the most of it."

"You will, my love."

And so, over the next several months Ben tries to make the most of his opportunity to experience life in a new land, with a different language and a different culture.  He takes private Spanish lessons from a retired public school teacher and gives private English lessons to a few eager adult Mexican students. Ben visits many places and neighborhoods in his new adopted city. He meets many new people, most of whom welcome him, but some of whom do not wish him well.  Soon, as his Spanish skills improve, Ben is able to help out at Rita's store, which pleases them both.

Near the end of 1941, Rita asks Miguel to pay her a visit at her office.  

"We're having a party at my house on the seventh.  Bring your girlfriend and whomever else you'd like.  I want it to be big and festive."

"I can't believe it, my sister.  You're a happy woman.  Ben's been great for you."

"He's restored my life and he's becoming a little bit Mexican.  His Spanish is getting better every day.  He tries so hard."

"I'm surprised.  It's been almost a year.  Not many of them would do what he's done, come here to live, marry a Mexican woman.  I'll see you Sunday.  I'll bring Raquel and some others."

On the wall of Rita's office is a calendar which shows that Sunday will be December 7, 1941.