Mark ignored Jessica completely and leaped off the edge of the patio into the pool. He hit the water with a heavy splash, his expensive business suit immediately soaking through. He swam with powerful strokes toward the struggling woman in the center. He reached out his arms and pulled Elena's head above the water, holding her close to his chest so she could breathe safely. Elena clung tightly to his wet suit jacket, coughing up pool water and shivering wildly from the sudden cold shock.
Mark: I've got you! Mom, breathe! I'm right here! I've got you!
Elena: Mark... my son... what are you doing here in the water?
Mark: Hold on to me tight. I am taking you out right now.
Mark pushed his body through the deep water, guiding his mother toward the shallow steps of the grand pool. He stepped onto the concrete stairs and scooped Elena up into his strong arms completely. Water poured off his soaked suit and her dripping grey uniform as he stepped out onto the bright marble patio deck. The entire backyard went completely silent. The caterers, the guests, and the wedding planner stood froze in absolute shock at the scene unfolding before them.
Jessica stood a few feet away, her mouth open wide in pure confusion. She stared at Mark carrying the old maid like a precious child. Her face turned red with growing anger because her big dress entry was being completely ruined by this ugly scene. She stomped her high heel onto the stone ground, pointing her finger aggressively at the shivering older woman in Mark's arms.
Jessica: WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING?! You just ruined your designer suit for a stupid cleaner!
Mark: Shut your mouth! Don't you dare say another word!
Jessica: RELAX, SHE'S JUST THE MAID! Why are you acting like she is someone important?!
Mark: THAT'S MY MOTHER!
The words slammed through the air like a sudden thunderclap. Jessica froze completely in her tracks, her hand dropping slowly to her side. Her eyes widened until they looked like they would pop out of her head. The color drained out of her face, leaving her as pale as her white lace dress. She looked from Mark's furious, water-dripping face down to the pale, wet woman resting against his chest. The silence on the patio was so heavy that only the dripping pool water could be heard.
Jessica: Your... your mother? But you said your family lived far away in a small house!
Mark: She worked three jobs her whole life so I could go to college! She cleaned houses to pay for my business degree!
Jessica: Mark, I... I didn't know! I swear I didn't know she was your mother!
Mark: Does it matter who she is?! You treated a human being like garbage on our wedding day!