ABANDONED DREAMS

CHAPTER 5

Chapter 5

Felo

It was the week of my wedding. Everything was in place. We had the symbols of our love and unity there. The wheat for fertility. Because we aimed to have many children. Wine to show out families would be coming together. Salt to remind us to preserve what we have even when times are hot or heated. Which was shown by the pepper.

Water to show purity. There were also the bitter herbs, pot and spoon and shield. The Spear, Honey, Broom and holy book were there as well. I was dressed in our traditional garb. My dress was white with bold colors around the neck and hem. One of many outfits I would wear. This matched the suit and cap that Stephen wore. It was a grand celebration. My father and mother were there, of course. As was his family and the people from both of our villages.  Freddy was there as well. He seemed a little weak and tired, yet, he was happy for us. Emmy and Junior were as well.

Junior was a good mix between his mother and father. He had his father’s grey eyes and straight hair. He had a light complexion yet carried his mother’s wide nose and full lips. It was easy to tell he was mixed to us. Though, I guess he could pass as white to some people. He was growing into a fine young man as far as we could tell. A little defiant, but what child isn’t rebellious. He was a part of our wedding and announced that I was coming down the aisle. We wanted to show a small bit of American tradition in our wedding to honor Freddy as being so dear to Stephen. Almost like family as a matter of face. We celebrated well that week. There was food, dancing and traditional ceremonies. Many gifts were given. Both traditional and contemporary for the time. We welcomed them all. I loved Stephen with all of my heart. When he asked me to be his wife, after arranging it with my family, of course, I could barely get out the yes.

I left his home to truly live with a female friend from University that had moved nearby. I knew there would be lots of family in and out of our homes and our villages to prepare for the wedding. I didn’t want anyone back home to know that I had lived with Stephen before we were wed. Especially not my father. It would ruin his good name. I would never want to shame him.  Now, he was truly proud of me. I was successful and was soon to be married. He could really look my way and smile. The same for Stephen’s family. His mother and sister had become my closest friends in this world. Besides him. His sister was growing into quite the beautiful young woman. It wouldn’t be long before she was done with her studies which Stephen saw to paying for.

The last night of the wedding week was one to remember. Stephen and I were to have our honeymoon in France of two weeks. But, we had to change our plans and return home within days. There would be another huge get together not a week later. Yet, this one would not be one of celebration, yet one of tears and grief.