22
1750 Words
Arriving early the next day, Helga sighed in relief as she moved to embrace Lukas tightly. Seeing him after so many years had passed was a heartbreaking reality after she got past the fact that he, of the two boys her brother fathered, looked just like Tracy did when he was young. “I’m so happy you’re safe, Lukas. Are you well? How are your father and brother?”
“Well, as you’re probably aware, Markus is gay, engaged to my best friend, and currently working with one of our teammates at a parts store and garage. Dad is, well, he’s dad. A real morgenmuffel, if you know what I mean.” The young man replied, enjoying the warmth of his aunt’s embrace.
She laughed, a light, airy sound that echoed in the room as she changed her heeled boots for the fuzzy slippers from her porch cubby. “Yes, but Tracy was never a morning person. As for Markus, that sweet boy is walking a path only he can get through. It is not up to us to judge, as only our Lord and Saviour can clean the slate of humanity, but we must be there for him in spirit regardless of his life choices. Now, on to the real reason I was called upon, Mutter advised me that my legal experience would be required. Would you like to explain?”
“Thank you for coming to help, Tante Helga. Things are getting way too out of hand, and her family has sent people after both my fiancée and her closest friend. Not to mention the blood-boiling abuse she suffered over the years at the hands of people meant to love and cherish her. Oma spoke the truth – I desperately need help. I need you to take her to another room to talk to her. That way, she can level with you honestly without feeling pressured.” Lukas murmured, his voice filled with gratitude.
Helga pulled back slightly, her hands resting on his shoulders as she studied his face. “Of course, Lukas. At least you’re going about it the right way. Now, let’s take care of everything. Oh, and I did some digging regarding the twenty-one day rule. Neffe, it does still apply to those who hold dual citizenship such as you and your brother. However, if I’m not mistaken, you and your young friend are adept at forging papers, yes?”
“Uh…” blushing a dark shade of red, Lukas nodded. “I already altered the date on my passport and the airline ticket with Jaxon’s help.”
“That’s all fine and well, but we only need one or two people from the village to confirm the length of your stay in Goslar. Do you have anyone in mind who can do that for you?” His aunt asked, hanging her coat on a peg before following him to the heart of the house – the kitchen.
“I have a few unrelated people who would gladly cover my ass in this,” Lukas told her.
She nodded, “Good, call them here right away while I handle your young lady.”
Inside the kitchen, Johanna sat nervously at the table, her fingers twisting a strand of her hair. Though Marie tried to talk her down, the girl was an emotional mess after the harrowing experience she had the day before. She looked up as Helga and Lukas entered, her eyes filled with a mix of anxiety and hope.
“Johanna, this is my Tante Helga,” Lukas introduced, his tone gentle. “She’s here to help us with the legal counsel bit, okay? Auntie, you can use the upstairs.”
Helga approached with a warm smile. “Many thanks, Lukas. Hallo, it’s a pleasure to meet you, Johanna. As my nephew said, I’m here to make sure everything goes smoothly for you.”
Johanna nodded, a small smile forming on her lips. “Thank you for taking time out of what I can only imagine was a busy day for this, Ms. Roberts.”
“You can call me Helga, dear” the woman replied softly. “Now, there’s much to discuss, so let’s go up to my old room so we can talk over the details and make sure you’re comfortable with everything.”
They moved upstairs, and Helga closed the door behind them, creating a private and safe space for their conversation. “First and foremost, Johanna, I want you to know that everything you say here is confidential. My primary concern is your well-being and ensuring that you are making decisions freely and without any pressure.”
Johanna hesitated, then began to speak, her voice trembling slightly. “It’s just… My family… they’ve done terrible things to me. They’ve sent people after me and my friend, Julian. When Lukas found me, I had nearly died at their hands.”
Helga listened intently, her expression one of empathy and concern. “I’m so sorry for what you’ve been through, Johanna. No one should ever have to endure that. Do you feel like you owe him your allegiance? Like you need to say yes to him because he saved you?”
Tears welled up in Johanna’s eyes as she continued, “No, not at all. He’s been careful with me, encouraging me. I don’t see him as a hero, Helga. A hero wouldn’t beat another man to death the way he did.”
Helga reached out to gently take Johanna’s hand. “Marriage is a significant commitment, and it should be entered into freely and with joy. If you feel indebted to him, then I cannot proceed, do you understand?”
“I don’t. He left the choice in my hands when he brought it up initially, and I decided to accept him as my fiancé after days of thinking about it while I healed from my near-death experience,” Johanna said firmly. It was a fib, but one that would secure her future. She’d actually decided to go through with it the same day he’d informed her.
The woman nodded, her expression reassuring. “Well said, Johanna. I’ll review all the legal documents, explain all the nitty gritty details, and ensure you’re fully informed.”
As they settled at the desk in the corner where the woman used to do her homework, Helga reached into her briefcase and pulled out a stack of documents. “Alright. First things first – we need to confirm your identity. Do you have your government-issued ID and any other relevant documents? For example, birth certificate, medical record, etc.”
Johanna nodded and handed Helga the paperwork Julian dropped off the evening before. “My family burned everything else I owned, but I was at least smart enough to have Mr. and Mrs. Schneider hold onto my government documents behind my parent’s back. They took me to get my photo ID just last year on my birthday. We had to go in secret because Vater wouldn’t allow it.”
“Excellent,” Helga said, placing the documents aside. “Now, as you can see, the marriage application form includes basic information about you and Lukas. It also requires a declaration that both of you are entering this marriage voluntarily and without any coercion. I’ll have you write a generic statement for me, okay? Your parents will have a hard time finding a way around this considering you’re a new-adult.”
Helga handed Johanna the application form and a pen. “Take your time to read through it and fill out your portion.”
As Johanna started to fill out the form, Helga continued, “Next, we have to ensure there are no legal impediments to your marriage. This includes confirming that neither you nor Lukas are currently married to someone else and that there are no familial relationships that would prohibit the marriage under German law. Have you and Lukas discussed this?”
“Yes, we have. Neither of us is married, and we’re definitely not related,” Johanna replied with a voice laden with humour.
“That’s good to hear,” Helga said, marking a checklist on her notepad. “We also need two witnesses to verify that you have been residing in Goslar for the required 21 days and that you’re entering this marriage willingly. Lukas mentioned he has a few people in mind who can help with this.”
Johanna nodded, her confidence growing. “Yes, he did. He’s already made some calls, but I was born and raised here. Would Father Daniel do? He baptized me when I was born, and Midwife Margaret Herrmann was there for my birth.”
“Wonderful,” Helga said. “Now, regarding the ceremony itself, Father Daniel will perform the marriage ceremony. This will ensure that everything is conducted according to both legal and religious customs. Are you comfortable with that?”
“I am,” Johanna said, smiling. “Father Daniel has been very kind to us.”
Helga nodded approvingly. “Perfect. The registrar will review everything and schedule the official marriage ceremony unless you have a date in mind.”
“We need it done as soon as possible, Helga. He’s taking me to his home where I can finally be free and safe.” Johanna told her quietly.
“Very well,” Helga replied. “In that case, I’ll fast-track the submission and follow-up to make sure there are no issues.”
Once all the forms were completed and signed, Helga placed them back in her briefcase. “You’ve done wonderfully, Johanna. We’re one step closer to making this official.”
“Thank you,” Johanna said, her gratitude evident. “I feel much better knowing this much is out of the way. Lukas and I are that much closer to our goal now.”
Helga smiled warmly. “It’s my pleasure, dear. We just need to get those witnesses statements and submit everything as soon as possible.”
“If I may,” Johanna smiled, a coy curve to her pale pink lips. “Why not have the registrar come to Neuwerkkirche. That’s my family church.”
Grinning like the cat that got the cream, Helga nodded, “A fine idea, child. It may cost a good bit to have them take an entire afternoon off, but it would serve the purpose you’re going for. Besides, that’s our family’s church as well. Goodness, you’re nearly as smart as my nephew.”
- Writer
