Fight for Life
Chapter One
Mid-June,2016
Leslie Burke climbed gracefully out of the limousine, and onto the gravel
path that led to the church. The hot sunshine reflected her golden curls, and
she wore a simple white dress. In her hands she held a delicate bouquet of
roses.
Bill Burke stood on the church-steps, watching his daughter make her way
towards him. His eyes were dying with love, pride, and joy for his little girl
and the man she was to share her life with.
'You look beautiful' he whispered as Leslie walked up the steps, her dress
trailing behind her.
Leslie beamed, and she took his big, but gentle hand.
'Oh, Dad! I've been dreaming of this day for years. Ever since Jess and I
shared our first kiss'
Bill struggled to keep his voice cracking with emotion. To see Leslie, so
happy, so in love, was better than any book he could write. It was because of
Leslie, Bill and his wife Judy had decied to leave the city and head for Lark
Creek, Virgina, when she was only twevle. They hoped a fresh start somewhere
new would help Leslie fit in and make friends.
There she met her saviour, Jesse Aarons, who was as lonely and lost as she
was. Their friendship was a beautiful thing, in a world where boys and girls
were beggining to grow apart. But soon their friendship blossomed into love,
and here they, were nine years later.
Music within the church began to play, and the nose of many people standing
up could be heard.
'Come on, Baby Girl.' Bill said gruffly, his hand gripping hers. The church
doors swung open, and together they walked down the red carpet. Everyone's
eyes were upon the stunning bride, but Leslie only noticed the man standing
beside the priest.
Leslie let go of Bill's hand and stood next to Jesse.
'Take care of my little girl, Jess.' Bill said. 'Promise me you'll never hurt
Leslie, and always be there for her.'
Jesse was touched by the sincere words. 'Don't worry, Mr Burke. I'll cherish
and look after Leslie for as long as I live.'
Bill smiled, and he sat down at the edge of the first pew. Judy sniffled.
The music stopped.
The red-faced priest spoke, his loud voice echoing against the stone walls.
'We are gathered here today to celebrate the union of Jesse Aarons and Leslie
Burke.'
He flowed through the congretion, until they came to the vows.
They joined hands, ready to conceal their love and commitment in front of God
and his people.
Jesse spoke, his eyes gazing intenly into Leslie's.
'There was darkness for a long time, and then there was light, and that light
was you.
Your love has given me wings, and our journey begins today.
I plege to this entire assmebly to be your husband from this day forward. Let
us make our two lives one life. I want you today, tomorrow, and forever.'
Leslie took a deep breath, and she said her vows.
'I have dreamed my whole life of finding someone as wonderful as you love me
the way you do.
I give myself to you to be your wife, and I promise here to treasure our love
for all my days.
Let us bring together our lives and find ourselves anew each day.'
The time to exchange their rings was nearly here.
The priest turned to Leslie.
'Leslie Darcy Burke, will you take Jesse Oliver Aarons as your husband, in
happines, and with patience and understanding, through conflict and
tranguilty?'
'I do' She slipped a ring onto Jesse's finger.
'Jesse Oliver Aarons, will you take Leslie Darcy Burke as your wife, in
happines, and with patience and understanding, through conflict and
tranquitly?'
'I do'
Jesse placed his ring onto Leslie's finger, a symbol of neverending love.
'In the years that shall bring Jesse Aarons and Leslie Burke together, in
greater age and wisdom: we shall hope their love shall be ever young, and that
they may draw strengh from it,
in times of fear and despair.
In this hope, we pray they will keep their vows they made today, in freedom,
teaching each other who they are, what they shall yet be, enblaning them to
know that in the fullness of being,they are more than themselfs, and more than
each other. They are a part of all us,
and together we share joyously the fruits of life on this earth, our home.
Through the power and love of the God Almighty, I now pronouce you husband
and wife.
You may kiss the bride.'
Their lips joined, and Leslie wrapped her arms around Jesse's neck, and he
lifted her off her feet. Their family and friends began to clap and cheer
wildly. They were one.