CHAPTER 25
The newly merged clan, that is what they looked like, made their way to the seaside service. There were a few chairs for those that required them, but most stood. The service was beautiful honoring God and nature as one. Near the end of the service, Aunt Elsa stood up, "Father Anderson, I would like to make and announcement if I could." Like he would tell her no. Like anyone could. "Yes Mrs. Elsa, please go ahead." Berk stepped forward and placed his hand on Elsa's arm and she shut up and smiled. She retook her seat and the whole congregation let out a low collective sound of astonishment. Berk stood with his chest puffed out and said, "I would like to invite everyone here to remain after the service next Sunday to witness the marriage of my daughter Louise to Mr. Edgar Hansen of Seattle. You are also invited to attend the reception the following the ceremony at the Castle," he looked to his wife for confirmation. She nodded her head in the affirmative. Berk closed by saying, "Thank you and hope to see you all there."
Edgar and Louise were greeted by well wishers for a full two hours after the service, with promises of attending the ceremony and questions like, where are you registered? They merely replied, "We need nothing, please just come celebrate with us." It was well after 10pm before the family dispersed and Edgar walked Louise back to her house. They sat on the front porch for just a few minutes as Edgar knew she would have to take the early ferry to get to work on time. "I won't see you for a week," was all he said. She thought about the separation too. "I will try to workout a short notice if I can, but it will be too hard with my English class and studying for me to get back every night." "I guess it is out of the question for me to go with you?" he smiled sheepishly. She grinned, "What would you do? Sit in my dad's tiny apartment and wait for me to come home. Now that I think about it, doesn't sound so bad." And she laughed. He kissed her and said good night and, "I will see you in the morning."
Edgar met her at her door as she was hauling out a huge suit case. It was bobbling around telling him it was empty. She would use it to clean out her things in the mainland apartment. Edgar gave her a quick kiss and took the light but awkward bag. They walked in relative quiet to the ferry. They reached it at 7am and Edgar helped her board, "You want me to come with you and pack up the apartment for you?" He knew he was reaching for just a few more minutes. "I can do it, I need to give away some stuff, I just have a few clothes and a lot of books." Edgar knew his girl well enough to believe that was true. "Well, I guess I will see you Friday." Edgar was feeling uneasy. She gave him an exaggerated pout then she smiled widely and said, "It's just five days, soon you will be leaving me for months." Edgar shook his head like an angry two year old, "I don't want to think about that right now." She kissed him swiftly on the lips and gave him a little push, "Now get out of here you big baby!" He grinned and walked off the ferry. It started immediately. She looked back and waved only once. He stood there thinking, "Well, now this is different." He was the one standing on land watching the one he loved sail away. "This sucks." He thought. Edgar turned to head back to Aunt Elsa's hoping there was enough to do to keep his mind off of Louise for five long days and four even longer nights.