Chapter 2 - The Biggest Step...

(...the church hall...minutes later...)

The hall is quite large, and the seats are filled reasonably well.

Helga, holding a bouquet, is about to walk down the aisle. Standing at her side is Big Bob.

"You look so beautiful, just like your mother did."

"Dad, stop", Helga responded, blushing a little.

"I mean it, girl."

The processional starts up and the crowd rises to its feet.

"I've never said this to you, but I'm proud of you, Helga."

"Thanks."

Helga and Big Bob walk down the aisle. A young girl is holding Helga's train, while a little blonde girl is tossing out rose petals behind them. Along the way, they pass several familiar faces:

...Gerald, looking nonchalant...

...Dr. Bliss, who waves at her...

...Harold and Patty, standing together hand in hand...

...Tish Wittenberg, who looks at her and mouths the words "I told you." This makes Helga smile a bit...

...Curly and Rhonda, looking happy together with their young son...

...Arnold, who smiles at her...

As Helga arrives at the altar, the music comes to a halt and the little girl goes to sit with Olga. Helga faces her groom: a handsome, well-built young man with light hair and a striking smile.

The minister stands before the couple holding a bible.

"We are gathered her today in the sight of God and this assembly to witness the joining in marriage of Helga G. Pataki and Victor Jamison."

The minister turns to Victor.

"Do you, Victor, take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife? To have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, 'til death do you part?"

"I do."

The minister focuses on Helga.

"And do you, Helga, take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband? To have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, 'til death do you part?"

"I do. I do. I do!", she answers, nearly on the verge of shouting.

"The institution of marriage is a sacred one; one that should be cherished throughout one's life."

Victor takes a beautiful wedding band from the ring bearer and slips it onto Helga's finger.

"If there is anyone here who feel that these two should not be joined in the bonds of holy matrimony, speak now or forever hold your peace."

The congregation sits in stone silence, save for someone's coughing from near the back row.

"I now pronounce you husband and wife."

The crowd erupts in applause and cheering.

"You may kiss the bride."

Victor dips Helga and plants a big kiss upon her lips. The recessional starts up on the organ.

(...outside the church...moments later...)

The happy couple runs out of the church, flying grains of rice joining them the whole way.

Helga and Victor climb into the back seat of a limousine, which departs the church. Tin cans are tied to the bumper and the sign 'Just Married!' is painted onto the hood of the trunk.

"I can't believe it. We're finally married", Helga gushes.

"Sometimes, I can't believe it myself."