Jitters

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Chapter 2:  The Bride

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            Seira giggled as she watched Meimi squirm and twist about nervously. 

            "I don't know why I nervous, Seira," said Meimi, "I've dated Daiki for a long time now.  We've been engaged for months.  Why am I nervous?"

            Seira smiled calmly, "Well, I think you're nervous because getting married is a serious lifelong commitment."

            "That doesn't sound entirely correct," murmured Meimi.

            "Then, perhaps, you are nervous because you aren't sure what will come; you are feeling nervous about the future," hypothesized Seira.

            Meimi stared off into space over Seira's shoulder.  After a few moments she drawled, "That sounds close to what I'm feeling.  I'm not entirely sure but if I didn't know better I'd say I was afraid of the unknown.  But I'm not really afraid, just wary."

            "It is only natural to be a bit anxious," said Seira, "I have to admit that I was feeling much the same way you are when I took my vows to dedicate my life to God."

            "What you are feeling is a completely human and normal reaction," Seira said.

            "Wanna trade places?" Meimi asked jokingly.

            Seira blushed a little and shook her head no. 

            "Ooooo, Seira's blushing," teased Meimi, "so, what were thinking about?"

            Seira smiled, "I suddenly remembered that time I had disguised myself as you when you were modeling that bride's dress years ago."

            "You made such a pretty bride, too," said Meimi and then started laughing.

            Seira blushed even harder but then joined in laughing with Meimi.

            "Do you feel a little less nervous now?"

            "I feel much better now, thank you," Meimi replied with a smile.

            A knock and voice at the door prevented any further conversation, "Meimi, dear, may Papa and I come in?"

            "I would love it if you and Papa came in, Mama," answered Meimi.

            Eimi and Genichiro walked through the door together each with different emotions on each of their faces.  Eimi looked so happy and joyous but Genichiro looked like he was getting worked up again.

            "Meimi," asked her father, "are you sure you want to marry that boy?  I mean, you are under no obligation to go through with this."

            "Papa!" said a shocked Meimi.

            "Honey, we went over this before," berated Eimi, "you will not try to prevent this marriage.  Remember what we talked about before?"

            "Yes, dear, but…," Genichiro subsided at the long look Eimi gave him.

            "And you may not go to his room and threaten him."

            Genichiro looked beseechingly at his wife with a look of a child who had just had his favorite toy taken away because of misbehavior.

            "Papa, you don't have to worry," said Meimi, "because no matter what happens I will always be your little girl.  You have said so yourself many times.  And you should think of the old saying, 'Don't think of it as losing a daughter but as gaining a son'."

            He looked at his daughter with some surprise.  And then a really happy smile appeared on his face, "You're right!  I am gaining a son!"  And with that he turned and left the room with a bounce in his step.

            Meimi and Seira just stared at his retreating back.  Eimi was giggling.

            "What was that all about, Mama?" asked Meimi.

            "I suspect your father has left to bond with his new 'son'," she said.

            "I'm sure Daiki is fine," said Meimi, "after all, he isn't bothered by much."

            Eimi just looked at her daughter with a secretive and knowing smile, knowing the truth behind men on their wedding days.

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I don't know if I will be updating for a week or two.  The next chapter hasn't wanted to write itself yet.  But I do have the basic plot of it written out.

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Disclaimer:  Saint Tail is the property of its respective owners and licensees.  It doesn't belong to me.