Lavina and Gohan have agreed to an arranged marriage for the sake of their heritage.
Well, I'm back. I'm hoping that this chapter will please. I would appreciate advice and/or ideas. Thank you for reading. Please enjoy.
Lavina sat in front of the vanity mirror quietly as a group of ladies worked on her dress and hair behind her. Her eyes were sad and resigned, awaiting the fate she had consented to. Today was her wedding. Her grandmother, her only relative that knew the true reason behind this marriage, stood behind her, overseeing the preparations. She had been a pillar of strength in place of Lavina's deceased parents, and now Lavina felt cold and alone knowing she would be leaving all she knew and loved behind.
Lavina's three aunts bustled about the room, chattering away. They were more than happy about her wedding, but then they would never know the whole story. She sighed. Someone might as well enjoy themselves. She certainly wasn't. A glance at the clock told her she had five minutes until the ceremonies began, and suddenly, butterflies danced in her chest. She promptly ignored them and pulled up a mask of indifference over her lovely features. She would go through with this. She would.
Gohan stood at the front of the small chapel, surveying the people gathered around. It was a small wedding, only family and close friends. His family, the Briefs, Yamcha, Piccolo, Krillen's family, Master Roshi, Tien, and Chaotzu sat to his right, while Lavina's family sat at his left. They all waited expectantly. One of Lavina's uncles stood at the back of the chapel. He would be giving Lavina away in place of her deceased father. Gohan steeled his nerves and glanced over the audience once more. Strains of music began to drift through the chapel and Gohan eye's fixed on a sight he would never forget.
A young woman stood at the back of the chapel. She wore a gown of pure white, cascading down her slim form and pooling around her feet. The neckline reached up her throat, where white lace spilled forth. The sleeves were long and flowed over her slender fingers. Around her shoulders the fabric had been cut out, leaving them bare. Her fawn colored hair was caught up in a loose bun with two bunches framing her face. A white veil spilled over her face, and down her back. She was perhaps the most beautiful woman Gohan had ever laid eyes on. She took her uncle's proffered arm and gracefully walked down the alley, appearing as if she floated. When she drew near, Gohan took her arm and secured it in his own.
As they stood before the preacher, Gohan felt a slight tremor go through her arm. He glanced at her. Her skin was creamy and pale with a light flush around her cheeks. Eyes the color of the morning sky were framed by long, midnight lashes. And, to his surprise, behind her carefully veiled emotions, he saw fear. Her eyes were full of it, fear and confusion. Compassion descended on him like a flood, and he wished desperately that he could comfort her. She seemed so delicate, like an ethereal white rose, caught in a storm. Her bottom lip trembled slightly, betraying once again her fear.
She doesn't want this any more than I do. Gohan observed carefully. He felt respect for her, because he saw her fear, but she still chose to marry him. She had courage.
Lavina could not control the tremor that went through her arm as she took her future husband's arm. He was tall, taller than her father had been, with spiky black hair and obsidian eyes. True, he was very handsome, and her heart had quickened a beat at the sight of him. His face had been almost sad. His handsome feature resigned yet still hopeful.
As she stood there, her arm in his, she felt fear. Fear of her new life, of being alone, of the unknown. There was so much she didn't know. What would her husband be like? She didn't know what she felt about him. She wasn't really scared of him, rather curious and wary. Could they learn to love each other?
The preacher, now finished with his short message, motioned for them to face each other. They both repeated, in turn, the words of a promise that both intended to keep. They did not want this marriage, but they had agreed to it, and they would keep it at all costs.
"Gohan Son, do you take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife?" Gohan gazed at the woman before him, and without hesitating, replied.
"I do." The preacher now addressed Lavina.
"Lavina Garrd, do you take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband?" Lavina pushed down a sudden rise of panic and swallowed. She hoped the waver in her voice wasn't too noticeable.
"I do." The preacher nodded to Gohan, who took a ring out of his pocket and slipped in smoothly onto her delicate finger.
Lavina in turn slid the ring on Gohan's finger, blushing as she did so at the feel of his strong hand. The preacher closed his bible.
"I now pronounce you man and wife." Lavina was eternally grateful to her grandmother for negotiating the details of leaving the kiss out of the ceremony. Kissing a man she had just met did not feel right. Gohan, too, was glad, although he didn't know his wife felt the same way. He gingerly took her hand and they walked down the alley to the sound of clapping.
They had done it. There was no going back now. Would love come with time?
Another chapter done. Did you like? Please review.