CHAPTER 8:MARIEL
The next day, both of my parents greeted me: my mother with a smile, my father with a slight scowl.
>Good morning. I hope the sun found you well.>
>And to you.>
All through the morning ritual, my mother tried to encourage me. Something big was happening today.
We grazed together. I only appeared as if I were eating though. I didn't have much of an appetite.
When I had eaten my meager fill, I made my way to the scoop. My father followed behind me and behind him, my mother. >So, what's going on?> I made the attempt to be conversational.
>Ajaht's family has decided to break with tradition allow the two of you to meet each other. I told them yesterday that you were a might skittish and she thought that it would be a good idea. Not allowing the bride and groom to see each other until the ceremony is obsolete now anyway,> she said brightly. She sounded just a little too happy.
>In other words, they know about me and were afraid that I would embarrass them on D-Day when I shrink back instead of stepping forward.> I had paid some attention in class when we studied the second world war on Earth. It was fascinating. I shall have to talk more about it with you some other time.
>Well, you have been know to act on impulse. Really, I want it to be a happier day for you than it was for m...most girls,> she shot a surreptitious glance in my father's direction, but he either didn't hear or had chosen to ignore it.
>So when are we going? Next week? Next year?>
>Today,> my father said with crushing finality.
