Chapter 7- We Can Do This
"We need to go visit Carter. So get a move on." Jay told Elli, who was holding her duffel bag, though it was disguised as Jay's. The plan was to tell Doctor that Elli and Jay were going with Carter to get a final blessing, and Elli would then see him off.
But they would conveniently forget to mention that Elli would be on the boat as well, watching Mineral Town grow smaller and smaller.
The church was up ahead, but Elli was growing more and more nervous, and homesick, as she went. Leaving Mineral Town was an irreversible decision, and how would Grandma fare? Without Elli, she might pass on in a week, with no one to take care of her. Stu would be sent off to an orphanage after finding that his older sister wasn't there for him.
Elli brushed away a tear.
"Elli?" Came a small voice from behind. It was Stu, looking from her to Jay. "You're leaving aren't you?"
"I'm sorry, Stu. But if Jay or I stay we'll either be dead or extremely unhappy." Stu began to sob quietly. "When you're older, I send you a letter, and eventually you can come live with us."
Stu sniffled. "Pinkie-promise?"
"Pinkie-promise." Elli said affirmatively, shaking Stu's hand.
"I'm gonna miss you, Sis." Stu howled, grasping Elli's skirt.
"You're a big boy now. You get to take care of Grandma." Stu seemed to be perplexed by such an honor.
"Then I'd rather be a little boy." Stu said rebelliously.
"Stu." Elli said firmly, as though she were scolding him. "I have to do this. Do you want me dead?"
"But, Sis..."
"Do you want me dead?"
"No, Sis, I don't. I want you to grow up and be happy." Stu admitted. "But I never wanted you to leave Mineral Town."
"Stu, I'll be back, I promise." Elli smiled, and Stu returned it, beaming.
"Alright. But if you don't, I'll be very mad." Stu taunted. Elli laughed.
"Don't worry." Elli said.
"Lets go Elli!" Jay called from the other end of Rose Plaza.
"Bye, Stu." She kissed her little brother.
"Bye Elli!" Stu yelled, waving his hand.
Elli turned and ran to catch up to Jay.
"Here we are." Jay said nervously.
The door creaked open, and Carter stood at the podium where he spoke his sermons.
"I've been expecting you." Carter said quietly, eyes downcast.
"How'd you…?" Jay asked, but Carter silenced him.
"I have my ways." He continued. "You're here to ask if you can forego Mineral Town's most important rule."
"Yes, we are." Elli said boldly. "I'm not letting Doc run my life for me!" She burst. "I am going to marry Jay and leave here within the next half hour. If, of course, we have your blessings and permission."
Carter smiled awkwardly. "So I've heard."
There was a small period of silence, in which Carter glanced at the two, unsure of what to do.
He shivered.
I'm unsure of what to do. They are sincere, but I have my feelings. What if Doctor Thomas after me? I have nowhere to run or hide, like Elli and Jay do. Carter thought guiltily.
Elli and Jay were seated in the front pew in silence as Carter contemplated the dilemma.
To Carter, a sudden vision appeared, of the Harvest Goddess, storming into the church on a rainy night as Doctor Tom approached. She placed her hand on his shoulder and he froze, as if he heard something behind him.
Behind him stood Karen, who ran up to him and kissed his cheek.
Doctor's menacing expression faded, and he dropped his pocketknife. He smiled suddenly, and laughed, before kissing Karen back. The Harvest Goddess disappeared with a quick spell of teleportation.
All was well in Mineral Town.
Carter snapped back to reality. As long as he made the correct decision, the Harvest Goddess would come back and save him.
It was simple, then.
Elli and Jay were to be wed.
"I've made my decision." Carter announced brightly, grinning, as he spread out his arms.
"You are to be wed." Elli and Jay cheered elatedly.
"Thank you Carter." Elli took his hand and kissed it, as a way of thanks.
"Walk up the aisle."
Both Jay and Elli began at the beginning of the aisle. It was almost a meaningless ceremony, but Carter knew he was doing the right thing.
Elli and Jay were standing in the proper position, and Carter took his, standing in front of the podium.
"Do you promise to take each other in lifelong love and marriage?" Carter asked merrily, reading from his book.
"Yes, we do." Elli and Jay answered in unison, hand in hand.
"Then you may kiss the bride." Carter said, snapping the book shut.
"I hope I can make you happy." Jay answered honestly, and leaned forward.
"Don't move." Who but Doctor Thomas stood at the church door.
"Don't do it." Doc insisted, but Carter had an idea.
"Kiss!" He barked. "It is the finally unity! Kiss!" Carter urged.
"Don't, or I'll kill you all." Doc warned.
Elli spoke up, stomping over next to him. "I'm sick of taking orders from you! I will do what I want with my life! It is not up to you!"
She slapped him, astounding her small crowd.
She ran to Jay. "I love you." She said.
She kissed him.
Jay kissed her back.
"The final unity." Elli said proudly.
"I-I wish you two eternal luck." Carter stammered.
Doc smiled madly.
"No one is leaving until I marry Elli. I've got you right where I want you."
A/N: Duhn…duhn…duhn.