XXII. Sickness and Shopping
Two weeks had passed since the argument between Erik and Zuri. They had began planning their wedding which they figured they would try to do as soon as possible. Zuri was now beginning to feel the effects of pregnancy and all Erik could do was comfort her or watch her.
Zuri was hunched over the bathtub feeling rather queasy. "Erik. I don't think I can leave the bathroom."
"What is the matter?" He asked while walking in to see if she was alright.
"I'm feeling sick. I can't go out and shop for my wedding dress."
"Do you think it will wear off?"
"I hope so."
"I don't want to go shopping without you. I will have Antoinette go. There is no use you going if you feel so bad."
"I'm sorry." She apologized then sniffled.
"There is nothing to be sorry about. We will save shopping for a wedding dress later. I will have Antoinette pick up some food. You will not be cooking until you have had this child."
"What? But Erik!"
"No buts. You could get burned or hurt yourself. I simply won't have it."
Zuri sighed angrily despite her queasiness. "That is so unfair."
"The world is unfair sweetness."
"You and the world are unfair."
Erik laughed then said, "Temperamental aren't we?" Before she could speak he said, "There are other things that you could do. Like sew and knit and read."
"I know."
"I will be back. Stay here until I get back."
"Be quick."
"I will."
xxxx
Erik returned to find Zuri sleeping against the bathtub. He gently picked her up in his arms carefully then taking her into the bedroom. After laying her down in the silky sheets he made sure that her dress was straightened then pulled the sheets and a thick warm blanket over her.
He sat on the edge of the bed while gently stroking her hair. Her hand suddenly caught his. "Thanks." She murmured softly.
"You are welcome." Erik replied then said, "Can I get you anything?"
"No. I don't want anything to eat."
"Maybe some tea then, Antoinette gave me some imported green tea from Japan. It is said to be real good for your health."
"No. I'm really not in the mood for it now."
"There is nothing I can get you?"
"We can talk."
"About what?"
"The wedding."
"What about the wedding?"
"Where do you want to have it?"
"There is a small chapel near the opera house. I thought we could have our wedding there."
"That sounds good."
"You are not too enthusiastic."
"When your stomach feels like it is being squeezed then no I really am not caring about anything else."
"I'm sorry sweetness." He apologized then stroked her hair again.
"It's okay."
"What do you want your dress to look like?"
"I don't know. We'll go out tomorrow if it is alright."
"Of course it is."
"Erik?"
"Hmm."
"Will you lay down with me?"
"If it is what you want."
"Yes please."
Erik took off his coat and vest then stood up and put them over a chair and walked to the other side of the bed, pulled the covers down, took off his shoes then got in bed. He curled up beside her, resting his left arm over the side of her waist then allowing her to lay her head on his right arm. "Thanks."
"You are welcome Zuri. Sleep. I will be here."
"Thanks." She repeated then fell asleep fast.
xxxx
The next day Zuri felt good enough to go on an outing with Antoinette and Erik. After she retrieved her dress they would be able to marry sooner. Finding a dress shop, the three went in and looked at the dresses that were currently displayed. It was odd to have Erik shopping with her. He looked like he was not too enthusiastic being out. She could not blame him either. However, he looked like he was having a good time looking for a dress.
"What about this one?" Antoinette said as she pointed one of the dresses.
"I would rather have my dress in white." Zuri commented while looking at it. "What do you think Erik?"
"I'm staying out of this."
"Oh come on. You have to help me pick out a dress. Please."
"You can try some of the dresses on." The shopkeeper interrupted them. "Let me measure you and I can pick some dresses to your liking."
Zuri nodded then was led into the back leaving Erik and Antoinette alone. "Erik, don't you think you should be a bit more helpful. She wants to make you happy."
"Isn't picking out a dress more of the bride's activity?"
"You picked out Christine's dress." She reminded him.
"Yes. I know. But I want Zuri to have a normal wedding."
"Well this is normal to her. Besides after Zuri told me about her past she said that if she was to marry that baron or duke she was talking about then she would not have been able to do these things. It's important to her."
Before Erik could reply Zuri came out in one of the wedding dresses the shopkeeper had chosen for her to wear. "What do you think?"
"The trail is too long and the veil needs to be a bit shorter." Erik said while hoping he did not offend her.
"Ah. I have just the dress." The shopkeeper said then led Zuri to the back room again.
When Zuri emerged again she wore a pure white wedding dress. The veil only extended a little way past her shoulders. The fabric was draped in the correct places to emphasize her curves. Erik's jaw dropped which caused Zuri to giggle. "I take it you like it." He nodded enthusiastically. Zuri turned around then said, "I'll take it."
Author's Note: I appreciate the reviews! Thanks so much.
