Thank you for sharing your thoughts. You're all very forgiving and positive about this weirdness I've created, but I guess you're used to me by now.
Ipsita, what can I say? You're the best :)
Two nearby bridal stores only sell custom gowns, but Esme has found one a half-hour away that does offer ready-to-wear dresses and can fit me in at ten. While she drives, I notice the black swan that still hangs from her rear-view mirror.
"We learned that the swan is the national bird of Finland, but I've never seen a black one. Are they rare?"
"No, black swans are native to this country, and you will often see them around fresh water. The black swan is the official emblem of Western Australia. The Swan River runs through Perth."
I touch the beautiful ornament and remember admiring it when I first met Masen. "After what happened last week with Serena, I have to ask. Do you think this swan could have anything to do with me?"
"I have considered that, actually," she remarks. "But I don't believe so. My mother used to tell me a story about a black swan that was once helpless, but eventually reclaimed its power. It's supposed to remind us that we can choose to be a victim or make success from what we have. She knew the importance of inner strength, and that we don't have to accept we're at the mercy of external forces."
I wait, hoping for more.
"Mom was educated in a domestic training home for Aboriginal girls until high school age and then sent as a servant to a sheep station. When it came time for my education, my father didn't want me out in the community prompting awkward questions, so he resisted enrolling me in school. It was Mom who put up a fight, stating he had a legal obligation to educate me, and he eventually agreed to the School of the Air, a radio-based classroom for students in isolated regional areas.
"Mom worked with me every day, making sure I completed my homework, preparing me for high school, and she accompanied me on the train to boarding school in Sydney, even after he threatened repercussions if she set foot on the school's grounds.
"I never understood why he treated her so poorly. When he found out she was pregnant, he could have abandoned her or gotten rid of me somehow, but he chose to keep us with him, so he must have cared on some level. It's just that I grew up thinking I was deficient when my mother had supposedly given me up at birth, and my adoptive parents couldn't love me, either. If it hadn't been for my real mother—"
Esme huffs out a breath as if she's fighting a wave of emotion, and she apologizes, embarrassed. I can't put myself in her shoes when I grew up with two parents who adored me, but I know what it's like to think there are things wrong with you.
"She must have been a wonderful mother."
"She was."
"And I know you are, too, because Masen is your son."
"I'm far from perfect, Bella."
I want this woman to treat me as a daughter, so I must be open and honest with her, ready to share both the good and the bad, and I take a big breath before I lose my nerve.
"I'm not perfect, either. You know I'm not having bridesmaids?"
"Well, I imagine it's expensive flying to Australia."
Of course, she would draw that kind of conclusion. Anyone would want her as their friend.
"It's not that. I haven't kept in contact with anyone."
The tiny nod shows she might understand. "That is a shame, but I don't expect you'd be here if you had lots of close girlfriends, and for that I'm very thankful."
I need her to clarify what she means. "Thankful?"
"Your future would be in America, and Masen would have gone to you. I'd never get to see him."
"He hates the long cold winters. I wouldn't do that to him."
"I guess you didn't see how desperate he was when he thought he was losing you."
I sigh, imagining what she must think of me. "I'm so sorry I hurt him, and it won't ever happen again. It was done unintentionally when I was focusing all my attention on finding work in Australia so I could ask him to marry me."
"I thought he proposed?" she queries, surprised.
"He did. He beat me to it, and I still swoon every time I think of that day."
Her face lights up and she smiles. "Ah ... I wondered why you already had the ring. Masen asked me about buying one last year, and I told him you had to be part of that decision."
So, we were both planning the same thing.
"Mom knew I wanted to propose in person, and she came to South Africa last year, bringing Grandma's ring with her."
"Are they disappointed you're not getting married in Alaska?"
"I haven't had that impression at all. They sound like they're looking forward to the vacation."
"Well, I hope we get some rain in the next few weeks. It will be much nicer without all this smoke."
-0-
It's overwhelming seeing racks of wedding gowns and knowing one of them could be my wedding dress. Nothing really jumps out at me, so I show our assistant photos of the mermaid shape I like with a high neckline and barely-there back, or a deep vee at the front and back. There are dresses in those styles that look promising on the hanger, but sadly disappointing on me. All I can do is go along with her suggestions and, thankfully, Esme takes a picture of each dress I try on, because they all blend into one another after a while.
All these gowns are expensive, and yet I don't see one I really like. I know there's pressure to choose something quickly, but I need to take a break, so Esme suggests a local cafe, telling me to relax now we know I can get a dress in time for the wedding. We have another appointment coming up, so we go through what worked and what didn't. Corsets are out. Tulle is lovely, but only when used sparingly. I do like lace and sparkle, but nothing that looks too bedazzled.
It's with an open mind that I enter a pre-loved wedding gown boutique. Our assistant greets me by name, and her questions about Masen make me feel proud to be marrying him. She loves the story of his proposal and that I'm recycling my grandmother's engagement ring.
Carmen is younger and quite the romantic, saying it must mean the world to Masen that I'm moving to Australia. When Esme shows her the photos she took this morning, she says she knows exactly which way to go.
The ivory lace over a mocha underlay with the strapless sweetheart neckline is just gorgeous, but is it a wedding dress? I think I've found the one in a sparkly beaded bodice with a soft ivory satin ballgown skirt, but then she goes and tempts me with a beaded lace halter neck and organza A-line skirt, making the decision even harder.
But Carmen was still narrowing in on my dress, which is ivory, minimal, elegant, and sequined to perfection. I know I've found it when tears fill my eyes at the exact moment Esme says, "I think this is the one."
"I love it!" I declare, charged with emotion. Even though it's the middle of the night in Anchorage, Mom is on standby in case I need her input, so I FaceTime her to get her blessing.
From the delicate spaghetti straps and lowish neckline to the clever bias cut of the skirt, the dress creates an illusion of curves within a simple design. It comes with a matching belt and tulle overskirt which shows plenty of the front of the dress while hinting at all the sparkles underneath. This gossamer bustle is whimsical and easily removed, effectively giving me two dresses—one that gives me hips. Even the nude platform sandals I bought in South Africa are perfect for this dress.
As I knew she would, Mom wants to see me jacked up, and Esme looks like she's panicking all of a sudden, prompting me to ask her what's wrong. Carmen explains that "jacked up" is adding final touches like a veil and special jewelry. She says she's watched enough episodes of Say Yes to the Dress to understand what it means.
When I'm wearing a tiara and veil, Mom asks if I'd consider a bridal hat, and I know she wants me to honor Grandma, especially when she made hats for Mom's wedding. I don't want to ruin this happy moment by admitting my preference for hair accessories is pearl pins or a comb, so I tell her I'll think about it. She says she will trust my decision as she always has, and when I take a long look in the mirror, I can see myself as a bride. Mom crying tears of joy sets me and Esme off, so we're all in tears together.
I don't really mind that the dress has been worn before, because I would have bought it had I seen it brand new. I'm certainly thrilled with the price, and Esme suggests I invest the money I've saved in the rings I'll see on my finger every day, and I like that advice.
After agreeing to return once they've completed minor alterations, I thank Carmen for finding a dress I truly love on the very first day, and I walk out of there on a high, ready to leave a glowing review on their website.
It's a thousand degrees in the car while the air conditioning kicks in. "I wonder where the boys are. I want to call Masen and tell him I've found my dress."
Esme puts a hand up. "Promise me you won't discuss your dress with Masen."
"Why? We have no secrets from one another."
"I'm glad to hear that, but a wedding dress as beautiful as yours deserves its cloud of mystery. It won't have the same impact if he has an idea of how you will look."
Wow. I'm surprised I needed someone to point that out, and it makes me sigh. "Well, I want to check on him and see if they're finished with their fittings. We don't know what our plans are for this evening."
She turns to me with eyes full of empathy. "I know, you miss him. I remember what it was like when I was marrying Carlisle."
It's the first time Masen and I have been apart in two weeks, and I do miss him, so I feel a little closer to this perceptive woman.
I'm disappointed when he doesn't pick up, and I'm about to hang up when Carlisle answers. "Hello, Bella. Masen is at the bar. We're having a drink at Pier One before we come home."
I relay the message to Esme. "It's Carlisle. They're having a drink at Pier One."
"Really? Put him on speaker," she commands. "Why don't you get us a table at the O Bar so we can celebrate their engagement properly?"
"Righto. I'll call you back."
It's Masen who calls back. "Sorry I missed you, babe. You must have rung the only time today I didn't have the phone with me."
"Happens all the time."
"If you're coming into the city, we should probably look for a jeweler."
"I can get the Uber to drop her near the corner of George and Market Streets. Do you know where Dymocks is?" Esme asks.
"Uh … yep," he confirms.
"There are good jewelers in that building, Masen."
"Okay, how long will you be?"
"We're nearly home, and we need to get a little dolled up for the O Bar, so … an hour?"
-0-
Admiring my dress in the mirror, I'm so pleased I Marie Kondo'd my wardrobe. With all my clothes out on the bed, it was easy to identify what had seen the inside of a dryer too many times, and items I never really wore. What was in front of me was all very similar, lacking in color, and hardly feminine. The only two pairs of jeans that inspired anything like joy were small men's. I still don't have booty, but at least I've graduated to B cup bras, so I finally feel confident in nice lingerie and swimsuits.
After getting rid of all the old khaki and gray, it took a lot of looking and trying on clothes to realize I do like color and variety. If I didn't have anything similar and it made me feel good, then I bought it, and now I get to show off my new wardrobe to Masen!
Tonight's outfit is definitely a favorite. It's a simple design with short sleeves, wrapped and tied at the waist, but there's nothing simple about the way it fits my shoulders or how the navy polyester falls. The large white lilies have hints of pink, blue stamens, and beige leaves. Just looking at it makes me happy.
I don't need to ask if this is dolled up enough for tonight, because I could wear this dress anywhere, but it's still nice to see Esme's smile of approval.
She says it's lovely, and I compliment her too. The gray pantsuit looks fabulous with her gray and ocher stone necklace.
-0-
Getting out of the Uber in the deep shade of the city, I'm surprised it's still so hot. Masen is talking on his phone on the other side of the street, and I'm crossing over, hoping to surprise him, when he turns and sees me.
"I'll call you later," he says, his face lighting up. "You've had a good day." It isn't a question, so I just return his smile, and he takes my hand, slow dancing me in the street. "I can tell because you're absolutely glowing. I've never seen you look more beautiful."
I do feel pretty, and I enjoy the compliment. "Maybe I'm just happy to see you. I missed you today."
"I'm serious, Bella. You're like next level stunning. I can't believe you're mine."
"Then why haven't you kissed me yet?" I ask, pouting a little.
He quickly remedies the situation with a long kiss and hug that makes me feel treasured and immersed in his love.
-0-
"Let's just leave, babe. It's not up to this bloke to decide what your ring should look like."
"I know that Masen, but I would still like to see the drawing."
"I thought you had your heart set on something specific."
Masen is finding this very stressful. He thinks he's protecting me from an overbearing man, and while the jeweler is arrogant, I'm starting to question if the setting I've chosen is good enough for my grandmother's brilliant cut pink diamond. He will not remodel it into the current trend and seeing halo settings everywhere does make them look like a dime a dozen.
Living in South Africa and planning to propose, I had intended to buy a diamond before Mom offered me Grandma's. A few of us went to the Cape Town Diamond Museum and learned that an Austrian duke first proposed with a diamond ring in the 1400's, starting a trend among European aristocracy and nobility, but it wasn't until the 1940's, when a De Beers campaign came up with the slogan, "A Diamond is Forever," that diamonds became the symbol of a couple's lasting commitment to each other.
Grandma wore her pink diamond proudly until the day she died, and she told me it was the ring that convinced her to accept Grandpa's proposal. It showed he had excellent taste and was prepared to invest in quality, a philosophy she incorporated into her business all her working life.
After today's experience of falling in love with a dress completely different from what I had envisioned, I want to see where this man's expertise takes me, especially when he is just as happy as Masen to let me walk away. I just have a feeling he's going to come up with something I haven't considered.
Expecting a sketch, I'm surprised when he brings a ring to show me, and I suppose my first thought is to wonder why he thinks this solitaire setting will to appeal to me. The way they've twisted in a second band of tiny diamonds is enchanting, but the stone is much bigger than Grandma's, so how am I supposed to imagine it as my ring?
"What is your opinion of this?" he asks, watching me.
"I don't know. It's beautiful, but I can't visualize how it would look with my smaller stone."
"You don't need to. This is the same size as yours."
With Grandma's ring on my right hand, I believe the man needs a new pair of glasses. Maybe Masen is right, and we should leave and find another jeweler while we still have time.
"You don't believe me?" He asks, producing a hand-held precision instrument. Adjusting it, he measures the width of his ring's diamond first, and then applies it to mine. They are the same.
"How is that possible?" I ask.
"Yours is crowded in a sea of diamond chips. They're hiding a superstar in that setting."
Taking a fresh look, I try to picture his ring with my pink diamond. It certainly would be a showstopper.
"What kind of wedding ring goes with this?" I ask, warming to the idea.
"I would match the diamonds in the twist—fine and delicate."
Hearing those words, I hand it back to him. "It's lovely, but I'm afraid I'll never be fine and delicate. My world is often physical and rough, so I need something more robust."
It's only because I'm staring at him that I catch the tiny flick of his eyebrow. "Then my first impression was right," he claims, unfolding the sketch he promised.
I try not to let him see me react, because it's like when Serena said I need a new tattoo, and I'm desperate to ask if he knows when it could be a genuine coincidence.
"Are they birds?" Masen asks when it's clear I'm speechless.
"Yes, birds work well because of the shape of their heads, but you can substitute a scroll or something else to support the gallery. I was merely thinking of swans because their long necks blend so gracefully into the circle. The diamond on the inner and outer face of the bridge will not detract from our pink beauty when seen from above. They are there purely for the one who wears the ring, and I recommend the same sized diamonds for the wedding band. I have something similar here I can show you."
His assistant brings the diamond wedding band, and I'm falling in love while he keeps searching, returning with something for Masen.
"A groove like this down the center will take your diamond chips and create a unique ring for yourself."
"What is this made of?" Masen asks, querying the dark color.
"Black gold. It's gold mixed with cobalt."
I look up at Masen's face when he doesn't respond, and I think he's now speechless too.
Who is this guy? He's like the wizard from Ollivander's Wands, selecting the rings we were destined to wear. There are no more decisions, except for me to choose platinum for mine, and we confirm exactly what we're ordering, agreeing to use the gold and diamond chips from Grandma's ring in Masen's. Once we pay the deposit, we get the hell out of there.
"I don't want to talk about this tonight, okay?" Masen pleads.
I nod. "Me neither. We were just lucky to find what we wanted. Let's go and have dinner."
"I love you," he says, squeezing my hand.
"I love you, too. Just don't let go of me."
-0-
From the forty-seventh floor of the Australia Square Building, Sydney is spectacular and ever-changing. The O Bar revolves very slowly, taking in views from the harbor and city down to Botany Bay, around the Eastern Suburbs and back up the harbor. There is thick smoke to the west, but even with the haze all around us, it's fantastic up here.
"Does anyone else think it's a little strange that Australia Square is round?" I ask, and Esme chuckles, stating that it's part of its charm. "It reminds me of the Bauhaus exhibition we saw in Helsinki where architects were designing buildings as pieces of art."
"This was Sydney's first skyscraper," Carlisle states. "Fifty years ago, it was quite revolutionary combining offices with public spaces, dining, art and retail in one site."
"This is where we had our first date and where Carlisle proposed," she adds.
"Oh, wow. How did you meet?" I'm loving that they're sharing their special place with us.
"I was working in admissions at RPA."
"Royal Prince Alfred Hospital," Carlisle explains.
"He was doing his residency in those days, and we always seemed to be in the cafeteria at the same time. One day, we acknowledged each other, and that led to small talk about the food and things that were happening in the hospital."
Carlisle laughs. "I was so freakin' obvious, and yet it took weeks for her to ask me to sit down."
She glares at Carlisle in protest and then looks at me. "He was older and a doctor. I found him intimidating!"
I can't help smiling. "But you did eventually invite him to sit down."
"Yes, and that's a story for another day." She raises her glass in a toast. "Tonight is about you two. Congratulations for your engagement and for the enormous achievement of choosing your dress and rings in one day." We all toast, and then she adds, "It'll have to be another day for the suits."
Carlisle sighs. "We're not going to get suits tailored in four weeks, not at this time of the year."
"Rubbish," she says, glancing at me.
"I've made up my mind, Esme," he states. "I'm wearing the suit I had made for Rose's wedding."
She groans. "What about you, Masen?"
He runs a hand through his hair and looks out the window. "I'm trying to find out if I can get something made in Melbourne. I've used the same tailor several times, and part of the service is they keep my patterns on file. I was thinking a summer jacket might be easier."
"It's your wedding, Masen. Get them to make you a proper tux. Surely, they can manage it in time." Wow, she really does not approve of the summer jacket idea. Not that it really matters to me, but I'd love to see him in a tux.
"I already have a perfectly good tux, Mom, remember?"
She shakes her head, clearly disappointed, but she had no problem with me buying a second-hand dress, so I don't see why this is a big deal.
Thankfully, Carlisle breaks the tension. "Did you try on a lot of dresses today, Bella?"
"So many it was a blur until we found the best assistant in the world."
"I know you think Carmen was terrific, Bella, but you were decisive and positive, and that made it easy for her to select the right dresses," Esme declares. "I was proud of you today, and it was also very special sharing our tears with Renee. I got to experience what it was like to have a daughter getting married."
"It was special, Esme. Thank you so much for coming with me."
Carlisle takes her hand, and I catch an intimate moment between them. I avert my eyes so they don't know I saw, but I sense Esme would have loved a daughter of her own, and I wonder why Masen is their only child.
We've polished off the rock oysters when the yellowfin tuna arrives, and Esme asks our server to take a photo. She's loosened up after a couple of glasses of bubbly, and there's been no return of the harsh exchange with Masen, so we all look relaxed and happy for a photo she posts on Instagram.
As we devour the fish, her phone pings until Carlisle asks her to mute it. She complies, but as soon as she finishes her dish, she's checking the responses.
"Rose sends her love," she says, scrolling through her messages. "Do you know a Charlotte Tillston?"
It's such a shock to hear Charlotte's name after all this time. "We shared a room at UW in Seattle, but I haven't spoken to her since."
"She's had a baby recently." Esme states.
Well, that's interesting since Charlotte was a lesbian back then.
"We know her partner well," Carlisle continues. "Charlotte is married to Doctor Gemma Hart, who also works at RPA. Gemma is the pediatrician who comes to Scots twice a year to run a free health clinic for the boarders. I join her whenever I can."
"We just love her to bits," Esme adds. "You must visit them while you're here."
This is so cool. I would love to see Charlotte married and happy, because there was a lot of bitterness when she dropped out of college. God, she was only nineteen and dealing with so much. I'd also love for her to meet Masen and get firsthand knowledge on what it's really like to live in Australia. However, I don't have her phone number, and I'm not on social media, so my only option is to ask my future mother-in-law to help me contact someone I lived with for nearly two years.
"If you give me your mobile number, I can pass it on to Gemma whenever you'd like."
I read it out to her straight away, certain Esme Edwards has just read my mind.
-0-
January 16th, 2020
Since we go away with Alec tomorrow, I'm working on my list of wedding tasks. With Mom and Dad arriving on the 12th and departing the 29th, I've booked an Airbnb in Elwood from the 20th. It gives us a week in each city, and plenty of room should Carlisle and Esme choose to stay with us.
Masen's been in the garage for ages, getting us ready to leave in the morning.
It's a pity he's not here because I'm rather pleased with myself, having found him the perfect wedding present, plus a cake to make Mom happy. I'd seen one a while ago and thought it was ideal, so I don't know why I was still looking, really. Rose gave me the details of the company that made her wedding cake, and it only took one phone call for them to assure me they can create exactly what I want.
It's not a big flamboyant cake made to wow the guests. There are two tiers—each one a hatbox—the lower with pink and ivory stripes, and the top in plain ivory, with pink roses spilling out from its open lid. The cake is for Grandma and Mom, but also for me, tying aspects of the ring, my dress, and bouquet together. While the entire thing is edible, and we will certainly eat it, it's not big enough to feed eighty-five, so they will deliver the rest as a slab. Every piece will be pretty, layered in pink and vanilla, and I honestly couldn't be happier.
Then something unexpected happens that really makes my day. Jasper calls to congratulate us, saying he has spoken to Alec, pleased we've made contact already. Since it's next on my list, I ask him how much I should pay for a decent wedding photographer, and he insists I give Alec the opportunity before anyone else.
"Do you think he could do a wedding?" I ask, wary of this going pear shaped if the photos are not to my liking.
"I sincerely hope you are joking, Bella. You do remember we make a living taking video and stills for fucking National Geographic! If he didn't have the talent to record your wedding, I would not have recommended him to work on the project!"
Jesus, I never meant to insult anyone. "Okay, I don't know what I was thinking. Please accept my apology."
I hear him sigh.
"Apology accepted. Just trust me will you? We will not let you down."
"I know," I reply, disappointed in myself.
"I also called to tell you we've bought a customized van, and we're picking it up in Melbourne, so we'll be driving to Adelaide now."
"Are you planning on living in it?" We've mostly looked at accommodations in holiday parks where possible, along with camping in more remote locations around the country, but Jasper is taking this to a whole other level.
"Yeah, it might be our only opportunity to try van life, especially when we'll have company. This way, Jane will be more settled in her own bed and her own place to play indoors. Honestly, Bella, they grow up so fast, and I don't want her stuck in a cabin somewhere or in the back of a truck."
"I get it, Jazz. I'm actually looking forward to babysitting if you two want to go out on a date."
"Do you have any experience with miniature humans?" he asks, chuckling.
"Absolutely none, but I do need to learn."
"Well, Alice is a terrific mother, so you'll have a good teacher."
"So, when do you pick up the van?" I ask.
"We fly in on the 20th and we'll stay close to the airport. Jane will need to recover, and we have a lot of gear we can't collect without the van, so I'm catching a train to go pick it up the following morning."
I'm tingling, sensing things falling into place. "Will you still be in Melbourne on the 22nd?"
"Hell, yes. I'm not taking any chances, so the van's going to be checked out fully before we take it out on the highway. We also need to make sure we have everything we need. I'm anticipating we'll be there for about a week."
A voice in my head is telling me not to get my hopes up, but I am going to ask, anyway. "Would you like to come to our wedding? It's in Melbourne on Saturday, the 22nd."
"Seriously?" he asks, as if it's something I'd joke about.
"Seriously," I reply, trying to keep my composure, thrilled to invite people I know.
"Yes!" Alice responds, having heard the conversation. "We'd love to! Congratulations! What a great surprise!"
I'm so happy after their call, I'm twirling around the room when a dismal-looking Masen walks in and tosses his phone on the bed. "We have to talk."
Nothing can spoil my good mood, but he looks like he's just received bad news.
"Shoot."
"You know I have these three friends in Melbourne: Tyler, Garrett, and Randall. They're good friends, my best friends, like brothers. I've been a groomsman at each of their weddings, and now they're all spewing they can't be groomsmen at mine."
Fuck. I should have known this would cause problems. I feel so pitiful I don't even know what to say.
"Is there a chance you would agree to us coming up with three bridesmaids? I know Rose would do it, and Tyler's wife, Gianna, is a good friend of mine. What about Charlotte? She has reached out to you. Could you try to contact her?"
I know he wouldn't ask unless he had to, and after all, he's the important part of this wedding as far as I'm concerned. He looks almost scared to hear my answer, so I sit down and put an arm around him.
"Rose would be great, but if Charlotte has just had a baby, I think she's a long shot. I might be able to ask Alice, though. I just got off the phone with them and they're coming to the wedding."
"They're not flying to Adelaide?" he asks with a deep frown.
"Change of plans." I don't elaborate when all he wants is my reassurance that everything will be okay. "You call Rose and I'll ask your mother for Gemma's number."
"Oh my God! I love you, love you, love you, love you," he sings into my neck, and I laugh as he rolls me onto my back.
-0-
When Masen shares the news with Esme, her reaction is one of confusion.
"Does this mean you're shifting the ceremony to Melbourne, now?"
He sighs. "I thought you wanted me to get married at Scots."
"Based on what? There was never a discussion. You just rang and asked me to book the chapel."
There's tension as he runs a hand through his hair, and I would back out of the room if I wasn't compelled to stay.
"Well then, tell me, Mom. What do you want?"
"To me, the ceremony is as important as the celebration that follows. People come to a wedding expecting to see elegant men standing together, anticipating the sight of the bridal party. Then there's a feeling of joyous relief that spreads through the crowd with the news that the bride has arrived, because until that moment, there is no wedding.
"As it stands, your guests won't see your face when Bella arrives. They'll miss a proud father giving away a precious daughter, you pledging your lives to one another, making solemn vows with tender words and wedding rings.
"We need to witness these powerful rituals, Masen. They are important to our culture, and I want you to share yours with your family and friends." She stares at him with her words lingering in the air, then the corners of her mouth turn up. "I hear they do a beautiful ceremony at Elwood Bathers."
Masen looks at me, and I'm tearing up, imagining everything she's describing. When I nod, he hugs his mother, and it's lovely seeing them cling to each other. She's wise, and that's where he gets it from.
"Why didn't you say something before, Mom? Now I've submitted that bloody form to the chaplain at Scots."
"I already asked, Masen, and it's transferable. We take it to Melbourne and the celebrant verifies your IDs. Job done." She brushes her palms together, whisking away invisible dust.
Incredible. While I'm more than happy with this change, I just know she's been waiting for an opportunity to get her own way. She's a black swan, this one, and I had better remember to watch her and learn.
xo Thanks for reading
