Yatzil and I quietly make our way back to Kolopak and Chakotay.
"I am sorry that I was stubborn father. So much time has been wasted."
"All things come together as they should."
Chakotay and I had agreed when I told him that we would never tell Kolopak about the travesty that befell Trebus in my future. Without that knowledge, I don't know if Chakotay ever would've apologized. Come here, yes. Owned his part in the discord, I don't know.
"Indeed they do, my husband."
"Daughter, has your mother been telling things that she should not?"
"We have both been on our best behavior, father."
Chakotay and Kolopak are seated in opposite sofas when Yatzil and I sit the drinks down on the handmade table. I quickly take my seat beside Chakotay as Yatzil sits beside Kolopak.
"Chakotay has been telling me about your upcoming nuptials. They are to take place on your family's farm?"
"Yes. In Indiana. Momma and daddy wouldn't hear anything else, and I find it easiest just to agree when they get like that."
"Daughter, you are very wise."
"And my parents are very stubborn." I glare at Kolopak and Yatzil to show that they are included in that assessment. They both laugh good-naturedly, but Kolopak nods his agreement.
"Indeed. Stubbornness is not a bad trait necessarily. But always when it is combined with pride."
The poignancy of the moment is transformed into an acceptance that would've been there for years if the two parties hadn't been too stubborn to recognize it.
"This is more like it." Yatzil intones. "Is there anything we must do for the wedding, children?"
"No. My mother and Aunt Martha have everything well in hand. My aunt has no children of her own, and my sister is only 18 and unmarried. My mom is very excited."
The tone of my voice changes half-way through when I remember how excited my mother was when I showed her Justin's ring.
"What is wrong, daughter?"
"I was just remembering something."
I want to say more because I know they will inevitably find out when they come to Earth for the wedding, but I can't make myself continue. Chakotay takes the tightening of my hand as a sign that I want him to continue for me.
"Kathryn was engaged before. Her fiancé died in a crash on an ice planet. She was ejected from the shuttle and had the opportunity to save either her father or her fiancé. After she rescued her father, she tried to no avail to save Justin."
"I am sorry, daughter. I can feel your spirit's loss."
"Thank you father. If it hadn't been for Chakotay, I would never have found peace."
Kolopak and Yatzil nod sagely.
"Our soul recognizes immediately another soul that can ease our suffering."
I am glad to hear Yatzil say that. Many of my friends and family have been shocked and sometimes hostile because they can't understand how I could move on from Justin so quickly. My trip into the future has been classified. The information is only allowed to be shared on a need to know basis. Since I can't tell people the truth, they feel like I am making a rushed decision.
"Our people put very little measure on time, daughter. One woman may grieve for a lifetime. Another might find peace quickly. It is more for the spirits to decide." I had learned that Kolopak is into his culture much more than Chakotay, but he speaks about the spirits with a reverence that surprises me.
"You, my children are tired. Son, take our daughter to her room and allow her rest. We will talk again tomorrow."
"Yes, mother. May the spirits offer you both peaceful slumber."
"And you, too, my children."
Chakotay stands up before offering me his hand. Hands entwined we walk towards Chakotay's childhood bedroom.
When the door shuts, Chakotay pulls me close and whispers in my ear, "I was fifteen when I left Trebus. I have never made love in this room."
"Well, we can't have that, can we?" I say before I pull Chakotay's head down for a passionate kiss.
