AN: Bkwrmchar - re: "Amish I have been around have always been very polite and nice with a great family/work ethic"... From what I've seen in movies and such, they certainly are/do. This definitely applies to all the characters in the story except for Mara, Mirit and Miriam (Miriam especially). Had to have an antagonist in the story and sadly Miriam was the one to become that person.
AN2: As always with all my stories, thankyou to those that take the time to read and comment/leave feedback. Feedback is always appreciated :-)
AN3: For any readers that might be interested, I posted 2 little T rated one shots I wrote for the X-Files fandom back in 2000, so 14 years ago (yes, THAT long ago. They are completely unedited and probably cringeworthy. But it's funny looking back on something I wrote when I was just out of my teens). I apologise in advance if you get diabetes, or fall in to a diabetic coma from either of them because of the sugary sweetness, if any readers decides to check them out. All I can say is that I can't believe I used to write such short stories!
"Looks like Dean and Brian have moved on already, and some people are not happy about it." Olivia murmured to Alexandra during a brief, yet welcoming lull in accepting congratulations from the Villagers, as Rafael and Trevor had gone to get some refreshments for all of them.
Alexandra followed Olivia's gaze to see that Dean was casually chatting to Amanda, and Brian was talking animatedly to Cassandra. Nicholas Amaro, who was standing a few feet away, looked like he wanted to throttle Dean; Amanda looked like she wanted to be anywhere else but in Dean's presence; and Cassandra looked like she wanted wrap her softball bat around Brian's head, if she had the fortune to have it close at hand.
"Oh, to be a fly on the wall when those pairings occur next year!" Alexandra chuckled.
"What's so funny about next year?" Trevor reappeared with glass of water in each hand, Rafael also with a glass in each hand just a step behind. Their straw hats back on top of their heads now.
Olivia indicted to their friends as she took the glass Rafael extended to her, "Those 5... and how they will be paired. Someone's going to 'miss out' and have to wait for Kimberley or Danielle. We might find out how those pairings play out just as we return from our Rumpringa."
"No matter who ends up with who, it looks like Kenneth will have first choice if either Nicholas, Dean or Brain don't back off!" commented Rafael, spying Kenneth, Kimberley and Danielle talking amongst themselves.
"Well... I like the choice I made even though we have to pretend that the choice was made for us," Trevor took a gulp of his water, eyeing Rafael pointedly.
Alexandra make direct eye contact with Olivia and smiled, "Same goes for me."
Before anyone else could say any more, another slew of Villagers approached to pass on their congratulations. The assumed 'couples' own families would be the last ones to congratulate them. As Trevor took the time to explain how he and Alexandra 'fell in love' to the current lot of Villagers (but in actuality describing how he fell in love with Rafael but substituting Rafael's name with Alexandra), the said blonde could see her mother basking in all the glory with every other Villager that approached her to pass on their well wishes. Mara Langan was also relishing the praises, but nowhere near the scale as Miriam Cabot.
Eventually, Elliott approached the newly announced 'couples' with Katherine and baby Maureen beside him, "Congratulations are in order for all of you."
"Thankyou... but thankyou so very much for starting the chant, Elliott. Really appreciated it!" Olivia drawled, the sarcasm not lost on her older friend.
Elliott chuckled heartily, "I saw the death stare you gave me, Olivia! But in all honesty, I was just getting Rafael back seeing he called out for me to kiss Katherine at our announcement. Now you know how embarrassing it is!"
Alexandra shook her head, "At least your own mother didn't call out... that's embarrassing!"
"I couldn't see Bernadette Stabler doing anything like that, Alexandra. But I don't think anyone in the Village was surprised that Miriam called out." Katherine said before asking, "Are you looking forward to your own betrothal ceremonies, Olivia and Alexandra? Or will you be having a double ceremony?"
"A year long Rumspringa first... we'll worry about the rest later!" Olivia stated, knowing full well that no ceremonies would be taking place.
"All of you are going for the year? What's Miriam got to say to that, Alexandra? I thought she'd only want you to be away for a week or 2... a month at the most. Or are you going to do some sweet talking, Trevor?" Elliott queried.
Alexandra gave Elliott a patented Cabot icy stare, "Mother doesn't know yet, and it's going to stay that way until the day we head off to Rumspringa House. Is that understood, Elliott?"
Elliott mimed buttoning his lips closed.
"Well, be warned... look what can happen while you're on Rumspringa." Katherine gently swayed a whimpering baby Maureen.
The group of 4 exchanged nervous giggles, looks and cleared their throats, knowing full well that would never happen.
Ever.
"How long have the both of you been betrothed now? Just over a month?" Trevor deliberately steered the conversation in a slightly different direction.
"6 weeks now... and Maureen's just turned 4 weeks," Elliott replied proudly.
Rafael asked, "Are you going to have more children later on?"
"Stabler families are large families, so definitely more! Maybe 4 children all up? 2 of each would be great!" Elliott said enthusiastically.
"One more in several years time, and that's all!" Katherine spoke quietly but with finality as Maureen started to fuss and cry. "And someone's very tired because it's well past her bedtime, we'd better go soon Elliott. I'll say goodnight and congratulations once again on your tentative betrothals."
"Olivia, I know you're going to be wonderful for my Rafael!" Teresa Barba said as she quickly kissed each of Olivia's cheeks. "Rafael and Olivia Barba... I like the sound of that."
Jorge beamed with pride, "We've watched you both grow close over the years from just being best friends. A fair pairing, I must say!"
Rafael groaned, "Mamá! Papá! You're embarrassing myself and Olivia!"
"Don't worry, Rafael. We won't do that any more... for tonight, we'll go now. Carmen should be in bed-"
"Aww, Mamá! I'm not tired! I want to stay up like Rafael gets to!" pouted Carmen.
"-and it's wash day tomorrow. Rafael, don't be too long tonight!"
"You have your key?" Jorge asked.
"Yes, Papá. I promise I won't be too late." Rafael turned to face his young sister, "And I'm sorry Carmen, but you'll have to wait until your announcement night to stay out late like I can."
Carmen whined, "It's not fair! Why can't I stay up?"
The Barba's bid everyone farewell while Carmen continued to strongly protest not being able to stay up late like her big brother. The couples and their families came together, congratulated each other and chatted casually between themselves. Miriam offered Rafael and Olivia an unenthusiastic congratulations and a snide little comment regarding Olivia's 'outrageous' choice of attire for the evening when no other Elder was within earshot. Mara and Mirit said their goodnights to allow Trevor to continue the protocol of the announcements of walking his 'wife-to-be' home before walking home himself. What Mara and Mirit Langan didn't know is that this would allow Trevor and Rafael some more alone time tonight, as the Barba family lived as close to the Langan family as Olivia did to Alexandra, but around a mile away from the main area of the Village.
"I know usually after the announcements that the betrothed couple accompany each other on their walk home. So, seeing Olivia hasn't got too far to walk living so close to the Meeting Hall... would it be alright if Olivia and I take our time?" Rafael asked Lena and Donald after the Elders had congratulated Rafael and Olivia.
Lena spoke up first, "I see no problem with that. Donald?"
"I have no problem with that either. Rafael, I know you're a respectable young man, that's why I approve of you for Olivia."
"Thankyou, Lena. Thankyou, Donald."
"Thankyou, Maemm! Thankyou, Daett!" Olivia did nothing to hide the smirk she directed towards Miriam Cabot, knowing full well that Miriam wouldn't dare say anything in Donald or Lena's presence.
Trevor turned on his usual charm, "Miriam? Could Alexandra and myself take our time to walk home as well?"
"Yes, absolutely!" Miriam leant closer to Alexandra and Trevor keeping her voice low, "... And how about you stay over tonight Trevor?"
"What?!" Trevor and Alexandra said in unison.
Miriam continued, "Perhaps the both of you could get used to being in the same bed?"
"That's forbidden, Mother!" Alexandra tried to mask her rising panic.
Elizabeth's attention was drawn to her niece's apprehension, "What's going on, Alexandra?"
"Mother suggested that Trevor stay the night... in the same bed after he walked me home!" Alexandra whispered indignantly.
Elizabeth rounded on her sister, "Miriam, are you suggesting that your own daughter and her husband-to-be commit a heinous act?! Or are you trying to tempt them to commit one?!"
"It's all just a silly misunderstanding, Elizabeth!" Miriam tried to downplay what she had suggested with a breathy chuckle.
"Good! Because there is no way my niece will flagrantly break the Village Lores... and I very much doubt the Langans would want Trevor to break the Village Lores either! I find it incomprehensible that the very woman who is in charge of teaching the Village Lores would suggest for her own daughter to blatantly disregard them."
"I-I... it's not what-"
Elizabeth ignored her younger sister while addressing Trevor, "You may take your time walking Alexandra home. Actually, I suggest both tentatively betrothed couples leave now, and stay out for another hour... the Elders have some important talking to do right now, so noone misunderstands anything."
Keeping up with the pretense of their 'relationships', Rafael took Olivia's hand, and Trevor took Alexandra's hand while leading them from the Meeting Hall without a backwards glance as a very heated discussion began to take place between certain Elders.
As soon as the young adults were a fair distance from the Meeting Hall, they swapped positions from their 'bethrothal' couples to real couples and made their way to the seclusion of Lena's garden by moonlight. Lena and Elizabeth had taken the initiative to lay out 2 bed sheet some distance away from each other for the couples to allow them to reconnect after their 'betrothal announcements', under the guise of 'walking home'. But noone would have imagined Miriam Cabot implying what she had just minutes ago.
"I can't believe Mother even suggested... I don't know what she was playing at!" Alexandra said as she and Olivia sat down before they mirrored their positions from earlier in the day with Olivia laying back fully on the bed sheet crossed legged, and Alexandra lying on her side to look down at Olivia. Alexandra rested her head on Olivia's shoulder as she draped her left arm across Olivia's torso. Even though they only had the light of the moon, therefore it was relatively dark, Olivia took Alexandra's left and a interlaced it in her right hand so the blonde's hand couldn't wander, especially with Rafael and Trevor close by.
Olivia shrugged, "I don't know either. Possibly testing you?"
"Knowing Mother... maybe, maybe not? I don't know. But as Aunt Elizabeth said, it seems she likes to pick and choose what Village lores to teach, live by, and ignore."
"You did the right thing to speak up when Miriam suggested what she did. I'm glad Daett, Maemm and Elizabeth were still in the Meeting Hall when she said it. I'm not sure they would've believed us if we'd told them after the fact... well, Maemm and Elizabeth would've, but I'm not sure Daett would've though."
"Aunt Elizabeth would've believed me for certain. Aunt Elizabeth told me herself some time back, and I've even heard Mother say on more than one occasion that she wants to have lots and lots of grandchildren."
"Maybe she should honorarily adopt a Stabler then?" suggested the brunette, which made Alexandra laugh. "You don't have to worry about what Miriam suggested. Just remember the pact we have... Rumspringa first, then-"
"Wrong, Olivia! Your birthday first, then my birthday, then Rumspringa, then after that: the pact. But I know what you're suggesting, and I can't wait!" Alexandra snuggled closer.
Only the soft murmur of Trevor and Rafael's voices could be heard over the chirping of cicadas in Lena's garden as Olivia looked up the twinkling stars. Usually the different floral blooms in Lena's garden made a lovely scent, but all Olivia could smell was Alexandra's light rose perfume. Lifting their intertwined hands, Olivia inhaled deeply, committing the scent to memory before she placed a soft kiss to Alexandra's wrist.
"Do you feel bad?" Olivia said as she placed their hands back down on her torso.
Alexandra lifted her head slightly, "What do you mean?"
"Having to blatantly lie to just about everyone in the Village tonight. I felt awful when Teresa, Jorge and Daett were saying how proud they were of me being tentatively betrothed."
"I felt bad too. Everyone's so happy for us... I mean for myself and Trevor, and for you and Rafael. But none of them know how happy you make me... well aside from Trevor, Rafael, Lena and Aunt Elizabeth."
"I make you happy?"
"Always."
Olivia said disheartened, "I'm not sure about that."
"You do. Believe me, you do."
"Alexandra, I saw the look you gave me."
"Extenuating circumstances. Nothing more, nothing less."
Olivia's eyes widened, "Big words for a young lady!"
Alexandra's tone was nothing but blasé. "Well, I read!"
Olivia leant forward and pressed a long, soft kiss to Alexandra's lips.
"What was that for?" asked Alexandra as Olivia pulled back.
"I wanted to say I'm sorry that I had to kiss Rafael tonight. I saw the hurt it caused you. I never want to see that look on your face ever again."
"I saw the same look on you too, and I'm sorry I had to kiss Trevor. You'll be quite happy to know he kisses nothing like you do."
"Really?!" Olivia shifted her body so she was now lying on her side, face to face with Alexandra.
"Yeah, really!"
"Sooo... he didn't kiss like this?" Once again Olivia pressed her lips to Alexandra's.
Alexandra shook her head, "Nuh-uh."
"What about like this?" Olivia began to kiss Alexandra before slowly deepening the kiss, each tongue seeking out the other. Olivia's hand that was resting on Alexandra's hip shifted to caress the curve of her behind before Olivia consciously shifted closer to Alexandra, so their bodies were flush against each other. Each pulled back to catch their breath as silently as they could with the boys not so far away.
"Not even close," panted Alexandra.
"Show me then."
"It was more like this," Alexandra reenacted the brief, chaste kiss. It was even shorter than the 'goodnight' kiss they always shared before Olivia left Alexandra's room.
"Trevor kissed you like that?! Oh, that's awful!" Olivia teased lightheartedly as Alexandra pulled back.
"I can hear you over here!" Trevor's voice hissed from the other side of the garden, several yards away. "And I'll have you know I have no complaints from Rafael, thankyou very much!"
"Well not all of us like scratchy faces!" retorted Alexandra.
"And some of us like... rugged faces!" Rafael rebutted.
"And some of us should keep their voices lower!" Olivia replied. "We're supposed to be walking, remember!"
Silence once again descended on the garden except for the cicadas. Both couples were thankful they had been given the opportunity to reconnect after the announcements. None of the 4 young adults imagined how emotionally draining those announcements in front of the Village would be. Reaffirming their love for the other with gentle touches, tender words and kisses was what each one needed from their true love.
"Maedels! Jungs!" Lena called softly from her back door after quite some time passed, using the old Village term for 'boys' to address Trevor and Rafael. Each couple gathered the bed linen before returning inside. There were 6 cups of tea on the kitchen table with a jug of fresh milk, one of fresh cream, a small bowl of sugar and a slice each of Alexandra's chocolate ganache pie on a small plate with a cake fork.
"What happened to Mother?" Alexandra addressed both Elizabeth and Lena.
Lena replied, "Nothing for you to worry about."
"But-"
"Alexandra, it's none of your concern!" Elizabeth's tone wasn't harsh, but Alexandra knew her aunt's tone meant the matter no longer up for discussion. Lena gave Elizabeth a look and the older blonde's features softened before she addressed her niece again, "I very much doubt Miriam will do something like that again, but if she does, you let me know. That's all you need to know."
"Yes, Aunt Elizabeth."
"Trevor, Rafael... once you've finished your drink and snack, you go straight home. No dilly-dallying or dawdling, no matter how tempting it is to break the rules. There's a hurricane lantern on the table by the front door with some kerosene in it already, and there are matches in the drawer. Bring the lamp back when you come back to work on the chests tomorrow."
The boys replied in unison, "Yes, Lena."
"Come and sit with me," Lena guided Olivia to the lounge after everyone else had left, before she sat down and placed a cushion on her lap for Olivia to lay her head on. A rectangular cushion with a cross-stitch 'Home is where the heart is' design that Elizabeth had given Lena many years ago. A little house, not dissimilar to Lena's home, surrounded by a heart shaped garland of flowers and little hearts scattered between the words and letters. Lena removed her stiff brimmed bonnet and placed it on the side table next to the lounge as Olivia placed her head on the cushion, "How are you this evening, Maedel?"
Olivia shrugged as she looked up at Lena, "I can't wait for Rumspringa."
"None of you can, but it's not too much longer now!" Lena smiled. "It was very bold of you to kiss Alexandra in front of everyone in the Village like that."
"I took a leaf out of your book!" Olivia confirmed. "Maemm? Did you feel bad having to lie to everyone at your announcement ceremony?
"Yes. Truth be told, sometimes I still do. But I look at the over all picture and I know that it's had to, and still has to be done. Elizabeth and I wouldn't be accepted... just look at how Miriam reacted when you and Elizabeth brought up the Village lores during your final schooling lesson. Saying the very thought of laying with someone of your own gender is disgusting when it's anything but disgusting... you'll see how beautiful it is when you're on Rumspringa."
That was something Olivia wanted to talk to Lena about, but not tonight. Closer to Rumspringa, definitely.
"Speaking of Miriam-" Olivia tried to find out something, anything for Alexandra.
"Maedel, as Elizabeth said it's none of your concern. Just be glad Elizabeth and myself were still at the Meeting Hall, but I can't believe how blatant Miriam was. Change of subject... what do you want to do for your birthday?"
"Apart from what you, me and Daett do every year?"
"Yes."
"What I want... well... it's forbidden, Maemm!" Olivia attempted to stifle a giggle.
Lena laughed, "Rumspringa will be here before you know it. Trust me, it will be worth the wait, Maedel."
Olivia sighed happily, "I believe you."