Summer 21
My knuckles rapped on the door to one of the rooms of the church. My little five year old looked up at me in confusion and curiosity.
"Who is it?" My aunt Julia's voice came from behind the door, as I cleared my throat.
"It's Clara and Cadence!"
"Oh!" she exclaimed, "Give me a minute!" I could hear her footsteps stumbling to get the door, there was a click as Julia opened the door.
"Come in you two!" she exclaimed as my daughter and I stepped into the room where my cousin, Leann, was partially naked with nothing but white, lacey lingerie.
"Wow! Your wedding attire looks great, Leann!" I joked as she stuck her tongue out playfully.
"I'm going to put my dress on after I put my make-up on. But your hair and make-up looks splendid, you two! Who did it?" I smiled.
"Mom did our hair and Sera did our make-up. But yours is going to look the best! I mean you are the bride after all! You're gonna outshine us all!" She blushed as Cecilia came closer from a vanity.
"Okay, Miss Leann." She began, "Are you ready for your make-up?" Leann nodded, heading over towards the vanity.
"You have beautiful green eyes, just like your father!" Ceci exclaimed, "I read in a magazine reds and purples are ideal for green eyes. But remember if you don't like it we have plenty of make-up wipes."
"Go for it, Ceci!" Leann exclaimed, "I have confidence in you!" Ceci smiled and blushed, dipping the brush in a rose-gold powder, mixing it with a touch of silver, applying it evenly on both of Leann's eyelids.
"Mama?" Cadence asked as I looked down at her, resting my hands on my knees.
"Yes, sweetheart?"
"Why is everyone dressed up?" she asked in confusion, oblivious to what a wedding is.
"Our cousin, Leann, is getting married today! So we're dressed up in celebration!" She blinked curiously, twisting her hair.
"What does 'getting married' mean?" I just smiled.
"When two people love each other they become officially joined through a very special ceremony. Almost like a party."
"Oh! Can mommy and I get married?" I laughed, overhearing snickering from Julia, Leann, and Ceci.
"It doesn't work like that, sweetie."
"Why not?" She asked, stomping her foot and crossing her arms. "I love mommy, and mommy loves me, right?"
"True, but it's a different kind of love." She blinked.
"What?" she asked, I just pulled her close.
"You'll understand when you're older." I said, Julia sighed.
"You are just too cute, Cadence." Julia cooed, "I can't wait until you and Orland have a baby, Leann." My cousin just blushed.
"No rush, right?" she asked as her mother laughed.
"Of course, Leann, there's no rush."
"And, it's done!" Cecilia announced, "What do you think, Miss Leann?" She spun Leann's chair so she could look in the mirror. I heard Leann gasp in a pleased way as she touched her reflection with the tips of her fingers as if wondering 'is that me?' My cousin was always the most beautiful and one of the smartest kids in our class, she honestly probably didn't need make-up.
She spun her chair towards us as my mouth began to agape. My beautiful cousin now looked like a gorgeous goddess! I had always admired my cousin's beauty, often being jealous when I was younger due to Orland paying more attention to her, but looking at her and knowing her personality, Orland had made the perfect choice.
"Leann…" her mother began to overcome with tears.
"M-mother, please. If you cry, I'll start crying and I don't want to wash away all of Ceci's hard work." Julia laughed as she flicked away a tear at the corner of her eye.
"I'm sorry, sweetie." Leann's face lit in realization.
"You haven't seen my dress yet, have you Clara?" I blinked.
"Now that you mention it, I haven't…mom said it was gorgeous though!" Leann smiled.
"It was a shame you couldn't go wedding dress shopping with us. But Aunt Rosalind did a fantastic job picking out your dress! Same goes with Cadence's dress!" It was true, my dress was made of pure silk, a dusty rose in color that reached the floor and had a side split going up to my thigh. Off shoulder sleeves and a V-neck neckline. Overall it looked very nice on me. Cadence's dress was different, though it was the same color as mine it was very, very poofy. Perfect for her since she loved those kinds of dresses.
Leann hurried over to a white garment sitting on a chair, she stepped into the center of the dress, pulling it up.
"Could someone zip me?" she asked as Ceci hurried over to zip up her dress. Leann turned towards me as I gasped. Her dress was stunning! It was a strapless, mermaid silhouette. A sweetheart neckline adorned with beautiful diamonds complimented the dress.
"Orland is gonna be stunned!" I squealed, causing my cousin to blush. Julia made her way to the door, opening it slightly.
"She's ready, Max!" Julia called out. The door opened fully as my uncle, Max, entered, looking like he was going to cry.
"You look beautiful, Leann." He said, trying not to choke up as Leann rushed to him, crashing into his arms.
"Cadence and I are going to take our seats. Again, congratulations Leann." I announced as we left the room, taking a seat on the pews next to my parents. I looked up at the front of the church at Orland fiddling with his collar, obviously nervous.
The organ began to play a few minutes later as we all stood up to gaze at Leann and Max at the doorway. Leann looked happy but nervous at the same time as she laid her hand on her father's arm, the cascading bouquet in her other hand as they slowly began walking down the aisle. They stopped at the altar. Gordon cleared his throat, his hand rested on the bible, as he began.
"Dearly Beloved, we are gathered together here in the sign of God – and in the face of this company – to join together this man and this woman in holy matrimony, which is commended to be honorable among all men; and therefore – is not by any – to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly – but reverently, discreetly, advisedly and solemnly. Into this holy estate these two persons present now come to be joined. If any person can show just cause why they may not be joined together – let them speak now or forever hold their peace."
The room was still in silence, Cadence looked around, her legs dangling from the pews as Gordon continued.
"Marriage is the union of husband and wife in heart, body and mind. It is intended for their mutual joy – and for the help and comfort given on another in prosperity and adversity. But more importantly – it is a means through which a stable and loving environment may be attained. Through marriage, Orland and Leann make a commitment together to face their disappointments – embrace their dreams – realize their hopes – and accept each other's failures. Orland and Leann will promise one another to aspire to these ideals throughout their lives together – through mutual understanding – openness – and sensitivity to each other."
I could sense Leann blushing and I saw from my seat Orland smile one of his rare smiles.
"We are here today – before God – because marriage is one of His most sacred wishes – to witness the joining in marriage of Orland and Leann. This occasion marks the celebration of love and commitment with which this man and this woman begin their life together. And now – through me – He joins you together in one of the holiest bonds."
Gordon paused for a few seconds.
"Who gives this woman in marriage to this man?"
"I do." Max replied, as he gave Leann a kiss on her forehead. Orland offered his hand as Leann took it, standing on his left side, Gordon continued.
"Do you, Orland, take Leann to be your wife – to live together after God's ordinance – in the holy estate of matrimony? Will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health, for richer, for poorer, for better, for worse, in sadness and in joy, to cherish and continually bestow upon her your heart's deepest devotion, forsaking all others, keep yourself only unto her as long as you both shall live?"
"I do." Orland replied in a voice of happiness, and not his usual monotone voice. Gordon gave a nod as he turned his attention to Leann.
"Do you, Leann take Orland to be your husband – to live together…"
"Yes, I do!" Leann said in a shy, but clear voice filled with enthusiasm, Gordon bellowed out a hearty laugh.
"You didn't let me finish!" He scolded jokingly. Leann blushed.
"Sorry." She said shyly.
"Oh, it doesn't matter! By the power vested in me, and God, I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride!" Leann began jumping slightly, grabbing Orland's collar and pulling his lips unto her lips. The church cheered as Orland and Leann turned to face the crowd, their gloved hands intertwined with each other's, a blush on their faces.
The new couple rushed out of the church, everyone followed behind. The reception was being held at the manor, but there was one thing I wanted to do…
"Mom?" I asked, stopping my mother as she turned towards me.
"Yes, Clara?"
"Could you take Cadence to the manor? There's…there's something I want to do." She smiled, understanding what I was trying to say.
"Of course, baby." She replied, taking Cadence's hand.
"Don't worry, Cadence. Your mommy will be at the reception momentarily!" and with that my mother and daughter walked out of the church. Gordon and I were the only ones left in the church.
"Visiting Leonel I presume?" he asked as I nodded.
"Just for a few minutes." I replied.
"Visit for as long as you'd like." He gestured towards the door that led to the cemetery; I opened the door, it was cool for a summer day, the wind blowing the grass and leaves as I made my way to Leonel's tombstone. I sat in front of it.
"Hi Leonel." I said with a pause as if he was going to say hi back, "Leann and Orland got married today…but you probably knew that." I began to tear, I knew for a fact my best friend would never be able to marry…and it was all my fault. I wished I could travel through time and erase that day of the Shooting Star Festival. I sniffed, and continued.
"Cadence is learning how to spell." My tears began to come out faster, "Everyone says she's just like you…and they're right…she looks like you, acts like you…everything about her is you." I wiped my eyes.
"Leonel…" I clutched the grass and began sobbing, "I miss you." I felt the wind blow my hair as I stood up, hugging myself, imagining the wind as Leonel.
"I love you." I whispered and with that I made my way to the reception.