Rumspringa

Chapter 11: Wedding Plans

  Emily was always my first choice for the godmother of my kids. Ever since high school, we had decided that we were gonna be the godmother of each other's kids. This pregnancy came as a complete surprise and neither one of us were ready. We had just both lost our jobs and had no idea what we were going to do. Most all our savings went into the empty lot that we were plan on building.

   "So Emily, we were wondering are they hiring at Walmart?" The three of us were all in the living room just sitting around.

   "I do believe they are looking for a stocker and a cashier. Why, tired of the factory?" Emily laughed at us as I was pretty much silent. Eli was doing all the talking.

   "Actually, I can't speak for Becky, but I love the factory. The problem is that they are closing down." He bowed his head in disappointment.

   "What? So that means both of you are out of a job. And with a pregnancy. I am sorry sorry. When did you find this out?" Her voice got louder she seemed almost as upset as we were.

   "We just found out today. They told us we had two weeks left. With her pregnant, I doubt she will be able to get a job until after the baby is born, so it looks like it's on me. I'm the father, so I got to step up." It was times like this that I'm glad I choose him.

   "Have you told either of your parents?" Emily was mainly directing the question at me.

   "I'm not sure how they will take it. I mean, they really seem to like Eli, so I don't think they won't be too disappointed, but I'm pretty sure they will be disappointed that we aren't married." I wasn't sure how I was gonna break the news to them yet.

   "Which brings me to the next question, will you be a witness to our wedding?" Eli pulled that question out of nowhere. We hadn't even discussed it yet. 

   "What?" I pretty much screamed at this point.

   "I was thinking do a courthouse marriage now and then have a bigger reception down the line." He looked over at me. It wasn't the worst idea I'd ever heard. "In my religion, a baby born out of wedlock is a sin. Even though I'm here in the modern world, I still try to hold some of my religious beliefs." He had a point.

   "I would be honored. We got to get you a dress. First thing tomorrow morning." I had never seen her so excited. "I'm pretty sure I can get the two of you in at Walmart as well. Just don't tell them you're pregnant."

   "Alright deal. So what are you gonna do about your parents Eli?" I still hadn't been able to win them over, and I don't think I ever will." It was true. They didn't come out and directly say it, but they hated me. I was keeping their baby boy away from them and unless I converted, I don't think they would ever accept me. I don't really think I was ready for that big of a change in my life just yet.

   "Rebecca Lynn Garrison" he got down on one knee and reached his hand into his pocket. I was in shock. He pulled out a ring. "Will you marry me?" My eyes went wide I was taken back by the fact that he actually proposed.

   "Yes." I held out my hand and let him put the ring on. It was a perfect fit. "I love it. Where did you get it?"

   "A guy at work needed money. He saw how close you and I were and took a chance on asking if I wanted it. I couldn't resist." He stood up and gave me a hug and a kiss. Emily started clapping.

   Time had flown by and it was our last day at the factory. Half the equipment was gone and nobody was doing much of anything, but if we wanted the unemployment benefits and our last check, we had to be there. We had found out that they had sold the company and moved it to Mexico. More foreigners taking our jobs.