Youth's Mist

Youth's Mist Ch 21

Joven

Walking dejected back to my house, I successfully avoid everyone and make no direct eye contact. It feels like I haven't been home in days, and before I had my mad dash to Pann's house, I had been doing my best impression of a depressed slug.

I begin cleaning my house when a knock sounds on my front door. Thinking it might be Heif for round two of debates on morals, but instead on my doorstep are the two most upbeat people I've ever known, my own personal cheer squad. They are holding a cake and a wrapped gift.

"Happy 29th birthday Joven!" They shout in unison.

"I don't think I can call it happy at this moment, but I'll take the cake." Some sugar would be a welcome burst of energy, "come on in, Pann is at the Reflection Room," as I open the door wider.

"Well, let's get this place ready for your bride," my mom says in her usual perky, positive tone. I plop into the nearest chair, squishing a pizza box that I hope was empty.

"What if she never comes home, what if we aren't joined? She asked some pretty hard questions." The look on her face was devastating, when she realized I practically kidnapped her.

"Did you tell her everything? Of your shared past?" dad asks.

"No, I dumped a college semester worth of history on her. I didn't want to overwhelm her." I doubt it would have helped anyway.

"Dewbie blood courses through your veins and you have the Insight unlike anyone else known in our time. What does it tell you now?"

"I shall have no other, if Pann refuses me; I will remain joined with her only. Waiting for the beyond, when we will meet again." Just voicing it, I realize something. I WILL have Pann as my wife and I'm going to make sure she never regrets her decision.

"Then let's get this place ready. Your mom brought several meals for the newlyweds to put in your refrigerator. You can unwrap your birthday gift first though. We had something else planned, but we feel this might be more appropriate. It's not every day our only child gets married."

Opening the gift, I stare in awe, in all my years, I never thought I'd have this to hold in my hands until my parents went beyond the Mist.

"I am honored, I will strive to always make you proud," I say tearing up again. Looks like I'm turning in my man card tonight don't need it anymore anyway.

"We already are, son, we already are," as both my parents hug me.

We clean for the next hour; no one mentions the approaching setting sun. I gently usher them to the door, knowing I need the last hour to physically and mentally prepare myself. Normally I would be getting the veil that all Dewbies wear at the celebration, but today I'm in the wedding party.

Pulling out a box my dad had given me a few years ago, hoping to see me settle down, I pull out the antique vest he wore on his wedding day to my mom. My mom had sewn it for him, and I feel humbled just having it on over my dress shirt. Just enough time to finish my token to Pann, then nothing more to do, and no way to avoid it. I leave the safety of my home, hoping I don't return alone, and head for the old wooden bridge.

Calm on the outside, but my insides are churning. How can someone be so happy and ready to throw-up at the same time? I start a mental mantra as I finish my walk "Pann will come to me, Pann will come to me, Pann will come to me." I greet and shake hands with the other two couples and the reverend.

"I was unable to locate you for the signing of the certificate. So, please remain after the ceremony so we can make it all official." I smile, or at least I hope it looks like smile. I certainly intend to have that certificate signed with both our names tonight. The couples take their places, and I start scanning the crowd. Unlike the morning ceremony, tonight the veils are on everyone's heads but not covering their faces. Where are you Pann? Please tell me I rate higher than a troll and a dying plant in your studio apartment.

"Is your wife coming?" The Reverend asks.

"She's coming," I reply, and please let that not be a lie to the Reverend.

The murmuring stops, a hush fills the cavern. Complete silence; not a sound nor movement, the ceremony is starting. Pretty sure people can hear my heart thumping in my chest. In my Insight I see her, before I hear her.

"Excuse me, excuse me, please I need to pass," and I hear the sweetest voice ever created. I take a few steps toward her, not leaving the bridge and reach my hand out. She clasps it with her left hand and I feel my pulse triple in its pace. She's dressed in the same outfit she wore on our first, and only date. She must've hurried back to my parent's house to change. Silly girl, I would have taken her in jeans and a t-shirt. So very thankful this beautiful girl is mine.

"I'm still mad," she leans in to whisper. Okay, maybe more work is needed before she's technically mine. "But I'll hold your heart safely in my hands till you need it back." And, that will be never, I mutter softly.

The swirling of the mist begins to rise, as the Reverend speaks the ancient words of our ancestors. Each Dewbie now gives their token of affection. I lean in to Pann's ear to whisper and help explain what's happening. She shivers, but I know it's not from being cold.

Bethany goes first, and hands her husband a heavy metal chain with a ring dangling from the links.

"She's giving him a necklace with a ring most Dewbies receive at age 14. It's a promise most of us make, and we pledge purity until our soul joins with another. So, by giving him her Ring, she is saying he may have her purity this night." Pann surprises me by turning and looking at my chest.

"Do you have a necklace on, Joven?" she's trying to see if there is a lump or bump from the sacred talisman.

I can't help but smile and whisper back, "Yes, Pann, my purity is now yours."

Rory is next and gives his bride a bracelet, clicking it into place and whispering in her ear, which produces a giggle.

"He's given her a bracelet, which he made himself in Dewstone. It took many hours to complete. I'm guessing the engraving is very private. His bride wanted her ring this morning, so she already wears it."

The Mist seems to start swirling, encircling everyone but Pann and I. The Reverend moves closer and waits for me, and I know it's my turn. Heif comes forward and hands me Pann's token.

"Pann, Mrs. Ainsworth, I give to you a token of my affection," I present my gift to her, placing it in her hands. "It was crafted here in this cavern by my forefathers and has been in my family for decades. Like this token, we will stand strong, and there shall be no end."

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Author's note: A token? I'm thinking I just want that Purity Ring! 

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Music credit: Vivaldi - Summer from The Four Seasons | Netherlands Bach Society