Youth's Mist Ch 22

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Pann

Sitting in the Reflection Room with only two hours to make the hardest decision of my life— The first hour I mentally make a list of why I shouldn't be at the bridge in the next hour. It's a short list; my last grocery list was longer, but still, it's a validated list of concerns. Who gets married in only 10 days and with only one and a half dates? Then, decides to live underground with people that Joven swears are not a cult. My head overrides my heart in the end. The answer I came up with was; "no one." We don't know each other well enough, and I need more time.

I start to leave the Reflection Room and my slow trudge to the back door. I need to go to his parents' house, gather my things, and maybe I can find a way out while everyone is busy. I wasn't very coherent when Joven carried me in, but surely there are directions or something.

Reaching into my pocket, I pull out my cell phone. Planning to send Joven a polite refusal to his lovely offer of marriage; my finger stills as I see multiple missed phone calls and text messages. I sit back down at the back of the Reflection Room, and listen one by one to all the voice mails, then read the text messages. Poor Joven, he really was torn up. Getting back up, I decide I'll write a note at his parents' house, instead of a text message. It might feel more personal that way, than being dumped by a message on a cell phone.

Leaving the Reflection Room and starting down the steps, I see a man that looks as dejected as I feel. Sitting on the stone bench by the bushes that border the old building, I feel compelled to stop and give some comfort. No matter how down you feel, there is usually someone else that's worse. "Compassion is free, so freely spread it around," my dad would often say.

"Hey, are you okay?" I ask approaching quietly. He's a good looking fellow, but there's sadness in his eyes. I realize he's the first sad Dewbie I've seen today. Everywhere we have walked, we were greeted with smiling faces.

"Yes, or at least I will be eventually," he replies. I really hope talking outside of the Reflection Room is allowed, I don't want to make anyone mad.

"Your face looks like how I feel; lost." I stick out my left hand, since the right one is encased in plaster, "My name is Pann."

"You're Joven's wife," he states, as he shakes my hand and that went to uncomfortable real fast. Before I can correct him, he begins talking.

"I was supposed to be up there with you this morning."

"Excuse me?" Great, is there another law about spouse sharing? That just made my decision much easier to swallow.

"My name is Michael and no, not the way you are thinking. I'm engaged to a girl from UpAbove, but she backed out. Joven tried to warn me but I just couldn't see the signals she had been sending."

"Can I join you?" I interject between his words.

"Sure," and he moves over to make room for me to sit down. "We've dated for months and she's known about our life down here the whole time. The problem is outsiders can't visit, and she's refusing to leave her family. I've assured her we can visit them every day, but it's not enough, or more correctly, I'm not enough for her."

My heart cracks just a little and my anger comes down a degree or two. Is this how Joven will look when I'm gone?

"I know it's a lot for her to give up and I'd leave this for her, but neither of us is budging at this point. And now we have another year to figure it out. I'm sorry to drop this on you, it's your wedding day," he adds trying to smile, but it comes across like a person eating a lemon.

What to say? Nothing, my brain freezes.

Have I been looking at this all wrong?

My list is what I'll give up.

Where's my list of what I'll be getting?

Could it really be that simple?

Could I just let go and fly?

I tried that parasailing, and that did not end well. He wants me to hold his heart, but can I give him mine?

"Sunset is fast approaching and you should hurry. Joven's a lucky guy, the sparks flying between ya'll two is like a fireworks show. Encased above both of ya'll is an illuminating glow. I've only ever seen that one other time when I was a young kid. Many blessings on your marriage here and beyond." He turns and leaves and I see the veil in his hand, he's heading to the bridge.

I should be leaving? Why am I leaving? Poof!

My list is gone. I see clearly where I should be, the question is will I make it in time? I pick up the pace and end up running all the way to his parents' house. No way, am I getting married in jeans and an old rock n roll shirt that says, "Rock me all night long, baby."

Arriving at his parents' house, I find the door unlocked thank goodness. Going back to the room that I had my nap in earlier, I see my dress pressed and laid out on a very familiar blue blanket, with my sandals on the floor. There's a note on top:

"Pann, we wish many blessings to you on this special day. May your years be long, your love strong and loyalty be true. Misting Much Love, Dad and Mom. Ps. Hurry Up! Don't be late!

I'm getting parents! I didn't think about that or even have them listed on my positive side of the chart. I get a family!

Hurriedly I change and run back out the door, towards Joven and my destiny. I'm going to be a Dewbie!

I make it through the crowd and see my husband, yeah that sounds nice. I take his hands whispering in his ear, which only makes him smile more. I see the other wedded couples exchange tokens, Joven whispers in my ear explaining the meaning behind each token, causing me to shiver. When I realize he's wearing his Purity ring, I'm ready to rip his clothes off and take it. Clothes flying everywhere and then.... Well, now the Reverend is looking at me kind of funny, my cheeks must be blazing red.

I then remember it's our turn. I turn back to Joven as he presents me with Kitty! How did he find her? I last had her in my purse for safe transport. I hold her close as he explains the history behind his chosen token. Confused by his words I look closer at Kitty, and within the ribbon is a ring dangling. I untie the bow, as Joven takes the ring and slides it on my finger.

It's heavy, but intricate in design. This is no Purity ring; jewels adorn it and I know this is something of epic proportions. A lot of work went into this and it fits perfect. We have some things to work out, but I'm right where I belong.

As the sun sets, the brilliance in the room intensifies. The Mist swirls up to the water reflected ceiling until an explosion occurs and a million tiny shimmers of light cascade down upon all Dewbies.

The Reverend signals the wedded couples and Joven takes some oil from a jar, and brings his hand to my forehead and it again runs between my eyes and down my face, but this time I don't mind. The other couples kiss and I turn to my husband.

"My turn," is all he says. He takes my face into his two strong hands, and angles my face opposite his. He gently presses his lips to mine, oh my, I definitely did it wrong this morning.

"Open, let me in Mrs. Ainsworth," he whispers against my lips. I quickly comply and our tongues touch.

Stars! I see actual stars! My hand seeks out his body and lands on his vest. I can finally feel the talisman that he has worn for the past fifteen years. I melt like butter; I'm just melting where I stand.

"Joven, dude, your parents are watching," Heif says and it jolts me back to the present.

Joven smiles and just shrugs, "later" he whispers and winks.

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Author's note: Well that kiss perked up her pulse I'm sure.  Who's the lucky one in this ceremony? Pann chose Joven, but did she choose wisely? We are so close to Book #2, Youth's Mist. Thanks for all the support!

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

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