The Look Of Love

An Epilogue- Sort Of

In the time following their wedding, life was sweet for Bobby and Mary. They spent a blissful summer, together in their new house (the former guest cottage). They thought their friends would let them be, at least for two weeks, but no. After one week out of the country together, which Mary did manage to drag them out of the resort room for a couple of tours, they spent one week home alone. 

Then his friends had had enough, and returned to inviting themselves over. Which was fine, except for the one time Tommy forgot to knock. He dramatically said "My eyes! My eyes! I need to wash them out and burn my memory." Needless to say, he never forgot to knock again. After knowing what Tommy walked in on, the rest of the group always made it a point to knock. 

The thing Bobby and Mary loved most about being married is being with each other. They didn't have to leave each other, and they could always wake up together. For them that was everything. Also, they didn't have to take two separate vehicles on dates or outings with friends. 

The things they found difficult, but not terrible, is learning how to share a space with someone. One major difficulty they encountered is the amount of clothing Mary owned. As her clothes kept piling up and up and up, from her move into their house, Bobby became more shocked. The master bedroom has a walk-in closet and Bobby thought it was rather large. However, when she started putting her clothes and shoes away, he was left with a teeny tiny space. So, his closet is in one of the spare bedrooms. 

What really burnt his toast was, the one day in mid-August, when Mary said "I need to go shopping for college outfits." 

He scoffed. "Are you serious?" She had the nerve to shake her head yes. Clearly she's still living under the impression her aunt's are buying everything. No! They're not! They have a fixed monthly income.

His parents paid his college off, after all of his scholarships were applied. They gave him the rest of his college fund. They said it's his to do with as he pleases, knowing full well he'll use it to live off of. Sure, it's more than enough for them to live on throughout all four years of college but... He's not taking any chances. So he sat her down and explained this, after she said she needed to go shopping.

They had their first argument as a married couple. She said, "But my aunts will pay for my clothes." 

He looked at her and told her "No, they will not. We're married. I would like to be able to pay for your things myself. But you don't need any new clothes. You have a whole closet full of them." 

"But Bobby you don't understand. I can't start college wearing high school clothes! I need new clothes that say I'm married and sophisticated," she explained. He just had to understand! He didn't. And it led to tears with her not speaking to him the remainder of the day. But he is firm in his resolve. 

However, after talking to his mother he relented a little. He gave her x amount of money and told her she could not go over this amount, for clothing. In fact, he told her that would be her "clothing allowance" every month, until they both started working. She agreed to this with a cheerful heart and proceeded to show him how cheery she was.

When college finally did begin, it was difficult for Mary. Bobby had walked her to her first medical class, and dropped her off with a kiss. She had hoped to make friends, but that proved null and void. Mainly due to the jealousy of the girls who saw their display, and the fact she's married. All the girls in her classes were basically her age, and single. So, they snubbed her. 

After almost a month of being ridiculed and shunned, Mary finally broke down. One evening,  when they were eating dinner, Bobby asked how her classes were going. She pushed her plate away and ran off to the bedroom. As he followed after her, he saw her laying on the bed crying her eyes out. Pulling her into his embrace, he stroked her hair until she was quiet. 

He didn't have to ask any questions, or pull it out of her. She offered the truth on her own. Shocked beyond belief, at the treatment of his wife, he grew angry. Don't these girls know his wife is one of the kindest people? She wouldn't hurt a fly and they're mistreatment of her breaks his heart. And the sad thing is, there's nothing he could really do except love her through it.

He spoke to Pastor Scott about this. Pastor Scott advised him to try and find a couple to hang out with. This is tricky because there's hardly any couples their age who are married. But Pastor invited them to the "newly married" group at church. So, they went one Thursday evening. This newly married group was full of couples in their mid to older twenties. The both thought they wouldn't fit in, but were surprised to find they fit just fine. This helped with Mary's hurt feelings considerably.

The good news is, the following summer, Jimmy and Gwen got married. After they married, Bobby and Mary finally had two of their best friends to hang out with as a married couple. The rest of their friends didn't marry until after college. Dutch and Ashley broke up, after he went off to France the summer before Sophomore year. He went for a college study program, but then they got back together. Absence makes the heart grow fonder. 

Gemma and Johnny broke up too, as did Lori and Tommy. However, the funny thing is Johnny and Lori started dating. Tommy and Gemma did as well. So, basically they did a couple swap. No complaints from any of the friends, especially Mary. She remembered the time the group went to see Sixteen Candles. She thought then that Tommy and Gemma would be good together. They are! As for Johnny and Lori... Well the more she gets to know Johnny, the more he's like a true brother to her. Plus, in actuality, he's Bobby's BFF.

But what about children and after graduation? Well, Bobby and Mary had their first child Junior year of college. It was unexpected, although to hear his friends tell it "We don't know why you're surprised. You and Mary have tons of fun all the time." He gives them dirty looks every time they say that.

                                                 ___________________________

And that kind reader, is where the new story will begin. It's called The Look Of Hope. It will pick up with the unexpected news of Mary's pregnancy. It will follow her pregnancy and the hilarious birth (think Jimmy and Johnny). Then it will detail how Bobby became a pastor and why. It's a monumental moment in his life that made this change in him, and it's also quite devastating. 

It will also serve to show Johnny as a Sensei, himself. However, he's not going to be a deadbeat especially since he's with Lori. I'm sorry to tell you, but Dutch will not be going to jail. However, he wants you all to know he will still be arrogant. I'm not sure yet, if Tommy will get sick or not. That's a big question mark in my mind at this point. But there's clear direction for all of these characters and big changes in their lives. So, I hope you'll read and enjoy it! The first chapter is posted today!