One Wish

3

That night Elijah was on the balcony of their house. Looking up at the sky. It was a clear night. There are stars scattered all over the sky. And whether imaginative or not, she seemed to have seen a tiny light draw the sky down. Her eyes widened and she immediately put both hands in the pocket of her cotton pants, closed her eyes, and uttered a wish.

You're twenty-two, Elijah. But until now you're still doing that. Her father said laughing from the door.

Elijah looked at him and gave her father a shy smile. Old habits are hard to die, Papa.

The smile remained on the old man's lips, but in the light coming from the balcony, Elijah saw the passing of sadness in her father's eyes. And she knew they both thought the same thing, her mother. She was in his last year of high school when her mother died. Her mom taught her when she was a little girl that when there was a falling star or meteor she could ask for a wish. One of those bedtime stories is about whenever her mother puts her to sleep.

And as she got older she learned that the stars do not fall from the sky. The sun is one of the smallest stars in the entire universe. And the sun was many times bigger than earth. So no star can fall to the ground.

But of course, that was the scientific truth. The points of view of poets and romantics and the fantasy of children are different. And whenever she saw a light drawing in the sky, she couldn't help uttering a wish. She couldn't even remember if any of her wishes came true. She didn't believe it either.

But the wish you just made wasn't a childish wish, was it? Her father joked.

Elijah grinned. I just wish our marriage would be successful if we get married...

The old man's smile widened. You shouldn't have told me what you wished for, Elijah. It won't come true...

She laughed gaily. Papa really? She sat down beside her. We both know there's no such thing as a falling star. Maybe I just went through the motions but it's not bad to ask myself if Vincent and I will be as happy together as you and mama...

Her father let out a deep sigh. Have you decided to get married? Are you sure Vincent will be willing to expand on what you've learned in photography when you're married?

She sighed. Even she couldn't be sure of the answer there. That's what we talked about earlier, isn't it? She could not tell her father she was only forced to agree to marry Vincent three months after the dinner.

Earlier, while they were at the dinner table, Vincent whispered about their wedding in front of his parents and her father. Vincent's father readily agreed and his mother seconded. The mayor decided to immediately schedule their wedding. She even suspected that Vincent's parents knew about her boyfriend's plan because they didn't even show shock.

Elijah also couldn't speak. It seems that her opinion was no longer important. Even her father didn't say much. And even when Vincent said that she would postpone the departure to the city first because she would be busy preparing for their upcoming wedding. She wanted to be angry with her boyfriend for what he had done to her. But her desire to understand Vincent prevailed and he probably loved her dearly and wanted to marry her.

And do you love Vincent, Elijah? Her father whispered.

That's why I agreed to get married, isn't it? She said at the same time turning to her father, her eyebrows slightly pressed together. Do you doubt my feelings, Papa?

Her father shrugged. I don't know. I can't understand your feelings, Elijah. But your mother's face is still clear in my memory of when we were dating. She was glowing always. Her eyes sparkled like a jewel. She always says she looks forward to seeing me every moment... The wrinkle was then replaced by a smile, and Elijah's eyes twinkled.

Really, Papa? I didn't know Mama was that showy in how she felt about you. How sweet of her...

She was. Sadness and longing filled his voice.

She cocked her head. You mean you don't see me looking forward to Vincent so much? It was more of a statement than a question. Then she smiled at her father. Maybe Mom and I aren't the same in that part, Papa...

Her father shrugged again. Maybe. But you're too young, Elijah, to agree with your boyfriend to get married right away. Even when your mother was still alive, we wanted you to see the world... go places... meet people. That's what your mother and I want something we can't do because apart from we are so tied in our profession, it also needs extra money. And when the opportunity came to increase teachers' salaries and then there was enough money, you came into our life.

When Elijah was ready to speak, her father waved his hand and continued. We won't trade you for any chance to travel when you come into our lives, Elijah.

Emotion flooded her. More than ever she missed her mother now.

And I know apart from wanting to get to different places you dream of being a great photographer, having your exhibit, to having the pictures you take in a magazine. How can you do that if you're already married?

She forced a smile. She tried to clear her mind of regret that she might not be able to do so. Vincent's family are conservatives. The wife should only be at home and serving the husband. There is nothing wrong, especially if she will be happy with Vincent. it is worth the sacrifice.

Maybe Vincent would allow me to put up my studio after we were married. And what do you know if Vincent wants us to travel when we get married? I'll even suggest that to him. Maybe we'll travel far! To Europe... or Asia!

Her father laughed. Contaminated by the excitement in her voice. I hope you do that. Because once you have children and Vincent is tied to politics it will be difficult for you to travel.

Her eyes flew to her father. He didn't like the last thing he said. Politics? Vincent isn't going into politics, Papa. It's been talked about-- She stopped speaking when she saw the frown and astonishment on his father's face. What do you mean? She asked suspiciously.

Her father's eyebrows met. Your boyfriend? Didn't he mention to you that he's going to run in the next election? His father mentioned it to me earlier when we talked.

Elijah turned to the garden so that her father could not see the sudden darkening of her face. Vincent knew she hated politics. And he promised her not to follow in his father's footsteps. They've talked about that before. Being the leader of civic organizations in their town is enough. But Vincent's entry into politics was not what Elijah wanted to happen.

His father was a politician. Inevitably--

His dad, not him! And he promised me that he won't go into politics! She wanted to cry. She felt cheated.

Then you don't love him, Elijah," Her father said gently.

Because I hate politics? She asked sarcastically.

Her father took a deep breath. He stared at his daughter intently. No. But falling in love with someone is falling in love with their dreams.