All My Stars

2

"She's here!" My mother announces dramatically,  pushing the French doors open to the foyer I was getting ready in.

"Calm down Ma, she's not the queen of England"

"It's time for you to go out and meet her, she's in the garden. Amelia will take you to her" At the mention of her name, the wedding assistant joins my mother at the door.

In truth, I had been ready for about half an hour but couldn't find the courage to leave the room. I hadn't been home for my brother's engagement or anytime before he left really, so this would be my first time meeting Natsumi.

"I'll give you two a moment to talk,  I'll entertain the guests until" And with that, my mother was gone, the fruity scent of her perfume all that was left behind.

"Shall we?" Amelia leads me away from the guests towards the back door to the garden. The gentle sound of the piano follows me outside. The garden is brighter than I've ever seen it, all the flowers are in bloom and fairy lights are strung up lighting the passageway. I can see the outline of her as she stands.

"This is as far as I go, best of luck" Amelia whispers to me, patting my shoulder briefly before retreating into the house.

Her steps are graceful as she walks down the gazebo stairs to meet me and finally, I can see her face.

She's beautiful and not anything like I expected.

Her sultry dark brown eyes take me in slowly before a gentle smile makes its way onto her lips.

"Hi"

I can barely find my voice to echo the greeting.

"It's nice to meet you, I'm Natsumi" She extends one arm, the other casually stuffed into the pocket of her red satin pantsuit.

No doubt the matching was my mother's idea as I'm wearing the same shade of red in the same material.

"Nice to meet you too, Navi"

" I got you something"

The necklace she reveals is stunning. A soft string of pearls so delicate I'm almost afraid to wear it.

"Wow, I didn't get you anything"

She smiles again.

"That's alright I didn't expect anything in return" I lift my hair and she goes behind me, clasping the necklace and laying it gently against my neck.

"It's gorgeous, thank you "

"You're welcome, wanna sit?" She gestures back up to the gazebo.

"Sure"

It's mostly quiet out here, besides the occasional loud outburst from a guest inside or crickets chirping.

She offers her hand and doesn't let go until I'm sitting safely beside her.

"I know this probably isn't what you wanted and for that I'm sorry" Her apology is sincere but does little to console me.

"It's not your fault, but thank you"

"If I hadn't agreed to it then would you still be here?"

"My parents hate failure,  if it wasn't you it would be someone else"

She's silent for a while after that and I watch her as she mulls over my words.

"We should discuss the terms of this marriage"

It's down to business, I can't say I expected much else.

It's difficult to clear the obstruction in my throat from the oncoming tears but I manage.

"Of course"

"Although this wasn't by choice I don't intend to make you feel like a prisoner, you're free to do as you please. I know you're in college so you can resume classes whenever you want but living on campus is no longer an option"

Figured as much.

"I expect two things from you at all times. Whenever you're out you're representing me and my family so be mindful of your conduct"

"Okay" I nod in agreement.

"I expect you to be faithful" She narrows her eyes slightly as if challenging me to disagree and when I don't reply, she relaxes ever so slightly.

"Good, do you have any expectations of me?"

I hadn't expected her to ask, in most cases men in these scenarios never ask something like that but this was different, she is a woman.

"Same goes for you, be faithful to me"

Her eyes widen slightly in surprise and I can't keep the words itching at my throat contained to my tongue.

"Don't be a hypocrite"

It's silent for a few moments before she's leaning forward in laughter,  her forehead touches my shoulder briefly before she contains herself.

"I wasn't trying to be, I just didn't expect you to say that"

"Why not? You said it" I argue.

"That's true. I'll be faithful to you, my Navi" She bows to me.

"Good"

Her pretty brown eyes smile at me more than her lips do.

"You're not what I expected, that's a good thing"

"How so?"

"It means we'll get along swell" She rose, offering her hand to me once more.

"Our guests are waiting, shall we?"