A Touch of Sunshine (gxg)

Part 15

TW: This chapter talks about body image and weight.

Courting can last anywhere from 6 to 20 months here in Samaria. It is done by royalty and wealthier families. It is the time period in which two people who are set to be married get to know each other. Spend time together. It usually entails just going on dates once a week to begin with, until there tends to be a getaway before the actual wedding. I believe it is to see one last time how compatible you are with your partner.

I wasn't looking forward to any of it.

But I sure as hell was going to extend my courting for as long as I could.

And I accepted that when I was married- I would most likely have affairs with women. Or...maybe I wouldn't. Either way it sounded like a terrible life. All of it.

I couldn't even fathom having children with a man either. I wanted children one day. But in a perfect world I would get married to a woman and we would adopt a couple of children from a poorer country.

Since I was little- that is what felt right to me. Not marrying a man or having children with one.

But I essentially had no choice in the matter.

And as horrible as I felt for Valerie Maddow, I couldn't help but think one thing- at least you're free.

On Monday, Jillian greeted me with a hug after seeing that no one was looking.

She then walked with me under some trees off to the side of a few buildings so we could truly get some privacy.

"I've missed you so much this past week, Lucy." Jillian gave me another hug, "I almost couldn't stand it."

"Oh, Jillian." I said, "I feel the exact same. I wish I had arranged to see you sometime this past weekend. I feel bad for not doing so."

"Don't feel bad." Jillian held onto my hand, "Don't feel bad one bit. We have plenty of time to spend together now. Until, well...you're courting."

"We still can spend time together after that." I said, "Not much has to change."

Jillian gave me a sad smile. "I know."

"Wouldn't it be nice if you could be waiting for me outside of the courting ceremony and then we could just ride off into the night together?" I chuckled, somewhat joking.

"Why can't we make that happen?" Jillian looked at me, "Just tell me when and where. And I'll be there. I'll be your knight in shining armor."

"Are you serious?" I looked at her.

Jillian's face flushed, "Only if you are."

"I'd love that." I said, "It's going to be a tough night."

"Which is a damn shame." Jillian shook her head, "I'm sorry."

"It's okay." I said, "It'll be alright."

Jillian and I talked for a moment more, and then I started walking off to meet Ellie for my next class. On my way I saw Valerie- who simply nodded in my direction.

A little later that week, one day after school my mother came up to me. Or should I say, rushed up to me. She is always in a rush, it seems.

"We are going dress shopping this weekend." she said, "For your courting ceremony. Aunt Annika and Ellie will come with. I figured you would want Ellie there. I know you two have grown close."

"Thank you, mother." I said.

That was thoughtful.

"Just watch what you eat this month." my mother looked at me, "I want you fitting into your dress properly and looking good."