The Life Of Michael Afton

{1} Bond

Kathy nervously twists her engagement ring around her finger, casting her gaze downwards. The ring William proposed to her with is beautiful, an emerald set in gold, "to match your beautiful eyes." Her nails are painted gold for this occasion. After all, it's not every day that you marry your high school sweetheart.

"Katherine? Oh, there you are! I've got a gift for you, Katherine." Her mother walks towards her, masking her emotions as only a Celeste could do on her daughter's wedding day.

"The English rhyme, 'something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue...' Berthe told me you wanted to do that. Your dress is something new, and the highlights are blue. I've got something old for you to keep, an early marriage gift if you will." It's then Kathy notices the box in her mother's hands, the brown wood nearly the same shade as her skin.

"Go on, open it. It's unlocked. I wouldn't test you on your wedding day." She smiles encouragingly, her jewel-green eyes bright.

Kathy rolls her own eyes, "Mother, you have tested us on many other momentous occasions. Who would I be to think any different?" Still, she opens the box—cautiously.

Inside is a pearl necklace nestled on a cushion. Her mother picks it up reverently and gestures for her to spin around. "I'll fasten it for you."

Its weight settles over her collarbones, heavy enough that she is sure the pearls are authentic—not that she doubts their authenticity, being an heirloom of their well-off family. The pearls are cool and smooth against her skin, the necklace not too tight and the pearls not too big.

Kathy turns to face the mirror, finally seeing her whole outfit complete. "I love it," she breathes.

"You look radiant, my jewel. Your William is lucky to have you."

She feels radiant. The blue shade of the off-white pearls compliment the dress quite nicely, and it certainly goes with her theme of blue. The dress is beautiful, a homage to her heritage with the traditional French style but custom tailored perfectly to her. And her hair...she's never felt so dressed up but comfortable, with half in a bun and half loose around her shoulders. Berthe's butterfly pin is resting in her bun, fulfilling the 'borrowed' part of the rhyme. It brings out the faded blue in her black hair well, with its silver tone.

"Well, my precious gem...are you ready to walk down the aisle? Don't forget to switch your engagement ring to your other hand!" Kathy does so, moving a bit in a daze. She can't believe that she's actually getting married.

The opening notes play, and she practically floats down the aisle. Actually, her mother's hand on her arm is keeping her grounded, and it's the only reason she doesn't really accidentally activate her power and float into the air. Gazing around, the wedding is just as she dreamed of... outside in the manor's garden, the family and friends all on benches. The garden looks ethereal with lights strung through it and lanterns placed all over.

William looks starstruck at the altar, blushing and smiling encouragingly. He looks the picture of a gentleman, dressed in a deep purple shimmering vest over a crisp black dress shirt. His silver belt buckle gleams in the lantern light.

Berthe has tears in her eyes, smiling brightly at Kathy. Her bridesmaid, of course— who else could it be but her twin, her other half? This moment is perfect, and Kathy savors each second of it as she stands at the altar. Her mother and sibling at her side, her soon-to-be husband facing her. Nothing could ever beat this, she thinks.

After a few minutes of a speech, Uncle Laurent (a reverend and her chosen officiator) asks her to repeat her vows. "I, Kathy Smith, take you, William Afton, to be my lawful husband, to have and to hold from this day forward. I will love you unconditionally, with unwavering commitment, in sickness and health, til death do us part."

"I, William Afton, take you, Kathy Smith, to be my lawful wife, to have and to hold from this day forward. I will love you unconditionally, with unwavering commitment, in sickness and health, til death do us part."

The rings are exchanged, and Kathy has truly never been happier.

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727 words
3/26/23