A Knight's Wedding

Step by Step

Ali was fiddling with her fingers. She was getting nervous and tired. I sat on the chair on the side of the room. We didn't talk. Ali had done a series of tests to determine the results.

As brave as I was acting, I was scared inside. I know Ali. She is free spirited and to be tied down with a STD would mean Ali as we know her wouldn't exist any longer.

"Ms. Baker?" A middle age doctor, tall walked in looking at the chart in his hand.

"Yes?" Ali answered.

He put the chart down on the bed and looked at Ali, " Well, first off, the results of the tests are negative."
Ali looked at the doctor dumbfounded, "I don't have any STDs ?"

The doctor smiled, "No," Ali and I cheered with relief, "But I strongly suggest," the doctor continued, "that you choose your activities better and really get to know your partner before getting to involved. These days relationships are short lived and some people move around partners without knowing their history."

Ali nodded her head embarrassed.

The doctor picked up the chart, "Now, the test did find something."

Ali looked at the doctor in terror.

"Two tests confirmed that you're pregnant."

The room was silent.

The doctor looked at the chart, " you're about a month in."

"That can't be right." Ali said in a shocked voice, " I mean, I'm on birth control."

"Sometimes there is a chance of getting pregnant even on the pill. By the look on your face this was something you weren't planning."

Ali shocked her head.

The doctor got up, " Well, you have somethings to think about. Your health is good. There's no concerns of STD or any other illness and you are expecting a child. So I would take the next day or two to think about some choices.

Ali looked at the doctor and smiled, "Thank you Doctor."

The doctor left the room. I looked at Ali. I couldn't speak. I didn't know where to start. I'm happy and relieved for her that she didn't contact any diseases, but a part of me is thinking how lucky she is to have a life inside her, something that my body wouldn't do for me. The thing is, Ali never thought twice about motherhood.

"Thank you Sandra." I heard Ali say.

"For what?" I answered.

"For being my best friend." Ali said as she leaped off the bed and gave me a big hug.

I hugged her back. Of course I'm her best friend. And I will be happy for her, " I can't believe you're going to be a mom."

Ali moved back from me and grabbed her bag, "By now everyone must be worried about us. We better go."

I looked at Ali with a tight smile. I nodded my head and grabbed my purse. We left the hospital and went back to the farm. We walked inside our cabin in silenced.

"Ali. Would you like lunch?" I asked.

"No thanks," she said, "I'm going to lay down. I couldn't sleep last night."

I nodded my head.

"Hey Sandra, let's not tell anyone about today. Any of it. It's Liz's special weekend and I don't want any of this to over shadow it."

I nodded, "Ok."

"That includes Jordan, Sandra. Right now I need to figure things out on my own. Okay?"

I nodded again.

"I love you, Sandy." Ali said with a cover-up smile.

I smiled back, "I love you too."

Ali went into her room. I made toast and put jam on it and sat alone at the table. I was exhausted by my personal emotions. Tired, scared, relieved, happy, yearning, envy and jealous. All of this was making my stomach twist and my head spin.

I needed to find Jordan. I need a distraction. A happy one right now. A safe place to help me forget all of this with Ali, even for a few minutes.

I text Jordan to see if he was still busy with his dad.

He texted back,

Hi there. No all done with the chairs.
I was going to jog. Want to come??😊.

I smiled. A good run would help.

YES. I'll meet you outside!!

I put on more comfortable clothes and walked out to the porch. I did some stretches as I waited for Jordan.

"Hi beautiful," I heard Jordan from behind as he wrapped his arms around me, " You know I can think of another physical activity we can do that will make us sweat." Jordan suggested as he kissed the back of my neck.

"As wonderful as you're idea is, Ali is sleeping in her room and I don't want to wake her up." I said trying to sound happy.

"Did everything go well with her dress?"  Jordan asked as we walked down the porch stairs.

"Yes!" I said a bit surprised. I almost forgot my lie earlier today, "Yeah. It took awhile but we found a cleaner who hams clothes too."  I hated to lie.

We both started a slow jog sized by side as we followed the path into the forest. I've jogged here so often now that I almost know my way around the paths.

"I was thinking of asking Liz if she could move me to your table for the wedding."  I heard Jordan pant.

I looked at him trying to hold back my smile, " Why would you ask her such a question?" I teased.

Jordan looked at me He grabbed my arm and made me stop running. He wrapped his arms around me and stared into my eyes, "Because I want to spend the night by your side. I want to talk to you, look at your smile and see if you get teary at weddings."

I laughed.

"I'm falling in love with you Sandra." Jordan said in a hypnotic tone.

He was serious. But was I?

" Jordan. I just got out.."

".. of a marriage. I know. You don't have to say anything to me now and I don't want you to give me an answer that you think is right. I want you to say it when you know it's the only words left to say to me."

I was almost in tears. I couldn't say it yet. Especially after Ali and today's events. Plus we haven't lived our day to day lives yet.

But Jordan was sure. He was ready and willing to wait for my answer. That should be enough to say it back to him right now.

"Come." Jordan said, "Let's run some more." Jordan started to walk backwards away from me as he look at me, "last one to the pound has to sing at the wedding!!" He yelled as he started to run. I ran after him.