Finding Sage (Young Adult)

Twenty-four: Pre-nuptials

Sage

Gillian holds her nephew in her arms for the first time and she cannot stop looking at his perfect little face. "You're so little. You're such a little man," she says, holding him on her lap and kissing him on his forehead. "Tristan, I am your Aunt Gillian and I am going to be the coolest and best aunt in the world."

While Gillian swoons over the beautiful baby, I have had some time to get to know her sister Rene'. This is not our first encounter. After Donovan beat me up, Gillian insisted that I call and schedule some phone sessions with her. She is a psychiatrist, and I must admit, she really has helped me see the truth and weed through all the lies I have allowed to screw with my self-esteem over the years. My therapist is great, but Rene' has a gift of pulling out truth and wisdom.

"So Sage, where do you and Kellan stand now? If you don't mind me asking? I assume all your friends already know?" Rene' asks me while trying on her bridesmaid dress.

"He said he would wait for me," I say happily.

Gillian looks up at me, holding little Tristan's hand in hers and says, "Did you make it clear what waiting means? Like did you say that neither of you will date other people?"

Rene' turns to looks at Gillian and then me, "Yeah, that sounds a little vague. Men don't do well with vague."

"I thought it was kind of clear that we were both waiting until..." I pause and think for a moment, "For me to feel steady in myself enough to be in a relationship with him."

"Well, that sounds like a great idea, but how long should he wait? What happens if he meets someone in the meantime? Is he allowed to date at all? Can you accept a casual date? What are the rules? Situations like these sound good, but they can be very hazardous." Rene' looks at the dress from the back before stopping to look at me. "Plus, he has more temptation than most, being in Mayhem and all. Not that he would do anything unworthy, Sage. Don't let that make you insecure."

"I guess we need to talk about these things?" I say, twirling a pen in my fingertips.

"Yes, you need to talk. Make sure you include if you two are or aren't having sex in the waiting. I promise, he is wondering and probably doesn't know how to ask, or what to do," Rene' says, walking over to us to get her shoes. "Its easier to be fully in, or fully out. Gray areas, when it comes to love, are messy. So, talk it all out and make sure he knows your intentions and you know his."

I turn to Gillian who is looking at me. "Was it annoying that she was always right growing up?"

"You have no idea," she says with a little laugh.

Rene chuckles while she slips on her shoes and walks back to the mirror. Roxy sits next to me on the couch and puts her arm around me. "Life lessons with Sage," she jokes. "Maybe that will be your next column."

We all laugh but baby Tristan squeals and kicks his legs. Gillian gets teary eyed and says, "Is Auntie Roxy funny? Oh my gosh, I love you so much." She kisses his cheeks.

Kellan

My room is a meter from Sage's and it pisses me off. They put the men in one wing and the women in another. Why couldn't they have us all together?

I guess it does not matter, it seems like there is some wedding thing scheduled every minute. Which is not too terrible since Sage is also in the wedding party.

*****

Of course Greg hired a stripper for Adam's bachelor party - a beautiful transvestite named Brandi. I've never seen Adam more uncomfortable. He's being a much better sport than I would be, but if looks could kill, Greg would be dead. Adam's cousins are trying to do their best to go with the flow, but they huddle together in the corner as far away from center stage as possible.