Chapter 6

For the last two days in Hawaii we got our papers signed and exchanged vows in front of a pastor who willing to be our witness, in the hotel where we were staying. The hotel management was very kind to us, they had us prepared few tables and some foods to serve anybody who attended our simple wedding. Most of our guests were the tourists staying in the hotel and they were all good men and women dropping us their blessings. I can still remember the thunderous applause and cheers when I said “I do”.

      The moment we reached our home we declared the news to our friends and family. Will’s brother, Dan, and his wife, Natalie, were both very happy for us but they were mad for not calling him to attend the wedding. His friends came over later at night and said that it was sad he never got to enjoy his only bachelor night anymore. It was hilarious and to be fair, I missed that myself! They were so drunk I have to take care of so many babies in my house. Beer bottles, cups, leftovers and pukes. It was in expectation.

      Well, my parents weren't as delighting as I have imagined. That was in my expectation too, anyways. When I told them that I was married to Will my dad walked out of the living hall, backing to his room while my mom congratulated me. I didn't know if that was a sincere one but she accepted the fact calmly. She told me to be patience with the old man because he may just need time to process all of this. Mom went to the kitchen and brought out an old French wine made in 1975. She told me that the wine was bought when I was still a baby. My dad told her that this French wine would be used as a toast on my wedding. So, it was meant to be opened on my wedding day with my wife but it turned out that I was not marrying a woman. My mother then said it was fine because the wine was still for me and my life-partner. I couldn't put myself into a smiley face, I just gave my mother a light hug before I left.

As I walked out of my folk’s house I was like just committed a crime and should be convicted. As if I killed somebody my whole family turned their backs on me. Being seated on an electric chair waiting to be electrified or a black cloth covering the head waiting to be hung to dead. Despite those bad reactions, which were already first anticipated, I got kind of depressed still after the confrontation. I called my sister in my car before I hit the road.

“What? You got married?” My sister yelled on the line.

“Oh yes, and your voice is deafening.” I said.

“How could you not telling me earlier?”

“I wished I know but Will proposed on that getaway in Hawaii.”

“Oh dear! So his name is Will! Listen, I need to meet your husband.” She paused for a second. “In fact, I didn’t even know you have a boyfriend.”

“Indeed.” I admitted and felt guilty.

“We never see each other for quite some time. We never even talk on the phone damn it!” She cursed. “I hate that I missed out so many things in your life as if I am being banished in a faraway kingdom!”

I laughed. My sister could be a drama queen sometimes. “You are exaggerating young lady.”

“Have you told mom and dad?” Jane asked.

“Yes I just did an hour ago.” I sighed.

“It was bad, wasn’t it?” She said.

“Uhm.”

“Let me do my job, okay? Don’t worry so much it’ll be fine.” She consoled. “And Bryan, I’m glad that you called.”

“So do I.” I agreed. “By the way, you gotta be quick for the visit to my house. Will is leaving to Afghanistan in few more days.”

“What? How did...”

The conversation went on for another thirty minutes and I realized something: My sister can really talk! Besides, talk to Jane was something very comfortable, our conversation happens so naturally I don’t have to fish for words. Jane more or less knew that I wouldn't be like the boys out in the neighborhood. And again, this wasn't something we discuss about openly.

The next day when she came for a visit at my house, I saw my parents behind her back. I invited them in and Will immediately prepared some teas for my parents and Jane. Jane told me to chill she already talked them through.

As Will handed the tea cups to my mother and father, the exchanged eye contacts. My mom was giving a warm smile to Will and so did my dad, he just felt a little awkward in the room. He never expected that he would have another son in his life, from me.

Jane started interrogating Will and my parents listened intensely into their conversation. Once in a while they asked a few questions and Will answered them honestly and genuinely.

“Good to have a soldier in our family!” Jane concluded.

Everyone in the hall laughed while Will blushed like a red tomato. I have never seen him that way he must be really embarrassed. Later at night we had dinner together in a nearby diner. Conversation getting much easier and Will was really doing good with my family. I was delighted by just looking at them conversing happily.

As night sunken really dark I ushered them to stay in a night but my parents insisted my sister to send them back home.

“But dad it is already late.” I said.

“It’s okay I wanted to be home still.” He said. “I can’t sleep on any other mattresses except mine.”

“Your dad is a typical home man, so just let him be.” My mom said.

“Okay.” I surrendered.

“It’s weird cuz’ that is your son’s house though.” Jane shrugged.

“Okay people.” Will sprinkled some magical dust, breaking this awkward moment. “So, Jane, I will see you again and please be safe on the road. My little mommy and daddy need a beauty sleep.”

Will smiled warmly, my mom was already laughing and my dad, surprisingly, laughing too. Will did have ways to deal with old folks. As Will closed the car’s door, Jane was waving good-bye and slowly driving away from the porch. In a minute the car’s backlight slowly vanished from our sight along the straight night road.

Instinctively I held Will’s hand and kissed his hand softly. His head tilted to the side, not understanding what that was about.

“Thank you for everything.” I said with gratitude.

Will smiled simply and kissed my forehead. He was the best gift God had I bestowed. I led him back into the house, still holding his hand, smiling sheepishly. We made hot steamy love into the night, climaxed for a few times and then slept through the remaining hours before dawn arrived. I couldn't believe I've married to this man who was 20 pounds heavier and a head taller than me.

I’d read a book last time and the author once said that “When you found the right person it is like you have done half of your life errands correctly.” If that was the case it would be enough.

At least I’d served half the errands right in my life.