Setting a date

Chapter 8

As I walk into my house my mother smiles at me as if she knows something. I look at her and say,

“What is the matter momma?” and “She goes that young man Derek, he is a keeper.” 

I am in shock. How does she know about Derek? I ask, “How do you know him?” I see her face light up and she says,

 “Baby girl he came to me the other day while you were in school. He talked with me and I got to know him very well. Then he asked if it was okay to ask you to marry him. I gave him my blessing. He explained his circumstance and I understand it all too well. I know he asked you this evening and by the ring on your finger I know you said yes! Congratulations Valery.”

My mother gave her blessing! She talked with Derek! She understands! Oh My! I am lost for words and I hug her tight, she kisses the top of my head, and I hold her tighter. I am growing up so fast, then again who can put a speed limit on love. He asked my mom, how unexpected. I am however so glad he did!

I turn to her and say, “Mom, I am so glad you met him! He is a wonderful man I wish to marry the day before he leaves, will you come with me and sign?” I know this is an odd time but I do not wish to wait, I want to be married to this man. He leaves before I am legal and I want my mom and I to be together. After all she gave her blessing and I know this would mean a lot to her.

She smiles nods and I run up to my room. Grabbing my phone I dial Derek! The phone rings and two rings in he answers, “Hey babe.” I smile and in a voice that could be a screech I say, “I wish to marry you before my birthday! The day before you leave! I do not want to wait. We have a life time for a huge wedding and I assure you I want to be with you more than anything.” I can hear the joy in his voice as he says, “If it’s what you want I want it too.” I smile and I tell him goodnight he says it back and we are off the phone. It’s late but I want to call Emily. But I decide against it, I will just have to tell her first thing tomorrow.

I quickly hop into bed and Drift into a sleep of the purest bliss.

Next morning I am up and ready for school. I walk into the hallway before class starts and make way to my locker, when suddenly I see Emily and she is waiting for me. I approach and she doesn't speak she looks exhausted and I open my locker, picking up my books for my next class I close the locker and say,

“Emily, are you okay?” I notice that she is still quiet and then she slowly speaks,

“Valery, I am moving, my dad is offered a new job in Minnesota and we leave next Thursday.” I really do not know what to say she is my best friend. So I say to her calmly, “Wow! That is big news. I have big news of my own!! I am getting married, day after tomorrow.” Her face is beyond shock but she suddenly looks happy.

She then goes to speak, “Valery congratulations. I am happy for you, but is it a bit soon? You barely know one another.” I know she is right, but I ignore it all together I am happy and that is what matters.

I speak with her, “I know it’s a bit quick but I love him and he loves me.” Which is all that matters.

Emily talks again, “I guess that is all that matters. I support you after all you are my best friend and I want what makes you happy. I smile because I know she does not exactly mean that. Then again she is moving and I know that cannot be easy either. She turns and walks away and I have no more to say either.

As school ends Derek meets me outside and I hug him. He is my fiancé and I get to spend my life with him. He holds my hand and I have nothing to say. I keep thinking that my best friend is moving far away, and I may never see her again. I know Derek wants to ask he keeps looking at me but does not speak.

I notice that we get to my house and he speaks, “Babe, what is wrong?” I look at him and I know without a doubt I have to tell him. Softly I whisper, “Emily, She… she… is moving to Minnesota. I burst into tears and he grabs me and holds me close. I hold him back and before long we are inside and he is letting me lay next to him on the couch holding on to his hand I drift into a somber sleep.

I wake up and he is still there he and my mom are talking but I can hardly hear them. I can only think how Emily is leaving. I feel sad because I know I have not spent much time with her and as much as I am happy I am sad. I stir a little and Derek and my mom look at me. Both smile and mom speaks,

“Have a nice nap honey?” I shake my head slowly. Derek rubs my leg and I smile at him. Mom speaks again,

“Derek and I were just discussing your guys wedding. I was thinking we could have it before your birthday at the courthouse, I got all the paperwork and then you guys could have a small party here afterward. Does that sound okay sweetheart?” I look at her and a smile touches my lips and I mutter in a groggy voice,

“Mom that sounds amazing.” Derek smiles at me and I sit up and its still brisk in the house, guess I did not realize how cold I was. Derek rises and I meet him on his feet he says to me,

“I have to go back to post but I will see you the day we get married. I love you baby. As for Emily make the best of the time you have with her.” I smile and mutter back at him,

“I know your right, love you too! Be safe.” He walks out and I stand alone in the sitting room. I miss him and his arms already.