Page 52 of Hearts Etched in Glass
“I vow death before dishonor.”
With that, everyone repeats in unison,Death before dishonor.
Chills run down my spine as the hairs on the back of my neck stand up.
Everett approaches me with the fire iron that holds the Adder insignia. A snake shaped in the letter, 'A'. The same insignia on the inside of Marcus and Biscuits, forearms. But Everett halts his movements. His brows furrow, as panic lashes through my torso. I can only hear the crackling of the fire behind me as anxiety curls in my chest.
Does he not find me worthy?I worry to myself.
Everett moves to extend his arm towards Bobby, offering the branding iron to him. A heartfelt gesture to have my Afton Adder, my fiancé, to rightfully brand me instead. Bobby gracefully takes the fire iron, nodding to Everett in respect. As Everett gives him a nod back and a half-lipped grin, Bobby lowers the red-hot instrument onto my exposed thigh. My scarred skin stares back at him, but soon it will be replaced with a new symbol. Instead of my flesh having the sins and turmoil I’ve hadto carry over my life, it will now be replaced with a new symbol. The symbol of love, hope, loyalty and family. The symbol of belonging.
Bobby hesitates as he comes closer. “Are you sure, darling?”
I stare back at him and smile. “Yes.” Then I look to find Marcus eagerly waiting for us with the surrounding Adders.
“I love you,” Bobby says with tears brimming at his eyelids.
“I love you more,” I reply. Biting my lower lip, as he places the fire iron onto my thigh, my flesh simmers as I bite my lower lip, stifling any sound. It makes my scars throb. Before I realize it, the ritual is over and now I am officially an Afton Adder. The twins usher my parents away, so they do not ruin my moment. I can hear them cursing and shouting at me, but I clamp my eyes shut. They are drowned out by the two strong arms that carefully encircle my body.
“You did so well love,” Marcus mewls into my ear as he traces small circles on my back with hishand.
Bobby kisses my temple as I try not to cry. “Absolutely perfect darling. We love you so fucking much,” he whispers into my ear as he pulls Marcus and I closer.
Everything is whole.
Everything is perfect for the first time in my life.
Chapter 28: Baba
Me & The Devil,Soap&Skin
Several months later.
I’m utterly disappointed in Marcus, Bobby and Tilly.
Swallowing my scowl, I stand in between my boys, at the end of the makeshift aisle way. We have set up a tiny wedding next to my cottage. It looks gorgeous, don’t get me wrong, but for once I’d love for someone in our family to have a brilliant wedding. Something extravagant.
Turning my head at the sound of my back door opening, I find Tilly being escorted out by Everett and Brielleon either side of her. She looks like a dream in her flowing, chiffon wedding gown, with a gorgeous, ruffled top.
The audience is small. Some of the Afton Adders, like Biscuit, my twin brothers, Roger, the bar keeps, Llyod and Lyle. Only one of Tilly’s brothers that I tolerate, is here. I can’t remember his name, nor do I care, but I am glad Everett and Brielle are walking her down the aisle instead of that fucker.
Tilly’s hair gleams in the midday sunlight as she marches gracefully. Her beaming smile and gorgeous eyes fall on her two grooms awaiting their beauty.
Nodding my head as she approaches, I gather her hands and give her a kiss on her cheeks. Then guide her delicate hand into Marcus and Bobby’s. Reaching down, I take Marcus and Bobby’s hands and place them within each other, giving a small peck on the joined hands.
“Everyone gathered here today is to witness the hand fasting ceremony of Marcus, Tilly and Robert-Bobby, to be joined together as one under the Afton family.” Pulling the braided, black, blue and white cord off my neck, I begin slipping it around their hands. “This cord is a symbolism of their souls, joining together as one.From this day forward they are of one spirit, of one heart. This represents the commitment they have chosen between themselves. Now, do you promise to love one another, no matter if the seas are roaring and the tides are tall? Or if the waves are calm and the sun is shining?” In unison they state, “I do.”
“Through sickness and old age, from several children or none?” Then they state in unison, “I do.” Then they look among one another with small, comforting smiles, as the boys look down at Tilly’s small bump in her abdomen. The tiny life growing within her.
“You promise to love, you promise to communicate and you promise to choose laughter, as much as you can?” Then they state, “I do.”
“Your union is complete by the witnesses here and the witness of the Gods above. You may kiss your spouses.” With that the audience erupts in cheers and hollers. Brielle stands to clap, as my three newlyweds embrace each other in a longing kiss to seal their union.
Our family continues to grow, as my heart warms to see them so happy.
Now, which other grandson may I marry off to have the grand wedding?
Epilogue: Tilly
