Moirai (25 page)

Joshua and I walked over to the Chancellor as he began
the vow exchange. I'd never seen a wedding, not outside of Genesis. I didn't
know what to expect, but I also didn't care. All that mattered to me was that
Joshua and I would be together forever. Nothing would tear us apart. Joshua had
slid the vintage ring onto my finger. I didn't ask why he did that. We must have
read one of the same books on the shelf that portrayed marriage in a different
light.

The ceremony was short and sweet. Simple. Collins led us
to the west side of town where there was a large blue and white pole reaching
two stories, with eight pastel ribbons tied to the top. The ribbons were
gorgeous in shades of pink, purple, blue, green, yellow and white. We each took
a ribbon, Joshua and I standing beside each other, holding hands as Elsa, Cate,
Adelaide, Aidan, Hazel, and Mason joined in. Music erupted and we danced,
twirling the ribbons on the pole, as a celebration of our marriage. I couldn't
ask for anything more perfect.

“I have one more surprise,” Joshua teased, leading me
towards Aidan.

“You do?” I couldn't imagine what else he had planned!

“It's only if you want to go through with it.” His voice
was serious and I couldn't help but give him a peculiar look. “I want us both
to have rings, the same ring, bound to each other for eternity.”

“Okay. I'm not sure I'm following,” I admitted, glancing
at Aidan. He gestured for us to follow him and I did inside the science center.
Seeing the familiar building and the smell of antiseptic made my stomach turn.
I trusted Joshua though, implicitly.

“I'd like us to get ring tattoos, identical ones.”

I smiled weakly. “I'd like that.” I didn't ask if it'd
hurt. Something about this place, everything hurt in here. I nodded slowly.
“What do we have to do?” Aidan led us to a room on the first floor, offering us
each a seat. I sat down first, though gestured towards Joshua. “You can get
your tattoo first.” I wasn't quite sure what a tattoo was but was willing to
try anything once.

Aidan grabbed the necessary tools. “This will hurt a
bit.” At least he didn’t lie to us. “You'll have to keep it clean and it'll
take time to heal.”

“That's fine.” I reached for Joshua's hand, giving it a
squeeze. If he was okay with it, it was fine for me too.

Joshua showed me a sketch he'd drawn. The lines
intertwined like vines with a heart in the center. “It's basic but I thought
it'd be nice.” He showed me how it would look. “Any changes you want to make
before Aidan inks us permanently?”

I examined the drawing for a moment. “It wraps around our
finger?”

Joshua nodded. “Just like the ring you're wearing.”

“I can't imagine anything more perfect,” I admitted,
watching as Aidan carefully cleaned the tools again along with Joshua's hand. I
sat anxiously wondering how painful it would be. Aidan took the design, turning
it into something temporary to trace before he used the instrument to mark
Joshua’s hand forever, and mine.

“Does it hurt?” I asked, watching his face. He didn't
show even a hint of vulnerability. His face was reddening slightly and I moved
to rest a hand over his shoulder.

It doesn't feel pleasant
. I wanted to laugh and tell
him I was reconsidering with that answer. I didn't. I waited for Aidan to be
done with Joshua before it was my turn.

I was relieved when the tattoos were finished. Mine
looked amazing, though Aidan suggested leaving it covered for a while to keep
out any dirt or bacteria. I didn't argue. He knew what was best. Joshua and I
headed back outside and into the crowd. The welcome change of scenery took my
mind off the stinging sensation of my finger while we danced and celebrated the
parade and our new marriage.

After an hour of dancing, Chancellor Collins approached
me. Pulling me from Joshua's arms for the briefest of moments, his eyes
searched mine. “I want you to meet someone.” I had no idea who it could be that
I hadn't known but didn't dwell on it as he walked me towards the crowd. My
eyes searched for who he planned to introduce to me. “Hunter.” He gestured at a
man. “I'd like to introduce you to your niece, Olivia.”

“Hello,” I breathed, reaching out my hand to introduce
myself. “It's nice to meet you.”

Hunter nodded, taking my hand and giving it a tight
squeeze. I was glad the tattoo was on the other hand. “Congratulations.” He
smiled warmly. “Your wedding was beautiful.”

“Thank you.” I blushed. I didn't want to admit it had
been a surprise for me. Though, I suspected he knew as much based on the
proposal just a short while ago. “What are you doing here in Shadow?” I was
still getting used to the fact visitors found their way here, not many but a
few from the rebel alliance.

“Collins invited me,” he acknowledged. “I wanted to meet
you,” he admitted anxiously. “Did you ever meet your grandparents?”

I sighed, realizing why he had so many questions. He was
the second born and had been sent from Genesis. He'd never met his biological
parents and likely didn't remember Gavin, his older brother. “They passed away
before I was born. I'm sorry,” I offered sadly. “Your brother is alive and well
in Torv.” I didn't elaborate that we weren't exactly on speaking terms.

“How's your mom?” he asked warmly, trying to make
conversation.

“It's complicated.” I laughed softly, glancing towards
Joshua as he waved at me. “She's doing fine though. Are you married?” I didn't
know what to ask him, what to say to him. He was my uncle but it was rare
family reunited. I didn't know how to handle the situation. I tried though.

Hunter nodded slowly. “Yes, she's a pistol.” He saw my
expression. “I mean that in a good way,” he reiterated. “She's here somewhere,”
Hunter acknowledged. “She went off dancing when the music started.”

“Let me guess, you don't dance?” I grinned, seeing from
his expression he wasn't amused.

“I prefer to keep my feet planted. Trust me, it's best
for everyone.” I stared at him, examining his features. I could see the
resemblance between him and Gavin. They both had dark, thick hair and dark
eyes. Hunter's skin had tanned, probably from being out in the sun recently.
“You look like him,” I whispered, “my father.”

“Gavin?” He asked. “I hope to meet him one day. When
things are settled and it's safe to travel.”

“I'm sure he'd like that.” I smiled at Hunter. I glanced
towards Joshua.
Come rescue me, please.

Joshua came walking over. “Hey, Olive.” He pulled me into
his arms for a kiss. “Care to introduce me?” he asked, wrapping an arm around
my waist as he stood beside me.

“Joshua, this is my uncle, Hunter.” I glanced at Joshua
for the briefest of moments. I didn't have to say another word for him to know
how I felt.

“Oh.” Josh's eyes lit up as he held out his hand. “We saw
you last summer in Shadow.” He laughed, glancing at me. Not caring if he wasn't
supposed to speak of it. “You verified the legitimacy of Gavin's journal.”

Hunter nodded. “That's right. Our handwriting is
frighteningly alike.” It had been a while ago, I was surprised he remembered.
“I don't remember meeting you then…” he glanced at Joshua.

“You didn't.” Joshua laughed and gave me a smile. “Do you
mind if I steal my new bride away?”

“By all means.” Hunter smiled. “It was nice to meet you
both. I hope to see you again, Olivia.”

I smiled, giving a brief wave as we headed away from him.
I gripped Josh's arm. “Thanks for that,” I whispered against his ear. The music
pulsed louder as we maneuvered through the crowd, and I saw the band playing in
front of the city center. I stopped walking, finding Joshua's hand, giving it a
squeeze.

“He seemed nice enough.” He glanced at me. “You didn't
think so?”

“It wasn't that.” I blushed, glancing at him.
I'm not
so good with people I don't know.

Joshua laughed. “I don't believe you're shy. No way.” He
shook his head. “I don't buy it.” I felt his arms wrap around my tiny frame as
he buried his mouth in my neck. I couldn't contain my laughter as I felt his
hands tickle my hips and his warm breath on my skin.

“You're trouble!” I squealed, trying to break free of his
grasp. He stopped his movements, his face coming to meet my stare.

“I learn from the best.” He leaned in, kissing the tip of
my nose. I smiled, knowing he was teasing. I had plenty of comebacks, but I
left them well enough alone.

“Thank you.” I smiled, staring at him. “This has been
perfect,” I confessed, still amazed by the fact we were married! It had been
more than anything I'd ever dreamed of.

 “I'll meet you back at home in a few minutes.” I kissed
Joshua softly. The parade had ended and I saw a confused look pass across his
face. “I promise I'll be home soon.” I squeezed his hand before he headed back
for the house.

“Well, congratulations are in order,” Elsa laughed. She
threw her arms around me, giving me a hug.

“Thank you.” I laughed, nodding. “I can't believe we're
married. I mean, I guess we were before but…” I shook my head. It was so hard
to wrap my mind around being married, then suddenly we weren’t. We'd come to
accept the rules of the cities outside of Genesis, and finally we had decided
of our own free will that we wanted to marry each other when the time was
right. There was no one else in the world we wanted to be bound to for all of
eternity.

“It's been long enough,” Elsa smiled. “I wanted to ask
you before your honeymoon.” She winked encouragingly. “You've been eating the
Silphium?” She walked along side me towards the house.

I nodded with a nervous laugh. “Are you sure it'll work?”
I was beyond nervous. I was terrified!

Elsa smiled. “When you asked me to find a plant that
would prevent pregnancy, it took some digging. I mean, it's not common
knowledge these days,” she reminded me. “I'm certain that Silphium was used in
ancient Rome.” Elsa smiled. “Fora had a large supply of it. It's also used to
treat a sore throat, cough, and fever.” She patted my shoulder as we stopped at
the house. “Don't be nervous.”

“I'm not nervous.” It was a lie. I hugged her again.
“Thanks, Elsa, for looking after me.” I wasn't sure too many others would be so
generous. It seemed as though everyone these days had their own agenda.

“Just take your time and enjoy it,” she laughed.

My cheeks reddened as I gave a brief wave. I was more
than slightly embarrassed as I headed inside our home. “Joshua?” I called,
glancing around, wondering what he was up to.

“Everything okay?” He smiled, coming down the stairs,
standing just above me.

I nodded. “Yeah. Everything's good.” My cheeks were still
tinged red and I reached out my arms for him.

He pulled me into his embrace. “I was wondering where you
disappeared to. I wanted to tell you something.” He laughed, bringing me to sit
down on the sofa with him.

“Tell me what?” I asked. I tilted my head slightly to the
side as I plopped myself down on the couch beside him.

He leaned closer, resting his forehead against mine. I
felt his fingers push the hair behind my ear as he wrapped his arms around me.
“Do you remember months ago when I told you I had a dream that felt so real I
was certain we had shared it together?”

I frowned, trying to remember back to what he was talking
about. “No.” I laughed. “I'm sorry.” I shook my head, not remembering.

“It was a while ago, while we were recruits.” He smiled.
“I told you the day after we had the Mindonsiphan administered to us that I was
certain we shared a dream, because it felt so real. You brushed it off, telling
me I was crazy.”

I laughed now, remembering the conversation. “I never
said you were crazy. What I said was I believed it had been the sedative that
had caused you to have such elaborate dreams.” My fingers moved down his arms,
feeling him shudder from the touch. “You never did tell me about the dream.” I
smiled wider. “I always assumed it was a sex dream and you were too embarrassed
to share it with me.” He leaned in, his lips capturing mine. “It wasn't that.”
He smiled, pulling back. “Not that I haven't dreamt about that with you,”
Joshua teased. “But no, that wasn’t my dream.”

“Okay,” I laughed. “So what was it?” I couldn't believe
he'd waited this long to share it with me.

“The parade, the proposal. All of it.” He smiled, feeling
my body tense. Then he frowned. “It was in detail but not the type of detail
with Adelaide there.” He shook his head. “Though you were wearing the exact
dress from the dream.”

“How is that even possible?” I asked. Joshua shrugged.
“Maybe it wasn't a dream but a premonition.”

I couldn't help but eye him skeptically. We could do a
lot with our talents, but I didn't believe in seeing the future. I couldn't
believe in it, because it constantly changed. Our choices determined our fate.
It wasn't written in stone. “No way. Consider it weird,” I offered. “But it
wasn't a premonition.”

“Come on.” He found my hands, squeezing them. “You have
to believe me, Olive.”

I knew he'd never lie to me. I breathed in deeply, moving
to rest my forehead in the crook of his neck. “I believe you think you saw
this, us being married. I believe there may have even been a parade,” I
offered. “But come on. Every detail down to the dress? A dress that didn't even
exist months ago? You couldn't have known it was going to be made just for me.”

“I didn't know,” Joshua laughed. “I can't explain it.
It's just, that's what I saw.” He held up a finger. “Maybe you'll believe me
when you see this.” He got up from the sofa.

“Where are you going?” I asked, watching as he
disappeared down the hallway.

“Joshua?” I called to him, wondering what he was up to. A
minute later he reappeared bringing me a sketch he'd drawn. It was remarkable.
It was obviously me, in the gown. My hair was different. It was up like it had
been when we were married by the government. I smiled, glancing up at him. I
knew he had a talent for drawing. He didn't do it often, but I'd seen him on
occasion with a pencil. “Wow.” I stared at the picture. I knew he couldn't have
drawn it in the last few minutes while I'd been outside with Elsa. It wasn't
possible.