Into Each Life

by Shelia E. Bell

  “Don’t, baby. You’ll mess up my make-up,” she smiled. “We’ll have plenty of time for kisses once we say, I do,” Teary teased.

  They climbed in the truck and drove along Commercial Street. Teary had coordinated her and Skyler’s outfits perfectly. Skyler’s cream-colored silk leisure suit graced his body in just the right way. He pulled inside the courthouse parking garage and climbed down out of the truck. As he made his way over to Teary’s side, she inhaled at the sight of his handsome frame. His trousers were slightly baggy and swayed gently against the wind, showing off the muscular imprint of his calves. His cream kid leather loafers really made him stand out. . Dang, he has to be the finest man ever to walk the planet, and the best catch. I must be the luckiest girl alive. And even though the rain was coming down hard in Broknfield, there was nothing but sunshine and blue skies beaming in her heart.

  Johnny and Debra met them at the courthouse. They came along as witnesses. Teary really wanted Prodigal to be standing by her side, giving her his blessing. But what the heck. He’ll change his mind about Skyler once he sees how happy we are, she thought. They weren’t kids anymore and as far as she was concerned, Prodigal had no right to begrudge her for wanting to be happy. They both had their lives to live. His included Faith and hers was with Skyler. It wasn’t often that she found herself upset with Prodigal but this time he was dead wrong.

  Debra leaned over and gave Teary a soft elbow nudge in the ribs. “Come on. Snap out of your daydream. They just called your name.”

  Embracing each other, Skyler and Teary followed the court clerk into the judge’s chambers. Johnny and Debra followed. When the four of them walked in, the short, fat out of breath judge mumbled a quick hello to the couple without acknowledging Johnny or Debra. He told them he had only fifteen minutes before he had to be back in court. Teary didn’t like his curtness but she tried to put it out of her mind. She just wanted to become Mrs. Skyler Jenkins. The judge didn’t waste any time. He ordered Skyler and Teary to stand in front of his desk. He told Johnny to stand on the side of Skyler and Debra was to take her place next to Teary.

  “Do you, Teary Fullalove, take this man, Skyler Jenkins, to be your husband, through sickness and health, richer or poorer, ‘til death do you part?”

  Teary was hesitant in answering. Not because she was unsure of what she was doing, but because she always thought there was more to marriage vows. She always thought it was much longer, more something. Guess I’m wrong, she thought. What do I know anyway? I’m no judge or minister. So she proudly answered, “I do.”

  “And do you, Skyler, Skyler uh, Jenkins,” he said looking down at the piece of paper he had on his desk, “take this woman, uh Teary Fullalove, to be your lawfully wedded wife through sickness and health, richer or poorer, and ‘til death do you part?” The judge spoke faster now, glancing down at his watch.

  “I do,” Skyler responded without any hesitation whatsoever.

  “Then by the power vested in me you are now husband and wife. God bless your marriage and your new life together as husband and wife. You may kiss your bride.”

  Skyler looked down on his bride and kissed her passionately. Debra and Johnny embraced the newly married couple and extended their congratulations to them. The judge, however, cut their celebration short when he said, “Follow me please, and hurry. I have to get back to court.” He quickly led them back out into the hallway and gave them directions to the Marriage Records office.

  Teary was floating. She was now Mrs. Skyler Jenkins. She couldn’t wait to have some babies for her husband. She was going to be the perfect wife, the perfect mother, the perfect everything. Her parents would be angry when they came back from Seattle and found the two of them married, but she couldn’t worry about that right now. Images of Prodigal and her parents filtered through her mind. He has Faith and what’s done is done. I’ve got to think about me for a change. Everybody will just have to understand that, plus they’ll eventually get over it, she thought to herself.

  And if they don’t, then too bad. ‘Cause if they want me to be part of their lives, they’ll have to accept the fact that I’m a married woman. Shucks, if they can forgive Sara, they can surely forgive me. At least what I’ve done is legal and not a sin and abomination. All I’ve done is marry the man I love.

  Teary never fully understood why it was Sara who got pregnant and not her. Of course, she wasn’t complaining about it, but she just didn’t understand it. She’d been on the pill for less than a year, now all of that was about to change. It had been six weeks since she swallowed a birth control pill. She wanted them out of her system so that as soon as she and Skyler were married, they could start working on having a family. It was time to give her husband a family of his own; a family that would never go anywhere, never leave him. This time you’re going to have a family that will be together forever and always. She released a smile as the very thought gave her soothing goose bumps.

  That evening, at their apartment, they started their lives together as husband and wife. Skyler sat on the bed in anticipation. “Come on out of that bathroom, woman.” Skyler’s voice was gentle. This was their wedding night, their honeymoon. He had no idea how his wife would accept him. He had waited on this day, this moment, this very hour for such a long time. Now his dream was a reality. He had a chance to have a whole new life with a girl who loved him and who would give him plenty of children.

  Teary was on the other side of the door shielding her body from her husband. During their courtship they had never gone completely all the way, though things had gotten pretty close to it. But tonight was going to be different. She felt like a virgin all over again. She didn’t know if she would be able to please Skyler or not. It wasn’t like she’d been promiscuous. She’d made a horrible mistake by giving her virginity to Langston, but that was a long time ago. Since then, she’d never been sexually active with any one else. Before she married Skyler, she resolved within herself to tell him that she was not a virgin. At first it was hard for her to face him. But she was glad she’d found the courage to confide in him about Langston. There was only one tiny detail that she purposely left out. She didn’t tell him Langston’s name. That part, Teary felt, was of no use. It was hard enough for her to admit to him that she was not exactly a virgin. Surprisingly, when she told Skyler the truth, he didn’t act bothered by it at all. He said that he would have been surprised if she had been a virgin because girls were taking their virginity so lightly these day. He assured her that he loved her. She assured him that it happened one time and one time only.

  Nervously, Teary sat on the edge of the cold white toilet seat. She had purposely spent over an hour bathing and perfuming herself. Her thigh length white silk gown showed her silky smooth thighs and majorette legs.

  “Teary,” he called out her name again. “Are you okay in there?”

  “Yes, I’m fine. I’ll be out in just a minute.” She took in one final breath, released it slowly and then proceeded to turn the brass door handle.

  Skyler stood up when he heard the door handle turning. He eagerly awaited his bride’s entrance. When he saw the door slowly opening, he found himself becoming physically aroused. Skyler was instantly held captive by her exceptional beauty as she made her way over to him. She felt her skin become flushed at the sight of her half-naked husband. Her body ached. As she came close enough for him to touch her, his smooth masculine hands gathered her close to him. The warmth of his chest made her private place tingle with desire.

  Skyler moved his hands carefully, slowly up and down the length of her shoulders. The soft silky feel of her gown rubbed gently back and forth against his body bringing him to full excitement and exhilaration. The smell of her hair, the scent of her femininity was driving him wild. His lips found hers and his tongue parted her moist lips. He moved his hands carefully and ever so gently over her back and down to her buttocks before pulling her down on the bed beside him. The anticipation they each had quickly gave way to full passion and unbridled des
ire as they celebrated the beginning of their lives together.

  Part Two

  Twists and Turns

  When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. 1 Corinthians 13:11

  Chapter 16

  The Future Is Now

  Faith and Prodigal followed their plans for their future together almost to the letter. Faith obtained her college degree. She worked as an elementary teacher at All Believers Academy. Prodigal joined the Broknfield Fire Department. Now they were about to embark on the next phase of their future – holy matrimony.

  “We are gathered here today to celebrate one of life's greatest moments,” Pastor Grace stated. “To give recognition to the worth and beauty of love and to add our blessings to the words which shall unite Prodigal Runsome and Faith Meadows in marriage. Should there be anyone who has cause why this couple should not be united in marriage, they must speak now or forever hold their peace.”

  Teary stood nervously next to the other four bridesmaids. The two of them look so happy. Faith is going to make him a good wife. Look at Prodigal, he really loves her. Too bad my marriage is a lie, Teary thought. She scanned the guests that filled the church. Her eyes told her what her heart already knew, Skyler wasn’t going to show up. Her private thoughts were overpowered by Pastor Grace’s loud boisterous voice.

  “In Ephesians,” Pastor Grace remarked, “the relationship between husband and wife is compared to the relationship between Christ and the church. Submit yourselves one to another as the fear of God. Wives, show reverence for your own husbands, as unto the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it. He that loves his wife loves himself.” Several of the guests could be seen wiping away tears from their eyes.

  “As the two of you enter a life together, remember these words from an old Apache proverb. Now you will feel no rain, for each will be shelter for the other. Now you will feel no cold, for each will be warmth for the other. Now there is no more loneliness. Now you are two persons, but there is only one life before you. Go now to your dwelling place to enter the days of your life together, And may your days be good and long upon this earth.”

  Pastor Grace made the sign of the cross over the heads of the bride and groom. He finalized the ceremony by saying, “I now present to you Mr. and Mrs. Prodigal Runsome. Prodigal, you may salute your bride.”

  Prodigal kissed Faith passionately then stared lovingly into the eyes of his new bride. Thoughts of his father surfaced in his mind. Daddy, look at this beautiful creature standing before me. How I wish you were here to celebrate with me. If you can see me and hear me from up there, then know this, I will cherish this girl until the day I die.

  The reception was just as grand as the wedding. Faith’s parents had really gone all out for their daughter and it showed in every facet of the wedding.

  The DJ announced to the guests that it was time for the newlyweds to have their first dance together. Prodigal and Faith danced to one of their favorite songs, Always and Forever. While Luther crooned in his one of a kind voice, Prodigal held his bride close to him and thought about how blessed he was to have Faith as his wife.

  Soon it was time for the newlyweds to leave for their honeymoon. As they prepared to leave, Prodigal turned from his new bride and his eyes looked anxiously through the crowd of people. Faith didn’t need anyone to tell her who Prodigal was searching for. She tried to hold back her anger. It was her wedding day and she wasn’t going to allow herself to become upset. She had him now. He was her husband. There was no way Teary could compete with that, Faith tried to persuade herself. The envy and jealousy she kept secretly tucked in her heart was still present, even on today, her wedding day. What was so special about Teary? Why couldn’t she stay out of their life for once?

  “Wait here, baby. I promise I’ll be right back.” Prodigal told her. He let go of his grasp and pushed through the crowd of wedding guests until he saw her. Their eyes interlocked as he got closer to her.

  “Hey, you,” Prodigal called out.

  “Hey,” Teary said back to him.

  “You know I couldn’t leave without telling you goodbye. You look beautiful in your bridesmaid dress.”

  “Thank you. You look pretty spiffy yourself.”

  “Well, look I just wanted to tell you goodbye. I’ll see you in a few days.”

  “Sure.”

  “Where’s…” He looked around.

  “Don’t even go there.” she stopped him before he could finish the question. “I don’t know where Skyler is and right now I don’t care.”

  He leaned down and kissed her on the cheek and lovingly pushed the loose curl from her face. Faith stood near the entrance of the church watching her husband, afraid to think what her heart tried to force her to admit.

  ♦

  Nervousness saturated Prodigal’s mind on their way to Los Angeles. He wasn’t worried about flying, although it was the first time the newlyweds had traveled by air. He was uneasy about spending his first night alone with Faith. Man, what’s going to happen? Will I be able to perform the way a man is supposed to? I don’t want to be a disappointment to her.

  Faith sat quietly next to her husband. She refused to think about the scene she had witnessed at the reception earlier. Teary would not invade her thoughts tonight. She wanted to be with her husband and start her new life as Mrs. Runsome.

  The bright lights of downtown Los Angeles ushered them closer to their destination. I hope I can satisfy him, Faith thought.. Oh Lord, let me please my husband. I don’t have a perfect figure like Teary. But, then again, I’m not her. I’m me. I just hope he sees that when he looks at me tonight. Maybe once we make love, he’ll forget all about her. God, I sure hope so.

  “Please, fasten your seatbelts. We will be landing in the city of Los Angeles in fifteen minutes,” the flight attendant announced.

  “I think I can get used to this flying thing,” Prodigal said smiling and holding his wife’s hand. “What about you, sweetheart?”

  “As long as I’m with you, I can get used to anything,” she replied, laying her head on his arm as they walked through the busy airport terminal. They retrieved their luggage from baggage claim and held a taxi to take them to their four star hotel.

  The driver pulled up to the front of the prestigious Biltmore Hotel. He made his way to the passenger’s side and quickly opened the door for the newlyweds. Faith extended her legs out of the taxi. Prodigal held her hand as she stood up. After checking into the hotel, they made their way to their fourth floor honeymoon suite.

  “Mrs. Prodigal Runsome, yeah, I like the sound of that, baby,” Prodigal said. He couldn’t contain his happiness. He was married to a wonderful woman who loved him, and only him. “Come jump in these arms.”

  “Boy, you’re so silly.” Faith beamed with joy. He lifted her into his strong arms and carried her over the threshold into room 436. Once inside, Faith marveled at the beauty and intricate detail of suite.

  “Wow, look at this room. It’s absolutely gorgeous.” Her eyes lit up at her surroundings. Prodigal put his new bride down out of his arms and embraced her.

  “Oh, Prodigal it’s exquisite, absolutely luxurious. I feel like we’re millionaires.”

  The room was dimly lit with red and pink rose petals lining the carpeted floor. In the background Faith heard the voice of Michael Bolton singing, “You came to me like the dawn through the night”

  Prodigal, how did you pull this off without me knowing?” Her eyes perused the room. “You have Michael jamming, rose petals, candles, champagne, everything. Oh, baby, this is the happiest moment in my life.” She couldn’t hold back her tears.

  “Come on over here, sweetheart. Stop crying. He reached over and pulled a tissue from an unusual looking box setting on the table. Wiping her tears, he told her, “This is only the beginning of the happiness that’s to come for both of us, Faith. I promise you that.
”

  Prodigal gathered Faith in his arms. “Dance with me, Mrs. Runsome. This is our night. The beginning of our life – together.” She laid her head against his chest. The melody captured them as they slow danced. While dancing, Prodigal kissed her hair. Inhaling the aroma of the rose petals mixed with the sweet perfume enveloping his wife, he felt himself becoming aroused but he wanted to take his time. This night was meant to last forever. He eased back from Faith, tilting her chin upward toward him. “I tell you what, let’s get comfortable,” he suggested. “We can have a glass of champagne.”

  “Okay, but I’d like to freshen up some first,” Faith told him.

  “Okay, come on.” He led her into the adjacent bedroom. More rose petals were strewn over the round king-sized bed. Lit fragranced candles filled the room transmitting a heavenly scent.

  “Prodigal, did you plan all of this yourself? I’m shocked at how perfect everything is.”

  “Well, I can’t lie. I had a little help. You like it?”

  “Like it. I love it. Baby, I had no idea you were this romantic.”

  “You have a lot to learn about your husband, Mrs. Runsome.” He kissed her again before opening the closet to retrieve each of their suitcases.

  “You’ve thought of everything haven’t you?”

  “I hope so, sweetheart.”

  Faith picked up a piece of her luggage and disappeared into the lavishly decorated bathroom. “I’ll be back in just a few minutes.” After closing the door, Prodigal heard her.

  “Oh my God! Prodigal, you’ve really out done yourself.” Rose petals filled the whirlpool tub. Candles were lit throughout the bathroom too.

  “Baby, relax. Take as long as you need. We have the rest of our lives to spend together.”

  He listened to the next song on the track while he undressed. He put on his white silk robe. He zeroed in around the room to make sure the hotel had done everything he requested. Candles, champagne, music. Okay, everything’s just like I planned. Twenty minutes later, he heard the door as it slowly opened. He turned around, looked over his shoulder and beheld the most striking sight he’d ever seen in his life.