Three Hearts (FULL COLLECTION)

23: The Heart

Odette had a feeling that something was watching not only her, but Athena. But later, she ignored it. But there could be another reason: Graduation.

This year is going by just too fast, she thought, Why can't it take longer?

To make the time go by longer, you would have to stare at the clock every five minutes...or two, if you do tend to become impatient.

Athena stood in the dressing room with a white gown and a long lace veil. She held a beautiful bouquet of blood red roses up to her stomach. She seemed to be nervous. But she smiled anyway. It was her wedding day. But she was all but seventeen years old.

I'm too young to get married, she thought, But I'm marrying Heli! How could this be so hard? How could this feel so pressuring?

A tear streamed down her cheek. She wiped away the tears as soon as Vincent entered the room. Vincent felt concerned for Athena.

"Why are you so sad?" asked Vincent, "You have never felt this way before."

Athena stammered.

"Why must you ask?" she asked, "I'm alright. Is it a sin to feel nervous before getting married officially?"

"No, it is not. But it is a bit concerning, especially since I'm the escort to the wedding altar. You could tell me anything."

"May I say how scared I am?"

Vincent frowned.

"I'm sorry you feel that way," he said, "If you do feel nervous...then Heli will be there to smile for you. He said that his smile would make you smile, if you're ever nervous."

The thought of Heli's face and smile made her smile as well. She took Vincent by the hand and proceeded to the wedding ceremony.

The whole school of Decelis Academy was there to watch their mascot, as the bride, walk down the aisle wearing a gown shaped like a pastry. She looked at all of the students that had attended the ceremony. And then, when she saw her groom-to-be, she fell in love with him even more. She wanted to hold his hands, as a symbol of their inseparable companionship. But she had a bouquet of flowers. Odette was a bridesmaid, so she handed the bouquet to her.

Eventually, the ceremony began. And Thomas entered the altar.

[Thomas:]

Dearly beloved, welcome! We are gathered here today to join the princess Athena and the noble Heli in holy matrimony, as witnesses to join together this man and this woman in the sight of God and the face of the company. The matrimony, which is an honorable estate, instituted of God, signifying unto us the mystical union that is between Christ and His Church; which Holy Estate Christ adorned with His presence and first miracle that He wrought in Cana of Galilee, and is commended of St. Paul to be honorable among all men; and therefore, not entered into unadvisedly or lightly, but reverently, discreetly, soberly and in the fear of God. Into this Holy Estate these two persons present come now to be joined.

Heli, shall you have this woman to be your lawful wedded wife, to live together after God's ordinance in the Holy Estate of Matrimony? Will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others keep you only unto her as long as you both shall live?

[Heli:]

I shall!