Chapter Four: I Can Explain

Now that I’m newly engaged and feeling like a queen, there is one part I failed to think through. They are obviously going to notice this ring on my finger. How the hell do I explain to them that the man they didn’t want me around is now my fiancée? Let’s just pretend it’s not there. Girl, act normal!

The moment I walked into my parent’s house, I got all types of side eyes and eye rolls. No one was interested in how my trip was, but I continued on with life. I had class later that day, so I unpacked and got ready for school. When I got back home, my mother got home from work as well. She immediately noticed the ring on my finger. “What is that?”, she asked. “My ring”, I replied. “So, you’re engaged now?!” “Yes mom”. “Let me see”. I hesitantly lifted my hand and showed my mother my ring. She began to laugh then switched her voice quickly. “Let me tell you something, you want to go against us and get married without us, then do you. Just know there can only be one queen per household”. I took that as I needed to figure out my living arrangements. I cried a little bit on the inside but spoke with my fiancée afterwards. “Don’t worry about them, I will provide for you. Your mother is right, that’s why you will be a queen in your own home with me.” he stated. “Thank you for those kind words. I will be a queen in my own home! Soooo when can I start packing because she isn’t playing games with me”, I asked. I am almost done my training and once I am done, we will move together. I was assigned to Fort Huachuca in Arizona as my duty station. I will meet your parents and talk to them when I come to pick you up then we will leave together.” He replied. “Sounds like a plan love. I am so excited to finally start our life together”.

Almost a month went by and there he was, at my parent’s house ready to pick up their daughter and profess his love for me. We all sat in my parent’s formal living room. It was almost like a car salesman trying to sell my parents a vehicle that they didn’t want at full price. My mother told him “You think you know my daughter; you have no idea who she is. You’ll see!”. He responded, “I do know your daughter and I am in love with her. She is going to be my wife. In fact, we are going to get married at the courthouse tomorrow”. My mother’s eyes quickly shifted in my direction with concern and annoyance all in one. I too was a bit stunned myself at this declaration, but I took it and rolled with it. “Yes, yes, we are going tomorrow to get married. Tomorrow is the beginning of the month, might as well start the month strong and united”, I replied.

The following morning, we met with a justice of the peace and got married as my father as our witness. My father was in pain at what was taking place but wanted to show his daughter that he would support her no matter what. My mother was nowhere to be seen and she made it clear she would not support this marriage as it was demonic. How could my mother be so cruel towards my newfound love.

That evening, it was time to go. Our cars were packed with our belongings as we took separate cars to begin our voyage to Arizona. I had washed up prior to the trip and decided I’d put on some makeup just so I don’t look like a hot mess. He came to the bathroom and asked why I was putting on makeup. I replied that I didn’t want to look like a zombie while we drive and stop at places. He stated “you don’t need that at all. It’s much for no reason”. I asked him if he wanted me to take it off, he stated yes! “Now please so we are not late”, he stated to me with annoyance in his voice. “We need to get going!”. I frustratingly washed my face and removed my makeup. Maybe he is just anxious for the move. I don’t want to make matters worse. Pick and choose your battles they say.

It was time to say goodbye to my family. I hugged and kissed my siblings, and my parents. My mother stood in the doorway in disbelief of what was happening. She broke down and began to cry. I thought to myself what if I am making the biggest mistake of my life. I don’t know anyone in Arizona. I have never been this far from home. I’m going to take this risk! “Mom, everything is going to be okay”, I softly told my mother. “Please take care of our baby girl “she pleaded with my husband. “Of course, she is my wife”, he replied.

We both got into our cars, called each other so we could be on the phone together as we drove and left my parent’s home for Arizona. I’m nervous and a bit scared that I am trusting this man with all of me. God, please take the wheel.