Page 7 of Unholy Matrimony

16. Yes

17. baby

Chapter four

Leonid

As we make our way back through the cemetery, I look through the rows of crosses and spot Mama. I reach down and grab Lina’s hand. “Come Tsvetok 1, there is someone I want you to meet”. Giving me a puzzled look, she grabs my hand, allowing me to lead her. After crossing over a few rows, we stop in front of Mama. Bending down, I kiss her cross and cross myself. Lina crosses herself and stares at the cross.

“Ekaterina Evgenievna Borisova? Lenya, is this your mother?” she asks quietly.

Smiling down at Mama, I spoke, trying to keep the tears back. “Da, malyshka2. She died when I was fifteen. It will be eleven years next month. She fought hard for a year, but the cancer was too far gone, and she died at home.” Tears were falling down my cheeks. I didn’t wipe them away.

I rise, remembering we need to get back, having silenced my phone during the service. I go to my pocket to check the time. “Der’mo! 3We've been gone for over an hour.” Her eyes go wide as she takes out her phone, seeing many missed calls and texts. Grabbing her hand, I pick up the pace in my strides, and we are soon back in the garden. Her mother and sister are in the garden near the stone wall with the icons.

“Lina! We have been looking everywhere for you! Where did you run off to?” Mrs. Nikolova looks over at me, looking me up and down and stopping at my hand grasping around Lina’s. Looking over to her daughter, Lina tries to drop my hand. I grasp it tighter, not allowing her to let go. Mrs. Nikolova's eyes narrow with suspicion. “We need to get back inside. There is so much to be done in such a short time. The Babas are going to help get the hall ready and want input from both of you. Hopefully, wherever you both were, it was to talk about this shit-show.” Huffing, she storms off, calling back to Raisa to follow.

The only talking going on was Lina calling out to God.

I scowl at her mother’s back, I tug at Lina’s hand, beckoning her to follow. We make our way into the hall and the entire room is buzzing. The smell of coffee and pastries is in the air. A crowd of Babushka’s grab onto Lina and start talking, one sees her hand in mine. She gives me a sharp look, she smacks my hand and I unwillingly let go. Lina looks like she is going to burst from embarrassment and laughter looks up. Our eyes meet and so we pass many emotions between us in just one look.

She is embarrassed and flustered. All while I am praying I can get her out of here, quickly so it can be just us. So much to discuss. I’ve got five days to make her fall in love with me. As shitty as this predicament is, maybe she will love the real me once she gets to know me.

Before I can process how I am going to do that, Father Ireni catches my attention and motions for me to come over. “Vladyka4, bless,” I say as I offer my hands palms up, asking for his blessing. Giving the blessing and making the sign of the cross, I bow my head. I kiss his hand.

“Come, my son. Let us talk in my office.” Once we are in his office and the door closes, he speaks again. “Lenya, I can’t say I blame you for having your eyes set on Kalina. She is a fantastic young woman. But why could you not go about it like a normal young man? What would your mother say?” He huffs as he drops into his chair, motioning to the chair across from him.

I sit. “I was worried I wouldn't even get a chance. You know her, Vladyka5. She is so wrapped up in her faith that I feared she would become a monastic. I couldn't let that happen.”

“Her family is terrified you’re going to hurt her,” he says, his tone giving away his own worry.

“Only if she asks me to Vladyka 6.”

Father Ireni crosses himself “Gospodi, pomiluy!7 Remember who you are talking to Lenya!”.

"How much money did the Pakhan donate to the church for this to happen?" I ask while adjusting in my chair.

Pouring liquid into two glasses, he says, “Enough to cover the wedding, remodels of the hall, and plots with headstones for needy families. So I suppose thanks are in order.” He hands over the glass. “Na zdorov'ye!”8. Raising mine to him, we drink. Vodka, I was expecting water. Nice touch Father. I am happy to know the money father paid is going to be used for good.

Mama would have liked that.

“Oh, and while I am here, can I get in a quick confession before heading back to the hall?” A smile creeps across my face. Father. Ireni narrows his eyes and takes a deep breath, rising to his feet. “Why not?” We stand in front of the icon of Christ, and a stand holding the Bible and a hand cross. We both cross ourselves, and he starts.

“Confess your sins to Christ.”

“I am selfishly forcing a young woman to marry me to keep her for myself, but I intend for her to fall in love with me.”

“You will need to be the husband God calls you to be. Not the one you wish to be. Protect her, respect her, and above all, love her. The Lord would not approve of you mistreating her. I hope you are up for that task. Kneel and bow your head for absolution.”

“One more thing,” holding up my finger and facing back to the icon, “Lord, please forgive me for chasing Kalina through the cemetery after Liturgy, cornering her in the forest, and feasting on her pussy.” The look on Vladyka’s9 face was utter shock. “Is it a sin if she didn’t finish Vladyka?” He smacks me upside the head, smirking, I kneel, nodding that I am finished. He covers me with his robe, and begins to give the blessing of absolution.

Leaving Vladyka in his office, I make my way back to the hall to get Lina. I enter the doorway and I see her sitting at a table with her sister. They are smiling and looking at magazines. They hide they are all angry so well. Lina the most. Her smile is magnificent. I will have to make it my life's mission to always keep her smiling.

She looks over to the door and catches my gaze, blushing as she looks back at her sister. Raisa looks over at me, a frown on her face. She doesn't like that I affect her sister. Lina stands, leaning down as she whispers in Raisa's ear. Walking from the table, she is over to me seconds later.

“Um, we are just looking at dresses and other boring wedding things. My mama mentioned that the food and ceremony arrangements are already done, so we're only browsing wedding dresses and other minor details. I guess your father took care of most of it already.” Lina says, shifting back and forth.

Sounds like him. Making sure he gets to put his stake in the situation.