You're Serious

You’re Serious

The Garden Chapel at the college was nearly full for this Autumn Saturday afternoon wedding. Attendees ranged in age, station in life, manner of dress, political and artistic persuasion. However, all were here. Rick’s mother, however, didn’t attend. She felt something was amiss with her son’s spouse-to-be. It wasn’t her looks, the clothing she wore, (casual) but the way she dismissed questions posed to her.

“I think she’s hiding something son,” his mom remarked on more than one occasion.

Yet, Rick’s father and Gretchen’s parents along with a handful of friends presented to witness the joining of two lives in Holy Matrimony, commonly called marriage. Here, where the skies, mostly sunny, illumined a variety of flowering plants and bushes that lined the garden perimeter. Though sunny skies, fluffy clouds, gentle breezes added atmosphere, internal issues simmered perhaps for all attending. Would time tell?

The two lives being joined were Gretchen and Rick. Both were alumni of State College. Both were in their thirties. Respective careers had been their purpose up until they met two years previous.

At the time, Rick was a school teacher, middle school students in Grammar and State History. Gretchen told everyone she worked for the Government, even Rick.

"Just what do you do for the Government?" Rick asked, different occasions.

"Oh, I put in my time; I work at a computer; I file reports; I do whatever the heck I'm told," she volunteered.

Robins could be heard in the background. "You may exchange your vows," the Minister stated.

"Rick, I will be faithful first to God, to country, and to you," Gretchen said.

Rick thought a moment at her second declaration of faithfulness. Isn't everyone faithful to country? Where did that come from?

A gentle breeze increased as Rick stated, "Gretchen, I will be loyal to God, to you, to myself." .

A viola solo followed. The selection was an old hymn of Irish origin,

Be Thou My Vision.

The congregation than stood to sing the printed lyrics to the Brian Adams song, I Do For You.

Within two hours, Rick and Gretchen were celebrating being husband and wife, but more importantly - a mutually accepted partnership until death would part them.

"You two are doing something over half of us can't do," Gretchen's mother said, holding her wineglass in one hand, patting each on their back. Her mom was casually dressed, red hair done up, and displayed a warm smile.

"What's that, mom?" Gretchen asked.

"Partnership until the bitter end. I believe marriage has three rings: diamond, suffering, and wedding, respectively,” she said, slight chuckle.

A string quartet played light classics as attendees mingled, ate catered chicken dinner, wedding cake, and most drank the fruit of the vine.

"Rick, I'm proud of you son. You have a very attractive spouse and full life ahead," his father said. What his father didn't belabor was his terminal illness. Dad medically was given less than one year to live by Medicine.

"Thanks Dad. We agree on this one," Rick said.

“I’m sorry your mother chose not to attend. I hope over time she will see things in a more positive light,” Dad said, they hugged.

An older gentleman approached Rick and Gretchen.

“Excuse me, I need to have a couple moments outside the hall with your bride. It’s regarding a business matter,” he said, slight accent in voice.

“Hurry back,” Rick said. He thought how strange, what else is going to be out of the ordinary today? 

"First, congratulations; you have a very handsome husband. I’m sure you want to keep it this way,” he expressed a slightly sinister laugh, adding, “Your comrades know you have gotten married. We also know you promise to be faithful to country," touching her forehead with his index finger he added, "We expect you to be faithful to country above all else; got that?"

Gretchen nodded.

"I said, got that?" His voice and expression sounding serious.

"I do. My lips are sealed," she said.

The reception began to wind down a few hours later. Instead of throwing rice, customary at many receptions, the group assembled each tossed a handful of bird seed. This was believed to be environmentally respectful, friendly, and good overall.

The couple were driven to the airport post reception. They would be going to Alaska for their honeymoon. Expenses subsidized in part by Gretchen's employer. This employer also subsidized lurking, watchful eyes on its employed, especially with key positions.

The flight to Alaska was four hours in length.

"I'm not feeling well," Gretchen said, holding hands with Rick as they approached landing in Juneau.

"What's the matter?"

"I have an upset stomach, and feel chilly," she said.

Keeping his disappointment below the surface, Rick replied, "It's okay honey. You rest at the hotel.”

Gretchen was sure she would disobey that advisement. It's a good thing obedience was not in their vows. She had sworn obedience to her employer. Obedience to parents when a child. Now, obedience to none other.

Two days passed. Gretchen had been sullen much of their time post reception.

"We have to talk, Gretchen. Why the gloom, the glum, the downcast expressions, the infrequent words, the, no sex?" Rick asked.

"Rick, if I told you, it would be the end," she said.

"Are you secretly married to another?" Rick asked. Gretchen chuckled.

"Secretly married to another," she spoke softly.

"Not really."

"Are you bisexual or gay?"

"Not at all. I like a man with goods to show for being a man," she said, putting on a seductive face.

"What's your favorite song or movie?" Rick asked.

He asked again when Gretchen didn't answer right away.

"What's your favorite movie or song?"

With a serious expression she said, "I hope yours is, The Spy Who Loved Me. Mine is ‘Islands In The Stream,’ she said, hand around Rick’s forearm.

"Hold me Rick, I want to love each other now," Gretchen said. She imagined crossing a line just now.

A few days after the couple arrived home, they received a parcel from Alaska. It contained four salmon filets. The package was addressed to 'the newly weds.'

A note simply read, "To the new couple, new partnership, quality life."

Gretchen heated the filets for their dinner that evening and paired with a cucumber salad, homemade.

The next morning, Rick woke to find his wife in their living room recliner, no pulse, no breath, deceased.

A text message was on his mobile device,

"Your wife didn't keep her vows totally."

An investigation ensued following the required autopsy. Rick learned his wife was a dedicated woman, not only to him, to herself, but also to a foreign Government as an Operative performing espionage.

“I guess we all have secrets,” he told his mother a few months later when both attended their family member’s memorial service.

End