Page 48 of Shake the Spirit

“Maybe I am. All I want is to wrap her up in my protection, so she can learn about herself and the world.”

Pa-Donovan rests his hand on my shoulder. “We understand how you feel something for this girl. We also get how her nutjob family would never allow you to date her like normal people. But rushing into marriage feels like you two weren’t thinking straight.”

I look over the land I’ve known my entire life. Never did I feel the urge to ditch this small town. I’ve always liked knowing my family was nearby. Their love felt good wrapped around me. Now, I need them to give Oana the same comfort.

“We’re only married in our hearts.”

Flicking my wedding ring hanging from the necklace, Edith grumbles, “If I wasn’t so irritated right now, I’d eye roll so hard at you.”

“So, it’s not legal?” Ma-Journey asks, sounding too hopeful.

“Oana doesn’t have any paperwork to make it legal. But we’re still married in our hearts. It counts just as much as having a piece of paper.”

“Not really,” my ma says immediately.

“Fine,” I grumble, unaccustomed to enduring so much shit from my family. “Oana and I will live in sin. If that’s a problem, I’ll find us a place in town.”

“No,” Pa-Donovan says while my ma and sister gasp at each other before eyeballing me full of hostility. “You’ll stay at Otto’s house. He and Betty are excited for you. That’s a done deal. No need for more negotiations.”

“I can’t believe how easily my brothers just toppled into love,” Edith mumbles, gaining a hug from our ma.

“Easy?” I balk at my sister. “I couldn’t find Oana for a year. I thought I’d lost her forever. You saw how sad I was. You even set me up with your hussy friends.”

“You’d have felt better if you let them ride your pogo stick.”

“No, I only want Oana.”

That’s the moment when I spot my ma’s resolve cracking. Journey’s path to wedded bliss with Pa wasn’t simple. They had their speed bumps, information they openly shared when I was growing up. My parents wanted Otto, Edith, and me to realize how good things are worth the struggle.

That’s why they’re currently stirring up less drama than Poppy and Justice would in the same situation. Deep down, my parents want to skip over the mayhem and settle into the part where I get my happily ever after.

OANA, AKA A WILLING VICTIM OF THE LOVE VIRUS

Before Ike returns, Tuesday picks out my haircut. She also schedules an appointment at the salon. I’m relieved by how none of the girls treat my tastes as odd.

In the church, I was supposed to look, act, and think like everyone else. My clothes are the same style as the ones my mother wears. My long hair is styled just like my grandmother’s was all her life. I’m just another member of the flock.

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