Well hell! Woke up yesterday to a new wrinkle in my routine. I started getting ready for work only to be told my internship with Zahir was on hold. "My baby has too much on his shoulders. You must focus on your studies and us." I feel like a baby. Zahir and Baba discussed my workload and decided it needed to be reduced. I am nineteen I think I should have a say in it. I'm NOT a baby...
I agree that I have been stressed lately. Baba has caught my mind wandering during his lectures. I screwed up cooking in the kitchen with Mama yesterday. I am taking a few of nothing classes to fulfil humanities credits . I don't need a lot of time, hell I could sleep through the coursework and still pass. The only thing other than auditing Baba's class that is giving me any challenge is the internship. "Let it go Elsa..."
I'm not angry, I got my text books for next semester's classes. I see challenges coming. It is probably for the best I step away from the firm for now. Z has promised he will take me in to the office on occasion.
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Wedding Update... (Brad was right)
Stacy and Moe offered to help Zahir and I. They are working on wedding plans for Zahir and I. We both trust them. After all, they are the reason we met in the first place. I was informed I get to make little choices; colors, flavors and flowers. Zahir and I get to approve venues.
The Imam (Mohsen's Imam) in Miami has had a change of heart. It turns out he was personally impacted by what happened at The Pulse. Moe reminded him of the shooting, he said it changed his view.
My preacher will perform the Christian blessing/ceremony in our garden before we leave Amman. He said secret ceremonies are not new in Christendom. They were common in Ireland and Scotland in the middle ages. Given that our marriage will not be legal in Jordan he believes such a service is appropriate. We also agreed no ring for Zahir.
It was Stacy who reminded me all we need for a wedding in Florida is a public notary, and she has that covered... Officer Mike is one, and he will marry Z and I.
Zahir and I will be honeymooners over my birthday. Zahir insists on making the honeymoon plans. I am so good with that.
Chase
Well we knew it wasn't going to be easy. That said, I didn't expect there to be this many roadblocks. I'm starting to think my friend had it right, just a civil ceremony on the beach.
I have been blessed with two new mothers in my life. Stacy my last foster mom and Mama Zahir's mom. Add to that my newly reacquired grandmother and this is becoming a nightmare. The bitch of it is all of them love me.
Mama shot down the concept of me being married in the barn. I tried to explain to her the barn was a fall back in case it's raining. The actual ceremony if weather permits would have been under the gazebo. Paducah is now not going to work.
It's starting to look like it's going to be a destination wedding, likely Miami or Tampa. I want my church/faith wedding. I know that sounds selfish but it's something I've always wanted. Zahir had been married before, this is my first God willing my only.
The last people I thought would complain were the first. Members of my own faith, people who accept my sexuality, refuse me being "unequally yoked" in marriage to Muslim. with my local church it would be no problem except it is not legal here.
Ready ready for the kicker? Stacy and Mohsen found an Imam who is willing to perform a same-sex marriage in Miami. He will not perform the service unless I convert. Without conversion I can only be a concubine, not a spouse.
Next up the date changed. June isn't good for some members of the family, July isn't good either. The months dwindled down to September or October. Zahir recommended my birthday there is no way in hell I'm going to be married on Halloween. I know I'm sounding like bridezilla!
The sweetheart is trying to make it special I know that. Between my commencement hopefully in October and my birthday we should be in Florida for most of the month.
Chase
His knee dropped at midnight. I should have been suspicious when we arrived at Louis and Oscar's place, Baba and Mama were there. Also present were a few of our co-workers who have protected us like family, including our boss.
It is after five in the morning and I have not slept. At midnight he dropped to a knee and slid the cutest little buckle ring on my finger. "I do not know how I can drown my princess in the gold you deserve but will you let me try?" I told him I was happy with the ring. "A bride does not negotiate her own price!" I smiled and sheepishly looked at Baba.
He replied, "Coins, many many gold coins for MY little one!"
The rest of the night was a blur. I facetimed with my Grandparents when we got home. Both told me Zahir asked their blessing after our last chat. It looks like we will be returning to Paducah next June!
I am still digesting this, I never thought it was possible. I am so happy
Gonna try to sleep.
Chase
