BOOK 3: DISCLOSURE / CH. 12:DECISIONS

FRIDAY EVENING, 17TH NOVEMBER

Tony had tried his cooking skills out on Teresa, but for once he hadn't made too much of a mess in his kitchen. It would keep, and he had plans. He asked “Teresa, are you up for another of our moon-lit walks?”

“Isn't it getting late? Normally we leave earlier than this.”

“Are you tired? You don't seem it.”

“I'm not. You don't have any wedding shots or other work? I thought you did.”

“No, I'm free tomorrow. How's your schedule?”

“Well, I was thinking I'd do some research, I thought you'd be busy, but its nothing urgent. I can stay up. What's the big occasion? And how long are you talking about?”

“Oh, I'd hope to get you home by not long past midnight, but you''ll need to change before we go, I think. I've borrowed a pair of night vision glasses. It's a full moon too, and I'd like to try some owl watching, if you'd consider it. Are you interested?”

“Oooh, you want to lure me into a dark, isolated place with the promise of getting cold, damp and muddy? What a dangerously tempting suggestion! It's a good thing I've got good reason to trust you. What makes you think I'd refuse that?”

“I thought it might have appeal.”

“So why are we wasting time here?”

“Because we were both hungry, remember, and you accepted extra desert?”

“Yes, that's true. I mean, thanks for cooking, and the cake was wonderful, but we've been chatting over desert for ages. Can we go?”

“Of course, Teresa!”

----------------------------------------

Since it was late, Teresa took a transport home to change, then Tony followed in another one, once he'd got himself ready and packed up his camera and the night vision goggles. He went via a florist; he didn't often visit her house except when he was walking her home, and he felt it was important that he bring some flowers. Tony knocked at Teresa's door, and presented them to her. “It didn't feel right to turn up on your doorstep without these.”

“Well, let's help the neighbours' tongues wag some more then shall we?” and she accepted them with a rare kiss.

She wasn't in her high visibility outfit, Tony was pleased to see; instead she had a dark blue jeans and a black pullover. Just like he was wearing.

“So, where are you taking me at this hour of the night?”

“Well, you know where we had that picnic last time?”

“That's too far away Tony! It's an hour even by transport.”

“That's what I thought, so we're not going there. Let's see if you recognise where the transport takes us, OK?”

“You're left it waiting?”

“Yes, I thought about walking, for, oh, about five seconds before dismissing the idea.”

“I'll just quickly put these in a vase, then.”

“Have you got a thicker jacket too? Its too warm for snow but it might rain. Unless you want to risk being romantic?”

“What, you'd lend me your jacket and freeze instead? I'm not going to wear a ball-gown, but I'm happy to be romantic if you lke.”

“Then, oh most beautiful of women, shall we depart to the gloomy forest's edge where the owls fly on silent wings and the mice shiver in the damp frozen earth at thought of their approach? There the rain may dampen my clothes but nothing shall dampen my love for you!”

“Ooh, you are feeling romantic, aren't you? Be careful, it might be catching.” She smiled at him, and then gave him another quick kiss. “I think I almost want it to rain, to see if you're true to your word. Oh, I've got some tea in my bag, here, to warm us up if it gets cold. Lets go.” She didn't tell him that she also had a lightweight raincoat in the bag. It would spoil things for him, she felt. She loved him too much for that, she realised. She noticed him smile to himself at a thought as they were leaving.

“What are you thinking?”

“That I love you very much.”

“That's good, but nothing has changed there recently, I think. So, what brought on the smile?”

“Just thinking how the meal table, set for two, and candle-lit, supposedly one of the key places for romance, was abandoned so quickly so we can go and play in the mud like a couple of kids. You're a very unusual woman, I think. Entirely wonderful.”

“It's nice to be appreciated. I love you, too, Tony.”

She didn't say that very often, and that, plus the kisses made Tony all the more certain about his plans for the evening.

They got into the transport. “Continue to planned destination” was all he said. No clue there them. She wondred where this romantic evening was going to be, and looked at him, this man who'd unexpectedly entered her life. He was a Christian, handsome, available, clearly in love with her, plus he wasn't put off by her brain or her past. Marriage? She'd certainly miss him if they broke up. She couldn't imagine any reason they should. He was a good man, and she realised that she wanted him to be her good man; exclusively. So, the only question was whether she should ask him, or wait and see if he would ask her. Winter weddings could be beautiful if there was snow. Spring was warmer of course. Would Arnold be able to come? “Penny for your thoughts?” he asked, triggering another memory.

“I seem to remember the response last time was 'they're worth more than that.'”

“That's true. So, how much are they worth?”

“I'm not sure. How about I keep you waiting until we've seen enough owls.”

“Or got bored waiting. No guarantees we'll see any.”

“Of course. Anything I should know about what's in your bag?” his hand was checking his pocket she realised, yet again. “Or in your pocket?”

“My pocket?”

“You've been patting it occasionally all evening.”

“Have I? I didn't notice.”

“So, are you going to tell me what's in there?”

“How about, after the owls, and the romantic current buns?”

“You know I like current buns, but we only just ate, Tony! What makes them romantic?”

“Eating them in the middle of nowhere, sitting in the cold damp night, waiting for owls, together.”

“Oh. That sounds nice.” She moved closer to him, and at the implicit invitation he put his arm round her shoulders. It was a pleasant feeling. She wondered about that thing in his pocket. Might he be planning to propose, or was it some other gift? For all she knew it could be his plane reservation. That wasn't a nice thought. Maybe she could go with him. She'd asked Karen about that, and she'd said it wouldn't be unusual in that culture, once they were engaged. She didn't want to lose him for the 'up to a month' that he'd been told it would be. “You look sad, love. What is it?”

“I'm being selfish, I guess. Not looking forward to you leaving me to go to scary places.”

“It's a great career opportunity, but no, I'm not looking forwards to separation either.”

“Do you have any idea when it will be?”

“No, 'not yet'; that's all I know. They said something about getting more used to things at the office here.”

“That's a relief.”

“Why a relief?”

“One possibility for what might be in your pocket. It's obviously significant in your thinking, and you are always looking at me when you check on it.”

“You're burning with curiosity aren't you?”

“Well, I'm wondering what it is, and I'm also wondering how you're going to keep it safe in the mud you've promised me.”

“Perhaps I should put it in a safer place, you're right. I won't keep you wondering very much longer.”

“Good. And I won't keep you waiting much longer beyond that with what I was thinking.”

“Have you worked out where we're going?”

“We're near the institute. There are owls in park behind it?”

“Yes.”

The transport stopped. “This way, love. I know just where I want to take you.”

“Let me guess... Romantic current buns happen at a certain tree?”

“That's right. I went there to pray a few days ago and saw two owls roosting there.”

“We'd better watch where we point your camera then. You went there to pray? Why there?”

“It seemed like a good place. That day changed my life. Thank you. ”

“You were following wrong advice, but God meant it for good, I think.”

“I've got a better advisor now. Much much nicer to kiss.” which he did, to emphasise his point. “Silly man. I love you too.”

“I'm very glad of that Teresa. Very very glad.” Something, dark grey against black trees, passed in front of them. “Did you see that? An owl!” he said excitedly.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

“I saw something. It could have been a duck for all I know.”

“Owls are one of the reasons we're here, and it was too quiet for a duck.”

“OK, so it wasn't a duck. And given my limited ornithological knowledge it was too big to be a robin or a sparrow and too small to be an albatross, but just because we're looking for leprechauns that doesn't mean a rustle in the bushes over there was one. That's not good logic. But, onto more important questions: what are the other reasons we are here?”

“Spending time together, escaping from the sterility of the city, a romantic walk in the rain, Tea and romantic bread-products, and the thing in my pocket.”

“Oooh, are you going to tell me what it is now?”

“I don't think so. Lets see what we can see with the goggles on.”

He reached into the bag he'd been carrying, and got the goggles out. Each one had a pair of ultra sensitive cameras and a display. With the big lenses and tricky to adjust straps they weren't going to be a fashion accessory, but they were good. Even with only the diffuse glow from the moon behind the clouds, they could see fairly clearly, and in colour. It wasn't quite like daylight, but it was far better than her natural night vision. Teresa said “Colour by cloudy moonlight! I'm impressed.”

Tony said “If it gets too dark, we can switch detectors. The other one isn't colour, but I'm told it never gets too dark for it above ground.”

“But underground it's no good?”

“Not unless someone's got glow-in-the-dark clothes on. I guess they'd let you see using the light from them.”

“I presume battery life isn't great though, I can feel the warmth from it.”

“I asked about that. There's an active cooler in it to help the sensor be more sensitive.”

“So, where do we wait to watch for passing owls?”

“Just along here. There's a handy log, see.”

“This is your tree?”

“Hardly mine, but, yes you could say this is where it all started, where I made a fool of myself.”

“I must say I like what this tree started, Tony. And you've been praying about something? Am I allowed to know what about?”

“Urm, yes, but it's a little complicated.”

“Life often is, Tony. Do I need to worry?”

“I don't think I'd chose that word. It's just... I want to make the right decision in something. I don't want to decide based on what I want, but on what is best. So I've been praying.”

“Sounds like it must be a big decision.”

“It is. Teresa, it is.”

“Did God answer?”

“Sort of. Yes. I'll tell you soon. Look there!”

“Ooh. Owl!”

They watched it swoop down and thump into the leaves.

“Did it get anything?” Teresa asked.

“I'm not sure. Look, there it goes!” There was something dangling from its talons.

“Bad time to be a mouse. You might get eaten; what's eating you?” Teresa asked.

“Nothing bad. We have our log. Have a bun?”

“You and your stomach!” she said, but took one anyway. “These are good.”

“I hoped they would be.”

After they'd eaten, she said “No more excuses, or I'll sue you for breach of promise!”

“OK, Teresa... I've been worrying it might be too soon to ask you something, and praying that I'm not being impatient, or not considerate enough. That's all.”

“And did God answer your prayers?”

“I'd really love to look into your eyes, while I tell you, but that's hard with these goggles on.”

“Then lets take them off and turn on the lamp I've got in my backpack.”

“Teresa, you're a genius.” Tony exclaimed before giving her a kiss and releasing her.

As she reached around in her pack to get it, she replied “Technically incorrect, by a couple of IQ points, but thank you anyway. You don't do so badly yourself, when you're not worrying yourself sick. Got it, now do I hold it in my teeth while I try and undo my head straps, or can you do that for me? I'm presuming that we need to turn off the goggles before I turn this on.”

“I'm more than happy to do your straps, love.”

“And steal a few sneaky kisses while you're at it, I know you.”

“Of course!” he said, kissing her ear. Once he'd undone the straps on her goggles, he undid his own, and said “Lights on please, Teresa my love?”

She wasn't entirely surprised to see him on one knee in front of her. “Teresa, I've prayed that I'd know I wasn't rushing into making a decision too soon for either of us, but the passage I read this morning seemed to say that I should not wait. And I don't want to. Teresa, will you marry me?”

“I will, Tony, with joy and without doubts.”

“Then I give you this ring as a token of my love. And I really hope it fits, because if it doesn't then I'm going to be afraid of it falling out of my pocket.”

“It's beautiful, Tony. Thank you. It does fit, perfectly. And thank you for asking. I had almost decided to ask you.”

“Would that have meant you'd have bought me a ring?”

“No. But, we probably would have gone looking together, and I'd have tried to convince you you didn't need to spend a whole month's pay on a ring. But this one looks like more than that.”

“I cheated, Teresa. Sarah got me a discount.”

“It's one of her I.D. and panic button rings?”

“Yes. She told me that unless I had a heirloom to give you, I wouldn't find a rational argument to give you anything else.”

“That's quite an impressive sales pitch.”

“I urm, suspect that she's cheated somehow.”

“Cheated?”

“There's no way I should be able to afford that stone.”

“Well, at least coming from Sarah we know it's genuine. Have you seen her react to the mention of the Z word?”

“Not in person. I gather she considers their very existence a personal insult.”

“Something along those lines, yes. She far prefers what she calls 'good honest plastic' for some reason. You know she hardly wears gems herself, but she won't go near Zirconia. ”

“I was warned. Do you like it? I had the most horrible choice deciding which one.”

“So how did it work? I'm curious. She didn't actually sell it to you herself did she?”

“No, she made an appointment for me with her jeweller friend, and said that she'd told the computer to estimate your ring size from pictures.”

“Then you said what you could afford and the jeweller winced?”

“Not at all actually, she brought out a selection and told me how much I'd be charged for each, after putting me under oath not to say what I was offered them at.”

“So, you got it at trade price?”

“I wouldn't actually be surprised if I got it at replacement raw material price, or something silly like that. Like Sarah said, it was a far better ring for the price than I could have got anywhere else. Sarah said it was her way of giving us a cheap engagement present.”

“But they could have sold it to someone else,” Teresa said “and made the normal profit, so it's cost her that profit, not just the materials. Basic economics!”

“Maybe it's a form of discrete advertising? You have rich, powerful clients, they see you using it as your I.D. and ask where the ring came from. She sells more rings.”

“I suppose so. I want to talk to her about it though.”

“Of course. But don't ask what I paid, OK? I love you very much, Teresa.”

“It's a beautiful ring, Tony, and I love you very much too.” An owl hooted. “Shall we look for more owls or shall we stay here confessing our love for each other until dawn?”

“Well, we need to set a date sometime, but it doesn't need to be tonight.”

“Of course not, Tony. We'd never persuade anyone trustworthy to marry us that quickly.”

“Teresa, I didn't mean... You know that don't you?”

“Do you want a long engagement, Tony?”

“No. Not particularly. But it takes a while to organise everything, doesn't it? Invitations, that sort of thing, a wedding dress?”

“I'll ask, but I don't know if Arnold can come. That's it as far as my relatives are concerned, other than my Mum. My male ancestor probably exists somewhere, but I don't know if I ever met him. As for a dress, do you really think, Tony, that white is the right colour for me?” she turned away from him, and looked at the ground. Tony heard her pain at her past, once more, and held her. “Teresa, Your past is forgiven and washed clean. Of course white is the right colour. Though perhaps you'd feel more comfortable in denim with a helmet and light, rather than lace and a veil...” he suggested, to lighten her mood. It worked.

“White denim wedding dress, knee and elbow protectors, and steel toecaped boots. I like it!” she laughed at the image. “Totally impractical of course. You can't wear a full skirted dress in a cave.”

“I'm not sure that practical has ever been a factor in wedding dress design.”

“True. So, first, we get you to meet Arnold, then find out if he can get day release or something and if so when, and if its not soon enough then we get married without my little brother.”

“What's soon enough?”

“I've decided that it wouldn't be safe for you to be talking to exotic foreign women with strange customs. So, I want to come too. Karen says it'd be very acceptable for you to talk to women with your wife with you, and safer.” She didn't feel like saying the 'or betrothed' bit, that was too complicated.

“Oh? And when was this conversation?”

“Soon after I heard her telling you what would happen if you were caught in the same room as an unmarried girl.”

“Oh. But she told me how to avoid that.”

“Yes. Then I asked how her father had avoided that sort of trouble. His wife was there too. Problem totally avoided.”

“Oh. I'd love you to come, but it's not going to be a cheap trip, or much of a holiday.”

“Oh, I don't know. I think it could be enjoyable. It would certainly beat worrying about you and missing you while you were gone.”

“That, Teresa doesn't sound so much a reason for us to marry, as for me not to go.”

“No, Tony. You should go, just I'm going to come too. Actually, I'm coming with or without the marriage; Karen said that I'd be just as good a chaperone for you as your betrothed.”

“I see. And how good are you at demanding appropriately separate accommodation in the local language?”

“Not very. Which is one more reason why I prefer the married option.” Teresa concluded.

“Well, we don't know when they're going to send me, but lets make some plans of our own. Marriage preparation classes, for instance.”

“Invitation list. Do we do the whole 'spend a fortune on an expensive banquet' thing, or do we just have a few guests at the reception?”

“Or there's always the cheapskate version where we ask people to bring some food to share. But as you say, you've only got Arnold and your mum as family, but I'm sure you've got friends. I've got more family — you've met most of them but I've also got three unmarried cousins. As for friends... I could invite the whole church, but I'd struggle to chose who to include and who not.”

“So, the guest list is currently seven or say a hundred to a hundred and fifty, depending how many I invite?”

“Um, that's not so good is it?”

“Not really. Tony, I'm paid well, but I'm trying to pay off the mortgage on my house quickly, which is eating quite a chunk of my income. I do not want us to end up using up all our joint savings on the wedding. That's silly; there are better things to do with the money, like not splitting up when you go to dangerous places. But, if we went through the church list, you'd really have a good reason for everyone?”

“Well, maybe not everyone, but almost. I've been there a long time. I'm not particularly close to anyone, but that just makes it harder, doesn't it? No one special so that means everyone or suddenly someone is special.”

“I see what you mean. What about our mid-week group?”

“That might work, except they got shuffled just before I met you.”

“So, the current one, and the previous one, and any committees you've been on in the last year?” her frustration was growing. “Urm, drop the committees. It might work, and we'll work out something. But Teresa, why don't we look for some owls? It's getting late.”

“I don't know if I want to look at owls Tony. It's going to bug me.”

“A decision needs to be made?”

“Yes.”

“My suggestion then: a small meal: my big Family, your small family, your selected friends to make the numbers roughly match. Then we pick my brother's restaurant or he'll never talk to us again.”

“Not sure. You should have some friends there, not just relatives. But Tony, you know that even if Arnold is allowed to attend the ceremony itself, he'll not be able to come to the reception, I'm sure. Urm, is that sound rain? Or is it just wind?”

“Lets hope it's wind.”

“I'm doubtful. Could you really not come up with a list of fifteen or twenty? That'd be a nice group.”

“Teresa, love, why don't we invite everyone and challenge my brother to come up with a starter or main course, for a limited budget. Use the church hall rather than hiring anywhere more fancy, and everyone who comes is asked to bring a salad or dessert to share.”

“You mean, rather than fancy food for a small group we do mass catering for five times that number? OK, but I'm not telling people to bring food, Tony. We're hardly pennyless students. But your brother wouldn't mind?”

“I don't see why not. He likes a challenge. I'm sure he knows enough tricks to make it look impressive. Agreed?”

“Well, OK, subject to prices. But if he can't do it, then you'll cut your list down to no more than half the church. OK?”

“OK. Its a deal. Now can we try out these night scopes properly?”

“Of course, Tony. That's what we're here for. But first...”

“Yes?”

“You get kissed.”

“Oh! I think I can live with that!”

“Good.”

Two owls watched these strange humans from their vantage point in the trees. There didn't seem to be food around, but the humans seemed harmless, and it was safe enough to watch. After a while, they got bored; after all, humans weren't that interesting. They looked around and she heard the tasty sound of a mouse moving. It was time to hunt.

“They've flown away. Did we frighten them?” Teresa asked.

“Probably not. Maybe they heard the rain coming.” Tony suggested.

“What rain?”

“I don't know, but they've got fantastic hearing. Do you want to stay and find out if the forecast is right?”

“I didn't check. What did it say?”

“Chance of rain after midnight.”

Teresa checked her wrist unit. “Well, it is after midnight. I thought you promised me I'd be home by now?” she said with mock surprise.

“I told you it was getting late my love, but you wanted to stay.”

“I know. It's lovely out here. But shall we go?”

“I think we should, It'll be easier going if we can keep the goggles on. I forgot to ask how rain-proof they are.”

“Let's go then. Thank you, Tony. It's been a lovely evening. And thank you for this ring.”

“Thank you for letting me give it to you! It's much better on your finger than in my pocket.”

“Now all we need to do is decide on a date.”