I groaned inwardly. I did not want to see him right now after what had happened, but I got up anyway and pulled on my regular dress. I ran a comb through my hair a couple of times. Then I opened my door. The aroma of fresh pita filled the air. Joseph sat, talking to my father. Abel toddled over to me. I picked him up and gave him a warm piece of pita bread. He squirmed out of my grasp and toddled away. I sat down next to Joseph. My mother brought baby Lydia to me. I looked into her innocent face. In nine months, I would hold my own baby, Jesus. I felt like crying. A tear splashed onto Lydia’s blanket. I quickly wiped my eyes. Nobody was to see my cry. If they did, then they would ask why, and I wouldn’t know what to tell them. I felt someone squeeze my hand. I looked up. It was Joseph. He had seen me cry. I would tell him after our wedding. Slowly, breakfast passed, and I reached for the water jar. Even if it was my wedding day, my family still needed water. Joseph offered to help me carry the heavy jars. I agreed and set out. There was little talking. Mostly because neither knew what to say. I finally arrived at my house. Joseph smiled and waved. I watched him walk to his house. Then I realized, I had to get ready! I walked in. Again, the house was bustling with people. My older sister, Adah, came to visit. My mother helped me into my gown. Adah braided my hair up and wove a flower crown for me to wear. I washed my face. Finally, I was ready. Mother prepared the wine that would seal our marriage.

The sun shone in my eyes. The trees waved gently in the wind. All was peaceful. I walked up to Joseph. He sipped the wine from the cup and handed it to me. I sipped the wine. My eyes filled with tears. Goodbye childhood.

I was being shown around my new home. Joseph noticed I was extra quiet.

“What is it, Mary?” He asked gently.

“I need to visit my cousin Elizabeth.” I quickly said. I could see no reaction.

“That’s okay. Go ahead.” He said. I breathed a sigh of relief.