Work Text:
The Big Day
A beautiful early summer day. Not a cloud in the sky. Yet not too hot for the people, dressed to the nines, arriving to watch and support Eric as he performs his first duty as Pastor of their church.
Eric is pacing in the rectory. Dressed in his Pastor’s best, looking proud, excited and completely scared.
”Sit down Eric! You’re making me queasy.”
A man easily into his seventies, dressed in a simple suit…no longer a Pastor…is pushing papers around on his desk. He motions Eric to the chair opposite.
”I’m sorry Paul. This is just so nerve wracking. I can’t mess this up.”
He finally sits, but keeps pacing with his feet. Giving Eric his full attention, Paul attempts to calm him down.
“You’ll do just fine son. You’ve done the schooling. Even going so far as getting a Masters in both Theology and Divinity. Those six years prove to me that you have what you need up here”…as he taps his head…”to do the job.”
Paul rolls his chair around to sit close to Eric.
”You’ve been my apprentice for a year now. I’ve seen you aid my flock with comfort, guidance and support…and I realized early on that you have what’s needed in here”…as he lays a hand on Eric’s chest…”to do the job.”
He takes Eric’s hands. “As of today this church is yours. And I can happily retire knowing that your flock will be taken care of for many years to come.”
Tears in his eyes, Eric smiles and squeezes his mentor’s hands. “Thank you Paul! You’ve taught me so much and I’m so grateful. I won’t let you down.”
A knock at the door and Eric invites with a sing-song voice, “Ennnterrr.”
Otis enters and Eric jumps up and embraces him. They hold each other tightly for several moments as Paul watches in approval.
”How you doing buddy? Nervous?”
Eric releases Otis and sinks back into the chair. “Oh Oatcake, I’m scared shitless! Sorry Paul.”
Laughing, “I remember the feeling son.”
Otis kneels, takes his friend’s hands and squeezes them in encouragement.
”I just don’t want to mess this up. This is the most important day of my life. What if I freeze, or forget the words or…” he trails off.
Paul stands up and heads for the door, but stops to impart a final piece of wisdom.
”The great Jagger has had to stop songs in concert because he had forgotten the words that he wrote. King George could barely finish a sentence and he managed to rally, comfort and inspire an entire country. You will do fine Eric. I believe in you.”
Turning his attention to Otis he states, “And you have been a blessing to our church as well. I’ll admit I had my doubts when Eric suggested it, but bringing you in to talk to young people when they needed guidance or support with their sexual topics has helped considerably. I know I was never totally comfortable talking about such things.”
He offers his hand to Otis. Otis stands and takes it and receives a strong, solid shake.
“And I have heard from the Church that your help, when Eric deems it necessary, will be gratefully accepted.”
Paul heads to the door again. “Now I’m going to join the others and await your baptism by fire.” He lets out a chuckle and leaves.
”That’s great news Oatcake! You have been a great help to me.”
Otis gives him a hug. “Anytime you need me…for anything …just call. I’m always here for you. I love you mate!”
“Love you too Otis.” Reluctantly disengaging from his friend he firmly states, “I’m ready now. Give me a minute and I’ll be out.”
“Good luck!” Otis leaves to join the crowd waiting.
Eric kneels and says a final prayer. “Dear Lord, I have a favour to ask of you. Please don’t let me fuck this up. Thank you!” He stands and adjusts his clothing and exits the rectory.
He sees the crowd waiting for him. His entire family with Paul in the front pew beaming proudly at him. All his friends are there as well. Even Adam and Jem have come to give him support and love, their twin girls sitting on their laps. Adam gives him a vigorous two thumbs up. Seeing the rest of the pews filled with his flock fills him with pride, allowing him to make his way to his spot at the front.
He pauses for a moment looking at the crowd then turns to his left.
“Are you ready?”
“I’ve been ready for years buddy” Otis immediately replies, looking extremely excited, joyously happy and not a nerve in sight.
With that Eric motions to the organist who starts to play the wedding march.
The rear doors of the church open and Joy and Elsie appear, throwing flower petals in front of them as they walk down the aisle. Following closely behind is Maeve, looking breathtakingly radiant in a beautiful gown, Aimee following behind taking care of her train.
Arm in arm with her brother Sean she proceeds to slowly walk down the aisle. She barely even notices the crowd turning to watch her. All she sees is Otis waiting for her, and has to use all her willpower to not break free of Sean and run to him.
They reach the front and Aimee carefully arranges the train behind Maeve and takes her place beside her, blowing a kiss towards the groom. Sean releases his sister and leans in to give her a kiss.
”I’m so happy for you frog face.”
Maeve embraces him and whispers, “Thank you so much for doing this Sean! It means the world to me to see you in a good place. I’m so proud of you.”
A few moments later he approaches Otis who extends his hand. Sean gives him a tight hug instead and, “I know you’ll take proper care of her. Thank you Otis.” He joins the girls in the front pew alongside Jean, Joanna, Dan and Anna and waits.
Otis is simply staring at Maeve, his eyes burning for her, his face overflowing with love and excitement. “You ok Otis?” she asks.
“You look absolutely stunning! I think this is the happiest I’ve ever been. I love you Maeve!”
Tearing up she produces a smile that threatens to engulf her face. “I’m completely happy too Otis. I do so love you!”
With tears starting to flow freely, she lowers her voice so only the four of them can hear. “But you’re making me cry…dickhead.” The four let out a huge laugh.
A few moments later, the laughter gone, Aimee literally bouncing in joy…”I’m so excited!”…she exclaims loudly. Then realizing her thoughts have been heard she reaches out and squeezes Eric’s arm, and in a much softer tone, “Let’s get this going ok, before something happens to fuck them up again.”
The laughter overcomes them again, the spectators now starting to look around in search of what’s so funny.
Eric takes a deep breath, smiles brilliantly and begins.
”Dearly beloved. We are gathered here today…”
The End