• • •
Holding hands, Ingra and Yuri stood in the line at the Happily Ever After Chapel. They had already gotten the required tests, including genetics and physical. For the last ten years, every person who wanted to get married had to be healthy enough in order to do so, something Yuri and most everyone he knew thought was ridiculous. You could still have children out of wedlock; so adding this hurdle seemed unnecessary to ensure healthy children. Grigori, who married before the requirement, cursed loudly that it was only necessary because the Russian Alliance made the medical tests. Greed, that is what happens when corporations rule the world!
Knowing a little history, Yuri doubted “country rule” was any better. Yes, it was an extra cost, but he never doubted they would be approved. Besides, it was his wedding day, and who cared about the past obstacles? They had made it here today.
Anna and Grigori stood beside them. Anna pulled at the fancy lacing on her dress that scratched her neck. Grigori was in his only dark suit, the same one he wore for weddings, funerals, and other special occasions, with a huge grin plastered on his face that he couldn’t seem to let down, even when he spoke.
“I’m so proud, so proud,” Grigori said earnestly to Yuri.
Yuri smiled back. This was the fourth time Grigori had said those words. He alternated between saying that and how beautiful Ingra was.
“I am glad you are here.” Yuri smiled back at him.
“Beautiful, amazing! You look like an angel in white, Ingra!”
“Thank you, Grigori, but don’t forget Anna. Isn’t she the perfect flower girl?”
Anna was distracted and didn’t acknowledge Grigori’s gushing agreement. She was fidgeting in earnest now.
“What is the matter?” Yuri asked, leaning down to talk with his little sister.
“I have to go to the bathroom,” she whined desperately.
Yuri looked at the line ahead, consisting of only one other couple.
“Okay Anna, I’ll take you,” Ingra said, taking Anna by the hand and leading her away.
“Hurry back!” Yuri called after them.
The two men exchanged glances. Grigori’s smile broadened even more.
“I’m so happy for you two, and proud. I feel like an expectant father, all the joy and none of the pain. Sorry my wife couldn’t make it. She was not feeling well. You know how she catches every little cold.”
“I understand. I hope she feels better soon. Will she be well enough to meet us at church on Sunday?”
“Yes, I think so,” Grigori said.
The couple ahead of them was kissing as the music started up, the cue to march out and begin the rest of their lives.
“Do you have the ring?” Yuri asked nervously.
“Of course I have it.” He patted down all his pockets. “Somewhere, I’m sure.”
“Don’t joke with me.” Yuri words came out sterner than he meant. He shook his head and clapped Grigori on the shoulder. “Sorry.”
“You’re nervous, I understand. The day I married Helena, your father had to hit me to say I do.”
“He told me. Said you had almost passed out afterwards!”
“Take deep breaths. That was my problem. I stopped breathing. But here, see, nothing to worry about.” Grigori brought the ring out of his pocket to reassure Yuri.
“Thank you for your help. Ingra will be so happy to see the ring.”
He looked around for Ingra and Anna. “Where did they go? They are going to call us next.”
“Are you going to practice tonight?”
“Yes, I plan to.”
“Why? You are already faster than any unaltered man has ever been. It’s your wedding night.”
“I have to win. I’m going to have a family after today. I have to win for them. That is, if they ever return.”
“Shh, here they come.”
Grigori resumed his position. Ingra looked at the two of them.
“Maybe we should adopt you, Grigori, to keep you out of trouble,” she teased.
“Konikov, are you ready?” a squat woman asked.
Ingra and Yuri grabbed hands and followed the woman to the small podium where the minister waited. The chapel was like a film set, with plastic stained-glass windows and a podium made of thin white plywood painted with gold trim.
The wedding took ten minutes from “Dearly beloved” to “Husband and wife.” Yuri picked up Ingra and carried her out of the chapel. Her fingers toyed with the thin band of gold around her finger. Grigori carried Anna out, mimicking Yuri and Ingra.
“I love you, Anna,” he said.
“Will you marry me when I grow up, Unca Grigori?” Her pudgy hands entwined around his neck.
“Of course, poochkins. I’m sure Helena won’t mind. But first, let’s get some cookies. I think I smelled a bakery just down the road.”
“Where are you going with my sister?” Yuri yelled after them.
“To the cookie shop. You and Ingra can be alone for a while, and I’ll take care of Anna. Okay?”
Yuri mouthed “thank you” and carefully placed Ingra in a waiting taxi.
• • •
“A woompa, woompa, awhoosh!” Grigori swung the giggling child around in circles.
“Again, again, again!” she squealed.
“You’re making Unca very tired.”
“Again!” she cried, ignoring his protest.
“Why aren’t you sick? You ate five cookies and a soda. I’m sick just thinking about it.”
“Again!” she demanded.
“Okay, a whoompa, a whoompa, a whoo—”
The noise died in his throat as a bat swung down and shattered his skull. He fell like a dropped marionette, arms still holding Anna, who was too terrified to scream.
Micki pried the girl from Grigori’s dead hands. Saviar wiped the blood and bone chips from the bat with his towel.
“Did you see how his head exploded? I should have gone into baseball,” Saviar laughed. “It’s going… going… gone!”
“Be quiet! Let’s go before someone notices,” Micki replied, walking away briskly as he wrapped the shocked child tightly in his coat.
Saviar looked over his handiwork then followed behind, leaving Grigori’s dead body to cool in the icy evening air.
• • •
“I can’t wait any longer, Ingra,” Yuri said, kissing Ingra who was still lying between the sheets. “If he calls, tell Grigori that I left for the pool.”
“You know, sex is the best exercise,” Ingra purred to him as he put on his last shoe.
“I know. That’s why I’m taking a break with a few laps. You tire me out so.” Yuri ducked the pillow thrown at him, picked it up, and placed it on the bed next to her. After giving her another kiss on the forehead, he walked to the door.
“Things are going to be wonderful now that you’re mine forever. I love you, my wife. ’Wife,’ I like the sound of that!” He blew a kiss before he shut the door behind him.
Once alone, Ingra got up to get something to eat and to call Grigori so he could bring