Marriage

"So are you getting married?" the birthday girl asks excitedly.

I wondered why this was everyones question. All I said was that we might be moving across the country. Why does that constitute marriage?

"We've talked about it, but no, at least not before we moved," I say. I am uneasy and therefore, making excuses again, trying to justify the move to them.

We stand there in utter silence. There is no excitement anymore, just the sound of the cars puttering by on the street. The truth is, I am in no hurry to get married. Eventually, yes, but not now. I think, I am only 21 and I still have alot to figure out. Why would I want to get married now? Especially to a guy that has made it known that he will be around for awhile, ring or no ring. I think about saying all this to them, but I keep my thoughts to myself. I don't want to justify my decision to them. I just want them to support me- no bars hold.

"Well, we better go," my friend says, breaking the uncomfortable, judgeing silence.

We hug our goodbyes to the birthday girl and enter the car. One down, I think, one to go.