21 Preparing for spiritual journey part 3

After everyone settled for the night a soft knock came at Aisling's door. She finds Astila standing there when she opens it. He doesn't wait for her to invite him in he just enters and softly closes it behind him.

Pulling her into his arms he gives her a tight hug breathing in her scent.

" oh how I missed you today.!! I know I shouldn't be here but I just need a few moments alone with you. To make sure you are ok with everything."

She pushes him away slightly but not so much that they part.

" your holding me too tight I need to breathe." She smiles at him and takes his hand guiding him to sit on her bed.

Astila notices that her room is very whimsical. A mixture of child and woman. She has an old oversized teddy bear on the floor next to her bed. A variety of dolls on shelves . He notices that she has the same bowl as he does for her herbs . There is lace curtains that fall around the heavy wooden bed.

" how are you really doing?" He pulling her to sit next to him.

" I'm fine . I was surprised at Uncle John I thought for sure he would raise the roof with a sermon about how different our ways and beliefs are. I'm sorry if anyone has said or done anything to offend you or your family." She holds his hand shyly.

" hmm no one has and I doubt they are as unaccepting as you think. I think that you are changing the subject because you are nervous at what has been happening between us. You know everyone knows I like you and I have had three of your uncles as well as two cousins and Sam confront me . Even Inola has given me a lecture on our differences in traditions. I don't care about what differences there are in our families. I only know that I am drawn to you and I miss you when your not close. You know you haven't said anything about how you feel about me." He looks at her with such tenderness that it could melt anyone's heart . Aisling leans into him and kisses him on the cheek.

" you are amazing strong handsome. A little to handsome . I missed you so much today also. It's like you instantly became a part of me. I have never kissed anyone before on my own. Other guys have tried but I just felt cold. With you my whole body heats up and I want more. I have always been shy and reserved except around family or when I'm out dancing. Which we have to do by the way. I think I may like you too. I'm not scared of what is going to happen I just am not sure I am ready to let Onacona go . He has been by me since I was little. I'm afraid that if I can't let him go that the other will stay . I'm being selfish huh." Aisling lays her head on his shoulder. Cuddling close to him comforted by his warmth.

" no one likes to face the possibility of losing someone. His spirit has been with you for so long it is not going to be easy that's not selfish. I will call you everyday and when possible we can FaceTime. " Astila leans his head down to take her mouth with his. She instantly opens herself to kiss him back. Wanting to put all of her feeling for him into this kiss. Knowing that he will be gone when she wakes in the morning and that she doesn't know when she will see him again. Astila instantly begins to get hard feeling her soft curves next to him. Putting his hands on her waist pulling her close to him so that she is under him. He is laying in her softness. His hips nestled between her legs.

" Aisling I need to go back to my room or you will not be a virgin after tonight. " he kisses her neck trailing his lips down towards her breast .

" I know I do not want you to leave me. " she whispers . Astila looks down at her he sees the desire and love in her emerald green eyes.

" I don't want to leave you . I want to bury myself inside of you and love you. I want to wake up loving you, but I know that it is not the right time yet. So I reluctantly leave you tonight . Soon though we will be together and not separated. I love you don't forget that. " he kisses her one last time before leaving her for how long he isn't sure.

It's still dark when Astila leaves for work in the morning he takes a look in Aisling's room to just look at her before leaving. She is curled up with her big teddy bear . Looking like a child instead of a woman. He takes out his phone and snaps a quick picture. This way he can look at her when at work. Softly closing the door he turns to leave. There in the hallway is both his uncle and Aisling's two uncles.

" son we need to have a chat ." The reverend motions for him to follow them down stairs.

" I need to know if you are planning to marry her or not. She is not like some who has relationships easily. You know she lost her father about 7 years ago she was completely a ghost. She wouldn't leave her room bathe or talk to anyone. She was in that shape for months. That is why we sent her to Steve in Texas. He was closer to her than anyone else besides her father. When she came back she was so much more like herself. By the way she talked I thought she had met a boy while there. Though he assured me she had not. Now I find out that the person she kept referring to is you. I always say that God works in mysterious ways and will put people in our path when we need them. I think that God has intended for you to be with her. If that is not your intention then I want you to not come back ." John looks at him with his arms crossed his chest and glaring at him . Expecting him to answer right away.

Looking at the three of them he knows that what the reverend is saying out of concern for Aisling .

" I do love Aisling. I miss her when I am not right next to her. If she will marry me I will be the happiest man around . There is a lot of obstacles in our way. One is my being here is only temporary for a few months. Two is that she will not leave here and I cannot ask her to. Three is that our beliefs though they are similar they also are very different and I do not want her hurt by her family or mine because our different beliefs or pressured to try to change me or fit her to change . That will cause her pain. So can I tell you that I am going to marry her no I cannot. Can I tell you that she is still a virgin yes I can because as much as I desire her I also love her . When the two of us decide where and when that will be between us and no one else." Astila glares at the three men daring them to say another word . The commander starts to laugh at him . Astila face turns from one of anger to one of shock.

" that my boy was the perfect answer. I told you John he was not the kind to lead our little girl on and then leave her. I warned you he was honest and would not just shy away from the conversation. " Astila had known the commander most of his adult life and he had never seen this side of him. Man if his unit could see him like this his reputation would be in tatters.

" I ask one thing please take care of her and protect her. I am leaving my life in your hands." With that Astila picks up his bag and leaves for work. Wondering if he was just given the families blessing to marry Aisling.