TOW: Anticipation Day 4
The wind blows my hair wildly, like a flag caught outside in a storm. I suppose it was pointless doing anything special to my hair, the weather here is erratic at best. The time ticks by slowly as I wait for the bus to arrive, late as usual. I am aware that looking down at my watch will not make the time go by any more quickly, but that doesn't prevent me from doing it - over and over again. I can't believe I am so nervous, it's not like I haven't done this before. I quickly shuffle through my backpack, checking once again that I had all the necessary materials. Everything is there, just where it was when I checked six times before I left the house. I breathe a temporary sigh of relief, but I know that eventually I will be compelled to check again. The street is filled with noisy traffic and the sidewalks are littered with pedestrians, but there is still no sign of the bus. I tap my foot impatiently as I check my watch again; it has only been two minutes. In an effort to make the time pass, I begin a checklist in my head: water collected on a blue moon - got it, book of shadows with ceremony - check, herbs and charcoal - in the bag, sage smudge - got it, certificate to perform ceremony - check, identification - check... and so on and so on. Just as I am about to look at my watch again the bus finally shows up.
I board the bus headed downtown and nervously jam my change into the receptacle, take my transfer as proof of fare payment and find a seat near the front so I am sure not to miss my stop. Though I have gone over this already, I still make one last check to assure my addled brain that I have all I need. The bus seems to be traveling at an unusually slow pace. I look out the large front window and there is no line of traffic, just the bus and green lights as far as the eye can see. It should only take twenty minutes to get to City Hall. I am thankful that my paranoia made me leave my house a full hour early; I am sure Robert and Charlie would never forgive me if I were late. The bus is full, though it is not typical on a Saturday, it is not surprising given what this weekend means to so many. I make room for more people and move my large bag to the floor between my legs. I remind myself as we travel, over and over, don’t forget the bag. I look down at my watch, ten minutes have passed and we are about halfway there; I suppose we are right on-time after all. I try and relax; knowing the last thing Robert and Charlie need is for me to appear nervous as well.
It isn’t long before the bus driver announces my stop, but try telling that to my imagination. I gather my belongings hurriedly, being careful to remember my bag below my feet. I exit the bus, which thankfully stops right in front of the building. Robert and Charlie are waiting on me with gigantic smiles on their faces. I imagine they have been waiting some time and are frustrated with me, though I am early and they are clearly not. I walk up and greet them both with a warm hug.
“So, is everything in order then?” I ask the men - who surprisingly seem much more relaxed than I.
“Right here!” They chime in simultaneously, waving the license in front of my face.
"Then lets do this! You will officially be the first gay couple to be married under the new equality act!” I say proudly, the nerves melting away in that instant.