I looked out at the tree from the tent that had been constructed in the churchyard. That tree had been around since I could remember. When I was younger, after church, a few kids and I would always see who could climb to the top while our parents, and sometimes the preacher, would yell at us to come down. So many generations had climbed that tree and now, on my wedding day, all I can do is stare at this memorial of my youth.
"You are just so beautiful" my mother said as she reached for another tissue from the nearly empty box. "Why I remember the day your father and I got married."
"Mom, I just can't handle any stories right now" I said as I checked the mirror once more in an attempt to keep my unruly lavender and brown streaked hair from flying in the wind.
"I don't know why you insisted on keeping your hair dyed those crazy colors."
"Because Jason likes it mom, and honestly so do I. Besides would you really want me to be someone I'm not?" I said knowing I had thrown in my most common guilt trip. My mother was kind but tended to not think before she spoke.
I heard the sound of high heels coming through the grass and the voice of my maid of honor and best friend Lucy said. "Melody you better come quick. Your little shit of a brother got up into the tree again, but he has the ring in his pocket."
"Christ!" I said
"Language" my mother said as I rushed towards the tree, barely keeping my dress from tripping me head first into the grass.
As I approached I could see his shoes lying discarded on the ground, but no socks. "Crap. Didn't anyone tell his ass you don't climb trees with socks on?" I said as I kicked off my heels. "Dominik your ass is mine if I get to you!"
I saw him fall to the ground in a very well placed dismount. I looked him over, checking for scrapes. "Where is your other sock?" I said as I leaned on the old oak.
"Hell if I know, it's probably up in that dumb tree" he said with the mischievous voice only an 11 year old can pull off.
"Fine. Stay here" I said as I began to climb up this tree that had been my refuge for so long. I could here my little brother yelling about telling mom, but I didn't care. Every branch that took me higher reminded me more and more of the freedom I missed. I scanned the tree and found the sock, now torn and dirty, and I looked down to see a crowd had gathered. I could see Jason, with his piercings and tattoos, just the way I liked him. I began my descent from the tree, and back into the life I had chosen. After all, we can't always stay in the tree.
"Unearthed" (also published)