Chapter 43: Bridal Bridle

Preparations occupied the next few days. They fitted Sally for an elaborate wedding gown and brought a member of the clergy to explain the process of the traditional wedding ceremony in the orthodox church. Sally resisted the temptation to roll her eyes and make remarks to him, seeming to be placidly accepting her role.

Finally, everything was ready. In front of some 200 guests, the ceremony commenced with recitations of scripture. At the appropriate moment, the priest handed the bride and groom two lighted candles. That was when Sally made her move: she dropped the candle. With all of her strength, she swung her arm and slapped Paul Sandro across the face, driving him back into the arms of David, his koumbaro (best man). Astonished and enraged, Paul groped in his pocket and pulled out the red button, stabbing it over and over.

Sally shrieked and fell to the floor, screaming and writhing in agony. She wasn’t even aware that her bright white gown was showing an ever-widening yellow stain as her urine escaped. A moment later there was an awful stench as she also lost bowel control. After about 90 seconds of excruciating pain, the impulses stopped, and Sally passed out. The shocked congregation clearly saw her arms and legs splayed out, revealing the two ankle bracelets.

Paul’s father, Elias Sandro, realized what was happening and had rushed up to intervene. He seized his son’s wrist and squeezed without mercy until the device fell from Paul’s hand and he crumpled, landing on his ass.

Thinking quickly, the patriarch turned and addressed the horrified audience.

“My new daughter-in-law suffers from epilepsy, and stress has obviously brought on a seizure. Please go on to the reception hall and allow the family time to deal privately with this unfortunate circumstance.” Those hearing his announcement knew full well that something entirely different had occurred, but no one dared to object, and the church quietly emptied.

Bringing Sally to their house, Paul’s mother took over, getting her cleaned up and dressed in normal clothes. She applied ointment and bandaged Sally’s ankle burns. She was given some Paracetamol (acetaminophen) for the pain, then she was brought before Paul and his father.

Sally explained everything that happened to her since she was abducted. Paul tried to interrupt her, but he had to subside when Elias bristled at him. When she finished, his father studied his hands for a couple of minutes, then spoke.

“I need to make some calls. You all wait here. Paul, you are not to speak to her or touch her until I return. Sally, I’ll send someone to serve you some refreshment while you are waiting.”

Paul glowered at her but stayed silent. When he returned, Elias had a stern expression and spoke in authoritative tones.

“Alright, here’s what’s going to happen. Despite Paul’s terrible actions, the necessity for unity between your family and mine persists. That means, Sally, you will be getting pregnant. I’m sorry, but that’s what your family has promised. They have turned you over to us for this purpose, and in this country, you don’t have any rights until you turn 18. Your parents are already in the air, heading back to the US. I’m sorry. We will have a private civil ceremony to finalize your marriage to Paul.