Chapter 26

Lauren waded through her schoolbooks that were lying on her bedroom floor, kicking the algebra textbook through the open window. She gave herself top marks for accuracy and floated into bed, kissing her teddy bears goodnight as the light turned itself off and the passengers pulled away from the train. Jim waved to her from the platform and she smiled.

The passengers returned a few moments later, knocking on her bedroom door. She pulled the covers to her chin and grimaced as the banging intensified. She shouted at the door, telling them in no uncertain terms that they were unwelcome, but they insisted that they needed to enter, they needed her furniture. Lauren stormed over to the door and shouted, hopefully loud enough so that the group would realise that they would wake her parents. Swinging back round, she was confronted by a tall, ugly man who had probably come in through the window that she had left open. She cursed herself for being so foolish and lax, and demanded that he left immediately.

The man calmly told her that departure was not an option, and began to rifle through her drawers. Lauren strode over to him to push him out of the window. As she approached, her bedroom door opened and the crowd entered, causally and without any rush, and fanned out in her room, inspecting every one of her possessions. They began tucking her property under their arms and leaving the room. Just as soon as she tried to detain one of the thieves, another would slip through the door and into the night.

The ugly man leafed through her photos, smiling and admiring some of the shots, while another woman helped herself to her underwear. Lauren gave in and returned to bed to watch the denouement of her bedroom. The ugly man then turned to Lauren and looked down from her head to the bottom of her bed as Lauren shook her head sternly. The man walked over to her bed. Lauren was confident of her security inside her little bed and watched with interest as he reached out towards her, his expressionless eyes moving from her face to her neck in anticipation ... He grabbed the sheet and pulled, rolling it into a ball as he made for the blankets.

“This is mine!” she shouted. “It’s mine. My bed!” Lauren was mystified by the power of the man. A stranger who could invade her own bed, who had no remorse or conscience. He silently took her blankets, wrapping them up and making them disappear. Lauren cowered in the pale light as he towered over her.

“Leave me alone. My parents will be in soon!” The man halted, thought momentarily and then turned to her desk. He found her diary and started reading it. She couldn’t get off the bed and struggled to free herself as she heard him reading her life history from the age of ten. She was angry and powerless against his words. Alarm bells rang in her head, suggesting she telephone someone. The bells continued but the man seemed oblivious, transparent, silent.

The bell shrilled thoughtlessly in their ears. It was exactly two thirty. Lauren’s dream faded as she realised that Rebecca had snuggled up and was cuddling her. She couldn’t see over Rebecca, but sensed that Nikki was facing the other way. She nuzzled against the older girl’s head as Rebecca rested her head on her shoulder, dozing contentedly. The snooze alarm repeated after nine minutes, still annoyingly intrusive.

“Let’s roll out of bed and into the Jacuzzi. Then we can wash your hair and get you ready.” said Lauren, reaching to the floor for her dressing gown. She pulled it on and picked up another for Nikki as she made her way round to the other side. “Hey, time to wake up!” she said, kissing her cheek.

“Hmm, in a minute. Go away!”

Lauren giggled and poked her tongue into Nikki’s ear.

“Oh, don’t!” she said, making no effort to stop her. Lauren wandered off to the kitchen and filled the kettle to make coffee. Several minutes later she saw the others pass by on their way to the bathroom, and heard both the sound of the toilet flushing and the Jacuzzi bursting into life.

They drank coffee in the Jacuzzi as they worked off the effects of their afternoon sleep. Rebecca sank briefly under the water to wet her hair and re-surfaced, leaning back against the edge of the Jacuzzi and placing her arms out on the ledge to support herself. Lauren stood in front of her on one of the steps inside the tub so that she could look down as she helped wash her hair. Nikki sat behind her, outside the Jacuzzi, watching the enticing shape of both Rebecca’s breasts as they bobbed in the water and the wonderful outline of Lauren’s sex as the water lapped around her tanned thighs. Lauren administered the shampoo and both girls massaged Rebecca’s head, rubbing the soap in while keeping most of it out of her eyes.

“That should do. Jump in the shower and rinse off. We’re going to stay here and soak!” said Lauren, helping Nikki back into the hot tub. They watched as Rebecca rinsed the soap of from her hair, taking forever in Lauren’s mind to make sure it was as clean as possible. She returned and hopped back into the water, but not before giving Lauren a tempting view again between her legs and the hairless lips of her pussy. They fooled around for several more minutes until Rebecca announced that they should be getting out as she led the way, without drying off, back into the bedroom. The three naked girls dripped over the carpet and untidy bed, leaving damp patches wherever they went. Nikki rubbed her hands on the sheets and began the lengthy task of drying Rebecca’s hair. She leant back on one of the pillows, and pulled Rebecca back, between her legs, so that she could run her fingers through her hair while using the hairdryer.

Lauren made herself busy over in the cupboard by the staircase, selecting three gowns that seemed to be the correct size, and trying each on until she was happy with one for herself and Nikki. She could hear the giggles above the whine of the hairdryer, and was both pleased and annoyed that Nikki and Rebecca seemed to get along so well. She felt that she had a very special relationship with Nikki that she wasn’t going to give up very easily, and was slightly miserable about being the only one to have missed out on the attention during the day. Perhaps, she thought, that her mood was the result of her being as randy as hell. She felt that should would have gladly paid money to have the two girls writhing with her, and was determined, somehow, to make sure that that was what happened before too long.

She found three pairs of sandals in the bottom of the cupboard and arranged them by the stairs. She wondered what she should wear underneath as she closed the door. There was a terrible temptation to wear some of the lingerie that they had found in the bedroom, but on balance Lauren thought that while this may be a time for celebration, that was not really an excuse for erotic knickers and stockings. Later, maybe. She crept back into the bedroom and watched Rebecca as she enjoyed the attention, Nikki fussing about her as though she was one of her childhood dolls. Rebecca had her elbows on Nikki’s knees, her round breasts wobbling as Nikki ran the drier over her neck. Rebecca saw her and motioned her over to the bed, patting the area in front of her legs. Lauren clambered onto the bed and settled down next to her, content to watch until Rebecca put her hand around her neck and pulled her. Their lips met as Rebecca touched her breast with her fingers, so lightly that Lauren barely noticed.

“I promise, I’ll make it up to you.” said Rebecca. The sound of the hairdryer stopped as Nikki squeezed out from behind Rebecca and put her arm around Lauren. She pulled her backwards playfully, so that Lauren lay flat on the bed.

“Hey!” said Nikki, kissing her lips upside down, “I promise as well. After Rebecca’s ceremony, we’ll cover you in strawberries and cream and have you for tea!”

“You dirty little girl. Where do you think of these things?” mocked Lauren in a voice like her mother’s.

“Oh, remind me to tell you both of a time when that sort of happened to me!” giggled Rebecca as she got off the bed. “I’ve got an idea, when we’ve finished here, we can get a lift back to my house. My folks are going out tonight. We’ll see if there’s a film on”

“Hey, that’s a good idea!” said Lauren, pulling herself up. “Come and try your clothes on, I’ve put them on the sofa in the reception area.” They approved of the robes (although they had little choice), and made sure that their sandals fitted reasonably well. Lauren looked at Rebecca, noticing that her robe, like the others, had six or seven small ribbons down the front which could be tied in a bow to fasten the front of the robe together. The clothing was by no means becoming, and hung shapelessly over her breasts and down past her knees. The only flattering part of it was that her nipples could be clearly distinguished through the silky material.

“It’s only ten past three, I’m going to stay in my dressing gown” said Nikki, dumping the robe back on the sofa.

“Yeah, let’s eat, I’m starving” said Lauren, heading naked for the bedroom in search of her own dressing gown.

They gathered again in the kitchen and made coffee. Rebecca raided the cupboards for biscuits, and was surprised to find some cream cakes that they had missed in their early morning forage through the room. They ate and drank until about twenty to four, when the mood changed from one of frivolity and laughter to seriousness and concentration. Rebecca took the red leather book again and read through the order of service, acquainting them all with what was expected of them and where they had to stand and what they had to do.

“It then says that when the boy and girl are to be joined, the bridesmaid or bridesmaids should loosen the brides clothing to allow entry, and ensure that the boy enters symbolically when ready. The Best Man may assist this process if necessary. The priest and priestess will add additional assistance if required.” Rebecca looked and grinned at the girls. “Guess you have to make sure I’m nice and wet!”

“God, what if he comes before he gets near you?” asked Nikki.

“No idea. Maybe the Best Man should lick it all up and then we could start again!” Lauren and Nikki smiled while Rebecca turned the page. “Then it says that the bridesmaids should ensure that the bride gives the groom sufficient space in which to begin penetration by parting her legs. After penetration and prayers, the bride and groom should stand and face the congregation. After congratulations, they may dress.”

“Wow, this is a real turn on if you ask me!” said Lauren, imagining the sight of Rebecca being taken by the stranger with everyone else watching.

“Here, then it says that I am then considered a full member of the Church and may participate in all other activities and ceremonies” said Rebecca, flipping the book closed.

“Hey, did you know you had to do all this?” asked Nikki

“Yeah, not all the detail, but I knew about the sex bit. That’s OK, I know most of the people, they’re fine” said Rebecca as she rose to fill her coffee cup.

They chatted for a few more minutes and then made their way to the reception area to dress in their robes. Nikki was amused by her sandals which were guaranteed to fall off during the ceremony due to their size. This provided some amusement as their mood (especially Rebecca’s) became more contemplative and appropriate to the occasion. She read through the order of service again and dropped the book on the sofa. Lauren felt a buzz of excitement run through her and looked around once again at the fabulous underground apartment they had enjoyed since the early morning. She felt naked even though she had the robe on and thought it was probably due to the baggy nature of the gown and the way it looked like a tent. It was then that she realised that she had seen some silk belts inside the cupboard and bounded over to retrieve them. Both Nikki and Rebecca were glad to see them, and hurried to thread them through the silk loops at each side before tying them in a bow at the front.

“Now, that look better, doesn’t it?” said Nikki.

“Yeah, now what about the flowers?” asked Lauren

“Oh Jeeze, you’re right, they’re still in the fridge!” cried Rebecca.

“I’ll get them, just relax” said Nikki as she swept out of the room, returning moments later with three perfect rings of light blue and white orchids for their hair. Nikki removed the first one from the cellophane box and gently placed it on Rebecca’s head, adjusting it until it stayed there by itself, and then pinning it with a couple of hair grips for luck. She did the same for Lauren, while Rebecca did hers. They stepped back and decided that they looked beautiful.

“Like three virgins, wouldn’t you say?” quipped Nikki.

“Yep, and just in time, I think I can hear someone coming” said Lauren, looking at the ceiling. Sure enough, the door above opened and Ariane came down the stairs, beaming at the young girls.

“Great, so glad that you’re ready! Did you enjoy yourself down here? Absolutely wonderful place isn’t it?” she said, leading them upstairs. “Er, did you remember everything that you had to do?” she said, turning to Rebecca at the top of the stairs.

“Yes, think so. Nice and clean and tidy and all that, you know.”

“Good, we’ll walk slowly over to the hall. Your young man will be here in about five minutes!” They made their way through the house and out into the back. Several cars were now parked there and the sun was low in the sky. Lauren grinned at Rebecca as she walked just behind her with Nikki next to her. She squinted at the brightness of the day, pleased to feel the meager warmth of the sun’s rays hitting her face as they followed the flagstone path to the hall. A sudden gust of wind whistled between the buildings, picking up the dry summer dust in its path. Lauren felt the little vortex swirl around her, leaving traces on her face and bare feet. Through half-closed eyes she could still make out the building across the courtyard, even though most of the detail was hidden in the dust cloud.

As it cleared, the building resembled an old barn with two massive black doors at the front, and vertical side walls that joined a high pitched roof of thin black tiles. In traditional Swiss style, the windows were ornately painted in red and white, the flowers surrounding the walls adding a touch of colour and beauty to the otherwise functional building.

Ariane turned to Rebecca. “Did anyone tell you? Father Paul has had to go Zurich. Father Michael will be taking the service. He’s from Houston, Texas. Seems a very nice man. Sister Winifred is still here though. I’m sure it will be a wonderful service, anyway. Father Michael is quite famous you know!” she said. Rebecca looked annoyed, even a little concerned, but her expression soon returned to one of excitement as she looked around, no doubt trying to get a glimpse of the boy she was to ceremonially marry into the church. Lauren considered it strange that she would not see him beforehand, and found it difficult to comprehend the way Rebecca must have weighed her love of the church against the invasion of privacy. If they really do believe that everything is pre-ordained, and the best solution always is therefore to just relax, then whatever anyone said or did, there was no method of altering the consequences.

She was wondering whether Nikki or even Rebecca had these sort of thoughts when the two huge black doors slid open to reveal the interior. Lauren noticed the massive beams up in the roof and the modern lights that hung from the rafters. The rectangular room had obviously been a stables at one point, and retained its cobbled floor. Directly in the centre of the large room was what Lauren though must be a sort of altar. It was constructed from several rectangular bales of hay piled up in a sort of platform or dais. In the raised middle, white sheets had been draped, probably to protect flesh from the sharp straw.

The congregation - Lauren thought there were about ten or twelve only - sat on two pews at right angles to each other, at the near-side of the white altar. Five huge candle- holders stood on the ground around the altar, taller than Lauren, containing thick white candles ready to be lit. Lauren was surprised to see TV screens dotted around the room until she saw a camera that was obviously there to record Rebecca’s wedding. The girls, still lead by Ariane, walked between the pews and took up their position at the other side of the altar, finally turning back towards the congregation, and beyond them, the open doors through which her intended would pass in the next few minutes. She looked at the people sitting in the pews, and thought they looked pretty normal people, even though they as well were dressed in similar robes. There was a cross-section of ages, one young girl and a boy who may have been brother and sister sat together in the front row. Otherwise they were all older than her, probably around thirty, Lauren thought. As she took in the spectators, one lady even nodded to her, smiling happily as if to say she looked lovely. Lauren shuffled her feet as she looked around the room, wringing her hands and trying to avoid eye contact with anyone.

The barn was certainly old, she thought, realising that some of the wood-work on the walls must have been the remains of the old stalls when horses were stabled in there. Heavy iron rings were visible around the room for tethering horses, and the smell of the animals was still evident amongst the heady smell of oriental incense. Ariane took her place on the left hand pew at the back, just as a man entered, accompanying two young boys. The first boy was slightly taller than Lauren, and reminded her of her brother, with short brown curly hair and brown eyes. Lauren thought that his physique was not as well defined as her brother, but he was no wimp either. He was, however, clearly embarrassed by the huge bulge that pushed out his gown below his belt, and no matter what he did with his hands, he could not hide it.

Lauren and Nikki smiled at each other, trying to determine if the Best Man also had a problem. As the groom approached, he looked quickly at Rebecca, smiled nervously, and took his place by her side. The Best Man stood between the bridesmaids, and the five children waited. Lauren noticed that Rebecca was now slightly on edge, fidgeting with her belt and trying to sneak looks at the boy next to her. She even glanced down at his hands to see if his cock had made any progress one way or the other. The congregation had seen it all before, thought Lauren, as they sat in front of her, exchanging the occasional whisper. The man who had led the two boys into the church sat down in the pews, and the chatter ceased as the sound of pan pipes filled the room. Two of the men from the congregation stood and closed the doors, just as a small door creaked opened behind the girls.

A tall, middle aged man emerged, accompanied by a lady with long dark hair, wearing a face mask as though she was dressed to go to a masked ball. As they approached, Lauren noted that the man was not God’s gift to male modeling, with a gnarled face and poorly cut hair which looked like it could do with a wash. He was dressed in a gown similar to her own, tied at the front and pulled together with a belt around his waist. His sandals flapped as he walked slowly towards them. As he walked he looked down at a large old book and read quietly to himself. The lady walked in step behind him with infinitely more grace and poise. Her long straight hair fell down her back, and the belt of her robe served to accentuate the curves of her body. Without the advantage of seeing her face, Lauren thought she must have been about thirty years old. She carried nothing except a bouquet of flowers, similar to those in the girl’s hair.

The ugly priest stopped between the girls and the congregation, turning his back on Lauren as he spoke. Lauren looked down at the lady’s feet and tried to determine what sort of figure she had from the profile she could see.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, boys and girls, welcome to this wondrous day. We are here to celebrate the joining together of Rebecca and Karl as they enter into the body of the church, freely and willingly, so that they too might continue its teaching and work throughout the world. Today, we will, by the union of their bodies, confirm our belief that all things are pre-ordained and that fate is our master. We will also confirm our belief that we are helpless in the hands of fate, and therefore abdicate our concern and responsibility over to fate itself.”