Fred wasn't sure if Maya was going to open the door or not. When she heard it unlock, she looked at John, sharing the same thoughts he did. There was something going on. No one locked themselves away on their wedding day unless they were having second thoughts. And, as soon as they walked in and Fred spotted the wedding dress was on the floor, her suspicions were confirmed.
"We were just as surprised as you," Fred said with a small smile. She then waved at the wedding dress. "I take it you don't want to get married."
"No," Maya said in a stubborn voice. "I'm too young to get married. I want to explore the galaxy, and discover new things but my father thinks I should stay here and give him a grandchild."
"Have you told him this?" Fred asked. She bent down and picked up the wedding dress and draped it over one of the chairs.
"No. I know what he'll say. He doesn't understand."
Nodding, Fred gave Maya a gentle smile. "Sometimes it's hard for parents to understand why their children are so eager to leave. My parents never understood why I wanted to move to the other side of the county to go to school. But you need to talk to your father about this. Maybe he'll understand," she said.
Maya uncrossed her arms and sighed. "I don't get it. My father allowed my older brother to leave and fight the Wraith but he won't let me leave. Why are fathers so protective of their daughters? I'm smarter than my brother will ever be," she said with a slight pout.
Fred turned and looked at John. Maybe you could answer that for her.