141: Aubrey

But when I woke up tomorrow we were six hours away from the amazing capital city of Mexico. And we would be stopping tonight someplace I had longed to see all my life. Teotihuacan.

I about thought I was going to have a heart attack as Ben sat with his legs over the edge of the recliner and told me that the Nephite City of Zarahemla had been rebuilt and called Teotihuacan.

"Bountiful." I said slowly, realizing I was going to see the Temple at Bountiful today, or what had been built up after it burned. What was left of it, the ruins there. I was going to see it.

"That's right. Zarahemla was sacked and destroyed at the time of Christ's coming by the volcano, right? The earthquake? I remember that now." Ben was his usual near monotone intellectual excitement. How could you really tell when this guy was interested?

"We're going to The Bountiful temple?" Jeff looked confused, playing his guitar with Rafe on the couch.

Jeremy sat on the floor picking out a difficult riff. He looked up. "I read that last night." He said simply. "In 3rd Nephi. It's where they rebuilt and Christ came to them."

We all sat there staring at Jeremy.

"The missionaries challenged me and Levi to read the Book of Mormon. So we are. You guys think you're the only ones with any scrap of religion? This is spiritual stuff, and it makes for good energy, good vibes."

"You read the whole Book of Mormon over night?" I cried.

"No, just 3rd and 4th Nephi, but I get it."

Levi was over in the corner with his drumsticks and pad. He nodded as I looked at him. "No girls. Hafta read."

Everyone looked at Mutt. "Well, you better get on board, me lad." Rafe said in his Scottish accent. He had great accents.

"Nobody gonna tell me what to read, and what to believe. I don't care if you all convert."

Rafe's brows rose. "How long have you been reading?"

"A week." Mutt said slowly.

Rafe clapped him on the back, and then went back to playing guitar. "You know we got studio time in two days, right. Give me your input, man, stop reading so much."

Ben went on to tell anybody who was interested about the Pyramid of the Sun--- stressing that the sun could also be the SON. He also reiterated how the Salt Lake Temple depicted the sun, moon and stars as a representation of the three degrees of glory, and the Temple Square at Teotihuacan had the Temple of the Sun, moon and stars as well.

He talked about it being the City of the Gods, or where the Gods came from, or the place of those who have the road of the Gods--- in his interpretation, that meant the prophets. Those who knew how to get back to God.

He told about the volcanoes around there, the lakes, the Aztecs, the Nahuatl Tribes and the unknown origins of the city, which sprang up in the wake of terrible destructions near the year 100 BC, or close by, and culminated or peaked about 450 AD.... The exact time of Christ's coming till the end of the Nephites. It was clear that Ben was convinced of the veracity of his theories. I couldn't burst his bubble by telling him that science wasn't completely sure and the church had never said for sure either.... But I believed as he did.

I joined the collective music party, sitting behind Rafe, on the top of the couch, aching at the restraint and forced inactivity. I had been told we were staying in another cool hotel/ resort tonight until next Monday. I was ready for another basketball court and swimming pool.

I was also told that Rafe had requested the hotel only for the band, as it had not been on their original schedule. The crew and roadies etc, would be staying on the buses. I didn't feel bad. I had the money if he didn't, and I was tired of the bus.

My phone buzzed and I got up to take it in the hallway, away from the noise.

"Aubrey?" It was my mom.

"Hi Mom." I said it loud enough that Rafe could hear and he gave me the thumbs up.

"Honey, I haven't heard from you. How is everything going?"

"Beyond great. I guess you know all about it."

"About what? I will admit to a large amount of curiosity, but when Kell told me to call you, I was afraid, you promised me you wouldn't run off and get married. If you did, I'm okay with it, but oh Aubrey, I hope you didn't!"

I laughed. "I promised, Mommy, and I keep my promises. It's just all happening a little faster than I expected, but it's all for the best. Rafe received the Melchezidek Priesthood yesterday and the Temple President, President Call has asked us to plan to be married in the temple in three weeks when the tour comes back to Mexico City."

I heard her indrawn breath. I hoped she wasn't surprised, she rarely was. I hoped she wasn't hurt. I didn't think she would be, but one never knew. I am the baby, right?

"Will you... will you consider wearing my dress?" Came her teary voice. "You don't have to, but nobody has wanted to, or they ran off and got married before I could offer."

"I will." I said instantly.

"I will have Kell fly me down there and fit you for it. How long will you be in Mexico City?"

"Just come with Zack, don't disturb the rabble rouser. Zack's coming down Wednesday. You can do a whole bunch of planning, how's that?"

"Oh Aubrey, really? You don't mind if I plan it?"

"I don't mind, mom."

"Are you sure, Aubrey? Are you sure?"

I smiled as Rafe gave me the thumbs up sign again. He would be too busy to care that much. I reassured her I very much wanted her to plan my wedding. I mean what was there to plan? I had my dream already. We were going to be married in the temple.

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