Forever and always
The air was filled with sweet poignant aroma of roses and honeysuckles. The painted blue sky had dollops of pearly white clouds that shimmered brightly as the sun rays penetrated them. Silent whispers intertwine with the morning breeze as guests greeted one another and took their seat as they waited for the big moment of the day to arrive.
Hidden behind a curtained sliding door was where I stood fidgeting nervously. I looked at myself through the reflection of the glass cabinet and saw a woman, no longer the daddy’s girl, no longer the little girl who threw tantrums when she wanted something badly. But a grown woman in her mid twenties, a woman with a youthful complexion, sparkly eyes and a body enveloped by a white laced satin dress that made its way down to the floor. Looking at my reflection, I was amazed at how much has changed this few years. Everything seemed to be falling bits and pieces into place and I couldn’t have imagined that I’d be getting married today!
Out of the corner of my eyes I see my dad, his wrinkles deepened as he furrows his eye brows and paces back and forth. Glancing at his Cartier watch now and again, shifting his tie, shuffling his feet. I could see how nervous he was, who wouldn’t be I thought to myself. It was his youngest daughter’s wedding day! I walk over and gave a gentle squeeze on his shoulders just to reassure him that everything would be fine. His frown loosened at the sight of me and he gave a little hesitant nod of head.
I walked back to the sliding door where I was to make my entrance. Peeping behind the curtains I scanned the garden and found the person who made my heart skip a beat whenever I see him, my soon to be husband. He was standing beneath a white wooden arch decorated with beautiful flowers of many kinds. A black Armani suit enhanced his well built figure; his hazelnut colored hair with streaks of gold was styled neatly and his blue sapphire eyes shown brilliantly in the morning sun. His mouth widened into a broad smile as his eyes found mine, a hot flushed sensation shot right up my face as I quickly pulled away from the curtain embarrassed.
I reminisced back to the first day when he managed to make my cheeks burn hot red. It was a chilly spring morning; as usual I ate a bowl of cereal and headed out to the St Morrs mountain trail where I always have my morning walks. Making my way up the hill, I glanced around and took in the surroundings. Flowers were blooming everywhere. A little stream made its way through little rocks and pebbles down the slope. Squirrels scrambled up looming pine trees at the sight of me. Humming my favorite song, I slowly made progress up the hill. Until my journey came to a halt when the skies suddenly turned grey and a gust of wind made its way through the lush green rain trees. I was taken aback by the sudden change of weather, the skies then let loose torrents of rain. I didn’t want to be caught in the storm that was brewing, hurrying down the slippery slope I failed to realize a protruding root on the ground and tripped and fell sprawling over.
A jeering pain shot right up my left ankle. This was a bad situation, I tried to stand but the pain was too immense that I fell back down. My heart raced as the rain was getting heavier and the trees swayed dangerously above me. Just when I was about to give up hope, a figure appeared and somehow everything went by in a slow motion. It was as if a knight appeared in front of me on a white horse but in reality he was just a man in Addidas sports attire wearing Nikey runners. Though he was drenched in rain water, I couldn’t help but notice how stunning he looked and how well built was his physique. Suddenly the horror of the moment was forgotten as I lost myself in a hurried awkward daydream.
“Hey, you alright? Can you walk?” the man shouted trying to make himself heard amidst the pouring rain. I was jolted back to my senses and felt a hotness rush up my head. “My ankle hurts” I squeaked. “Here, climb on my back I’ll give you a lift, hurry!” he said.
I clambered up his back and he lifted me up as if I weightless. Slowly and carefully he made his way down the hill with me on his back. Within a few minutes we got to the entrance of the trail. “We’ll take shelter in my car and wait for the storm to pass” he turned and said. I nodded half heartedly. I couldn’t say no because there weren’t any shelters around and I had no car.
He carried me towards the only car on the driveway and it was a Range rover sport edition. I got into the car hurriedly and accidently applied too much pressure on my injured ankle. The sharp pain sent shock waves up my spine and I bit my tongue trying to hold back the agony. The man got into the driver’s seat and quickly shut the door. He let out a long huff and said “Well, I didn’t see that coming.” “Neither did I.” I said. He looked at me for a moment and it made me feel self conscious. Here I was with a gorgeous looking guy and I’m drenched from head to toe, covered with mud due to the fall. I felt the urge to scramble out of the car and hide in the woods but it was as if a ton of metal had been placed on my feet and I couldn’t move.
“My names Nathan, what yours?” he said as he turned to the backseat and took out a towel and handed it to me. Taking the towel, I said silently “My names Naomi.” “Thank you, by the way, for just now.” I said as I wiped off the mud on my hands and knees. “Sure, no problem.” he said and smiled. I swore at that moment, my heart stopped. My insides fluttered, I wanted to burst out laughing because it seemed too good to be true and things like this normally only happens in the movies, I bit back my sudden splurge of insanity. “How did you get here? Do you have a car?”He said. I shook my head and told him I came by bus. Nathan went silent for a moment then said, I’ll take you to the clinic, you need to get your ankle checked on. “No, don’t bother. I’m sure it’s nothing to worry about, I’ll be fine. Honestly. ”I said. Nathan shook his head, “Now what kind of guy would I be if I’d let you just leave with that messed up ankle of yours?” He said. The car came to life as he turned on the ignition and exited the park.
The rain eased and the winds subsided, but the throbbing pain in my ankle intensified. A slight shift of my ankle sent pain waves across my body. We finally came to a clinic and I was treated for a dislocated ankle. Some small scratches on my elbows and knees were cleaned and patched up with plasters and my ankle was swathed with bandages. After taking pain medication, the pain in my ankle eased and I could stand up right again.
After that, Nathan dropped me off at my house. As he helped me out of the car, I didn’t want this to end. I wanted to rewind and go through the day once more but I couldn’t. “Thank you again for everything.”I said. Nathan shrugged and gave me a gentle pat on my shoulder, “Sure thing, you take care Naomi.” Reluctantly I turned away and made my way to the door, Nathan got into his car and gave a wave and drove away into the distance slowly his tail lights faded away. I heaved a sigh and went into the house and shut the door. The day passed by as I played the whole scene over and over again in my mind. It was a melancholic moment but I realized how pathetic I was and so each day passed and I managed to somehow put away that memory into a corner of my mind and it was forgotten for a moment.
Until one day, by fate or whatever you want to call it. Nathan and I met again.
It was a sunny afternoon, Jayson my best friend and I visited the Formula 1 Grand Prix World Tour Madrid. The whole place was crowded, fuel filled the air and the sun was blazing hot. We were making our way through the crowd of people who flocked around the competitors taking photographs and autographs when I heard a voice that I recognized. It was deep voice with a tint of softness and then I heard his chuckle, turning towards the sound that’s when I saw him. Nathan was dressed in his suit looking brilliant as ever, perspiration was vivid on his forehead. As cheesy as it sounds, my heart literally stopped at the sight of him. Then, his head turned and his blue sapphire eyes caught mine. Immediately the hot sensation shot right up my head again. His eyes sparkled and he smiled. Tilting his head to the side, “Hey! You’re…” He said as he made his way towards me. “Naomi, I’m Naomi.”I blurted. “Yeah, I remember you. How are you?” He said. “I’m fine.” I said as I glanced around at the crowd. He must be famous I thought to myself at the sight of wide eyed women snapping pictures of him whispering to one another. “So, you’re a fan of racing?” He said as he wiped the sweat on his forehead with the back of his hand. “Well, not in particular. I just love the cars and the free corn dogs.”I said. Nathan laughed “Yeah, I heard they’re really good!” Shifting his weight on his left feet, Nathan waved at a man whom I presumed was one of his team mates. “I have to go, would you like to go out for a cup of coffee or something?” I was taken aback by his question and franticly searched for an answer. “Sss..Sure, I guess.” “Cool, maybe tomorrow at 12, I’ll pick you up from your place.” “Ok.”I nodded and said. Smiling he gave me a gentle squeeze on my shoulder and left. I stood there in the crowd dazed at what just happened. Before my mind wandered any further, I felt a slight nudge. “What are you doing?”My friend Jayson asked as he waved his hand in my face. I gave him a scowl and said nothing. “C’mon, the race’s about to start.” He said. We made our way towards the seat and the race began. As quickly as it started, the race ended. Nathan took first place in the race.
That following night, I couldn’t sleep. I was tossing and turning on my bed anxious for our coffee date tomorrow.
Finally the day came; my room was a mess as I dug into my closet for the right clothing to wear. I dressed up in casual but still sophisticated attire and waited for Nathan.
At 12 on the dot, Nathan pulled up in front of my house in his black GranTurismo MC Stradale. “Hello!” Nathan said cheerfully. “I hope you didn’t wait long.” “No, you’re just on time. Nice ride.”I added.
We stopped in front of Del’Maria café and got a table inside the café. It was a cozy café, wall lights hung dimly on brick walls and the aroma of coffee beans filled the air. The melody of pensive adagio flowed through the entire room giving a laid back atmosphere to the place.
After our brew arrived we started talking, having conversations about ourselves. We joked and laughed; it was what you can say as the best first date ever.
A cup of coffee led to lunch and then dinner, walks in the park, picnics and barbeques. Fishing trips, mountain hikes and backpacking across continents. We met up with family members, close relatives and friends. Soon enough, a strong and secure relationship developed. Though in every relationship there was strains and short bickering, but we made it through those times.
Two years into our relationship and Nathan finally proposed. It wasn’t the kind of proposal that you’d see in fairytale movies but it was all the more sweet and surprising.
There we were having a candle lit dinner by the beach when out of the blue Nathan took my hand, he knelt to the ground and pulled out a ring and said:
“I know it must been hard to see me leave you now and then for tours around the world. But I can’t thank you enough for sticking by me through those times. I can’t promise that I’ll be the best husband, but I’m willing to try because I love you; I hope you feel the same way too. Naomi, will you marry me? ”
Tears rimmed my eyes and I nodded, “Yes, I will.”I croaked.
I was jolted back to my senses when my sister whom was also my bridesmaid gave me a slight shake, “Get ready, it’s starting.”She said.
Hurriedly, I took my place behind the door. The live band started playing the wedding piece and I took my first step out the door, into a new chapter of life, by Gods grace, into a married life filled with love and joy. As I walked steadily with my dad on my heels, I glanced at Nathan. He was beaming from ear to ear, eyes fixed on me. I could see his love for me just by him standing there because his eyes say it all. As I arrived at his side, my dad placed my hand over to Nathans and I looked at my dad, tears welled up in his eyes. I embraced him and planted a soft peck on his cheeks and he returned to his chair next to my mother and brother.
Hand in hand we turned to face the pastor; he spoke of God’s love and of what it takes to lead a God centered marriage life. The pastor proceeded to give an illustration of love: “A pair of eagle mates for life, it never leaves one another. When a chick dies, the distressed female eagle would freefall off a cliff and the male eagle would swoop down the cliff and supports its mate with his back and brings her back to the nest where they would mourn the death of their chick. As husband and wife, whenever one of the two goes through hard times, the other should be there to support and show love towards the other. ” Then, following the pastor we exchanged our vows in front of our family, relatives and friends. Finally, we had on our rings and kissed.
The congregation all stood up and applauded, some whistled and cheered. While others smiled and laughed merrily.
I looked up at my husband and felt a tear make its way down my cheeks. Nathan gently wiped the tear away with his fingers and planted a kiss on my forehead. We didn’t need to say anything to one another, we knew it by heart. We were filled with love, a love that only God could give and a love by Gods grace that will last. Forever and always.
The end
Written by Alexis Soo
19January2012
