Remember Fate

by Ginny Sterling

  “Where are we?”

  “Bagh-e-Babur. Apparently Kabul was full of gardens back in the 1500s and this place was full of water, fruit trees, and varieties of flowers.”

  “Have you been here before?” she asked, stunned. People were heading up the stone pathway, taking photographs, and it looked like any other tourist scene anywhere else in the world—not in the middle of what they considered a war zone.

  “Nope. I googled ‘things to see on a date in Kabul’,” he grinned, “never thought I would ever look that up—which makes this special already. Now, are you ready to see some ancient gardens, my lovely Lucy?”

  Jamie hopped out of the car, shutting the car door a few times to get it to finally close. It made her laugh and reminded her of what it might have been like to date him as a teenager years ago. He’d driven a jalopy of a car then and had been so proud of his Thunderbird sedan. He walked around towards her door, holding out his arm proudly as she stood, placing her hand on it.

  They walked silently inside the parklike setting and the history around them stunned her. There were guides nearby speaking, and she saw that some plaques had English translations on them. Mines and unexploded weapons had to be removed from the mud walls as part of the renovation and irrigation had to be brought in to compensate for the swings in the arid climate. Pollution had caused some leaves on the trees to curl, one horticulturist explained.

  Beautiful orchards, a Judas tree, Michaelmas daisies, and a variety of roses grew all around them as they walked. It was stunning to see lush greenery in such wild floral abandon in the middle of the city. It was humbling to know that it had been cultivated and fostered for years, upon years. Generations of families have visited these very gardens.

  “What are you thinking?” Jamie whispered softly, leaning down towards her. “You’ve got a look on your face I don’t remember ever seeing before even when we were younger.”

  “I’m in complete awe,” she breathed, looking at the wall of tangled roses in front of them. The canes of the flowers were so old that some of them were as big around as her thumb or larger.

  “This is spectacular, Jamie. It’s like glimpsing at a wild corner of heaven here on earth. I feel so overwhelmed and humbled. It’s unreal that this perfection has been here forever, but never truly discovered until after it’s destruction. I’m just overwhelmed with happiness that someone has cared enough to nurture it and bring back all of this beauty. It’s a miracle.”

  “I was thinking the same thing,” he said, his voice sounding strange. Lucy looked away from the wall to him and froze. There was something in his eyes that made her swallow hard.

  “Jamie,” she whispered nervously, unable to move just yet. Doubt, fear, and excitement were beating at her breast, making her tremble. “How about that hamburger? Let’s not rush things too quickly.”

  “Of course,” he blurted, looking away and clearing his throat, “Let’s go.”

  The car ride back to base was laughable. Jamie took a different route that got them on one of the side access roads where they could speed up a little more. The poor car bucked as the wind whipped at their hair. Lucy held back her hair as much as possible, grateful for the warm breeze in the stuffy car. The sun was going down on the horizon and she remembered that the temperatures would drop soon.

  “Am I even allowed on post?” Lucy whispered as the car rolled up to the gate of the post that he was stationed at. She saw him pull out his wallet to flash his I.D. as the security guard leaned in to check the vehicle.

  “We are grabbing a burger, Hodges.”

  “Sign her in,” he mumbled, glancing around. “Man, can you grab me one on your way out? I’m here for the next few hours and they had goulash in the mess hall.”

  “You got it.”

  “Mustard and no onions,” Hodges prompted and waved them on. Lucy gaped at Jamie, surprised by his mischievous smile.

  “Did you just smuggle me on post in exchange for a burger?”

  “Nope. You signed in, remember.”

  “And I was told not to come on post.”

  “Actually—they allowed you but your camera guy was not.”

  “I thought that was revoked when I left.”

  “Not that I’m aware of,” he said innocently, grinning at her. “Now, how’s that appetite?”

  “Big!”

  “Good. This is truly a treat and I’m glad to share it with you.”

  Lucy climbed out of the car and was sitting on a makeshift bench in no time flat. Men kept coming up to the truck, ordering, looking at her questioningly, and then taking their food to-go. Jamie just unfolded the waxed paper his burger was in and took a big bite, his eyes shutting in happiness.

  “Maybe we should move away from here and sit somewhere a little less conspicuous—so you don’t get in trouble?” she prompted nervously. Her burger smelled fantastic and she couldn’t believe he’d been telling the truth about the milkshakes. It was actually a really lumpy milkshake made in a blender with Hershey’s syrup—but she was happy.

  “Let’em look their fill,” Jamie said with a mouthful of food. “They’ve probably never seen anything as lovely as you - and wondering why I’m such a lucky guy. Eat up, Lucy. It’s great while it’s hot. When it cools off, it’s a little greasy.”

  “You feel lucky to be here with me?”

  “I feel blessed to have a chance to see you again,” he admitted, handing her a package containing French fries. “I’m in the middle of nowhere, eating a hamburger with someone I trust implicitly, and about to see a beautiful sunset.”

  Lucy had bit into her burger just before hearing his words. She nearly choked at the way he was easily admitting his thoughts and feelings before she realized Jamie was right—the burger was amazing. Before she could help herself, she closed her eyes in bliss and groaned happily as the variety of flavors hit her tongue. She heard his lighthearted chuckle, glancing over with her mouth full as she nodded enthusiastically.

  “Ehmagarsh fis’rate!” she muttered with her mouth full, barely catching a grilled onion as it popped out between her lips. She used her wrist to push it back into her mouth, embarrassed to have been caught taking such a big bite.

  They went back to eating, shamefully talking with their mouth full - about nothing - like two old friends that had been reunited. They were a couple of old friends! It was easy to be here with Jamie like this.

  There was no pressure, no stress, this was just the two of them. Their date went from being intimidating and nervous to simply being. If she could describe it, it would be like watching two rivulets of water suddenly blend into a stream. It wasn’t like either was wrong, but the two of them combined together was just perfect. It brought an easy unity between them she recognized and liked.

  Glancing over at him sitting slouched over on the bench, chewing, and glancing up at the darkening sky—she couldn’t help it—she smiled. This was a perfect first date. He was right. They were in the middle of nowhere, under the stars, in the middle of a war zone, and she couldn’t think of any other place she’d rather be than right here—right now.

  Jamie’s eyebrows shot up as he caught her looking at him.

  “Mphkin?” he asked, cramming two French fries in his already fully mouth as he handed her a napkin. Lucy laughed and saw his wide smile as he chewed.

  “I’m happy—and yes, I will take a napkin,” she admitted, chuckling.

  “I’m glad you are happy,” he admitted, swallowing his bite. “The stars here are gorgeous and I get to share all of this with you.”

  “This has been a perfect evening. Thank you, Jamie.”

  “Are you finished?”

  “Yeah, I’m pretty full and it’s getting cold.”

  “Can I ask you a question?”

  “Of course.”

  “Can I see you again?”

  “I’d like that,” she replied truthfully and shivered. “It’s getting a little chilly out—isn’t it?”

  “Yeah. Even though its summ
er, there are big temperature swings. Plus, now that it’s getting dark, the creepy-crawlies tend to come out. We had better get going.”

  “No, thank you – and yes, I googled camel spider. You should warn people before telling them to look that up,” Lucy shivered again with disgust. “Horrendous!”

  Jamie stood up and held out his hand. Unthinking, Lucy put her hand in his and saw his smile.

  “Oh! You were asking for the trash, weren’t you?” she asked, embarrassed. Just before she could pull her hand away, he pulled her to her feet and against him. Stunned at the quick movement she hesitated and met his eyes in the dim light. That soft, sexy smile melted her soul.

  “Care to dance?” he whispered, his hand coming to rest on her lower back.

  “There’s no music,” she breathed.

  “I don’t need it.”

  To her utter shock, he began to sing softly. His voice had a wonderful timbre to it that reminded her of warm caramel. She recognized the old rock ballad she’d heard on the radio as a teenager, joining in shyly.

  She’d never heard him sing when they were younger and truthfully avoided taking choir classes like the plague. She hated her voice and how high-pitched it was, purposely lowering it when she spoke online. When he got to the chorus, he dipped her bodily, clutching her to keep her from falling, and singing obnoxiously, regardless of who was nearby.

  Lucy threw back her head, laughing aloud. His laughter joined hers in the dim light as he returned her to a standing position within the circle of his arms.

  “Couldn’t help myself,” he apologized, chuckling, as she wiped the mirth from her eyes. Before she could move, Jamie suddenly kissed her. His lips pressed against hers and Lucy immediately wound her arms around his neck. Again, this came easily and felt so right.

  “Do you serenade all your dates?” she whispered against his lips and felt him tense up. She froze, realizing exactly what she’d asked aloud and how it had slipped from her lips. It was never her intent to bring up Annabelle, but now that it was out there, it was time to see how he would react.

  “I’ve never sung to anyone else in my life,” he admitted candidly and she felt the truth in his words, “and I meant it when I said this was all new to me. You are special, Lucy.”

  Jamie tightened his arms around her waist once again, drawing her close. She had yet to move hers from his neck and was glad she hadn’t, as he captured her lips again. She felt relief course through her, knowing that this wasn’t just one-sided. He felt something between them too.

  Chapter Twelve

  When Jamie dropped her back off at her apartment, it was like they had been dating for months. He got out of the car and held open the door for her, grasping her hand easily as he laced his fingers with hers. Lucy thought it was particularly sweet that he obviously liked to hold hands—she did too!

  As they walked up the steps to the landing, she wondered if he would kiss her again – and then grew concerned that maybe she was allowing too many liberties with the man. After all, she’d kissed him a few times at this point and it was technically their first date. Oh, and the plethora of onions she’d eaten on her burger! She was bound to have bad breath from the junk food she’d consumed.

  “So, are you free Friday night?” Jamie asked, looking away shyly as they stood there by her door in the porch light. Was he asking her out again? Stunned, Lucy watched and saw him fidget for a moment, before his eyes glanced at hers… and then away again quickly. Was he suddenly nervous about asking her out face-to-face instead of online? she wondered. How could such a handsome guy with so much going for him be insecure?

  “Yes.”

  She saw the relief in his expression and felt her heart flip over wildly in her chest. Jamie wanted to go out with her again and had been scared she would decline. Not in your wildest dreams, buster! she thought, stifling a grin at her own bubbling enthusiasm at a second date.

  “Do you want to go to dinner, or see more of the town, or…”

  “Jamie, I’d be happy with whatever.”

  “Do you like movies?”

  “Love them,” she quipped, looking at him curiously. “Why? Is there a theater nearby that you know of?”

  Jamie had a knowing look in his eyes, as he turned to face her. He linked his other hand with hers and took a step towards her. She fought the urge to squeal in happiness as his eyes grew heavy, in that decadent way that made her knees turn to Jell-O.

  “Sci-fi? Horror? Maybe a comedy?”

  “Not horror,” Lucy shuddered, remembering the last scary movie she’d seen had given her nightmares for a week. She still slept with a light on at night and made certain the closet door was closed. She’d always been a chicken growing up as a little girl and that fear never faded away.

  “I’d protect you if you were ever scared,” he breathed, leaning down towards her and hesitating just moments from her lips. His lip turned up at the corner, in a smile just for her. Instead of kissing her lips, his nose nuzzled hers—tenderly in a way that was more intimate than anything she’d ever experienced.

  He was so loving and affectionate.

  Lucy was so lucky to have this chance at getting to go out with Jamie.

  …And Annabelle was a bloomin’ moron.

  “Smiling is good. I like a feel-good movie,” she admitted numbly, unable to think cohesively. The blood was pounding in her chest and not reaching her brain. If she were a car, the motor just seized.

  “Or maybe you prefer a romance?” he breathed against her lips.

  Forget the onions and her breath! She thought wildly, closing the distance between them. Jamie released her hands, gathering her into his arms, and she was glad. Knock-kneed, tongue-tied, or laying on the concrete in a puddle at someone’s feet was never a great first impression to give a guy – it kinda gave away any mystery when you turned into a big ’ol ball of mush almost immediately.

  He would think she was easy.

  He was going to imagine it was like this with anyone.

  He was going to bail, cancel on their date, or… something!

  Nothing could be this perfect—could it?

  Jamie broke the kiss, holding her tightly against him in a hug. She could feel his breath caressing her ear. Her heart was beating so hard, she could hear it echoing. Doubt began to surface as they stood there together. Not that she didn’t enjoy being held, it was that she didn’t know what to make out of this.

  “Jamie?”

  “Shh, just a second longer—please.”

  It was actually a few moments before he dropped his arms, taking her hand again in his, and stepped back. He stared at their hands and looked embarrassed.

  “I’m supposed to be a ‘perfect gentleman’ on the first date, but my momma would tan my hide right now if she could read my mind,” he admitted softly. Lucy immediately thought Jamie insinuated that he wanted more from her this evening with his words… but then he continued on speaking.

  “She would say ‘Jameson, you be a nice boy and walk her to the door—then leave!—You already asked her out. What is six more days?’ Yet here I am, wishing I could see you again tomorrow night, or the day after, just so I could feel this wonderfully happy again. I had a great time tonight, Lucy—thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

  “Really?” Lucy whispered, her heart clenching in her chest as she felt her eyes begin to water at the sincerity of his voice.

  “Really,” he confirmed, repeating her words.

  “I had a terrific time too and I am so happy you asked me out again,” she admitted, knowing she had to be grinning like an idiot at this point—but whatever smile was plastered all over her face had to be mirroring Jamie’s own bright, wide smile.

  “Your momma sounds like a smart woman though,” she hedged playfully, “Wouldn’t want to wear out your welcome, right away—now would you?”

  “My mother is a brilliant woman,” Jamie admitted and then gave her a devastating wink, “it’s a shame I never listened. Good night, Lucy.”


  He turned and practically hopped down the steps. Lucy stood there speechless, watching him fade into the darkness of the parking lot and then heard the car start up. In the headlights, she raised her hand and waved ‘bye’ before stepping inside.

  Laying her hand over her heart, she rested her head against the back of the front door to her apartment, catching her breath. Where was the cool, popular boy from high school… and when had he turned into such a devastatingly handsome man? He’d always been handsome, but there was something incredibly sexy in a man who was playful, loving, and utterly happy—all rolled into one!

  Now—what did Jamie mean by that last statement he’d made?

  It didn’t take long to discover the answer.

  The next few days, it surprised Lucy to see that he was doing his best to make his presence known in her life. A package was delivered to the news station with her name on it. Opening it, she was surprised to see the small diamond-shaped white blobs inside that were dusted with confectioners’ sugar. Unfolding the note, she giggled at the puff of white sugar that was suddenly airborne as she read it.

  Sweets for a sweet lady!

  Enjoy the pira.

  It’s a delicacy - Jamie

  Picking up a wedge of the wobbly blob, she popped a piece into her mouth and sighed happily. A faint rose scent tickled her nose as the candy melted on her tongue. There was a hint of pistachio to it, combined with a milky-spicy flavoring that she couldn’t identify. Cinnamon? Cardamon? Anise? It was unlike anything Lucy had ever tried before. She was truly touched that Jamie had been thoughtful enough to go out of his way to surprise her.

  The next day, she had an email from him asking if she’d liked the candy. It wasn’t terribly sweet—more of a reminder he was thinking of her, which made her feel warm and fuzzy on the inside. It was those last sentences that melted her.

  Lucy,

  I just wanted to say hello and see if you enjoyed the pira. I don’t have long today since it’s not my turn on the computer, but I wanted to say hello. It’s been such a long time since I’ve been able to hug someone - and that was a gift beyond measure. Thank you for being wonderful and letting me just hug you for a bit. I needed that.