“Payton, I don’t hit women,” Saint said, his voice sounding like three people speaking at once as it vibrated through his entire system and echoed in the air. “But I will make you see a side of me that only comes out when I’m extremely pissed off. He let her watch his irises turn black once more, the entire eye now shiny ebony. He opened his mouth, and immense heat poured out in the form of a faint, light blue smoke cloud.
“You’re angering me, Payton. I don’t want to be angry. It’s my wedding day,” he said between clenched teeth. “You just couldn’t stop, could you? You think because I didn’t come after you, that because I didn’t beat you up like you’re used to, that I didn’t care or that you could keep fuckin’ with me and mine? Did you really?” he roared.
The tree leaves blew as a vortex of wind swirled around them. Payton was frozen with fear, tears welled in her eyes. Birds flew frantically in various directions, squawking and shrieking.
Saint drew even closer to her face, clutched her tightly around the throat. “You’re sick in the head. I have pity upon you. I will not rip you to pieces, Payton. I won’t. But if you come into my life again or bother my family, terrible things will happen to you…terrible, terrible, things, Payton.”
“Now, I’m going to let you go. You have thirty seconds to get in this car, and get your crazy ass off my property. If you call me, come by, or do anything to me or my family again, I will make sure you disappear. Erase me from your mind completely. If you don’t,” he looked away briefly then turned back towards her, “Do you want to be that peculiar smell in the back of a car trunk?”
Payton shook her head, visibly trembling.
“I won’t even have to touch you, to do it. That’s the beauty. I can just envision the shit, and poof!” Saint looked up in the air and smiled. “You’ll be gone. Do you understand me?” He glowered down at her.
Payton glared at him, but more in fear than anger.
“Do you fucking understand me?”
Payton nodded and averted her eyes. Saint rolled his shoulders and neck. He exhaled, and his eyes returned to normal. He slowly released her neck and dragged her aggressively back to her car. Opening the door, he brusquely pushed her inside, slamming the door behind her. She did a U-turn, tearing up part of his lawn as she high-tailed it back down his driveway.
Don’t make me have to do it, Payton. Now you know, without a shadow of a doubt, that I will…and I won’t hesitate.
He looked down at his watch, shook his head in disbelief and made it back inside the basement to finish his thoughts…
* * *
Xenia nervously paced her bedroom.
“What the hell is wrong with me? I’m acting like an eighteen year old virgin bride. I’m already married to the man!” She wrung her hands as she looked herself in the mirror, admiring the wedding dress she’d dreamed about wearing even as a little girl. Xenia spun around in the mirror, she felt like she was in a fairytale. Everyone was out in the backyard waiting.
Xenia had the Baptist minister she desired to help conduct the ceremony and Saint had a Buddhist Monk come to bless the marriage. Pam came into the bedroom.
“You look beautiful, baby,” she beamed. “I’m so glad you and Saint decided to do this right and give us a chance to see you all do it instead of running off like the first time! I always dreamed of your wedding, Xenia. Well, come on, it’s time for me to walk you down the aisle,” Pam said cheerfully, dressed in her purple pant suit with large silver hoop earrings and her hair up in a slick French roll.
“OK.” Xenia breathed as deeply as she could in the form fitting ivory dress with the cross hatched bodice and diamond embellishments. An elaborate, hand sewn lace train completed the exquisite gown. Her pressed, soft mane had a large white flower pinned to the side and her neutral yet striking make-up was beautifully done.
“He is going to faint when he sees you,” Pam complimented as she hooked her arm around her daughter’s, and escorted her down the long, winding steps into their backyard. They surveyed the scene from the inside. Stacy stood on one side with her purple bride’s maid dress on, smiling sweetly as she held her purple roses close to her bodice.
“OK, they are starting the song for you,” Pam whispered as she looked back at her perspiring daughter. “Xenia, you are nervous as hell!”
She quickly dabbed her daughter’s face with the back of her hand. “You’re going to sweat out your hair and end up lookin’ like Buckwheat on this hot ass day! It took me almost four hours to get it like that for you, don’t you dare mess it up!” her mother warned. “Now come on. You act like you ain’t never seen him naked before. Hassani told me all about the sexcapades going on in that house when y’all was livin’ with me during the split. You probably just did it an hour ago! You should be nice and relaxed then and stop letting your son know all of your business!”
“I didn’t Mama! We even got the room soundproofed and…”
“Hush! I don’t wanna even hear it. My point is, you ain’t shy, so stop actin’ like it now!”
Xenia suppressed a laugh before anyone heard her.
Pleasure P started to sing “Say Yes.” Xenia looked on in shock because it wasn’t a record but the actual artist, who stood by Saint and Raphael, holding a mic. He looked just the same as when she’d interviewed him years ago. A shriek escaped her lips, alerting everyone to her presence. Her appearance elicited a few gasps.
Saint had been insistent on planning everything; he just wanted her input and for her to pick out her own dress and specify what type of decorations she wanted. He did her bidding, made sure that the wedding coordinator understood that everything, from the runner, to the chair covers and the candles were to be purple and ivory, with silver accents.
“This song is unsuitable. Saint picked this shit out, didn’t he? Damn freak.” Pam laughed as she listened to the sexual lyrics of the song while she walked Xenia down the aisle.
Saint stood at the end of the long white runner that was covered in purple petals and smiled proudly at her. His hands were clasped in front of him. The light wind stirred his freshly cut raven black hair. It contrasted with the ivory tailored suit he was wearing and the purple vest underneath.
Raphael and George stood by him, staring at her as though they’d never seen her before. Xenia caught her sister Porsche wiping a tear from her face as she approached her. Stacy wore a long purple bridesmaid dress that flattered her figure. Hassani and Dakarai sat in the front row with Chantel, their babysitter.
“Mommy, you look pretty!” Hassani yelled, causing a ruckus of laughter through the guests. Xenia looked over at him and winked. When she reached Saint, he scooted closer to her until their arms touched. He got a bit closer, crowded her space.
Xenia looked straight ahead at the minister. Saint glared at her because she didn’t look directly at him. If she did, she wouldn’t be able to control the giggles that bubbled at her throat. The minister put his hand on Saint’s arm and pushed him back to where he was originally standing. Everyone started laughing again. Saint smiled and looked down at the ground then back up at the Minister.
“Slow your horses, Saint,” the minister said, his round, chocolate face shiny and comforting to the eye. “I didn’t say kiss the bride yet.” Xenia bit her lip to prevent from laughing – it was getting harder not to do so.
Saint snuck a momentary glance at her. He looked like a shy little school boy.
The minister said, “Repeat after me. I, Saint Aknaten, take thee Xenia Aknaten, to be my wife and before God and these witnesses I promise to be a faithful and true husband."
Saint repeated the words and made sure to add “…and lover” at the end, causing some loud snickering in the crowd. The Minister smiled and shook his head.
The Minister continued the ceremony. When it was time to exchange rings, Saint produced another one, much to Xenia’s surprise.
“Xenia, you have your wedding bands and engagement ring. This ring righty here, though, is to be worn on your right hand.
It signifies that what we have is special, unique and valuable to me.” Saint took her right hand and slid the huge solitary princess cut diamond onto it. Xenia gasped at its sparkling beauty.
Her hands trembling, she slipped Saint’s second wedding band to join the other on his ring finger. This one was similar to the first, only it had two additional diamonds, representing their children.
Saint flexed his fingers and smiled down at his hand. “I’m a G. She got me iced out.”
Everyone started laughing. He just had to crack a joke. Xenia cuffed him on the arm.
“Xenia, I’ve no idea how you put up with this man. He is quite the character,” the minister ribbed.
The rotund man stepped aside and allowed the Buddhist monk to stand before Xenia and Saint. His words carried a heavy accent.
“In the future, happy occasions will come as surely as the morning. Difficult times will come as surely as the night. When things go joyously, meditate according to the Buddhist tradition. When things go badly, meditate. Meditation in the manner of the Compassionate Buddha will guide your life. To say the words ‘love and compassion’ is easy. But to accept that love and compassion are built upon patience and perseverance is not easy at all. I wish you two a blissful marriage.” He bowed and stepped back.
Saint and Xenia bowed back.
Saint’s father stood and approached them. He instructed them to hold hands, which they did.
Saint looked deep into her eyes, making her weak at the knees when he chased her soul around in a playful game of cat and mouse.
“I’m not an Imam, but I am prepared to speak today on behalf of my son and my daughter.”
Xenia turned her eyes to her father-in-law.
“Xenia, I know we are to wait until the reception to give toasts and share stories, but I want to say right here and right now, I’ve never seen my son as happy in his life as he is with you. You are good for him, like wonderful medicine. He had a broken heart since the age of fourteen, and you restored it. He now believes in love again, he believes in what he grew up around.”
Xenia smiled proudly. Hot tears threatened to fall. Dear, dear man.
Damn it, why do you go and make me cry?
“I ask that Allah bless your nikah and…”
“Bless your what? I know he didn’t say what I think he said ol’ bean-pie-eatin’, bow-tie-wearin’, flyin’-planes-into-buildings son of a bitch!” Pam shouted as she shot out of her white chair and put her hand on her hip. Saint’s eyes widened. Pam’s loud grumbling broke Saint’s father’s flow. “Osama bin gettin’ an ass kickin’, that’s what’s gettin’ ready to happen!”
Saint turned beet red as he obviously tried hard to suppress his laughter.
“Mama Pam, nikah in Islam means ‘marriage!’” Saint turned redder, the vein in his neck popped as he clutched his stomach, bent over and laughed hysterically. Everyone started laughing. Xenia lost her battle with restraint and burst into fits of laughter.
She’d have to tell her mother a word or two after the ceremony was over. At least, everyone seemed to be having fun though at her expense.
Pam embarrassedly sat back down.
“May Allah bless you and your union. May He shine down on your children and may you continue to be fruitful. Saint, treat this woman with respect and dignity. She is your beautiful bride, your wife, the mother of your children. Xenia, treat my son with respect and dignity. He is your husband, the father of your children, my grandsons whom I love dearly, and your friend. I’m blessed that he chose a woman such as you. You’re a good person and that is what matters. You have a good heart, so love him. Cherish each day together.” The older man’s eyes watered up. “Don’t ever take any day, any hour, any minute or second for granted. Be good to one another. Don’t go to bed angry with one another. Make up before you close your eyes for the night.”
Saint smiled at Xenia. What she would give to bottle this moment and save it in a physical box, along with other treasured memories.
But it would always be in her mind and heart.
Always and forever.
“I know you would not be able to function if this precious flower were out of your life, so keep her in your arms and mind. I love both of you.” He smiled and kissed his son on the cheek, then kissed Xenia’s hand like a chivalrous knight before he returned to his seat.
The minister walked back up to her and Saint. He put one hand on each of their shoulders.
“Saint, was there something you wanted to share with Xenia before we conclude?” he asked.
Saint nodded, slightly nervous. Xenia loved it when he looked just a tad vulnerable, like this. It was such a rare treat. He put his arms behind his back and regarded her in a soulful way. Her heart leapt in her chest.
“Xenia, we had some…personal problems happen to us recently that were either going to make us or break us. A long time ago, after we first got married, we did a radio interview together. I said in that interview that we’d still be married long after many others because this right here is forever. I meant that. I asked you to marry me again because I’m so in love with you, and you never really got the wedding you wanted because I just had to have you not long after we met. You never got the honeymoon you deserved because of my work schedule but not once did you complain to me about it. I never thought I could be more in love with you than I was six years ago. Well, I was wrong. It continues to grow with each passing day. I depend on you for so much in my life. You’re my rock. When I’ve had a bad day, you’re there for me. You don’t even have to say anything, you just come up and give me a hug and make it all better. I never have to beg you to help me, that’s just what you do.
“You put me and your children above yourself on a daily basis. I’m so selfish sometimes, I don’t want to share you with other people, but I know that’s not right. What good is a diamond if no one else gets to see her shine? And you’re a diamond, alright. You’re beautiful, and you emerged like a rose in a concrete jungle. That made you all the more valuable and alluring to me. You appreciate me, you appreciate hard work. You appreciate love, family and dedication. I couldn’t ask for a more beautiful wife, a better mother to my seeds, a better friend and a more lovely creature to share my bed with. When I wake up and look over and see you asleep, I thank God that I received you as a gift, for another day. Nothing gives me greater satisfaction than seeing a smile on your face. You appreciate the small things in life, so it’s so easy to spoil you. You never act like you are owed what I do for you, you’re grateful and I love you for that. It makes me want to do more and more. You spoil me, too. I’m not talking about just the gifts, I’m talking about how you treat me.
“The calls, emails and texts to see how my day is going. Coming to my job and dropping off lunch, you don’t have to do that. You’ve got your hands full with the boys, the house and work. You learned how to cook my favorite foods – the ones my mother used to make. All of these things matter. You pray over me at night, over our children. Xenia, I couldn’t imagine my life without you. It would be so empty. When you came into my life, everything changed immediately. I knew you were the one for me. I knew the moment I saw you that I was going to marry you. Some people didn’t believe that and here we are, six years later, showing that this wasn’t a stunt, gimmick or joke. We are for real. It was truly love at first sight. I had never had butterflies in my stomach over a woman before. I’ve never been at a loss for words. Your beauty, your essence, your energy mean the world to me. Thank you remarrying me, baby. Here’s to six more years turning into twelve, eighteen – then the rest of our lives. I’m so in love with you Xenia, that if I can’t be with you in Heaven, then it would be Hell to me.”
A few sobs broke the silence when he paused. Xenia swallowed through the lump in her throat.
Oh, Saint.
“If I couldn’t come back once again and get another lifetime with you, I wouldn’t want to come back at all. I’ve known you several times before, we’re old souls, and you’ve always been my ma
te in each and every case. I’ve always had the same reaction to your soul. That is why you’re always my mate, and I yours. We have to be paired together because we were designed as one. With you I can feel whole.” Saint’s Adam’s apple bobbed. She knew he was battling emotion, trying hard to keep a grave face. But he couldn’t hide the love from his eyes.
Xenia looked down. Her fingers sought his. With her touch, she wanted to show him she understood.
“Thank you,” she whispered. “I love you so much.”
The minister stepped in. “I now pronounce you husband and wife, for the renewal of your sacred wedding vows. Saint, you may kiss the bride.”
Saint bent down and pressed his lips to hers to the sound of loud whistles and congratulations. Xenia walked down the aisle with her husband and wondered, excited, what the future would bring.
* * *
Saint and Xenia held hands while they watched people mingling, drinking and dancing. Soon the nighttime fell, leaving a starry night with a slightly cool breeze.
“What are you looking up at?” Saint asked as he leaned back in his chair, nursing a bottle of beer.
“The sky, it’s just so beautiful,” Xenia answered softly. Saint sighed as he regarded his wife. His lazy gaze raked her lips, neck, breasts, stomach, then to her flowing dress skirt. Stacy had helped remove the train right after the ceremony.
Saint set his beer down and caught sight of his children running around screaming and laughing with other children. “We have a fifteen hour flight, with a hour layover to Sicily,” he whispered in her ear. “We are leaving early in the morning and you still have to pack a few last minute things. By the time we get through customs and security, add on another hour or two. Then, once we get to the hotel there, we will probably be exhausted and just want to sleep.” He settled his hungry gaze on her breasts. “So, I want you to follow me into the house and join me upstairs in our bedroom please.”
When Saint Goes Marching In Page 34
