Unforgettable, My Love Has Come Along

by Ann Marie Bryan

  Thank you Lord, for watching over me.

  Later that day, I met Samuel, Orane’s father and Daphne, his wife, at their home. Samuel was an elderly gentleman of medium height with a slender build, narrow shoulders and a full head of gray hair. His grasp was warm and sincere and his eyes were extremely kind, missing nothing.

  “So glad to meet you Annalisa. Welcome to the family!” he said.

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you sir,” I responded with a comforting smile, taking in his easy going countenance.

  “Make yourselves at home while I get drinks,” Daphne said cheerfully, after hugging me. She then disappeared through a side door.

  We sat in the living room and drank fruit punch while we chatted. Orane had a great relationship with Samuel and Daphne. Their love for him was obvious and Orane…he treated them with utmost love, kindness and affection.

  I was extremely happy that Orane treated his parents with respect. He would certainly reap the great benefits outlined in Ephesians 6:2-3, “Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with promise: “that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.”

  Samuel’s bold light brown eyes gleamed as he spoke about the Lord. We listened intently as Godly wisdom leaked out of his mouth. It was a breath of fresh air to meet this anointed man of God.

  Two days later, it was time to say goodbye…Again!

  It was dawn when Orane picked me up from Maydine’s home. We chatted and laughed along the way covering our true emotions. I was doing well until we were in the vicinity of the airport. Tears gushed down my face and I buried my face in my hands, sobbing uncontrollably.

  “This is too hard,” I muttered over and over again.

  Orane patted my back, whispering words of comfort but I knew he was trying to keep it together.

  I wanted to be brave.

  I planned to be brave but I just didn’t have the strength. I did not want us to part. Parting was just extremely sorrowful. It was hard emotionally, physically and mentally.

  Orane pulled into the departure area and took out my suitcase and carry-on. I shook my head and stuck out my lips like a petulant child as he wrapped me in his arms.

  “I love you,” he said gently, mopping my eyes and fixing strands of my hair that had escaped during our embrace.

  Tears continued to roll down my cheeks. “I love you too,” I whispered, dabbing my eyes.

  “Look at me!” he said softly. “It’s not goodbye. I’ll see you soon.”

  “Okay!” I murmured, trying to pull myself together.

  “You’ll be alright.” I could tell Orane was making a valiant effort to remain strong for both of us. “I’ll call you,” he said reassuringly.

  I dabbed my eyes. “Okay!”

  He wrapped me in his arms and gently kissed my cheek. “Have a good flight.”

  My throat caught as I fought back tears. “I will.” With that, I took hold of my suitcase and carry-on and walked away … alone, through the revolving door of the airport. I never turned around, which was for the best. I walked until I knew Orane was no longer visible.

  It was so hard!

  In a blur, I dragged myself through the terminal and passed through security. By the time I entered the aircraft, life was sucked out of me. Snuggling back in my seat, I closed my eyes and prayed for strength. There was just no easy to say goodbye. Goodbye…Goodbye seemed so permanent. The paradox was that without my deep feelings for Orane, parting would not have been this difficult.

  Twenty minutes later, I fastened my seat belt then gazed blindly out the window of the aircraft. Could I handle the separation when we are married? My eyes welled up with tears and I quickly dabbed them. I zoned in and out of the safety drill instructions from the monitor, combined with demonstration from the air hostesses. With the captain’s call, the plane took up position and barreled down the runway and then we were airborne.

  Think happy thoughts, I encouraged myself.

  Happy thoughts!

  My mind raced with expectations of my life with Orane. We were moving towards a more perfect union on a firm foundation, Jesus Christ. A smiled peeked at the corner of my mouth in anticipation of seeing him again. By then, goodbye would have been a distant memory. Soon, I succumbed to exhaustion from several busy days and late nights. I fell asleep.

  CHAPTER 19: A SPECIAL BOX

  Springtime!

  Hope, joy and the promise of new birth!

  I love spring, this beautiful, colorful and inspirational time of the year.

  Spring brought me the blessings of change. I was on pins and needles in excitement. From all indications, I was about to be officially engaged.

  How did I know?

  Ah, a woman just knows these things.

  Jamaica, here I come again! I nestled comfortably in my seat on the airplane.

  Phew!

  There was much to do before the trip. So much for my forward planning; I was running around like a chicken without a head. Thankfully, I got everything done including informing my Bishop and First Lady that I would be away for a few days. The man and woman of God were pleasantly surprised about my pending marriage. As expected, they gave me Godly counsel. I listened attentively and attempted to memorize all that they said.

  A light touch on my shoulder, forced me back to the present and I looked up into the kind blue eyes of the air hostess. “Would you like something to drink?” she asked smiling.

  “No, thank you.” I returned her smile.

  Time to catch up on my rest! I reclined my seat and fixed my pillow to support my neck. Perfect time for a nap! I exhaled softly and closed my eyes. Before I knew it, unconscious giggles slowly began to escape my lips then my face registered a permanent grin as pieces of my conversation with Orane floated through my mind.

  Half an hour later, sleep was still nowhere in sight for my exhausted body, pushed even further away by the loud conversations from passengers around me. I stared out the window admiring the silky clouds then decided to flip through a Travelers’ Guide magazine that was in the pocket of the seat before me.

  My eyes were just beginning to get heavy when my thoughts drifted to Sandy, my office mate. We got along fabulously, right from the start. Sandy, a self-proclaimed fashion guru, gave me coupons and I purchased a few trendy tops and bottoms for my trip.

  “Roomie, come back with the ring,” Sandy threatened me playfully before I left the office yesterday.

  “I shall return, with the ring.” I giggled, making the peace sign.

  “Bye,” she grinned. “Have fun!”

  I beamed. “You know I will.”

  Sandy wagged a finger at me. “Not too much now. Get the ring first!”

  I grinned at her. “Okay roomie, will do!”

  Sandy was on the spot when Roy struck, the previous day.

  Roy! OMG!

  That day, I must have looked like a deer caught in the headlights. I was sitting with my team members in the office when Roy, another co-worker greeted us. He smiled at me then said, “Annalisa, are you getting married? Yesterday afternoon, I saw you and your friend going into Zandee’s Bridal shop.”

  The spotlight was on me.

  My insides jolted and a soft gasp escaped my lips. Time stood still as I navigated the corridors of my mind to tackle the situation. You could hear a pin drop as everyone digested his question and waited for the answer.

  I looked Roy squarely in the eye. “You saw me, where?”

  Oops! Not a good response!

  I should have turned the table on him by asking, “What were you doing at the bridal shop?”

  I could see everyone making mental notes of our conversation for future reference. This was a no win situation. Roy laughed and insisted that he saw me before moving on to speak with another coworker.

  Later that day, I saw Roy in the parking lot at work and felt an overwhelming desire to wring his neck. He laughed loudly as he approached me.

  “Roy Hollington, how could you talk
about my business like that?” I scolded him playfully.

  After speaking with my Bishop and First Lady, Kay and I visited Zandee’s Bridal Shop to look at bridal gowns.

  “I knew it was you.” Roy laughed heartily. “I’m sorry.”

  “Yes. It was me. Thanks for outing me like that.”

  Roy laughed and apologized again for his wicked ways.

  As the plane landed, I was jolted out of my thoughts and began making preparation to deplane. The airport was not busy so I cleared immigration and customs with ease.

  The warm afternoon air greeted me as I entered the bustling arrival area. Orane and I spotted each other in the distance and walked quickly towards each other.

  He smiled at me with open arms. “Babes, welcome home!” His deep-set eyes pierced my soul.

  With screams of joy, I threw myself in his arms. “Thanks my love! It’s good to be home.” My heart raced with love and happiness.

  He gazed tenderly at me. “It’s great to see you. You look beautiful.” He spun me around a few times to admire my forest green cotton pants suit with a cream colored tank top and sandals.

  “Thank you Honey. It’s great to see you too. You look wonderful.” In fact, he looked quite handsome, dressed in a classic fit black Dockers pants, blue long sleeve shirt and black shoes.

  Orane eyed me with a slight smile. “These are your cases?”

  “Yes and carry-on.”

  “I see you’re not returning,” he teased as he placed my luggage in the trunk of his car.

  “I’m staying,” I responded playfully.

  “Yes, you are,” he said, tickling my side as he held the car door for me to enter.

  I giggled and quickly entered the car. “Thanks Honey.”

  “Buckle up pumpkin,” he said, before closing the door.

  I giggled even more.

  “All set to go?” Orane asked as we pulled away from the curb.

  “Yes Honey.” I touched his shoulder. “It’s so good to be here.”

  “Because of the food?”

  I winced. “See, that’s why you shouldn’t let people know your business.”

  “And here I am, secretly wishing that I’m the reason for your joy.”

  I eyed him. “Not if you keep behaving badly.”

  “Pumpkin, I’ll be good,” he said smiling.

  I grinned at him. “Pumpkin?”

  “It’s the best that I can do right now. I ran out of lyrics.”

  “You’re so funny! And yes, you add a lot of joy to my life.”

  “I feel the love,” he said smiling.

  “You should.” I giggled, dancing in my seat.

  “Look at you!” he teased. “You look great and you are in a great mood.”

  “Thanks Honey. I am totally happy.”

  “Did you finish your list of things to do? I know you were running around.”

  “Yes.” I sighed heavily. “Through blood, sweat and tears.”

  He chuckled loudly. “Thankfully, you survived.”

  “Is that the sound of sarcasm?”

  “No,” he insisted but laughter was in his eyes.

  “I am going to let that one go.”

  “Babes, my heart was in the right place,” he said, still attempting to convince me.

  “I am going to take your word for it.”

  “Yes, you can.” He smiled at me. “How is the preparation going for your Easter production?”

  “Great. We are on top of things! Anaya is handling the dance classes for me.”

  “Your ‘adopted baby sister’? Does Mama know that you have added Melissa, Kay, Anaya and countless others to the family?”

  “Yes,” I grinned. “I have a lot of ‘sisters’. I cannot have enough sisters and I have always wanted a younger sister.”

  “Good for you. I can’t wait to see you in action on the stage.”

  “Ah. I’m okay.”

  “I bet you’re more than okay. You’re very talented.”

  A gentle smiled blossomed on my face. “God has blessed me with a beautiful gift. It’s my getaway!”

  “Getaway?”

  “Yes. When I dance, it consumes me.” I smiled as his eyes widened. “In a positive way. I become the vessel to transmit the message that God is sending to His people.”

  “That’s ministry. That’s powerful.”

  “Yes. It’s…” The car suddenly wobbled and made a very strange noise. “What’s happening?” I asked with some amount of trepidation.

  “Sounds like we have a flat tire.” Orane slowed down and brought the car to a halt.

  Flat tire indeed!

  Immediately, I thanked God that the punctured tire was on the side away from the traffic on the busy highway. I began to pray quietly as Orane removed the tire. I made myself handy by helping to remove the screws then watched the traffic as Orane replaced the tire.

  Soon, we were on our way again, singing our rendition of the gospel song “Praise is what I do” by Shekinah Glory Ministry. We stopped briefly by Orane’s home to greet his mother then headed to Harriett’s home. I had decided to stay at Harriett’s home instead of Maydine’s because of the proximity to Orane’s home. Harriett and Everton welcomed us with open arms.

  The next day, I slept late attempting to recover from jet lag. Orane picked me up for lunch and we spent the rest of the afternoon hanging out in the town. I had arranged for Simon to take professional photos of us in the evening at Maydine’s home because of the beautiful flowers and trees surrounding the property. When we arrived, Melissa and Simon were seated on the verandah talking to Mr. Mohan.

  “Hello my ‘sister’!” I greeted Melissa with a hug. She looked great. Melissa’s 5’ 8”, slightly medium frame was all bright in a yellow sleeveless cotton dress and matching sandals. Her dark brown hair was short and layered with light brown streaks.

  “Hellooo. You look like love,” she teased.

  “Oh stop girl! Simon, great to see you!” I hugged him.

  “Melissa, you remember Orane.” Orane hugged Melissa as they murmured “Hello, good to see you again.”

  “And this is Simon, Melissa’s husband.”

  “Great to meet you Simon.”

  “Likewise!”

  Simon and Orane shook hands.

  “Mr. Mohan, good evening.” I greeted him with a hug.

  “How are you doing sir?” Orane asked as he shook Mr. Mohan’s hand.

  “Good to see you Orane. I’m doing great. Everything going well with you?”

  “Yes, very well.” Orane chuckled and everyone laughed.

  “Annalisa,” Simon called for my attention, “I don’t mean to rush you but we have to take the pictures before it gets dark.”

  “Yes. Back in a flash,” I responded, pulling Orane into the living room.

  “Hello! Anyone home,” I shouted.

  “I’ll be with you in a minute,” Maydine called out. My eyes roved around the room trying to locate the direction of her voice.

  “Hello you two.” Maydine entered from the kitchen. “Awww! My children are here,” she smiled and group hugged us.

  “How are you Mrs. Mohan?” Orane asked.

  “I’m very well Orane. It’s great to see you both. Now, don’t be a stranger after Anna leaves.”

  Orane smiled at her. “No Mrs. Mohan, never that.”

  “Mother dear, I have to change so I’ll be in the front room. Please show Orane where he can freshen up.”

  “Okay Anna! Orane please come with me.”

  A few minutes later, I left the room in an elegant sleeveless stretch denim sheath dress with a narrow boat neckline and a tiny gold belt at the waist. To complement my outfit, I donned gold evening sandals and accessories. My hair was brushed straight and sleek.

  “Orane!” I called out from the living room.

  “Yes Babes.” He entered the living room from the verandah. “Wow! You look beautiful. Are you…?”

  I saw his lips moving but did not hear a word that was co
ming out. I was distracted by his disarming good looks. He was wearing black pants, a long sleeve aqua shirt and black dress shoes. His wavy black hair seemed even darker as it glistened under the lighting. He looked at me, awaiting a response. I smiled tenderly at him. “You look very handsome. What were you asking?”

  “Thank you,” he said, taking me by the hand. “Are you ready for our photo shoot?”

  “Yes, I am,” I said softly as we moved towards the verandah.

  Within minutes, I was in a fit of girlish giggles as Simon took the photos. With everyone watching, a bout of shyness overtook me. Orane’s soothing words caused me to relax and yielded to my artistic nature so that the model within me emerged.

  An hour later, Harriett walked in and greeted us when we were seated at the dining table.

  “Look at you, can’t stay away!” I teased her mercilessly.

  She waved me away. “Glad to be right on time,” she declared, as she sat in the vacant chair at the end of the dining table across from Mr. Mohan. Orane and I sat facing Melissa and Simon.

  “Is this Maydine’s seat?” Harriett asked.

  Maydine emerged from the kitchen and smiled at Harriett. “Welcome Sis. You can have that seat.” She then pulled up a chair next to Mr. Mohan.

  Maydine, always the perfect hostess.

  The dinner table was decorated with white dinner plates, gold cutlery and gold trimmed wine glasses. It was Christmas all over again. Mr. Mohan prayed and we started on a splendid meal of baked chicken, stewed curried goat, roast beef, macaroni and cheese, potato salad, baked plantains, steamed rice and peas, tossed salad and carrot juice.

  I took a bite of my chicken leg. Mmmm! Delicious! I’ll probably gain ten pounds before I leave Jamaica. I looked up just in time to see Harriett eyeballing me with pursed lips. I gave her a wide grin and mouthed, “Shhhh!” Her light brown eyes were filled with laughter as she gently shook her head at me.

  “How was the drive to get here?” I asked looking towards Simon and Melissa.

  “Nice drive out,” Simon responded, before sipping his carrot juice.

  “It was okay. Good to be out of Kingston,” Melissa remarked. “I have not been in this area in a long while.”