by Jude Ouvrard
God....
I think I know.
Presley
I'm a married man. I'm so fucking happy.
I know we’re going to enjoy Maui. It's so serene here. Plus, I have an amazing wife. I'm spoiled rotten and the happiest man alive. We're finally going to spend some time alone, just the two of us. No drama; no fuss, all we need to do is relax and enjoy ourselves. We're staying at the Hyatt Regency, and from the suite, we have a nice view of the beach. There are palm trees right next to our balcony. It's impressive, and it gives us a little privacy. We received champagne and a nice bouquet of tropical flowers as a newlywed gift. I’m sure we're going to have a good time here.
Abbie is so enthusiastic, she can barely stand still. Humming her Roberta Flack song with a smile on her face, she puts our clothes in the wardrobe. We just got here and I'm already thinking that it’s a shame we’re only staying for a couple of days. I'm disappointed, but we can always come back another time. I put our stuff in the bathroom. It’s a huge bathroom with a podium bath. I love this hotel.
When I return to the main room, she's wearing a tiny fuchsia bikini and it fits her perfectly. I guess I will have to thank Joy-Anna for that. She bought it for her. Abbie only had a sporty Speedo-type of bathing suit. It was a two pieces, but not particularly sexy. This bikini though, is amazing.
If I could spend every minute of the trip here in our bed making love to her I would, but the better part of my brain thinks we should have fun at the beach or the pool, and tour the area. Maybe we should take an excursion to a volcano. Why not?
I take a quick shower, and when I reach the room again, Abbie is sleeping on the couch, facing the television with the remote control in hand. She's exhausted. I turn off the television, take the controller from her hand and lift her in my arms to lay her on the lounge chair on the balcony. The sound of the waves lapping on the beach, the birds singing, and the breeze will help her get some rest. I apply some spray sunscreen on her and I massage her softly, careful not to wake her up. She may not know it, but sun and tattoos don't go well together. You always need to put on sunscreen. I’ll have to remember to warn her.
I sit on the chair next to hers, grabbing a pen and some paper. I start drawing her portrait. Her perfect little nose, her flawless skin, her pink lips, and her long blonde hair, lying on her shoulders. She's adorable. Every time I look at her, I smile. I make sure to add every little detail about her to her portrait. Drawing is my first passion. It’s as easy as breathing to me.
My drawing is done, and I have to admit it looks good. She's still sleeping and I don't see anything else I should be doing, I lie down on the lounge chair and doze off.
''Presley... Baby...'' Abbie whispers against my ear. ''Baby...'' She kisses my lips.
''Mrs. Williams,'' I love saying that.
''Do you want to go for a walk on the beach? The view is better than on a postcard.''
''Yeah sure... How long have you been awake?''
''About an hour,'' she answers glancing at my drawing pad. ''You've been hiding all these drawings.'' There are over fifty of them. Almost all of Abbie. ''You are so talented, I'm so lucky to have you.'' She wraps her arms around me and I freaking love it.
''You like them?''
''Geez, Presley, they look so real. I want to frame the one you did today when we get home.''
''Sure.''
The sun is shining on us; our feet are warming up on the warm sand of the mile-long beach. We're sipping a pineapple drink that is delicious. We're quiet, but happy. I don't feel like we need to be in a deep conversation at the moment, we are walking hand-in-hand and it feels as if we are complete. I could live here with her. It’s so peaceful.
Abbie has been over-stressed with all the wedding planning. I feel like now, here, she is finally resting and enjoying our honeymoon. There is something different about her. Her smile is radiant; she is dazzling me constantly. She overwhelms me.
''I can't wait to see the pictures from the ceremony. You looked so handsome.'' She flashes a grin that reaches her eyes. ''It was a memorable day. I can't stop thinking about it. It was everything that I ever wanted.''
''I did everything I could to make it perfect, love. It was our day, but I had to make it unforgettable for you. Your mom told me you’ve been dreaming about this day since you were a little girl. You deserved it.'' I look at the horizon, feeling thoughtful. ''And also because I felt like you needed it. After what happened with Kelly and Dean, you needed a break. My main goal was to bring joy into your life, you know? I had to make one of your dreams come true.''
''You are the best husband ever, and I'm the luckiest girl because you are mine.'' She kisses my cheek. ''Thank you, Presley. I'll never forget this day, or this trip. Everything is beyond what I had imagined.''
I pull her to me, holding her against me. ''Do you love me? For better, and for worse?''
''Of course, silly. Why are you asking me?'' she demands, sounding doubtful, and I can see a hint of anxiety in her eyes.
''Because I had to make sure.'' I lift her in my arms, her legs circling my waist. ''You are about to meet my friend here.'' I start running to the ocean with her holding me too tightly, screaming for help.
''Presley Williams, don't you dare...Don't do this. No...Nooooo!'' She shrieks when I dive into a wave.
We're underwater and she doesn't loosen her grip. When we resurface, I'm laughing my ass off, and so is she.
''I hate you so much right now.'' She laughs. ''Look at me; I look like an abandoned dog.'' I can't help but laugh. ''Don't you dare laugh,'' she warns, splashing water at me.
''OK Abbie, stop... stop... I’m sorry... sorry, my love.'' I beg for her forgiveness. She's standing right in front of me, her hands on her hips. I can see she is trying to hold back a laugh. She's working hard at trying to be mad.
She points her finger at me. ''Payback is a bitch,'' she says. ''I will get you back. You better watch out.''
''Game on.'' I slap her wet behind.
''Hell, yes.'' She elbows my ribs.
We walk back to the hotel room, dripping wet and laughing. I know she'll be looking for the perfect opportunity to get me back. I’ll have to watch my back.
This trip just got even more entertaining.
I toss and turn. I can’t sleep. It's our last morning at the hotel, and I wish we could have stayed here for a couple more days. I’m anxious about our return; going back to work for both of us. I'm not ready to share her yet. I just wish we could hide at home, but we can’t.
I decide to go outside and relax on the lounge chair on the balcony. I liked our life before the trip and that won’t change upon our return. I'm her husband and she’s my wife, that’s as much change as we’re going to face. I just love this place and I don’t want to leave. We have a view of the ocean. It's paradise. The weather, the food, everything is like a dream.
I go through all the photos we’ve taken with my camera. Hula dancing classes were so much fun. Abbie was quite good at it. The teacher loved using her as an example during the class. She was blushing and laughing the whole time. Later that day we had Hawaiian cooking classes; I loved it. I'm planning a Hawaiian-themed dinner at home when we get back. We took quite a lot of pictures of us on the beach. A random guy offered to take one of us, so we have a couple of shots together, at least. Over twelve hundred pictures in four days, that’s how crazy we are.
My eyes are finally tired again, so I use the opportunity to take a little nap before Bee wakes up. It's so warm and cozy, I just love the weather here.
''Babe, wake up. I want to get breakfast before we have to leave.''
I slowly open my eyes, and at that moment, she empties an ice cold pitcher of water all over my body. It’s freezing; I think my heart stopped beating for a couple of seconds. Goose bumps are springing up everywhere on my body. I get up to take off my cold clothes as fast as possible.
''Gotcha,'' she says before running away into the hotel room.
''I'm not done wi
th you, Abbie Williams.'' I run after her.
She runs to the bathroom and jumps in the shower. She gets the water running. ''Stay away. You are too damn cold.''
I'm shivering. I see the steam off the water and I join her.
''Sorry, baby. I just had to get you back before we leave.'' She kisses my lips.
The water feels so good against my skin. So do her kisses. ''You got me. I’m all yours.''
I'm going to miss this place.
Chapter TWENTY-SEVEN
Presley
THE FLIGHT WAS too short. We're already at the airport in Seattle, claiming our luggage. We're both sad. We wanted to stay longer and I feel responsible. I shouldn't have booked that photo shoot for right after our wedding. It was a great opportunity, but now I regret it terribly. We both managed to get a nice sun tan while we were in Hawaii. Alicia and Joy-Anna are going to be so jealous. They go crazy over their tans during the summer. My wife is magnificent; our marriage and our trip to Hawaii changed her. She looks stress-free and happy. She needed the break more than anyone.
''Wait here, love, I’ll get the car.''
She nods, and I head off to collect the car driving around to pick her up in front of the terminal. ''Go sit in the car. I’ll get the luggage in the trunk,'' I tell her
Once I get back in the car, she leans over to kiss me before we take off.
''Can we grab something to eat before we head home? The food wasn't exactly good on the plane,'' she asks.
''Sure, I'm starving.''
We stop by a fast food restaurant, ordering at the drive through. We're both tired, and we just want to go home. My stomach is growling. It’s 11pm, and I haven’t eaten since lunchtime. I only ate about a third of what they gave us on the plane. It wasn't appetizing. It was cold and tasted like cardboard.
We eat the French fries in my car. I know I normally don't like to eat in the car, but I'm careful not to drop anything, or put my greasy fingers anywhere other than my mouth. I’m too hungry to wait, and I know Abbie was too. I'm sure she'll be careful; she knows I never eat in my BMW. She doesn't say anything, but she is surprised by my behaviour. I can tell by the look on her face.
Once we get home, Abbie grabs the remainder of the food, and I take care of the luggage. We eat quietly in the kitchen, then we kiss goodnight. Our kisses are passionate, and I never want the moment to end. I moan, and she begs for more. I undress her, throwing her clothes on the floor, feeling the warmth of the Hawaiian sun on her skin, the softness of her breasts, and the pure need for me in her smile. She helps me with my shirt, unbuttoning it and pushing it off my shoulders. When it falls on the floor, I pull her against me, and it feels just like the first time I touched her. The sparks, the electricity, is still there, just as powerful as it was back then. I don’t think it will ever fade. I kiss and nibble the skin on her neck, and her body tightens around me. I know she loves when I do it.
I lift her up and sit her on the kitchen counter. I take off my pants and our kisses continue as if they never stopped. Her nails dig into my skin, and it pushes my need for her even higher. She jumps off the counter and leads the way to our bed. We make love in our love nest. Her touches drive me wild and her kisses are desperate. I have that necessity to be closed to her at all time.
Our legs are entwined and we’re making out like teenagers. It’s first base, but damn, my girl can kiss. I'll give her that. She kisses me languorously until we are both gasping for air. I just want to feel her against me, as if we are still in our hotel room in the warmth of the island. I miss our honeymoon already.
I feather kiss her shoulder until she falls asleep. Her breathing is slow and regular, and I try to follow her into her dreams.
Joy-Anna
''Joy-Anna Williams. Wait. You know how mad Presley will be if you show up there at eight in the morning. Just don’t,'' Derek sighs at me. ''I don't want to have to fix your mistake later.'' I guess he is right but...
''Derek, I have to see Abbie, now. You don't understand.'' I'm getting irritated.
''No, I don't, because you won't talk to me about it. You've been acting strangely ever since they left. What is wrong with you?''
''I'm fine. I just need to talk to Abbie. It's important.'' It’s not important, it's an emergency.
''I’m only asking you to wait another two hours, at least,'' he begs. ''Please, Joy.''
I throw my bag on the floor and walk past Derek. It's important. I’m not trying to be the bratty little sister, I need to talk to Abbie.
''Do you want breakfast, Joy?''
''Do I look like I'm hungry?'' I turn my head and meet his gaze. I see hurt in his eyes. He is always so nice to me, and all I seem to do is shout. ''Sorry, Derek, I would love to have breakfast with you.'' I turn the corners of my mouth up a little. Not brave enough to smile.
''It won't be long.''
I turn on the television; I have to do something or I’ll chew off all my nails. Cartoons, cooking shows, news, there is nothing interesting. I turn it off and grab a fashion magazine. I turn page after page. I won't be able to wait.
The smell coming from the kitchen is making me famished. My stomach is growling loudly. I was ignoring my appetite so that I could go and talk to Bee. Now that I’m on house arrest, I may as well eat. Eggs, pancakes, bacon and chocolate milk; he’s spoiled me. Again. Derek is good to me, and I regret being disrespectful to him.
''Sorry Derek... I mean... about everything. I know I'm a lot to deal with. I've been waiting to talk to Abbie since they left for their honeymoon. It's important.''
''I don't know what's going on in your head, but it must be crucial,'' he chuckles. ''Just wait a little longer.''
I kiss his lips and smile. ''I will.''
I'm not sure how I'm going to get the conversation started with Abbie. I don’t want her to think I’m being nosy. I'm almost one hundred percent sure I'm right. She has to trust me.
Abbie
Knock, knock, knock.
''Come in.''
Joy-Anna enters the apartment. ''Hey, lovebirds. How was Hawaii?'' she asks.
''It was perfect. I want to go back. It was better than a dream: the beaches, the ocean, everything.'' I enjoy the memories in my head. Drinking fresh juice on the beach every morning, and taking long walks and holding hands. ''It was the best honeymoon ever.''
''Nice tan, too.'' I can see the envy in her eyes.
''Thanks.'' Joy is trying to be cool, but she seems tense. Something is up behind her casual facade.
''Look, Abbie. I need to talk to you in private. In your bedroom or the bathroom. It's important.''
I'm worried, all of a sudden. I've never seen Joy-Anna so serious, and she looks queasy. Her hands are shaking. I don’t like that, what happened while we were gone, is everyone alright? Did Dean show up here?
''Sure, we can go in our bedroom.'' Joy-Anna follows me, almost pushing me into the room. ''What the hell, Joy-Anna, what's wrong?''
''You’re going to think that I’m insane, but...'' She grabs a plastic bag from her purse, and retrieves a little rectangular box from inside the bag. ''You need to pee on that stick Abbie. I think you’re pregnant.''
My heart stops and I start laughing my ass off. ''Seriously, Joy-Anna. You think I'm pregnant?'' The look on her face is priceless. She's dead serious about it and she certainly believes I am.
''If you’re so sure of yourself, do it, Abbie. Just do it.'' Now she looks annoyed, as if she can’t believe I’m laughing at her.
A pregnancy test? Seriously? She's not even here to talk about the honeymoon, or to look at our pictures. She doesn't care; she’s apparently just here to make me pee on a stick.
''Where is Presley?'' she asks.
''He’s working on the photos we took in Hawaii.'' Joy-Anna gives me the package and pushes me through the door of the master bathroom and then attempts to follow me. I protest immediately. ''Okay, Joy-Anna, you can wait here. I don't need you to watch while I'm doing this.''
I do what’s requ
ired and give the test back to her convinced she’s gone crazy. I'm one hundred percent certain that I'm not pregnant. I'm on the pill. I'm protected, and I’m safe. ''Will you look at our photos after you get a negative result? There is so much I want to talk to you about.''
''Yeah...'' Joy-Anna says, and then she covers her mouth with her hand. ''Abbie, it’s positive. Already. They say to wait two minutes, but it's already clear that you are.''
''Stop it, Joy-Anna, that's not funny,'' I warn her. Her eyes are wide open and she’s staring at me in disbelief. ''Joy-Anna stop this, you are not being funny.''
''I'm not trying to be funny, Abbie. I'm going to be an aunt, and that’s like a dream come true, it’s so cool. You are pregnant, look.'' She hands me the stick and I stare at it in disbelief. I'm pregnant. I think all the blood drains from my face. ''I don't know if I should be happy or sad. I don't know what to think, Joy-Anna. This wasn’t planned.''
''Abbie, I think you should sit down; you’re turning green. Sit please,'' she orders. ''Presley, get in here, right now,'' she yells.
Presley runs into our room and he looks frantic.
''What the fuck, Joy-Anna, I didn't even know you were here! Is Abbie sick or something? Abbie, love, what’s wrong? You don't look well.'' He lowers himself onto his knees beside me and I drop the pregnancy test onto the floor.
How am I supposed to tell him that his life is about to take a huge turn? How do I tell him that from this moment on, our lives will never be the same? We haven’t even talked about this seriously. I know he wants a family, but I don’t know what his plans are. A pregnancy at this moment in our lives is definitely not something we are prepared for. We got married about four minutes ago, we’re finally living life like a normal couple without all the problems we faced in the beginning.
''Joy-Anna, what the hell happened?'' Presley asks.
''She should be the one who tells you.'' Joy-Anna is slowly creeping out of the room, leaving us alone.
