Episode 13-The Wedding Album

 Devon excitement to share their Wedding Album.

Zari saw the man's hurt and anger, and she was afraid to say anymore. "You were right. I can see it is too painful for you. I don't want to hurt you." Zari said, getting up from the island and leaving the kitchen as she headed to her room, locking the door. Devon shook his head and slammed his fist into the other as he left the kitchen. 

Zari's head was hurting; it bothered her to have memories enter her brain and then try to make sense of them. Some days little memories would come to her mind; other days, she would have clear, concise memories of what she went through. Yet, none of these memories ever has anything to do with the man who claimed to be her husband.  

All her memories are about the man she remembers. It was uncanny how she couldn't remember his face with vivid clarity. It's beyond her wildest imagination! How she married outside her culture and the man she remembers and the one who says he's her husband are clearly of another nationality. 

Everything was hard. I was confused, like I was outside of myself, looking in. It isn't easy to explain. And I will never mention these things again to the lovely gentleman claiming to be my husband.

Devon got up to check on Zari. He softly knocked on her door. "Are you okay? I'm sorry about earlier; I didn't mean to get upset." He sighs. "It's, it's a little difficult for me to hear you call someone else your husband, but if you want to talk, I promise I will remain calm." 

Devon stood there waiting for a reply, quiet on the other side of the door. Zari sat at the vanity table, looking in the mirror at herself. 

Would you like to look at the wedding photos and pictures? This may help you recall something of a positive nature."

"Can I see the photo pictures? I would like to see your family." 

"Okay, Devon got up to get the photobook." He sat it on the table. "You can eat first and look at it afterward."

Zari sat on the sofa a little later with her juice and the photobook after breakfast. Devon came into the room. 

"Are you ready to look at the photo's together?" 

"Uhm, yes." 

"Why are you shaking? These are good memories, wonderful ones. There's nothing to be afraid of here. You were a beautiful bride, my bride.

I nodded my head and smiled. However, I felt nervous about seeing the pictures. I was afraid to see myself in them. I begin to fidget with my hands, and he puts his hands in my mind. "Don't be nervous. I'll explain it all to you."

Why can't I remember him? Something must be wrong with me, terribly wrong. "Okay, I'm ready." I slid my hands from under his. 

When he opened the book, it was a picture of him and a woman that looked like me. It was weird like I thought it would be. I stared at the picture, and for a short moment, I felt I'd known him. But I've learned a lot of things that I can't remember. I touched the 8x10 photograph and wondered what kind of life the girl smiling in this picture had with this man. 

It wasn't the life I experienced.

"Do you remember this place we got married?"

I stared at the picture. "No." 

"Oh wow! I took you to a place you had never been but loved. The scenery was of the outskirts of London. Zari, the place was so romantic, with its electric combination of architectural style and predated recreation of the United Kingdom of the 21st century but more contemporary. I drove through the quaint town with you in my arms. 

Then Zari felt his hand take hold of hers as he spoke softly, caressing it and looking at her with love.  

We approached a drawbridge, and as we crossed it, it lifted, indicating it was only for guests. Look at this picture here, Zari. Do you recall this private island we entered? 

"No, but it's so beautiful. How could I forget something so lovely?"

"It's okay. We took a lot of pictures. I had reserved this place that offered private weddings and honeymoons on this island."

Zari could see the astonishment on his face as he shared these experiences. The eye contact was so intense. The man is so sexy and handsome here, sitting next to me, and to look at the beauty and loveliness we experience together is unspeakable.

"Dev! It is too gorgeous!" She says, about to cry.

"Ah, baby." Devon hugs her. "This is how you deserved to be treated."

"I'm sad to have experienced such happiness; all I can remember is suffering. I want to remember being in love and happy."

"Oh baby, you deserve this and much more, my love." Then Before Devon knew it, he tenderly kissed her lips, taking her by her waist. Zari didn't have the strength to turn away from his touch. The truth was she craved him. Devon caresses her cheeks with the back of his finger; he weakens her resolve. His lips touched hers passionately. His kiss was like medicine, healing her wounded heart and soothing away her deepest pain. 

Desire gripped her, filled, swallowed her whole Devon's lips moved beautifully, expertly over her mouth. Zari didn't feel as if any of this was real. He was a stranger. 

Then suddenly, only a flash came into her brain. They were enemies, Bitter, angry exes who couldn't stand each other. The deeper the kiss went, the more she recalled them having a volatile breakup. His tongue felt so good inside her mouth, seeking her own. 

Then Zari pulled away, but Devon kept going. "Stop, stop!" she yelled, slapping his face. Devon looked stunned, holding his cheek. 

"Zari!"

"Oh, my God! I'm sorry! I don't know what got into me. I got to go!" She took off running down the hall to her bedroom.

"Zari, come back here! Come back!" Devon called out, getting up and chasing behind her. 

Then Zari felt his hand take hold of hers as he spoke softly, caressing it and looking at her with love in his eyes, saying. “I love you, Zari. I always have and always will. I’m sorry about the kiss. It won’t happen again unless you want me to. Please forgive me.”

Zari nodded okay. She wanted to keep kissing him, but something was holding her back. What is it? She wondered.