Nidal reached below my waist, grabbed my wet gown, pulled it over my head, and took it off. It happened so fast that I did not have time to dispute it. I was not wearing a single thing underneath, much to Nidal's delight. Then he took off his clothes, and we were both under the willow tree, stark naked.Nidal's hands worked their magic as they slid down and caressed me lightly. He dropped down on the wet grass and pulled me to him. I lay on top of him, feeling his groin ready to take what belonged to him. We made love out here in the meadow, under the willow tree. The warm raindrops splashed on our heated bodies as we enjoyed the fruits of love. It was such an experience as nothing we ever had before. Wet, spent, and exhausted, we lay in each other's arms and allowed the rain to dance on our skins. It was a nice hot day, and we welcomed the rain as it splattered all over us. It cannot get any better than this, I thought with a satisfied feeling.After a while, the rain eased up, and the sun came out, shining its way through the sky and onto our bodies. We dried quickly and put on our damp clothes. We just lay under the willow tree, admiring the beauty in front of us.I leaned my head against Nidal's chest and closed my eyes. I pictured mine and Nidal's children running across the meadow playfully. Maybe a little boy who had Nidal's charms and good looks and a little girl who looked like me. That would be all I would ever ask for in this lifetime. I had everything else."What is on your mind, Loula? You are so quiet. Is something bothering you?" Nidal asked, patiently waiting for a response.He always wanted to know everything. I sighed. I did not like to share everything on my mind. I felt like a child when I was always told to say everything that I was thinking and not allowed to keep some treasures for myself.So I lied. "I was just admiring the view and enjoying being here with you, Nidal."There. That was easy."You are keeping your thoughts to yourself, Loula." Nidal was frustrated. "It must be something you don't want me to find out about," he accused as he pulled up his body and leaned against the willow tree."Will there ever be a day that I don't get accused of something from you, Nidal?" I was hurt. "You seem to always want to say hurtful things. You must accept what I say as the truth and stop trying to figure me out, Nidal, because it will hurt our relationship if you continue this way." I tried to make him see reason.But Nidal was Nidal, and he was one of a kind. I knew he would not change. I had to accept him for who he was because I loved him so much. "Nidal, stop stressing when there is no need for it. Just live your life with me and be happy. Always think positive, and you will see how that can change your life," I said simply.Nidal tried to analyze my words of wisdom, but he had trouble understanding them. I looked up into his face, and he seemed troubled with thought as he sat there quietly. "Nidal, I love you so much. I need you to understand this," I pleaded."Loula," Nidal moaned my name as if he were in pain, "whether I understand it or not isn't the issue here. What's at stake here is bigger than understanding your logic. I think I love you more than you love me, and that hurts," he whispered painfully. "I am always feeling this when I am around you lately. I know I cannot exist in a world without you. I'd rather kill myself than live without you," he moaned and ran his fingers through his hair. He shifted his gaze toward the sky. I looked up, and far away over the rolling meadows was a rainbow. Its colors were brilliantly displayed for all to see. I rolled over from my sitting position and stood. I looked down at Nidal, square in the face."Nidal, I too love you more than life itself, and I know you know this. You just want to hear me say it again and again," I laughingly accused.Nidal pushed his body up and stood in front of me. His face got serious as he reached over and pushed the falling strands of hair away from my face. "Maybe it is what I need to hear to feel satisfied, Loula," he said softly."Nidal, you will never be satisfied! You need me to constantly remind you," I said laughingly. "So here I go. I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, and I love you! There. Do you feel better now?" I teased.Nidal just stood there staring at me, and suddenly he grabbed my shoulders, pulled me closer, and kissed me with such passion that he almost bit my lips. I matched him, a kiss for a kiss, as our passion reached the heights of the blue sky. No matter what, I knew that I loved him so much that I too knew there was no life for me outside his embrace.Life is good, I thought as we strolled back to the palace. The sun was about to set. We were gone most of the day. From a distance, I noticed the queen was sitting outside with the king and a few of his men. As we got closer to the palace, Nidal's steps quickened, and his hand tightened around mine when he saw the king's facial expression. The king himself looked mad, but the queen had a satisfied grin on her lovely face. She looked happy to see us together and in love.As we approached them, the king did not waste a second. "Where have you been?" he asked furiously. "I called a meeting hour's ago. Nidal, you know how important the meetings are!" he barked. He shook his finger in his son's face. "Have you no respect for your king, your soldiers, and your country?" He turned flamboyantly and marched into the palace. All his men quickly followed him, including Nidal, but not before kissing me and whispering for my ears alone his love for me.I watched him leave my side with sadness, knowing he would not return to me until early morning. I turned and looked at the queen apologetic, and she smiled at me with understanding."I have not forgotten what it feels like to be in love, Loula," she said sweetly. "The king will get over it, and as for your prince, he will be back before you know it." She took my hand and pulled me toward the rose gardens. "Have you ever visited the gardens at night?" she asked sweetly as I followed her quickly along the brick path.Torches were lit along the garden's path, and as we walked, I saw the fountains, magnificent structural gems, that graced the gardens with beauty. Roses of all colors sprayed their perfume in the air, and all this beauty took my breath away. The queen turned to look at me, and I smiled in approval of all I saw.The queen tugged my hand to follow her, and she led me to a place behind a big rose bush. "This is where Nidal hid from me when he was a little boy and knew he was in some kind of trouble," the queen said sadly. "Now he is all grown up, and his attention is elsewhere," she said helplessly. "It's not easy being a mom and watching your beloved child grow up and replace you with someone else." She turned and faced me. A tear slowly rolled down her face, and then she smiled. "I'm so glad he brought you to us. The king and I love you so much. You are a beautiful addition to this family." She gave me a warm, sincere hug.Her words touched me. I felt welcomed in the palace, and it was good to know that the queen mother liked me. I hugged her too. I was glad that Nidal's parents finally approved of me. We strolled in the gardens a while longer before we decided to call it a night.
