Past Lovers

Past Lovers. 24

Hayden and I decided to elope to Thailand.

Since we had already been married and we're essentially just renewing our vows, we thought it’d be best to keep this ceremony small and private.

This time, it was just for us.

We had already done the whole big wedding thing, with the white dress, the Victorian chapel, the hundreds of friends and family.  There was no need to repeat that, and waste all that money.

So we spent the money on something else...or somewhere else. 

Hayden had been reading up on enlightening locations to start fresh. She felt this second wedding represented the re-birth of our relationship. Not only was the wedding an important factor, but Hayden wanted a place where we could spend our honeymoon, and surround ourselves with a paradise of love and happiness. 

After endless searching and much debating, we both agreed Thailand was the place to be. There was really no competition; the culture, the religious values, the beauty couldn't be beat.

From the moment we stepped off the plane that fateful Thursday morning, we knew this was the perfect place for us.

Perhaps, even more perfect than California. 

The first two days we jumped right in. By day, we spent exploring around, seeing all of the beautiful statues, temples, and ruins. At night, we joined in with welcoming Thai tribes that threw leis around our necks and unidentified drinks down our throats. Until dawn, we would dance on the beach around a big bonfire with the natives, with the man in the moon as our protector.

Friday night, the night before the wedding, the tribe that had shown us such hospitality, threw a big gathering for everyone to celebrate. Natives from all over joined in and made unforgettable memories with us. The people of Thailand shared our enthusiasm, and made Thailand feel like our home.

The party seemed to go on forever, the natives were the night owls of the island, dancing and laughing and singing for hours. But Hayden and I couldn't keep up. 

We retired early into the hut that the tribe built for us. The light from our lantern illuminated the beautiful tapestries that draped the walls. The bed made from straw and hay was covered with lavish pillows and blankets, making it surprisingly comfortable.

That night, we made passionate love. We whispered sweet words to each other, words I would never forget. I pressed my ear against her stomach, and listened to the life that grew within her body. I  was in the most beautiful country, with the most beautiful woman in the world, and nothing could hold me back. 

When I woke up Saturday morning, Hayden was already gone. I knew she would be; it was bad luck to see the bride before the wedding. I figured she was with the tribe women, as the primped and prepped her for her glorious moment.

The wedding was to be conducted by the Zen Master of Buddhism. He wore long grey robes, sandals, and a red sash. His head was completely shaven, and a long, white beard hung from his wrinkled, aged face.

Before the ceremony, I was instructed to meet with him, so he could share his words of wisdom. Our conversation began slowly, as he asked me delicate questions that would lead to much more. 

I ended up exploding onto him, dumping all the pain and misery I had felt over the years. I told him everything, and he just listened with his slanted eyes closed and a considerate smile on his face.

When I finished, out of breath, I waited for his response. But he was silent, still processing all I had just shared.

When he was ready after a few long moments, he opened his eyes, and exposed his rotting teeth in a comforting and wise smile.

"The past isn't real. The past only exists in your mind. The past cannot set you free. You must be the one to set the past free. Do not dwell in the future, for it cannot be held. You must live in the present, you must live in the now."

"But how..." I asked, nodding along but still struggling to grasp this concept. "How do I live in the present, Zen Master?" 

He held up his hand, signally for me to pause.

"Do not think so much," he closed his eyes again, and continued to softly speak. "Do not think about the present. As soon as you think about the present, the present is gone. It becomes the past."

He opened his eyes to see if I was following. And I wasn't. So he continued on.

"Just be. Be alive. Be awake. Be here, where you are sitting right now, where you are existing, and live. Be you. Be the husband you were meant to be. Not the husband you want to be. Be you. Then you can live in the present, then you can set the past free, then you can grasp the future you always wanted."

And in that last moment, I could tell that my life was changed forever. After my twenty-seven years of existence, I had finally understood.

***

The ceremony was held in a gorgeous temple, more beautiful than the chapel we had spent our first wedding at.

The walls were covered with gold. The ceilings rised high above us, and the large windows let in the sparkingly Thai sunlight that reflected off every corner of the temple. The temple was filled with the tribe members, who sat kneeling on thick pillows in rows. 

Hayden glided down the aisle, as the natives watched her in awe. Her long brown hair was pinned partially up, exposing her glowing face but trailing down her back. Hayden's eyes sparkled with delight, and her smile was an unforgettable sight to see. The white draped dress she wore hugged all of her curves, and highlighted her slight baby bump.

Wisdom from the Zen Master was shared, and deep vows were exchanged. At last, rings were placed onto our left ring finger, and a kissed sealed it all.

With one gentle swoop, I picked her up in my arms, and carried her out of the temple, as the spectators cheered.

Hayden, the woman of my dreams, the love of my life, was now my wife. Forever.

****

Unfortunately, this is the second to last chapter of Past Lovers...

I know a lot of you are upset by this, but consider this a very long run for Hayden and Chase. I wrote Childhood Lovers two years ago. I never would have guessed the popularity, and I would have never even guessed I would write a sequel.

But the time has come. Every story has an end.

I really hope you read the last chapter which I will upload soon, and i hope you continue to read some of my other work.

Currently, I am writing "The Bad Boy's Game" I know it sounds cliche, but Childhood Lovers was cliche at one point, and look what happened. Look how original it became.

So please, if you like my writing, go check out my newest story. I promise you might just end up loving the characters as much as you love Chase and Hayden.

Much love, xo