Remember To Forget

Chapter 11 - Another Crossbarred Relationship

It was a cool afternoon. One of those days that early afternoons would grow enough to look like late evenings -The time when one could mistake Thursday to be a Saturday...

Madinah and Zayd decided to go for a simple stroll outside the hotel, under the warm sun, side by side, the way lovers usually do. The yellow sun hide under the thick clouds as if it was shy about their little romance. Of course, there's nothing as beautiful as roaming the streets of Lagos with someone you truly love so much... You'll end up rather impressed than disappointed.

Madinah wore a tight black leggings and a long, purple, indian-gown with a black pashmina that fits her well. She hanged her long-armed, purple purse and wore a shiny, black sneakers to match the outfit. Zayd on his own was wearing a casual, white polo shirt and a black jean. This outing was what Madinah needs at least, to Zayd. He stared at her from time to time, admiring how gorgeous she looked even without baking her face with makeup 'the way most girls do'. Madinah grabbed his right arm as they walked but Zayd shivered to her simple touch. He flinched as if bitten by a mosquito, looking confused.

"Are you alright?" Madinah asked, concerned.

"No, no, no... I mean.. Yes! Ermmm I'm alright." He took a step ahead, as if he was trying to avoid her face. "It's just the.. that, your touch."
Madinah caught up with him immediately. His acts was already pulling her legs.

"What's wrong with my touch? I thought it would be nice if we walked side by side instead of just side-by-side!"

Zayd smirked, not knowing what word to answer her with.

"It's not as bad as it seem, at least, we've slept on the sane bed before, haven't we?"

"Deenah!" He expanciated. "That was like, years ago. What are we saying? About 18 years ago and counting?"

Madinah sharply pulled away, wearing a small frown.

"What are you saying right now? I thought you still feel the sane about me? How stupid have I been to think.... You know what?" Her eyes searched his for reply but he looked rather motionless and confused. "For get it!" This minute you're into me, the next minute you're not...she murmured like usual buzzing Lagos fly.

"I'm not saying I don't love you Deena, my feelings for you still grows every second as well. What I'm insinuating is that, I don't feel its right we walk hand in hand especially in a public place like this. I feel kind of shy..." He opened.

"Tell me, do you have someone else? Who is she? Tell me, what's her name? Who are you shy for? Me?" She hissed. "Don't worry, I'm better of alone!" She stormed and started walking faster.

"Madinah! Madinah!!" Zayd called after her but she wouldn't wait. At this minute, Madinah turned deaf ears to him. His eyes caught florist shop at the left corner of the street. Immediately, his face lightened up with a little more excitement and smile, as if he's got the solution to all him problems. As madinah's worries were he's too.

The truth is, he loves Madinah so much, her anger, her laughter her her attitude and her illness. He was happy to the fact that, one way or another, Madinah always fall into his bindings by throwing all her anger into his basket of happiness. The joy of making Madinah happy was Zayd's priority towards her. He tiptoed beside her and quietly walked quietly walked into the corner to buy her a red rose.

"I need that red rose." He pointed. "How much is it?"Zayd asked, staring at the long tribal marks lying at both sides of her. He couldn't help but to wonder if had she offended her parents in her former life or was responsible for their misfortunes. Her face would have been perfect if not for the facial marks but she was very kind and friendly.
"It's #500 only, sir." She handed it to him, packed into a decorated leather.

It looked uniquely beautiful as it's scent drew Zayd closer and closer again. He knew one thing for sure, Madinah would like it!

Madinah on the other hand noticed she was alone. She turned back and noticed that Zayd wasn't even there.
"Where the heck is that annoying guy?" She frowned, looking a bit worried. "Girls are usually the shy one but not Zayd. He's different from the rest of the world a he's even ashamed of walking with me."

She walked back in search of him, her eyes caught the view of an old couple walking side by side, their fingers wee interlinked with each other and the husband wasn't as shy as Zayd seemed to be. Madinah remembered Jazid.. The way he was affectionate towards her in the united states. It was unbeatable. It might be that Jazid loved me dearly, maybe better than Zayd does.

"What makes this couple unique? How passionate and caring they feel towards each other and not shy of showing it to the world. What's the essence of pilling up love when you can't even say it, let alone tell the next person." Madinah thought within herself, as her anger calmed. Her heart skipped a little her delicate eyes searched through.
Finally, she saw him waving the florist goodbye.

In her eyes, the florist was a pretty, short lady. She wore a pepper-red lipstick and her uniform was a transparent white top and a short black skirt. The stretch marks that ran though her body were thick and visible like that of a tiger's stripes. Madinah hated her immediately.

Fusing up, she stood there, her anger raising above normal as her crossed her arms on her chest as if everything about Zayd annoyed her. She felt bittered.

"Deenah!" Zayd called out happily. "How long have you been there? Hmm?"

"So you went to greet your girlfriend right? So she's the one!"

"What are talking about, Deenah? I called at you but you won't even listen. I went to get you a went yo get you a surprise, just to put a smile on your face." He smiled and brought out the flower from his hiding. He has been holding it to his back for a while.

Zayd stared into her dark-brown lovely eyes with so much joy and happiness. He placed a knee to the floor the way he most guys usually act on T.V. and pointed the flower towards this heartbeat, Madinah.

Madinah wore a 'whatever' look, still annoyed about what she just witnessed. Zayd held her left hand in he's,
"There are days, Madinah that you smile at me. For no reason, I find myself happy because I see my happiness in yours. Today is a frown but I believe that somewhere in this frown is forgiveness and a happiness I would also want to own. Madinah, would you be mine?"

Madinah glared at him, rolling her eyes triggered and from Zayd and his flower. It looked like a small boy proposing to his class teacher with lollipop - ridiculous!

It's as if she's trying to yell him something but he just wouldn't understand. Somehow, she felt disgusted and angry still. She flinched her and from his, folding it on her chest again.

"I said I'm sorry, Deenah. I already apologized, please, don't do this to
me..." Zayd looked confused, his eyes begging hers - To give him a reply, or turn to him at least.

"Don't persuade me with your emotions, dearie. I'm more than that!
Why are you shy around me Zayd. Why are you keeping secrets from me?"

"Secrets? What are you talking about, Deenah. Don't be like this now, please..."

"Why don't you tell the florist to design for you a florilegium or better still, a bouquet? You know what?" She said finally turning to him.

Madinah grabbed the flower and threw it to away.

"Take this cheap thing out of my face! You can't persuade me with flowers and lies!" She hissed and turned back to the hotel, leaving Zayd in total amazement. He couldn't believe his eyes and ears. He couldn't believe Madinah would ever say 'no' to him. At least, not like this...

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