"Loving you comes in waves. Tonight, I'm drowning." - Anonymous.

Chapter 36 - Rock Throwers. 

I slowly walked to the window and peered out. Luckily, my room afforded a good view of the street, so I saw the exact moment of when about a hundred men rounded the corner. I felt a little faint - in a good way - as I observed Zach, who was heaved on two of his friends shoulders, laughing joyously, the smile never leaving his face. 

As the singing of the men grew louder, the thump thump of my heart intensified, almost as if my heart was situated right in my ear. I waited a good ten minutes until I heard the whoops and cheers from inside the house, signifying Zach had entered and was now waiting for me downstairs. 

“You can do this, Yasmine. You can do this,” I whisper-chanted to myself.

I took one last glance at myself in the mirror, made sure my white silk hijab was perfected in place and cautiously walked towards my bedroom door. Just as I stepped foot into the hallway, I nearly bumped into an almost hyperventilating Salma. 

“You alright there,” I asked amusedly. 

She put her hands on her knees and sucked in deep gulps of air. “Was…just…coming to…tell you…to come down,” she heaved, and then straightened up properly. 

“I think someone needs to hit the gym.” She glared at me, and if it wasn’t for the fact that it was my wedding day, she probably would’ve launched herself at me, wild styles. I chuckled at her narrowed eyes.

Turning to face the stairs again, all traces of humour seeped out of my body. I bit my lip and smoothed down my dress. 

“You ready?” Salma’s low voice penetrated the silent air around us, as she stepped up beside me. 

“He’s down there right now.” I said, more of a statement than a question. 

“Yep. And I can tell he’s yearning to see you. So, go on.” She gave me a watery smile, before squeezing my hand for added strength. 

Feeling a sudden bout of emotion again, I gave her a quick peck on the cheek and encased her in a bone crushing hug. “Thanks for everything Salma.” I knew I wouldn’t have the time later on to say this to her, so I took the chance while I had it. “I love you like a sister and that’s not going to change, OK?” 

I felt her nod against my shoulder, yet she remained quiet. I pulled away, somewhat reluctantly, and finally began to descend the stairs that would eventually lead me to Zach. To the person who I would be spending the rest of my life with. 

They were obviously waiting for my arrival, because as soon as my foot came in contact with the first step, the immediate sound of drums being played filled my ears, completely overtaking the sound of my furiously beating heart. 

I spotted Zach at the bottom of the stairs, surrounded by the members of both our families. Judging from Zach’s facial features - and believe me, I knew them very well - he was finding it equally difficult to breathe. I sent him my best hundred-watt smile, which he returned, then promptly focused on putting one foot in front of the other.

Don’t you dare trip.

No longer had I reached the bottom, than I felt my hand being embraced by Zach’s large, warm one. I trailed my eyes from our intertwined hands, up Zach’s arm, to be met with his mesmerising green orbs. He raised my hand and kissed the back of it, his eyes never breaking sight with mine. The world around us came to a standstill, both of us drifting off to comprehend the reality that not too long ago, seemed like a distant dream. The hustle and bustle around us was forgotten and even the strong sound of the drums had been tuned out. The flashing lights from the camera had no effect on us. 

“Stunning,” he breathed, breaking us from our reverie. I mumbled a shy thank you, that honestly, didn’t even sound like myself, when thankfully my mother walked over.

“Come on you two, into the living room,” she clapped happily.  

“Even though you have make-up on, I can still detect your blush,” Zach whispered to me. I pinched his arm, which probably had no effect on him through his suit jacket, rolling my eyes in process. “You don’t even wait until after the wedding to start the domestic abuse? Sheesh,” he gibed dramatically. 

I smiled at him sweetly. “Stop teasing me.” 

“I can’t help it.” His green eyes sparkled mischievously. Gosh, what was I getting myself into?

We both strolled over, cheerfully greeting those who walked past. Even though most of the men that had come with Zach here had left, there was still a fair amount of friends milling around, watching, clapping or taking photos. I would never have thought my house could even fit this many people. 

I recognised the ecstatic faces of Shaymah, Bahia and Miriam as well as some other school friends from across the room. In sync, they all waved and blew kisses at me and although I wanted nothing more than to go over and speak with them, I knew we were on a tight schedule. The most I could manage was a few photos with each of them. 

We had cleared the living room and pushed the couches aside so that more room would be made for people to walk through and for the photos. After an hour of snapping shots with family and friends, the poor photographer looked like he was going to collapse, so Zach told him to go get some water and have a short break. Not even five minutes later, Salma came up to us, gesturing frantically that it was time to head out to the botanic gardens for some more shots. 

I internally groaned. “More photos?” I pouted. 

“Yes,” Salma said sternly. “You only get one wedding day after all.” 

“But my mouth hurts,” I whined. I did actually feel like my lips were going to fall off from all the smiling. Zach chuckled next to me, shaking his head. He whispered something into my ear, which I would rather not divulge. I gasped and went to pinch him again, but he stepped back, dodging me. 

“Guys it’s time to head to the park!” Noah said, walking so fast he almost bumped into Salma.

“Yes, we know. Salma told us but we didn’t get the point and need to be told a third time,” I replied, frustrated. 

“Oh,” Noah said dumbly, peering over at Salma who was now as stiff as a statue. They were both still being extremely awkward and tense with each other and I still hadn’t found the time to berate one of them for some answers. 

“The bride is getting cranky,” Zach voiced, going for my hand again. 

I sighed. “Sorry, I think I’m just hungry.” A girl still needs her food, even on her wedding day. 

“More like you’re sick of people telling you what to do,” Zach piped in, smiling at me knowingly. “You’re usually the one bossing people around, and you don’t like the role reversal.” 

I pouted. “Shoosh.” 

“Either way, I’ll grab you something to eat and you can munch on it in the car,” Salma added, leaving for the kitchen. Noah watched her retreating back sadly and I felt my heart crack for him. He obviously had strong feelings for her, yet something was holding them back…what, I don’t know. 

Before I could dwell on the romantic issues of my brother, Zach began to lead me to the car outside. Zach opened the door of our shimmering white car, and we slid in, immediately revelling in the momentary quietness. I put my head on Zach's shoulder and he squeezed my hand that he hadn't let go of yet. The warmth from Zach's body was making me sleepy, so I closed my eyes and shuffled closer to him.

God he smelt good.

"Have I told you how beautiful you look today?" he murmured quietly into my ear. A small smile graced my lips.

"With all that chaos, I'm not sure I remember." I looked up, grinning at my failed attempt to be flirty, but since his head was low, very close to my face my nose smashed into his chin. Way to go, idiot. 

Zack chuckled as I groaned and began rubbing at my pained nose. Zach slowly moved my hand away and began to softly rub the throbbing spot for me. With my breath now caught in my throat, I tried really hard to appear unaffected. He was staring straight into my eyes, unrelenting, and if his gaze wasn't so powerful, I would have looked away in embarrasment the second I saw his eyes on mine. "Stop being so shy around me," he spoke again. I blinked, before I felt my face flush at the realisation that he knew I was embarrased right now. However, before I could reply, we were interrupted. 

“Good afternoon, Mr and Mrs Salem, my name is Jacob and I’ll be your chauffeur today.” Amused, I watched as he basically threw himself into the car and slammed the door shut.

“Oh God, who chose him as our driver?” I joked.

“He chose himself,” Zach huffed. 

“If you make the most callous and unfortunate mistake of using pet names with each other, sweet-talking, making out, asking stupid questions or requesting anything out of the ordinary, I will not hesitate to pull over and leave you on the side of the road. Do we have an agreement?” He turned in his seat to look at us, smiling from ear to ear. 

He was enjoying this way too much. 

“Just shut up and drive Jacob,” Zach exhaled. I laughed at his dorky face, knowing this would be a drive to remember. 

When we arrived at the beautiful park, we took some more photos with our close family and friends only, before the photographer requested that it was time me and Zach took some alone. We did intimate poses, cheesy poses, funny poses as well  as serious ones, and I thoroughly enjoyed myself, getting lost in Zach’s strong arms and dimpled smile. Whenever we got too absorbed with each other, the photographer would either cough or make us laugh to put us back on track. 

After that, the day went by in a blur. I don’t know how or where the time went. One second I was waking up in bed and the next, I was standing hand-in-hand with Zach in front of the wide double doors that would lead us into the hall, where all the women were waiting. 

“I love you,” Zach randomly spoke from beside me. He was gazing at me so intensely, as if it were our last moments together. His words immediately gave me a boost of strength. I reached up and kissed him full on the lips. 

“I love you too.” 

****

For the longest time, I always knew, that as soon as I saw my parents faces at the end of the wedding night, I would break. Tonight, I had proven myself wrong. 

Zach and I were now standing at the edge of the car, bidding farewell to the last of our friends. I had utterly astonished myself by not crying when Salma and my friends hugged me, but I was even more shocked that the waterworks didn’t start when my parents hugged me either.

Who was able to? 

Noah.

When he finally walked out to come and say goodbye, the pained, yet contented expression on his face, for some reason I will never understand, broke me. Maybe it was because he was my closest sibling and the mere thought that I would no longer be living a door away from him, scared me. Maybe it was because of how much he had done for me as an older brother. But most of all, it was the fact that I was scared to let him go and put myself in the hands of another man who would now be responsible for me. 

As soon as his arms wound themselves around me, I began sobbing uncontrollably. I wrapped my hands around his waist, fearing to even let him go. As I wet his now crumpled white dress shirt, he ran his hand up and down my back soothingly, none of us directing a single word to each other. I could hear distant sobs too, probably from my mother and sisters, possibly even from my friends who were all watching us.

I don’t know how long I stood there, crying into his arms, but after what seemed like an eternity, he pulled away. A pleasant smile made it’s way onto my lips when I saw the tears in his eyes.

Putting his hands on my shoulders, he spoke in a confident voice. “I love you lil sis. I know Zach here will take good care of you and treat you like a princess. Yes, your now a wife and will be leaving the house, but know that I will still be here for you, whenever you need me.” I nodded at him meekly, swiping away at the tears that were still freely running down my face. I sniffed and gave him one more hug. 

I then hugged my sisters, all three of them in one massive embrace. “Make sure you girls are good to mum, OK? She’s relying on you guys now.” After a minute or so, I had to pry them all off of me, and I did so reluctantly. 

“We’re going to miss you,” Nadia said, her eyes red and puffy. Her twin nodded along with her. 

“Hey, I’ll be five minutes away.” I reached up and wiped the crystal tears off both their faces. 

I turned around and pulled Adam out of mum’s grasp. He was staring at me with wide eyes, no doubt confused as to why everyone was crying and hugging me. I placed a big, sloppy wet kiss on his cheek and promptly handed him back to mum before he attached himself to me and I changed my mind about letting him go.

“Miiinn!” He began crying, reaching his hands out to try and get into my arms again. 

“Shh baby, Yasmine needs to go to her new home now,” mum said soothingly. The words had the opposite effect and he began to scream and thrash in her arms. 

One of the hardest things that night was turning away from the pained looks of my family. I put my hand over my mouth to inhibit another sob from escaping and slowly made my way towards a patiently waiting Zach. 

Whatever you do, don’t look back at them. 

Don’t. Look. Back.

Zach gave me a small empathetic smile, taking my hand in his again to help me into the passenger seat of the car. 

“You OK?” he asked, once he was seated behind the wheel. I swallowed and didn’t reply. 

A knock on the window caused me to look up. I pulled it down, allowing my father to come into plain sight. 

“Take care and protect her well, Zach. I expect nothing less from you,” he directed at Zach seriously. 

“‘amu I will not only protect her, I will die for her,” Zach replied, with equal amounts of seriousness.

I sent a loving smile Zach’s way before twisting back to face my father. His expression said the last thing he wanted to do was let us drive off. 

“Good,” he nodded awkwardly. “Salam.” 

Before he could leave, I reached up and hastily kissed him on the cheek. With a sad twinkle in his eyes, he waved and stepped back up onto the foot-walk. Zach finally drove off, beeping at our family and friends that were still standing by. I didn’t even dare to look back at them and instead, closed my eyes and took a deep, calming breath. 

Zach, knowing full well the state I was in, and the fact that I didn’t like people talking to me when I was upset, remained quiet throughout the drive, even though I was still sniffling and crying like a baby. 

I had been so zoned out, I hadn’t even realised we passed Zach’s home. 

“Zach, where are we?” I questioned as he once again, came around to my side. He helped me out of the car, proceeding to grab two bags from the boot. 

“You’ll see.” He beamed at me, and I grinned back almost automatically, his smile contagious. 

“OK…” I trailed off, following him into a large, tall building. It looked like an apartment complex, but I couldn’t be too sure. We got into an elevator and he clicked the button for level eight. 

“Seriously, where are we going?” 

Zach rolled his eyes at me. “You’re so impatient woman. Just wait a few more seconds.” As if on cue, the door binged open, and Zach stepped out, pulling me behind him, whilst still managing to balance the two duffel bags on his right shoulder. 

I remained quiet, curious, as he pulled out a set of keys and unlocked a door that had the letters, ‘485’ imprinted on it. He stepped into the dark room and fumbled around for a bit, before flicking on a switch, that illuminated the room. 

“Welcome to our new home,” he said as I stepped in, spreading his hands out. 

My mouth agape, I stared at him in shock. 

He did not.

How?!

“Before you even thank me, take a look at the apartment and tell me if you like it.” In a daze, I strolled further down the small hallway. Within seconds, I was met with the sight of a vintage looking, cozy living room that was themed ivory and chocolate. Connected to the living room, was the kitchen, it’s sparkling white tiles and silver appliances calling out to me, saying, ‘I’m yours, use me!’

To the left of me, was another small hallway which I assumed led to our bedroom. 

“Zach,” I began, but was interrupted.

“Just keep looking, go on,” he said eagerly, pushing me to the left. I walked down the hallway and opened up the first door which was to my right, a nice, simple and thankfully clean bathroom coming into view. 

Continuing on quietly, I opened up the next door a little further down, to find that it was just an empty room. Spare room, that’s awesome. 

The last door, I opened with bated breaths, as it was obviously our bedroom. I opened the door and flicked the light on, gasping at the beautiful room before me. Clearly, most of the effort had gone into designing this room. A king sized bed draped with cream coloured sheets was situated in the centre of the room, with two mirror-based bedside tables on either side. A built in cupboard was to the right of us, with sliding mirrored doors, something that was quite rare in Gaza, since it cost way too much. 

Frilled chocolate curtains were hanging over a medium sized balcony, that I could instantly see, harboured a view of the ocean. 

A small picture frame was resting on one of the tables. I walked over and picked it up, instant tears pricking my eyes at the photo. It was one of Zach and I when we were younger. In the photo, I was laughing at his bloodied knee and he was staring me down angrily. 

“Do you remember that day?” Zach asked, walking up to stand beside me, peering over my shoulder at the photo. 

“How could I not,” I laughed shakily. “That was the same day you told me you hated me. I remember we didn’t speak for a good week, before our parents forced us to.” Zach chuckled at the memory. “You know I cried every night that week?” 

“Really? Why?” Zach looked taken aback.

“Yep. I don’t know, I guess you were my only real friend back then and you had pretty much told me you loathed my existence.” 

“Oh God, if only I had known that then!”

I shrugged my shoulders. “It’s in the past.” 

“So…do you like the apartment?” he asked, after a few moments of us silently staring at the photo. I positioned it back onto the night-stand and turned to face him.

“Are you serious? I love it, Zach. I still can’t believe we have our own house. How did you manage this?!” 

He put his hands on my waist and brought me closer. “It’s a secret.” 

“Zachh,” I groaned, wrapping my hands around his neck. “Tell me.” 

“Argh, with that face how could I not.” I smirked triumphantly at his defeated expression. “I used some of the money dad left behind for me, but your dad and brother also helped. I never realised until that moment, how very stubborn the men in your family are. I declined and declined yet they still demanded they help.” 

I laughed out loud. “Sounds like dad and Noah. Thank you Zach,” I said more seriously. “You’ve truly spoilt me.” 

“You deserve nothing less. I know I can’t take you on a marvellous, romantic honeymoon to Spain or Morocco like you’ve always wanted, or travel with you to sight-see the Colosseum in Italy. I’m sorry you can’t swim in the crystal blue waters in Thailand or stay in an amazing beach hut in the Maldives. I can’t give you those things. But what I can give you is the one thing I know how to give you best; my love. And I promise you Yasmine, that I will try to show you that every single day, for the rest of our lives.” He cupped my face with one hand and used the other to wipe away my now fallen tears. 

“I don’t care about any of that,” I whispered croakily. “As long as your by my side, nothing else in this world could give me the feeling of utter and pure happiness that I’m feeling right now.”

“Rock throwers?” he whispered, reminding us of the root of our relationship. 

I smiled. “Forever.” 

****

A/N

It seems I'm forever apologising for late updates. The last week has been very stressful, as I've been doing some serious thinking about whether I want to change my degree. Today I applied to change it and insha'Allah kheir, make dua I get accepted. I also have a cousins engagement in a day, work and charity meetings which take up my time, so bear with me!

How did you guys like the chapter?! I've had two of my siblings married and I'd be damned if it isn't one of the most emotional things you'll experience. 

The competition has been extended! Comment here and let me know if you'll be participating. The ones I've read so far have been ahmayzing! 

Don't forget to comment and vote! Next chapter will be the epilogue :(