Wish

I saw him even before I opened my eyes. In my mind's eye, I saw him stir beside me in bed then open his eyes to look at me. I felt the strong arm across my waist tighten, the long, powerful fingers gently caressing my bare skin. Then he leaned in and his lips softly touched my forehead.

My eyelids fluttered open, and his dear face came into view. His eyes, dark, swirling pools of mystery, looked even more beautiful in reality than in my imagination. His red lips, the lower fuller than the upper, lifted at the corners in a striking smile. "Good morning," he murmured in a low voice.

My pale thin hand snaked from under the covers to touch his chiseled face, cupping his warm cheek in my cold palm. "Thank you, for last night. It was…" I slowly exhaled remembering what I was supposed to say, but knowing that it was not enough.

He laughed, covering my hand with his. "It's okay. I'm speechless myself."

I closed my eyes, drawing strength from him. He must have glimpsed my pained expression because he shifted position and pulled me close to his chest. "Are you regretting what happened?"

When I looked at him once more, his gaze devoured my face searchingly. I shook my head. "That's not it. I have no regrets."

"Then what is it?"

"I…" I hesitated, biting my lower lip. "I don't think I'd be able to leave now." My vision blurred with tears.

"Then don't," he said simply.

"But—what about my family? They've done so much for me… I can't just turn my back on them…"

"They love you. They'll understand."

"They probably will, in the end. But my conscience will keep on haunting me."

"Do you want to leave?" His grip on my hand increased.

I sat up slowly, pulling the covers tightly around me. "Ironically, it was all I ever wanted ever since I was little. Everything I did, all I worked for, was geared towards that dream of finding a better life outside this country. It was also what my family wanted for me, so they helped me make that dream come true."

"And now?"

"Now? I'm not so sure anymore."

He sat up against the headboard beside me. "How can you think of leaving, now that we've found each other? Are you just going to throw everything away?"

"Please, don't let me choose. You know that you're important to me too."

He sighed. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have pressured you like that, it's unfair of me. I know I'm not part of your plans. I just happened to stumble into your life by accident." He smiled wryly. "And I made a big mess of it, didn't I?"

I grinned. "What a ruckus. You appeared out of nowhere driving that sleek black Vios at high speed…"

"And slammed right into that battered old thing you called a car…"

"Good thing we both survived that accident."

"I came out of the wreck with only a few scratches and bruises, but you… You almost lost your life." He shuddered, pulling me closer.

"Nonsense. It was just a leg fracture, a hairline fracture, to boot."

"And a concussion, broken ribs, abrasions, and open wounds. I walked around carrying so much guilt for weeks. I'm so sorry." He kissed my cheek. "And I couldn't drive a car without remembering what I did to you."

"Please," I pleaded. "Stop blaming yourself. You were only trying to get to your mother in the hospital on time… You were so scared that she'd die without you saying goodbye."

"Don't defend me! I was the one who beat the red light. You didn't have to pay the price for my recklessness."

I hugged him tight. "It doesn't really matter. I'm glad it happened because if it didn't I wouldn't have met you, right?" I held his gaze lovingly and added as an afterthought, "And I wouldn't have known what I had missed."

His furious expression gave way to surprise, then instantly softened. "I love you so much," he said hoarsely.

I sighed, lifting my face to his for a kiss. "Whatever decision I make, remember that I love you, always." My breath hitched as he devoured my lips in a passionate kiss.

I blocked everything out: the sounds, the glaring light, and the distractions. I allowed myself to be lost in the emotions swirling inside me. 'I love you so much,' I thought. 'Oh Rick…'

"Cut!" A deep voice bellowed suddenly.

Rick pulled away, gave me a friendly pat on the shoulder, then crawled out of bed. He sauntered to the cameramen and the crew who were standing a few feet away. Applause erupted around us and loud joyful voices jarred me back to the present.

"Mariam! You were sensational!" Bob, the director, exclaimed as he approached. He pulled me into a bear hug. "Your acting has greatly improved. And the ad libs! They were great! Better than the script we've prepared. They made you even more convincing."

My eyes sought out Rick's tall, muscular form, amid the makeup artists and other actors. My heart lurched as I watched his handsome face light up with a smile.

Bob looked at me strangely. "It's as if—everything was real."

I whispered, "I wish it were."