Sweet Surrender

Chapter 15      Sweet Surrender

Through the clouds they flew in a private jet, Indonesia bound. Red, yellow, and orange stained the setting sky; a peaceful environment to help them survive the 9 Hours and 35 Min that remained. Across from each other in two large plush beige chairs they sat, simply staring at one another. On the opposite wall constant infomercial blabbering spewed from the tv. The plane was a luxury, though it couldn’t compare to the destination that waited. Gold panels accentuated the white walls. Mirrored doors and separators reflected beams of light from the ceiling fixtures. The thick carpet was also gold mimicking the wall panels. Beige and dark brown throw pillows were placed precisely on every other couch or chair; and a cluster of them on the full size bed hidden behind the separator. Flicking off the annoying tv chatter SB toyed with something behind his back, never taking his eyes off Nicki.

“Why you over there?”

“Oh, you want me over there?” Nic closed the space between them, adjusting herself comfortably on Safaree’s lap.

“So Bali huh? What’s there?” She wondered. Which resort would they be gracing.

“Don’t worry about it. I’m not sayin nothin. You’ll see when we get there.”

“Why it gotta be a surprise? Tell me and I’ll act surprised. Promise”

“No. You gon be surprised. Now hush.”

“Fine, be that way”

“You better act right, or you won’t get what Santa got in his pocket “

“Psh. I already had what Santa got in his pocket”

“Get ya mind out the gutter. I meant this.” He pulled a medium sized pink valor box from behind him. Nicki’s gazed locked on it. For a moment she hoped that he had her missing ring but the box was a little too big to be housing a ring. Slowly she opened the box revealing an 18K white gold and diamond dog tag. Engraved on both sides was the unseen cover art of her sophomore album.

“Oh. My. God. Thank you!”

For her to like it was all he wanted, but the excitement and appreciation she exuded meant everything. A huge smile broke across his face. She was happy, so he was happy. Her squeals seemed to echo as he placed the chain rightfully around her neck. The clear diamonds ricocheted light crystals as far as the light could reach.

“This is already the best vacation ever. Like seriously? This is so dope.”

“That’s cuz you don’t know what’s to come.”  He kissed her collar bone. “You’ll find out soon enough.”

“We have like 7, 8 hours left. Soon enough isn’t soon enough.”

“Alright, c’mon cranky.” Readjusting Nicki on his lap into a cradle position, he rubbed her back. It was expected of her to be bored and sleepy after so much idle time, but he on the other hand was too entranced in his well thought out plan to sleep.

“Why you got me layin here like some damn baby” It wasn’t a question.

“Just go to sleep, you know you want to. Keep bein smart and imma start singin.”

“No thanks.” But lying against his warm body and listening to his softened voice made fighting sleep hard. And after he lowered the lights with the remote system, she was out like a light.

While she slept SB just sat awake; listening to her breathing, while she was far away dreaming. He could stay in that moment forever, every moment with his one and only was one he’d cherish forever. Laying so close he could feel her heart beat as it accelerated and steadied over and over; wondering if he was what she was seeing.

She slept for most of the ride, spending the last two and a half hours showering Safaree with kisses, and battling it out in an angry birds competition. Finally landing she wasn’t allowed to see much; blackness took place of her vision behind a makeshift blindfold. The car ride was only 20 mins. Keeping Nicki occupied wasn’t hard; throwing false clues about where they were staying was enough.

“We here!” His high pitched, enthusiastic tone was embarrassing.

“Finally. Now take this thing off”

“No. Don’t touch it. Not yet.” SB had the driver keep a watchful eye on Nicki, making sure her hands went nowhere near the scarf shielding her eyes.

“Aight no peeking.” He demanded scooping her from the truck. In Safaree’s arms she tried to picture the scenery from the sound of the birds, water, and wind chimes. But the universal sounds were no help, nor were the mixtures of scents. Her stomach tightened with anticipation and impatience once he came to a stop.

“Now can I take it off?”

“Hold on.” Supporting her with one arm SB unlocked the door to their secluded paradise.

“We have arrived.”

A koolaid man smile took over her face as he removed her blindfold…

~TBC~