She returned to her work tidying the office, whistling as she worked. The room was immaculate and she watered the plants that stood in each corner and arranged books and folders neatly.
Her name is Karen. She sat down next to me and we talked like old friends just meeting for the first time. I really liked her and we spoke about everything. By the time Mr. Green returned I felt as if I had known her for a lifetime. It felt amazing. I looked again at her. Even wearing a dirty blue overall she looked beautiful. She was a bright light and her whistling filled the room with life and happiness. She looked happy. Maybe I would be that happy one-day.
Even after Mr. Green had returned and she had left us alone my mind was racing. I had an image of her in my mind. I had never, until this day believed in love at first sight.
June 12th 2000
Today has been the happiest day of my life. Right from the beginning up until the end. I have been waiting for this day since I first met Karen. It was love at first sight. Today is the day I got married. It is our wedding day. I have not been as happy as I am now ever before in my life. The whole day was perfect, just like it should have been. I couldn't have improved it in any way even if I tried.
In the huge, old and beautiful church sunlight gazed in through the stained glass windows. I waited at the front. My whole body felt nervous at the thought of her not turning up. I knew it was unlikely but it was the thought that settled at the back of my mind. It was a thought that scared me but all those negative thoughts were forgotten as a tremendous feeling of excitement came over me. She was here. It was an overwhelming experience that I had not felt before. I am still holding the best feeling now and I never want it to end. I am in love. Well and truly in love.
I turned to look down the centre aisle of the church towards the sky high wooden doors situated at the back of the church. There stood my Karen and she looked even more beautiful than ever. She looked spectacular. Her ivory gown flowed graciously to the floor and her long tumbling curls fell below her shoulders. Her tanned face glowed brightly with genuine happiness. The happiness was shared within me too. As she proceeded to walk down to the front, guests turned and looked adoringly. She looked a picture. The ceremony was perfect. Nothing went wrong.
Afterwards the celebrations started all over again. Congratulations could be heard from all areas of the great hall. Family members and friends talked and sipped champagne. We danced, for the first time as man and wife, together forever. The whole day was like a dream come true.
June 19th 2000
Here it is wonderful. The sun's rays beam down onto the scorched white sand every minute of the day. The tropical blue sea creeps up to the sand in small rippling waves. Barbados is a place of many things. It is relaxing but most importantly romantic. I am so pleased that this is where we are spending our honeymoon. The first two weeks of our married life in this paradise.
From our bedroom balcony we can see the huge pool surrounded by palm trees and sunbeds. The palm trees encircled the pool and added to the tropical feel to the area. Countless people relaxed on the sunbeds and the area was suitably quiet.
Today we spent lunchtime on a secluded part of the white sandy beach. Our hotel prepared a special picnic for us. We lay there side by side sipping the champagne. The food was divine but the company more so. The splashes of the waves could be heard softly. Afterwards we walked along the shore hand in hand. The warm seawater skimmed over our feet and then retreated as we paddled.
Karen looked wonderful. She always does. She is really enjoying herself. It makes me so happy when she herself is. Her curly hair flew back in the slight breeze and her lightly made up face glistened in the sunlight.
Here we can both totally forget about the stresses of everyday life. It feels so good to be so far away from the place I call home. It will not be for long though. Another week and we will be back alongside the others that we so dearly care for. Our family.
