Après (sequel to Arranged marriage with Adnan)

Chapter 4

"So then, we went snorkelling, kayaking, more swimming. Oh my gosh though, bungee jumping was great, but so scary! Oh, and then we travelled on our last day just for the full moon party. It was the best trip of my life."
"Aw, Scarlett, I'm so happy for you."
"It's only been four days, but I miss it so much. I'm glad to me back, though. I missed you more."

Rylee smiled at me as we embraced.

"What were you and Ander up to?"
"Um... Well we just hung out at home. Watched a couple movies, just some time to relax after the season's end. That's what Ander wanted."
"That's still nice. It's good to have some down time once in a while."
"I know, but your week with Adnan definitely topped ours," she laughed.

I hadn't seen Rylee since our wedding day and I missed her. It'd been a few days since we returned from Thailand. We took some time to recover and rest. Our parents came to visit us at the airport of course, though. I basically just took twenty minutes to explain our whole trip in depth. Rylee listened to every single word that left my mouth.

Today, Adnan and I were visiting Ander and Rylee. We'd gone over to their house mainly to catch up and for a swim. I went upstairs with Rylee to go get changed. She changed into a hot pink frilly bandeau bikini. It also had patterns in neon orange. She was stunning. I wore a black bikini with scrappy sides. It had a bombshell push-up halter top. We both got our swimsuits from Victoria's Secret. Our hair french braided identically.

"You two look great," Ander complimented.
"Thanks."

It was cute how Rylee still blushed like crazy when Ander complimented her. They were honestly the definition of "cute couple". They were a perfect match and just adorable. You couldn't deny that they were meant for each other.

"Scarlett, come here, I missed you."
I walked over to Ander as he hugged me, "I missed you too."
"Did you have fun though? Adnan told me all about your trip."
"It was the best."
"She means that, she spent a while telling me everything," Rylee laughed.
"Are you guys going to come in?" Adnan was in the pool.
"Patience," Ander said.
"Just get in here."

Ander started off in the shallow end and walked towards Adnan. Instead, we jumped into the pool, splashing Adnan and Ander. We played around a bit, kicking water into their faces. First, Ander got out to go jump in. He did and created a huge splash. I wiped my eyes. Next, it was Adnan's turn.

"Hey, Adnan!" Ander called.
"Yeah?"
"What're all those scratch marks on your back from?" He was smirking.
"Oh, yeah," Rylee joined in, also grinning.
"Uh..."
"By accident, I was hugging Adnan a bit too tight on the way down from bungee jumping."

I gave my best fake smile.

"You know, that hurt."
"Oops."

Adnan just dived back into the pool. He swam to the shallow end and leaned against the pool wall. He pretty much stayed like that for the remaining time in the pool. When it was time to get out, we all dried ourselves off with a towel. It had been a while, so Adnan and I decided that it was time to leave.

"Well that was nice of you guys to invite us over."
"No problem, it was fun."

Adnan and Ander hugged.

"Thanks, Rylee, I enjoyed this."
"Same. We should see each other soon, text me?"
"Yeah, of course!"
"Ok, good."
"Thanks for having us," I said to the both of them. Adnan nodded in agreement.
"Anytime."

I gave Rylee and Ander each a big hug. Then, I left with Adnan. At home, we spent the time left planting some flowers in the garden. We really wanted to make this house our "home". To do that, we wanted to have everything that made it feel welcoming. I suggested the idea of putting plants in the front and he agreed.

We were both kneeling down and digging out holes in the soil to plant the flowers. So far, we'd planted two pots of pink flowers. We also had white flowers to still plant.

"Nice cover up."
"Huh?"
"At the pool," he laughed.
"Oh," I was laughing too now, "Well, you looked lost for words, so of course I had to step in!"
"Ha, well thanks."
I smiled to myself, "No problem. But seriously that bungee jumping was some of the most scariest shit I've done... But it was fun and I loved it."
"How can you be terrified of it, yet love it?"
"I don't know, I like the rush."
"Would you do it again?"
I thought, "Hmm... Only if you were there holding onto me. I feel safer."

I felt my cheeks get warmer and felt a tingling sensation in my stomach. Even now that we're married Adnan can still make me feel like he did in the beginning. He looked up at me and he was grinning.

"I like you being there, it's my job to protect you."

We had a short moment there. Our hands touched and our eyes locked. It was a perfect paradise even though we had left paradise a few days ago.