Moroccan Skies
The night before the trip, you came home from attending your best friend's intimate concert that was at a local art gallery. She was a soul singer and she was collaborating with a modern artist that had his work displayed at that local art gallery. It was a fun night. After her performance, you spent time together talking about your upcoming tour that's beginning tomorrow. She introduced you to the artist. He was an older gentleman that got his start in the jazz music scene, then realized he can paint better than playing the sax. He also had a falling out with his group because he was overcoming alcoholism addiction. His affliction had negatively effected his contributions to the band, so they eventually parted ways. He went to rehab and that's where he realized he could paint. He eventually became very successful and now, a portion of his art profits benefit the rehab center with funding to better help them within community. You were impressed and decided to purchase one of his paintings for your loft, in appreciation, as well as the fact that his art was really cool and would truly enhance your space. It was also great knowing you were helping others.
At home, you finalized your packing while listening to some music in the background. When you finished, you laid out your clothes for tomorrow, changed into your lounge clothes and poured yourself a glass of wine. The light in your loft was dim, and the wall of windows overlooked the city. That was the other source of light, the twinkling city was your nightlight. You admired the skyscrapers and the vast "carpet" of lights surrounding it. You noticed the clouds above reflected the different colors of the city lights. You heard a distant rumble of thunder just before it started to rain. The water trickled down the glass of your windows creating a blurry effect and the interesting pattern of the flow was visible as shadow movements on your walls. You decided to turn off your lamps and just sit in that outside light in meditation. You switched off the music and listened to the sound of the rain as it hit your building, as well as the sound of it trickling down. You set your empty wine glass on the coffee table and decided to meditate. You closed your eyes and relaxed your body. You slowed your breath. You breathed in from your nose, and then breathed out through your mouth, slowly and consistently. You began to visualize some possible scenery of your upcoming trip. You saw orchards, old buildings, starry skies, amber colored tea in little curvy glasses, mosaic tiles, the moon emblem on a mosque structure and wall torches reflecting the rugged texture of the stone walls. You also saw a flamenco dancer with a fan in front of her face, only her eyes visible, with the beautifully done winged eyeliner.
You opened your eyes. It was clear that you were looking forward your trip! You looked at the clock and realized it was getting late and you wanted to get enough sleep so that you would be nice and alert as you leave. You tidied up and then went to get ready for bed.
The next morning, your phone's alarm chime woke you up. You didn't hesitate to get out of bed. You quickly brushed your teeth, took a shower, dried your hair and applied your makeup. You looked at the clothes you laid out and decided to switch it up to something else. You were happier in the newer look. You gathered everything, including your passport and sat at your kitchen counter with your coffee and bagel while you waited for your ride to the airport. You got a text from the driver so you locked up and went downstairs. The driver greeted you and put your luggage in the trunk as you sat in the car and closed your seatbelt. There was no traffic to the airport since it was an early Sunday morning. You saw the sunrise as you were sitting at the lounge near your gate. You had just finished your blueberry muffin and latte as they made the boarding announcement. You made it to your seat in business class. You had the window seat, to your enjoyment. You never outgrew the fun of getting a window seat in the plane, since you loved watching the view. The flight was uneventful. You read, watched a couple of movies and squeezed in a few naps in between that and meals. After about 7 to 8 hours, you arrived at Madrid. A driver was waiting for you. He took to to your hotel. After you checked in and went to your room, you texted your publicist to tell her you arrived. She mentioned that she was downstairs. You decided to meet up with her at the lobby bar. She was also staying at the same hotel and was happy to see you when you arrived. You discussed the plans over Spanish wine and tapas. It was a busy schedule, in the beginning and then the time will be more spread out towards the end of your tour. There will also be some time in between where you're free to be on your own. You wondered how you would fill your time on those moments. It was getting late so you both decided to call it a night and you each went back to your rooms with the plan to meet each-other downstairs at 11 am to begin your book tour. Your 1st week in Spain flew by quickly. You began in Madrid, then you continued in Seville, with a stop in between at a medieval orchard in Cordova. The next morning, you and your publicist boarded the plane together to head to Marrakech. It was around 2 pm when you finally arrived at your hotel. The beautiful Amanjena resort.
You were amazed by the drive up. It was like a dream place. One of your book events was to be held there so it made sense to also have you stay there as well. You had other events in the city, but the final night was to be at the resort you're staying at. It was originally supposed to take place at Chefchaouen, but the plan changed to have it at the resort. You still wanted to see that city though, so you planned to go see it on your own, when you had a free day.
After you and your publicist settled into each of your rooms, you had dinner at one of the resort's restaurants together. Then you each decided to spend time on your own, wandering the town and the resort grounds. The town was bustling, there were many street vendors, the smell of food from one corner to the smell of hookah smoke in the other. The scent of various spices were in the air. A cool breeze came and you wrapped your shawl around you. You took a staircase up to an open terrace that was overlooking the town. It was part of a coffee house. There was percussion music with a hypnotic beat playing. You looked up at the sky and saw a crescent moon in the indigo sky. Jupiter was bright and visible, in close proximity to it, at least visually, from your vantage point.
As you were admiring the views, you were approached by someone who worked at the coffee house. He asked if you would like a seat in there. You smiled and looked back to him and the coffee house just beyond him. You accepted and followed him. There were what looked like raised beds made of carved wood, and they were covered in colorful rugs. You realized the coffee house was actually open air and there were canopies surrounding a central space that had more of that type of seating. You asked if you could be seated in one of those. You wanted to see the sky. You also had a good view of the musicians playing in the corner. You went and and lounged on the bed and made yourself comfortable with a couple of the cushions.
The waiter brought you some local sweets on a platter. He set it on the rug surface nearest to you. You asked for some tea since you weren't in the mood for coffee at that time. Shortly after, he came back and poured you the tea right there from an ornate copper pot. He lifted the teapot to show the long stream of tea filling the petite glass, which was beautiful in itself. It was red with gold details. You thanked him as he set the teapot down on the tray beside you.
You were enjoying your time sipping the tea and tasting the different sweets. You leaned back a little more to get comfortable and you inadvertently leaned against the back of the person seated behind you on a nearby bed. You immediately turned around to apologize when you became momentarily paralyzed. His eyes were as green as the crystalline ocean bathed in sunlight. However his eyes were reflecting the light of the various lanterns that were throughout the coffee house.
He broke your hypnotic trance when he smiled at you and said "don't worry about it, I do that all the time". You don't remember when you even said "excuse me". You smiled and couldn't help blushing as you let out a slight nervous chuckle. You then came back to Earth and extended your hand to introduce yourself. You said your name and his eyes widened. He then responded, "the author?" You were shocked, but not really, that he recognized you. He continued, "I heard about your book tour. I'm here for my photography and when I heard you were coming, I extended my stay another night so I could attend your last event at Amanjena Resort--forgive me, I never told you my name. I'm Orion, like the constellation. My mom was into astronomy". He smiled and shook your hand back. You replied by telling him that it was nice to meet him and that you were flattered that he chose to stay for you. You were amazed at the odds of literally bumping into him randomly. You thought you would take a chance and be bold, and ask him if he wanted to join you since it appeared he was alone too. His eyes lit up again and said, "sure. I'd be honored!" You spent the evening getting acquainted and enjoying each other's company more than you expected to happen. The music was getting more happening. A Sufi dancer showed up. You did not expect that. He was wearing a colorful tunic and what looked like a skirt. He began to spin and you both focused on him with intrigue. He seemed to be in a trance hypnotic state. His "skirt" was hovering around him. It was dark until he turned on some lights that were sewn on the perimeter edge of his "skirt". It resembled a spinning galaxy.
You both were looking at the show in amazement. You didn't expect that. When his performance ended, you glanced down at your phone and realized it was pretty late. You had spent several hour there, most of it with Orion, which gave you chills, the good kind, when you thought about it. You thought about what that sensation could mean for you since it always happened when you felt like you were leveling up. You believed it was a message or confirmation from the universe that you were leveling up. You told him that you had to head back to your hotel because you had an early day tomorrow. He had a pout which you thought wad adorable. You really didn't want to leave, but you had to. When the waiter arrived, you asked for the check. When he brought it, Orion grabbed it before you had a chance. You looked at him and tried to take it from him. You were quick, but he was quicker. Before you could grab it from him, he put his card on it and ushered to the waiter, who rushed back and took it before you had the chance to take it from him. You looked at Orion and asked "Why did you do that?" He smiled and said, "I don't know the next time I could treat a talented author such as yourself, it's the least I could do". You told him that he didn't have to do that. However, you thanked him and said, "I owe you." He smiled and said, "ok, fine. If that means I can see you again. It's worth it." He was looking at you intently still smiling. You smiled back and said, "ok fine, it's a deal". When the bill was paid, you stood up and he stood up as well. He offered to walk you back, and you mentioned that he didn't have to. He said he would love to if it was ok, also his hotel was near yours, so you accepted. Along the way, you walked together, as you observed all the vendors on the path were closing up for the night. The golden light of the lanterns and torches were the only light along with all the stars and the moon in the sky. As you approached the gate to your hotel, you both stood there. You thanked him for walking you back and asked him how far his hotel was. He said that they passed it on the way here. He mentioned it was the one with the peacock garden near it. You remembered that it was relatively close by, so you didn't worry about him walking back alone, since it was a relatively short distance away. You told him that it was great meeting him. He said he was happy to meet you too, and wanted to know how he can reach you. You weren't sure, but you mentioned that you were planning on touring Chefchaouen the day after tomorrow.you had a full tour day tomorrow for your book. He smiled and said that he was actually planning to go to Chefchaouen so he could photograph it. He asked if he could join you. You said it was ok. You thought it was better than going alone, especially since you already grew fond of Orion so far. You figured you'd go with the flow while you're here. You had a good feeling about him, and thought this would be an interesting way to get to know him better. He seems to be interested in you too. That thought made you giggle, however you held your composure around him. He then gave you a hug and watched you close the gate behind you before he turned to head back to his accommodations. He stopped for a moment and ran back to the gate. He called out your name, and when you heard him, you stopped in your tracks and turned around. When you noticed him, you walk back to the gate. He had his business card out. He said he wanted you to have it just in case. You smiled and accepted it, your fingers inadvertently brushing up against his. He then smiled back in relief and said "good night" to you before he turned to go towards his hotel. You watched him from behind the gate until he turned the corner.
The next morning you had a busy day of visiting several bookstores and signing books too. You were too tired to walk around afterwards, so you stayed in your room after you finished for the day. You decided to order room service and watch a movie in order to wind down for the night. You eventually fell asleep during the 2nd movie you were watching. The next morning you got ready and went to have breakfast near your resort's lobby. After breakfast you went to wait for the shuttle that will take to to Chefchaouen. It arrived and you got on. The next stop, Orion boarded. When you saw each other, you exchanged smiles. He came and sat next to you. You bonded during the drive up, and you basically started looking like a couple as you were walking together through the cobalt corridors together. You observed him taking photos of different views and you admired his professionalism. You both admired the beauty of the environment you were in.
At dusk, the shuttle drove you both back to town. You asked him if he would like to join you for dinner that evening. He accepted without hesitation. You set a time and you finally gave him your mobile number. The shuttle stopped at his hotel first. He hugged you and mentioned that he'll text you when he gets there later tonight. You nodded and said, "see you tonight!". When you got back to your room, you quickly got out of your day clothes and hopped in the shower. You then put on your favorite dress after you applied your make-up and flat ironed your hair. You decided to wear a couple pieces of the tribal jewelry you bought from the street vendors a few days ago.
You heard the chime of your phone indicating that you received a text. It was from Orion. He said he was in the lobby. You texted back that you were on your way to meet him. You sprayed some rose perfume, put on your shoes, grabbed your purse and left your room, heading towards the lobby. When you arrived, you spotted him and walked straight over to you. He smiled when he saw you and you both hugged. Just then you heard some live music playing. You both then began to walk towards the courtyard where the Moroccan restaurant was.
You were seated right away, and before you ordered your food, you insisted that you're going to pay, so he doesn't attempt to try and do it behind your back. You already mentioned to the waiter that you're charging it to the room. Orion grinned and looked down to his menu, saying "ok, you win". You smiled and said, "now we're even", playfully.
You both enjoyed your meal as well as the live music. When you both were finished with dinner, you decided on strolling around the resort grounds together. You both seemed intrigued with each other and since the night was young, you both wanted to spend more time together. You found an enclosed garden and you both entered it, while deep in conversation. He had shared his website with you, where his photography portfolio was. You admired his artistic eye. He then explained that one of his friends recommended your book to him and that he was hooked. He loved your writing the imaginative world's you created within them. You were flattered, but you didn't know what to say, so you just said "thank you" and smiled. He smiled back. You then told him that you've never been to this part of the world before and you had hoped you would some day. He said that this was his first time here too, but he had been to neighboring countries for his photography. This current trip for him was a solo project, but he is often doing shoots for magazines in the city. You recalled some of his photos you saw on his website that reminded you of some magazines you saw relatively recently. It excited you that he was from the same city as you. You leaned back on the bench to look up at the sky. By now the stars filled the sky until the horizon. The moon and Jupiter were still visible.
You turned to him to tell him that you live in the city too. You were both amazed at the odds of your meeting here. You felt very comfortable around him. He said that he didn't expect to ever meet you, and that you were not what he expected. He added that you're very cool in person and that he feels comfortable around you. You smiled and thanked him. You also added that you felt comfortable around him too. You both sat there silently looking at the sky. There was subtle ambient music playing. The style was downtempo electronica, like chillout deep house wirh a middle-eastern flair. You both witnessed a shooting star. That was also the moment he reached out to hold your hand. You got chills again. This time when his hand touched yours. You believed this was another significant message from the universe. You couldn't quite explain it, but ever since you met him, you've been feeling those chills as well as having multiple synchronicities when it came to seeing numbers. There was a gust if wind that blew his soft curls around. He didn't seem to care that they were going in his eye. You loved his messy hair. He looked so playful at that moment. You caught yourself mesmerized by his hair blowing in the breeze. Time flew as you were talking and spending time together in this garden. By this time, it felt like you both talked about everything, including the discussions you had on the way to and from Chefchaouen. He turned to you and mentioned that you seem tired. Indeed you were. He yawned after saying that but you both didn't want to part ways just yet, but you had to since you had an early day tomorrow. You decided to walk back to the lobby with him. By this time all the restaurants and bars were closed for the night. You walked with him all the way to the gate. Before heading back to his hotel, he asked if you had any more free time before the last event that would eventually take place here, at your hotel. You mentioned that you had a tight schedule until then, even though in your mind, you wished you could spend every moment with him. You contemplated asking him to stay the night, but you talked yourself out of it because you didn't want to come across as too forward. You were starting to like him and the attraction was there, but you wanted to take it slow, as to not risk anything. Little did you know that he felt the same way. You hugged each-other at the gate. He kissed your cheek in that moment. You turned to look at him, and you decided to go for it and you kissed him on the lips as he was gazing at you. He closed his eyes and kissed you back. You were in full embrace as the breeze made both of your hair dance and intertwine. You got a rush of dopamine that woke you up from your drowsy state, however you still didn't want to risk anything when you thought about asking him to stay. He eventually left after you both agreed to meet up again tomorrow night. By that time you would be free. You walked back to your room and you had a huge grin on your face.
The next morning you got your coffee to go as you met up with your publicist. You were traveling to all the book tour areas together. Thankfully, the day flew by. Finally you were free. Your hand was a little sore from signing books all day, but you were grateful for the opportunity to do so. This was your dream, and you clutched your red jasper bracelet and thanked the universe for helping you manifest this reality.
After freshening up,you met Orion at the gate and you both walked through the town together. You were like tourists, browsing the souvenir shops, stopping in boutiques as well as food or sweets vendors for local delights. Time flew and you both had some bags of souvenirs. You saw a street vendor selling a beautiful handmade Kilim tote bag. You purchased it and put all your small bags in it. Your hands were now free, which gave you comfort. He put his purchases in his backpack. At some point you two were strolling in a public garden that had beautifully manicured greenery and a pavilion at the center. There were also fountains and random peacocks walking around. One of them had their tail feathers open as you two approached. Orion carefully took out his camera captured a few photos of it.
You admired his dedication. It was already dusk and you both decided to get some tea. This time at a different coffee house. This one was more intimate. There was a bistro table that just opened up. You both claimed it quickly. The walls were mud brick and the ceiling was a vaulted arch. There were paintings, brass and copper artifacts and textiles displayed on the walls. There were ambient lights all along the perimeter floor that shined upwards, catching the textures on the wall. The waiter set out a bowl of dates and a platter of baklava. He then brought your tea glasses and saucers and poured the tea into each of your glasses before he left. You enjoyed the loud and crowded environment together. A few times he held your hand as you were talking. You felt like your true self around him. You admired his attentive nature and you were enthralled by his eyes, then way they looked at you when you spoke. You didn't know it, but he was also captivated by you. You were so excited at the seemingly random circumstance that led for you two to meet. You thought to take a chance and really be yourself around him and tell him about your interests without holding back. You essentially laid all your cards out on the table. To your surprise, he didn't flinch, and in the contrary, was even more intrigued! In your mind, he passed test!
He walked you back to your resort for the night. You were both tired. You embraced and kissed goodnight and then he went back to his hotel, and you walked back to your room, thinking about the wonderful day you spent together. The next morning, you had a hair and makeup appointment at the spa salon. You were getting glammed up for your final event tonight. You had to be ready because there's going to be a photoshoot and then some local press were going to be in attendance so they could interview you. It was a formal dinner banquet with you as the guest of honor. You will also read chapter from your book to everyone in attendance. You were nervous and excited. You were having your coffee while your hair was being styled. Tou mentioned Orion to your stylist and she was feeling joyful for you. She reacted to everything you were telling her, and she told you that he liked you a lot. The signs were there. You felt them before, but the added confirmation from her got you excited and you couldn't wait to see him again tonight.
Fast forward to the banquet. You had already completed the photo shoot and the press interviews. Now you had a free moment to sit at the bar and have a cocktail before the doors opened for the banquet room. You noticed someone come and sit next to you. You looked up from your drink and saw Orion's beautiful face grinning at you. He then said "Hi" and then continued to grin. You thought he was being cute whenever he's silly like this. You admired his suit. He cleans up well, you thought. You hugged him and told him that you're happy he's here.
The doors opened and everyone went inside. At some point you were introduced and you walked up to the podium and began to read the chapter you chose, after greeting everyone and thanking them for being there. You glanced at your table where you saw Orion sitting there, watching you in admiration. You felt energized seeing him like that. After you finished reading your excerpt, you got a standing ovation. You noticed Orion standing up first, and then the rest followed. You could below how amazing you felt. It was euphoria. Afterwards, you went back to your seat and the party started. There was a DJ and the lights got dimmer. People kept coming up to you asking about your book, about you as well as asking for your autograph, and sometimes even a photo. After a while, you could finally give all your attention to Orion. You had a lot of fun together dancing and drinking throughout the night. As the night started winding down, you hugged your publicist as she left to go back to her room. The event was over and all your book obligations were complete. You now had the night to just be. You and Orion felt very good and you invited him up to your room. You figured there wasn't anywhere else you'd rather be, than with him. When you mentioned that, he briefly but his lip before he smiled. You held his hand as you walked toward the corridor that led to your room. It was a dim lit archway, with large glass hurricanes of white pillar candles in white sand, along the perimeter of the hall. Every now and then, beautiful Moroccan lanterns cast its patterns and colors on the wall. You got to your door, but before you could put your key card in, Orion held your waist and started kissing your neck from the back. You giggled nervously because you hoped no one would walk by. It was also ticklish since you were sensitive there. You finally got the door open and you both went inside. Once inside, you couldn't keep your hands off each-other. You turned to face him. You couldn't resist him. His cologne was intoxicating and his eyes, oh his beautiful crystal eyes were set on you. You don't know who initiated it, but you began kissing passionately. Things moved at a pace that unlocked the hidden passion between you too. This was the moment you thought about as you first felt an attraction toward him. It felt natural and as if you were already familiar with each other. The windows were open to the desert and the sheer curtains blew in with the gentle breeze that blew in. It gently blew his soft curls. You brushed them away from his face. That's when he continues to kiss you as you gently sank into the sheets and pillows under you. At some point in the night, the crescent moon caught your eye within the arch of the window. Then you closed your eyes within the euphoria of the moment. He then rest his head on your chest as you caressed his back. You both fell asleep in each other's arms, the moonlight creating shadows in your room through the sheer curtains and arched windows.
The next morning, you were still in each other's arms when you woke up from the sun dappling on the covers where you slept. You both were feeling very relaxed and happy as you took your time to get out of bed. You had nowhere you needed to be. You had a flight back home at midnight, which allowed you to spend a little more time together before you had to go to the airport. His flight back was the next morning. You both decided to take advantage of your beautiful room and planned to spend your last moments of being in Marrakech, together until you needed to check out. There was a bistro table on the terrace where you had your breakfast and eventually wine and mezze in the evening. You made plans for when you both were back in the city at the same time, while you packed your bags and changed into your travel clothes. He watched you and every so often you took breaks to focus on each other. When all you had to do was wait for the car, you cuddled together on the sofa until it became time to check out. He walked with you to the area where the car will pick you up. You waited together until it arrived. The driver put your luggage in the back. As you and Orion were standing face to face, you noticed his face blush and his eyes well up as he squeezed your hand. Your eyes began to well up too. You wished you didn't have to leave before him. You still wanted to spend every minute with him. You told yourself you will have that chance back home. He's just going to arrive a day after you. Eventually you had to go or you'd be late. You both shared your last kiss on Moroccan soil and he held your hand until you sat in the car. As you drove away, you looked back and that's when you couldn't hold back your tears. You already missed him. You couldn't see him anymore after the car turned into the main road. You turned and looked at the road as you wiped away the tears.
Sure enough, after he returned home, you kept the plans you made when you were together in Morocco. It was surreal to see him in your familiar city. You fell in love in Morocco and your love grew in the city. He printed a coffee table book from his photography and gave it to you as a gift. It was significant because you were with him during some of the photos that were taken. It stayed on your coffee table, long after he moved in with you, and long after you got married. It was the emblem of your love, your life together, that book called "Moroccan Skies".
• All photos found online via Google
Another rich and sensual journey into an unexpected but welcome romance. Thank you for this lovely moment. ❤️
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome 😊 I'm glad you enjoyed it! ❤️
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