Chapter 35: Jamaican dishes

I hurriedly rose from the bed an hour later, devouring the fried chicken Aaron had ordered and relishing the sweet watermelon—it was absolutely divine. After swallowing the paracetamol and inhaling the refreshing scent of peppermint oil, I resolved to get some rest. The bed beckoned, its coziness enveloping me as I adjusted the AC for optimal comfort. Drifting off was effortless, and my dreams were filled with visions of pristine beaches and delightful adventures planned for the day ahead.

My slumber was interrupted by Aaron's entrance into the room. "Hey, beautiful, are you still asleep?" he inquired, seeking some time together. "No," I muttered, turning away. Undeterred, Aaron leaned in to kiss me. "What? What do you mean no?" he protested. "Come here." "Go away," I insisted. "It's the second day in a row that you don't let me rest properly." Ignoring my plea, he persisted, prompting my frustration to boil over. "Okay, fine, I'll join you in bed," he relented. "So, what is one thing that you would love to try here?" he asked, attempting to engage me. "Aaron, stop it," I snapped. "I'm really trying to wake up. Don't ask me stupid questions right now. I'm not gonna answer you." Annoyed, I barked as he playfully placed ice on my neck, exacerbating my irritation.

"Yes, annoying is my second name," he quipped. "So, you were saying?" I seethed, swiping the bag of chips from his grasp. "Aaron, you're really not funny. Go away." Reluctantly, he acquiesced, suggesting we try the mud mask another time. "Tomorrow?" I objected. "No, Aaron, we have so many trips planned. Let's save it for another day." Despite my protest, Aaron agreed, settling onto the bed with a bag of chips. "I really think you're pregnant," he teased. "Just do a test, because this eating isn't it?" Rolling my eyes, I dismissed his suggestion. "No, I'm eating because you're stressing me," I retorted, refusing to entertain the idea.

"Okay, let's go downstairs. You really need to have another meal right now," Aaron insisted. "Yeah, okay," I acquiesced, quickly applying some makeup and ensuring I looked presentable. After a brief rest, we descended the stairs together, Aaron holding my hand tightly.

"So, what can it be for you?" the waiter inquired as we took our seats. We started with a drink, and he recommended some of the finest rum made in Jamaica. Instantly, we agreed to try it. Then, he inquired about our dinner choices. I opted for ackee with saltfish, while Aaron chose some jerk chicken, served with greens on the side. Impatiently, we awaited our food, eager to indulge in the local cuisine.

For snacks, we ordered some banana fritters and hot Jamaican shrimps. Everything arrived simultaneously, presenting a delightful spread of dishes. I couldn't contain my excitement at the sight of so much delicious food, eager to savor every bite. Paired with the rum, it was an absolute delight, and Aaron seemed to be enjoying it just as much.

"God, this is so good. I'm already loving this vacation," I remarked to him between mouthfuls.

"Yeah, same here," he agreed.

We continued to indulge in our meal until we were completely stuffed, unable to move. Despite being tempted by the prospect of more food, we decided to settle for some water instead, content with the culinary experience we had just enjoyed.

We talked a lot about important stuff and also unimportant stuff. We talked about how we were going to plan the wedding. And whether we really wanted to move back to Australia or just remain in Suriname. I love to be there. I am not really a family person to my family because we... We always enjoy having some time alone from each other. There are days where we all enjoy each other's company. But some days we really just love to be alone. So I didn't really care to be far away from my family. But Aaron was a family person. So I told him it was up to him to think about it. If he wanted to move away from his family again or not. Of course the answer was yes. But I told him to rethink before he makes some decisions. He is just mad at his mother now. So he will do everything to fight her, which is not good.

He complimented me, playing with my hands as he expressed admiration for my seriousness. I chuckled at his comment, reminding him of the importance of taking my advice seriously to avoid potential issues. His response was a tender kiss, a silent acknowledgment of our mutual affection.

We decided against ordering more food, still feeling stuffed from our earlier meal. However, I opted for some coconut water as a light and refreshing option, perfect for quenching our thirst without adding to our fullness.

We decided to take a leisurely stroll, eventually finding ourselves at Negril Beach. The sight was breathtaking, with the wind gently tousling my hair as we stood there together. Aaron affectionately played with my hair, calling me his beautiful wife. We held each other close, mesmerized by the enchanting sunset painting the sky.

We made plans to return the next day for snorkeling, captivated by the picturesque scene before us—the sun's reflection dancing on the water's surface. Unable to resist, I snapped numerous photos, capturing the magic of the moment. Aaron joined in, taking pictures of me and sharing in the joy of our time together.

As we exchanged playful banter and snapped selfies, Aaron requested that we refrain from posting them just yet, preferring to keep our whereabouts in Jamaica a secret from his family back in Australia.

We made our way back to the restaurant's lobby, craving more of the delicious drinks they offered. As we settled in, we were treated to the captivating performance of a talented lady in the corner. Her soft, soulful voice filled the air, accompanied by the gentle strumming of her guitar. It was evident that her music emanated from deep within her heart.

Adorned with beautiful locs in her hair and adorned with elegant jewelry embellished with pearls and seashells, she exuded a stunning aura. Her attire, reminiscent of the beach with its flowing, elegant design, added to her allure.

I found myself entranced by her music, the gentle breeze, and the overall ambiance of the evening. It was moments like these that reminded me of the importance of treating myself and indulging in life's simple pleasures more often.