Mariyah's Blog

As the taxi wound through the streets of Stuttgart to the north and west, Ghassan could barely sit still. He couldn’t believe how quickly the day seemed to be improving and it was only yet early afternoon. He could feel the excitement that rippled off of the beauty beside him and it almost made him mad with anticipation. He suddenly wanted to show her everything; to share all the things he found beautiful and interesting. He wanted to take her lovely, milk white hand and hold it gently in his as he guided her through his world. He needed her to be a part of it all. But he knew he had to restrain himself. He didn’t want to overwhelm or frighten her. He would just simply bring her to what he had decided was the most beautiful place in Stuttgart. There, his work was nearly done for him. He wouldn’t need to push her to see what he saw; he could just stand back and watch her every reaction.

The streets seemed to go on forever. Both Ghassan and Alexandra looked out of their windows longing to see something extraordinary. Ghassan’s heart raced as suddenly, in the distance, from out of the cement, the beautiful greenery of Rosenstein Park rose like an oasis. Where they were going was just beyond.

“It’s not far now, Alexandra.” Ghassan assured both himself and girl beside him who was now appearing slightly nervous. Although she smiled happily in response, Ghassan could see that her hands were trembling as they lay neatly on her lap.

“Have you ever seen a magnolia in bloom?” Ghassan hoped a distraction would settle her.

“I think so, but I’m not sure. I don’t remember flowers types very well.” She responded quickly and he could see the colour rise in her cheeks.

“You would remember if you had.” He smiled encouragingly and, as she gave him a flirtatious sideways glance coupled with a delicate smile, he knew his distraction worked. “A Magnolia grove would surely be the entrance way to heaven. Between the blue sky and the green earth there are only blossoms of the palest pink and pure white you can imagine. Their fragrance is the perfume of the gods, sweet citrus and spice. As the petals begin to fall from the trees they almost appear as though they will hang in the air forever; swaying softly to and fro like large, feathery snowflakes. They land in the grasses to create a downy carpet beneath your feet and you can imagine that, as you walk upon them, you may be swept away to the heavens.” Ghassan nodded. “Yes. You would remember.”

“I believe that I would, too.” Alexandra said musingly.

Ghassan caught her gaze in his. Her eyes were wide and bright. They shone like translucent turquoise; the colour of the waves in the sea as the sun penetrates them the moment before they crash against the shores. Spellbound, he could think of nothing more beautiful. Even the magnolia blossom paled in comparison. He fixed his eyes upon her as if in a daze. He followed her slender nose to her soft, pink lips. They looked as though they had been touched by the brush of an angel, perfectly formed, welcoming. He moved his eyes adoringly from her lips to her eyes and back again.

Ghassan would have happily studied Alexandra’s face for sometime but he was interrupted by the abrupt halt of the taxi. His heart leapt into his throat or so it felt. They were there. Beside them, rose a most magnificent embossed, terracotta, tiled wall, not like anything else in Stuttgart. Once they had exited the taxi, Ghassan watched as Alexandra was immediately drawn to the wall. He smiled satisfactorily as she ran a finger over a simple interlace pattern. He now knew, without question, that she would appreciate what he was about to show her.