First Love

Tahir's mother told her this day would come, and it finally had. The first time was special, according to Rita Roman. She remembered her mother’s words as she walked down the aisle toward the handsome man waiting for her at the altar. He wore a black silk tux, and a massive grin covered his broad face.

It might only be a Las Vegas chapel, but the staff decorated it like a fancy church. The light from dozens of glittering white candles filled the room with warmth. Wreaths of flowers draped the pews, and crimson rose petals layered the floor. Today was a dream come true, and she wanted to remember every moment.

The slight swishing of her white silk gown accompanied each step she took toward her destiny. Tahir felt like a princess dressed up in her finery. It felt surreal, but all too soon, she was standing next to her soon-to-be husband, Mark. His polo cologne filled her nostrils, and his heat surrounded her senses.

She heard the pastor begin, “Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today...” Chills ran up her spine as Tahir listened to the marriage vows, reminding herself to cherish this day because her first love was who she would remember in the years to come. Tahir wanted this day to be perfect.

Mark read his vows to her, how he would love and protect her until the end of his days. The chills became more intense as his words were so prophetic. It was Tahir's turn, and she told him how much she loved him and would always cherish him as her first. Mark’s smile dimmed with her words, but it quickly returned even brighter.

They exchanged rings, and the pastor said, “I now pronounce you man and wife.” He then turned to Mark, saying, “You may kiss the bride.” Mark turned to her and pressed a sweet kiss on her lips.

Afterward, congratulations and champagne before Tahir and Mark headed to the hotel. In the room, they ordered room service, mostly finger food, as they were both too excited to eat. After more champagne and a trail of discarded clothing, they somehow wound up in bed, entwined in each other’s arms.

Their playfulness quickly turned to passion, and their kisses became more heated. Lying naked on the bed, Mark noticed the red hourglass on her stomach and commented on Tahir’s unusual birthmark and how it looked similar to the one on a black widow. She laughed it off, telling him all the women in her family were born with it.

Tahir couldn’t believe how tender Mark was or how good he felt inside her. Tension built, gathering in force and intensity, exploding into a wave of passion that overwhelmed her with its power. She floated in her husband’s arms, savoring the afterglow from their love-making.

She would enjoy these precious minutes because Rita had warned her this could happen from the intensity of her feelings. But her mom also told her these emotions couldn’t stop what would happen next.

So, she turned to look at Mark and gently caressed his cheek. A fireball formed in her stomach, and her insides twisted in painful knots.

The change had started.

She bent down to kiss her husband’s lips. His eyes opened, and he smiled up at her. Deep within his warm brown eyes, she saw the reflection of her proper form and watched his fear eclipse the love.

Tahir whispered to Mark, using unfamiliar vocal cords, “I’m sorry, my love, but this is what we do.”

When Mark opened his mouth to scream, Tahir ate his tongue.