Just for Wedding's Sake - Complete Episode 3

“Out of the coincidences of life, much is envisaged in matters of the heart. Therefore, it is worthy of note that our lifetime better halves are not location bound. They can come from any place at all.” Quote by Ann

However difference their age may be, they were born and grew at the same neighborhood. They probably might have at least played together without realizing it. Fate brought them together! Through coincidence, their families relocated to the same state. But was it also coincidence that led them to meet. Perhaps it was more than that. It was…

Ever since my visit at the Clinton's residence, my communication with Danny became so slim until it finally diminished. I had returned to my studies with unreserved focus, and the thought of Danny or any of its kind was the least of my distraction. This was much easier since Danny had not proposed any love for me. Hence I decided to restrict my own emotion from moving farther than it ought. “Aren't we supposed to be just friends and nothing more?” I reassured myself, willing to suppress whatever feelings I might developed for him. Moreover, the study activities in school was pretty much to keep one very busy. My family, especially my father had so much expectations of me and that I cannot afford to disappoint.

How time flies! The semester examination came and gone and students were ready for another holiday. I was gathering my items together, getting ready to go home the next day when my phone rang. “Oh my goodness. Could this be real?” I exclaimed when I saw the caller’s identity. “Hel..he..ello!” I stammered as I brought the phone close to my ears. “Hi! Nabel. How have you been?” came the voice on the other end. “Am fine. Where have you been Danny? It’s been a while.” I was inquisitive but at the same time excited. To be honest, I did not totally forgot about Danny but since I had tried severally to contact him to no avail, I decided to get focused. Moreover, he was supposed to have contacted me.

“I can explain Nabel. Ever since you left, I couldn’t concentrate. Don’t get me wrong, I should have told you about it but I thought perhaps, em…staying away from you could help but it didn’t. Believe me” He heaved a deep sigh. I was silent, my heart began pounding. Could what he just said be the same interpretation in my mind? But I have to be sure before saying arriving at conclusion. “Are you there? Hello!” He spoke again. “Yes am here. What are you talking about, is everything alright with you?” I asked at last. “I will see you when you return. Whatever I have to tell you is very important to me. I got to go now.” He dropped the call. Notwithstanding, I held the phone to my ear for few more minutes as though he’s going to return to the call. Finally, I brought myself to sit on my mattress, trying to figure out what those statement meant. “Whatever I have to tell you is very important to me.” I repeated, still confused.

My family was so excited when I arrived for the holiday. I was happy too because I have missed them a lot, especially my youngest brother whom I was very fond of. I nicknamed him Bobo. I came from a family of eight, four ladies and two boys including my mother and father. Surprisingly, my elder sisters was around and my younger sister also returned from school for holidays. Though the holidays was a short one, I was going to spend it in a full house. Later in the evening after dinner, Bobo handed me an envelope which he said was for me. “Who could have sent this? I wasn’t expecting any mail.” I said and opened the envelope. “Wow! Wow! This is really good. But he could have brought it here instead of sending it via the post office.” I was suggestive, but on a second thought, I realized I was yet to introduce him to my family. I shrugged my shoulder and showed the photograph to everyone.

“Mum, it was the photograph we took during last Christmas date, remember?” I explained. “Oh yes, I remember. It looks great!” My mother complimented. “Thanks Mum.” I smiled. 

“My Oh My! Isn’t this Daniel? Look at how much he has grown now. Very tall, just like his mother…hmmm.” Clara, my eldest sister exclaimed, she looked so stunned. Everyone drew closer to have a better look at the image she was pointing at. “Do you know Danny?” I inquired, my confusion written over my face. She didn’t respond, instead she turned to mother. “Mum, do you remember the Clinton?” Mother nodded. “That’s Daniel, the first son. They relocated before we followed suit. See how big a man he has become now!” She went on in exclamation. “Oh yes! Oh yes! You are right. The resemblance is not hidden at all.” Mother was affirmative. With mother’s further explanation, it became clear to me that I have heard that name “Clinton” before but that was at my tender age.

We used to reside at a neighboring state with the Clinton's residence few miles away from ours until we relocated soon after the Clintons. As for Danny, I never knew he existed then and vice versa. My family relocated when I was only eight and not only that, Danny and I might not have crossed path and whatever happened then could have skipped my memory. I am very sure Mrs. Clinton didn’t remember too, else she could have recognized that when I visited them. “Anyways, I am a grownup now and would definitely look difference.” I thought. “Nabel, I bet you and Daniel were born to stick together for life.” Clara joked. She has a way of making matters sound funny. “You can’t be too sure.” I laughed. We spent the rest of the time discussing about my family and the Clinton before we finally bade ourselves good night.

That night, I kept rolling from one end of my bed to another. Sleep was far-fetched as the thought of my new discovery overwhelmed me. I was imagining how Danny would react to this whole episode. Then something struck my mind, “Whatever I have to tell you is very important to me.” I recalled Danny’s statement the last time he called me. “Could it be he was already aware of this? Was that the important thing he would like to tell me or is there something else I need to know.” All these and many more stole my sleep that night. I was tempted to call him but by mere looking at the time, I felt discouraged. It was already pretty late in the midnight. It wasn’t until around 3:50 am that sleep finally took hold of me and I dozed off.

When I woke up the next day, the first thing that got my attention was the beeping from my phone. “Let’s meet in the evening, I will pick you up if you are less busy.” It was Danny in his usual straight forward manner. I immediately checked my schedules and thus it was not too tight. I had to get busy that morning, run errand for mother as quickly as I could and luckily, my sisters were around to assist me in some house chores. Soon I was set to meet Claire whom I had earlier had an appointment with. Claire was my high school best friend and soon after graduation, both of us got admission the same year but different institutions. We hadn’t seen each other in a while as we both normally had different period of holidays except for Christmas, but then she always had to go on vacation with her family. However, this time around, our holidays coincided.

I was so engrossed in discussion with Claire. There was really a whole lot to talk about, our schools, friends, newly acquired hobbies and lots more until I remembered him. I was careful not to slip my tongue to Claire about Danny since I wasn’t sure of the exact definition of our relationship at that moment. Later on, I left Claire earlier than I had wanted and headed home. As soon I entered our living room, I met the unexpected surprise. There he was sitting on the couch with Clara at the opposite one. They were chatting and laughing like an old time buddies. Mother was there and too while Bobo was busy with his video game.

“Uncle, next time you come around, I’d like us to play games together.” That was Bobo, he had always loved games since he was three. “Definitely, we will!” Danny affirmed.

“Danny! What a surprise! What are you doing here?” I was dumbfounded. I went over and sat beside mother. “Nabel, uncle has been waiting for you.” Bobo spoke again without looking up. His attention was fixed on the game he was playing. “But you told me earlier that you would be meeting him.” Clara inquired, more like a question than a statement. “Yeah but you know…” I paused a while, look around their faces then continued. “I never knew he would come around here. I hadn’t got opportunity to introduce him to the family.” I shrugged. “That’s no longer necessary, Daniel was a family before now.” Mother said at last, describing how closely she had got along with Mrs. Clinton. They were still on same topic while I went into my room, changed and left with Danny.

“So, where are we heading to?” I asked him a while after we had drove away from my residence. “To Gracia Park. I discovered a new place I would like to show you.” He replied. Gracia Park is one of the largest parks around. Although it is still new, it has gained a lot of popularity. I have never been there before and that made it more exciting. After being held by several traffic lights, Danny switched to the left side of the road and parked in front of Lawson store. “You stay here while I go inside there. Will be out in a minute.” He said while pointing at the entrance door of the store. I simply nodded as he dashed out of the car and proceeded towards the store. Within a short while, he came out carrying two shopping bags filled with some goodies, perhaps edibles. He dropped the bags at the passenger’s seat behind me and we drove off.

When we arrived at the park twenty minutes later, everywhere look just like any other parks. “So, what’s its popularity all about?” I wondered. “The unique feature about this park is its natural endowment as you will find out soon.” He explained as though he was reading my thoughts. We walked past several people who were taking photographs of themselves and the surrounding before we emerged at a large hectare of fields carpeted in green grasses. A number of tall trees could be seen here and there and there were few people sitting about the ground. The environment was very peaceful and calm and the singing birds displayed background songs as they flew and perched from one tree to the other. Between the slight sloppy parts of the fields is a green pond which explains why the surrounding air is lightly humid and chill. There were also few ducks floating on the pond and some leaves from the tree branches as well.

The appearances of the Green field won my admiration more than anything else. As we drew closer, I had a complete view of the entire field at a glance. Roughly by estimate, one would deduce that the field occupied a large space that could accommodate two or more houses. There were also few swings that welcomes many children to its playfulness. Some wooden benches were positioned to be occupied by anyone in particular, especially older folks. Surrounding the trimmed greenly field were hedges of growing beautiful flowers which attributed the park its lovely and eye-catching appearances. So, as we were about settling down close to the pond, I just realized how much I found it pleasurable to relax amidst some cool fresh air. 

All the while I was carried away by the amazing environment, Danny and I never spoken a word. I thought perhaps he too was in wonderment of the lovely arena, little did I knew that there were something more to his silence than I could imagine. We unpacked the content of the bags he brought from the store. There were apple, lemon and cola drinks, snacks, chocolates, cakes, water and some banana. “That’s a whole lot!” I exclaimed. “Yeah, I didn’t know what you would like, so I had to bring varieties.” He shrugged. I went for the lemon drink while he preferred the cola. We ate the snacks and few others in silence while both focusing our gaze at the pond, I was enjoying the entertainment displayed by the swimming ducks.

“I hope you like this place.” It was more of a question. I looked up at him and smiled. “It’s amazing. Thanks for suggesting we come here.” I said. He smiled back, then held my hand. “Nabel, I’m planning to leave the state soon. I got a job at the capital territory and shall be gone by next week.” He said calmly. “That’s a good news! Congratulations!!” I complimented him. “You don’t seem excited about it. But you’ve always wanted to reside out of the state.” I continued, after which there were silence for a while. “I’m happy that I shall be leaving. I’m really happy that I shall henceforth be independent but you see…somehow, I ain’t happy that I won’t get to see you for a long while.” He paused, took a deep breath and continued. “Nabel, that’s why I wish to ask you to be my wife. Please let’s get married.” He was in his most calmness. He held my hand and eyes still for a while longer waiting for my response. By his looks, I knew he was deep searching my heart with those eyes to determine my stands…he was unsure.

“Sorry Danny, but I’m not ready yet. I don’t think I can handle such commitment now, coupled with my studies.” I firmly made my reasons known to him at last. “Nabel, even if you aren’t ready now, I can give us more time. All I want is for you to be there for me even while I’m away.” He swallowed hard. “Very well then, as long as you don’t get tired of waiting. You are already a graduate but for me, I still have a long way to go.” I obliged. We talked about a lot of things later on, about his new job, his expectations, the few challenges that he might encounter and his readiness to adapt. As late evening approached, we left the park hoping to continue conversing on phones…That was his first proposal!

End of Episode 3!

    Watch out for Episode 4...

This story is undiluted and comprises of the author's imagination and experience. No part of this write-up should be duplicated elsewhere. Please, make use of the comment box for your opinion, contributions and corrections. 

Just for Wedding's Sake - Episode 3

“Out of the coincidences of life, much is envisaged in matters of the heart. Therefore, it is worthy of note that our lifetime better halves are not location bound. They can come from any place at all.”

Quote by Ann

However difference their age may be, they were born and grew at the same neighborhood. They probably might have at least played together without realizing it. Fate brought them together! Through coincidence, their families relocated to the same state. But was it also coincidence that led them to meet. Perhaps it was more than that. It was…

Ever since my visit at the Clintons residence, my communication with Danny became very slim until it finally went out of the blues. I had returned to my studies with unreserved focus, and the thought of Danny or any of its kind was the least of my distraction. This was much easier since Danny had not proposed any love for me. Hence I decided to restrict my own emotion from moving farther than it ought. “Aren't we supposed to be just friends and nothing more?” I reassured myself, willing to suppress whatever feelings I might developed for him. Moreover, the study activities in school was pretty much to keep one very busy. My family, especially my father had so much expectations of me and that I cannot afford to disappoint.

How time flies! The semester examination came and gone and students were ready for another holiday. I was gathering my items together, getting ready to go home the next day when my phone rang. “Oh my goodness. Could this be real?” I exclaimed when as I saw the caller’s name. “Hel..he..ello!” I stammered as I brought the phone close to my ears. “Hi! Nabel. How have you been?” came the voice on the other end. “Am fine. Where have you been Danny? It’s been a while.” I was inquisitive but at the same time excited. To be honest, I did not totally forgot about Danny but since I had tried severally to contact him to no avail, I decided to get focused. Moreover, he was supposed to have contacted me.

“I can explain Nabel. Ever since you left, I couldn’t concentrate any longer. Don’t get me wrong, I should have told you about it but I thought perhaps, em…staying away from you could help but it didn’t.” He heaved a deep sigh. I was silent, my heart began pounding. Could what he just said be the same interpretation in my mind? But I have to be sure before saying anything. “Are you there? Hello!” He spoke again. “Yes am here. What are you talking about, is everything alright?” I spoke at last. “I will see you when you return. Whatever I have to tell you is very important to me. I got to go now.” He dropped the call. Notwithstanding, I held to phone to my ear for few more minutes as though he’s going to return to the call. Finally, I brought myself to sit on my mattress, trying to figure out what those statement means. “Whatever I have to tell you is very important to me.” I repeated, still confused.

My family was so excited when I arrived for the holiday. I was happy too because I have missed them a lot, especially my youngest brother whom I have grown to become fond of that I nicknamed him Bobo. I came from a family of eight, four ladies and two boys including my mother and father. Surprisingly, my elder sisters was around and my younger sister also returned from school for holidays. Though the holidays was a short one, I was going to spend it in a full house. Later in the evening after dinner, Bobo handed me an envelope which he said was a my mail. “Who could have sent this? I wasn’t expecting any mail.” I said and opened the envelope. “Wow! Wow! This is really good. But he could have brought it here instead of sending it though the post office.” I was suggestive, but on a second thought, I realized I was yet to introduce him to my family. I shrugged my shoulder and showed the photograph to everyone.

“Mum, it was the photograph we took during last Christmas date, remember?” I explained. “Oh yes, I remember. It looks great!” My mother complimented. “Thanks Mum.” I smiled. 

“My Oh My! Isn’t this Daniel? Look at how much he has grown now. Very tall, just like his mother…hmmm.” Clara, my eldest sister exclaimed, she looked so stunned. Everyone drew closer to have a better look at the image she was pointing at. 

“Do you know Danny?” I inquired, my confusion written over my face. She didn’t respond, instead she turned to mother. “Mum, do you remember the Clinton?” Mother nodded. “That’s Daniel, the first son. They relocated before we followed suit. See how big a man he has become now!” She went on in exclamation. 

“Oh yes! Oh yes! You are right. The resemblance is not hidden at all.” Mother was affirmative. With mother’s further explanation, it became clear to me that I have heard that name “Clinton” before but that was at my tender age.

We used to reside at a neighboring state with the Clinton's residence few miles away from ours until we relocated soon after the Clinton. As for Danny, I never knew he existed then and vice versa. My family relocated when I was only eight and not only that, Danny and I might not have crossed path and whatever happened then could have skipped my memory. I am very sure Mrs. Clinton didn’t remember too, else she could have recognized me when I visited them. 

“Anyways, I am a grownup now and would definitely look difference.” I thought. “Nabel, I bet you and Daniel were born to stick together for life.” Clara joked. She has a way of making matters sound funny. “You can’t be too sure.” I laughed. We spent the rest of the time discussing about my family and the Clinton before we finally bade ourselves good night.

That night, I kept rolling from one end of my bed to another. Sleep was far-fetched as the thought of my new discovery overwhelmed me. I was imagining how Danny would react to this whole episode. Then something struck my mind, “Whatever I have to tell you is very important to me.” I recalled Danny’s statement the last time he called me. “Could it be he was already aware of this? Was that the important thing he would like to tell me or is there something else I need to know.” All these and many more stole my sleep that night. I was tempted to call him but by mere looking at the time, I felt discouraged. It was already pretty late in the midnight. It wasn’t until around 3:50 am that sleep finally took hold of me and I dozed off.

When I woke up the next day, the first thing that got my attention was the beeping of my phone. “Let’s meet in the evening, I will pick you up if you are less busy.” It was Danny in his usual straight forward manner. I immediately checked my schedules and thus it was not too tight. I had to get busy that morning, run errand for mother as quickly as I could and luckily, my sisters were around to assist me in some house chores. Soon I was set to meet Claire whom I had earlier had an appointment with. Claire was my high school best friend and soon after graduation, both of us got admission the same year but different institution. We hadn’t seen each other in a while as we both normally had different period of holidays except for Christmas, but then she always had to go on vacation with her family. However, this time around, our holidays coincided.

I was so engrossed in discussion with Claire. There was really a whole lot to talk about, our school, friends, hobbies and lots more until I remembered him. I was careful not to slip my tongue to Claire about Danny since I wasn’t sure of the exact definition of our relationship at that moment. Later on, I left Claire earlier than I had wanted and headed home. As soon I entered our living room, I met the unexpected surprise. There he was sitting on the couch with Clara at the opposite one. They were catting and laughing like an old time buddies. Mother was there and too while Bobo was busy with his video game.

“Uncle, next time you come around, I’d like us to play games together.” That was Bobo, he had always loved games since he was three. “Definitely, we will!” Danny affirmed.

“Danny! What a surprise! What are you doing here?” I was dumbfounded. I went over and sat beside mother. “Nabel, uncle has been waiting for you.” Bobo spoke again without looking up. His attention was fixed on the game he was playing. “But you told me earlier that you would be meeting him.” Clara inquired more like a question than a statement. “Yeah but you know…” I paused a while, look around their faces then continued. “I never knew he would come around here. Hadn’t got opportunity to introduce him to the family.” I shrugged. “That’s no longer necessary, Daniel was a family before now.” Mother said at last, describing how closely she had got along with Mrs. Clinton. They were still on same topic while I went into my room, changed and left with Danny.

To be continued...

This story is undiluted and comprises of the author's imagination and experience. No part of this write-up should be duplicated elsewhere. Please, make use of the comment box for you opinion, contribution and correction. 

Just for Wedding's Sake - Episode 1

**This story is undiluted piece of write-ups that results from the author's imagination and experiences. Your comments, contributions and corrections are very much appreciated.**

"Some say distance widens the bridge between lovers and pulls them apart, but to us, it has bridged the gap between us and strengthens us the more. I can't wait to set my eyes on you, I can't help feeling like I just fall in love with you! The same feelings I had for you six years ago when I first fall in love."

Quote by Ann

Nabel has been away from the country for one year. During her stay abroad, she came to term with Danny, who has been the unsteady love of her life for close to six years. With consistent communication through email, facebook and skype, their love for each other was many times rekindle. They could not wait to meet themselves! Now, her exchange program abroad and she is en-route to her homeland, the first person she ever wanted to meet was....

Episode 1

I heaved a sigh of relieve as I alighted from the flight. "Oh! At last. Thank God!" I gushed as I headed toward the airport hall to claim my luggage. Later on, I dragged my luggage towards the entrance of the airport. I found a corner and decided to stay there and wait for him. It was getting pretty late in the evening and my attention was caught by pleasantries and hugs exchanged by numerous relatives that have come to welcome and convey their loved ones home and I began to wonder what kept him from arriving soon. All of a sudden, I was engulfed by feelings I could not describe...perhaps, mixed feelings.

 "Oh God! Why am I feeling this way? Aren't you supposed to be excited?" I asked myself rhetorically. The past three days has been extremely excited for me as I couldn't wait to meet him. "I wonder what he will look like now and what he will think of my own look." I thought aloud. Aside from the few video chat we had while I was out of the country, the memory of his appearance I had was that of one year ago before I traveled abroad. I became nervous rather than excited, perhaps because I wasn't sure how our reunion will turn out to be...I never thought of that.

"Nabel". I almost jumped up from the corner I was sitting. Lo and behold he was standing before me, few foots apart, tall and elegant looking. I was still in shock not because I wasn't expecting him but because I was engrossed in my thoughts that I didn't know when he arrived. "How long have you been staring at me?" I asked, trying to compose myself. I was unsure of what next to say or do. I lost it, I thought to myself.  I had fantasied of running into his embrace and hugging him tightly with tears in my eyes because I have missed him so much. But now, it is better imagined than act. He didn't utter a word nor answer my unexpected question. Perhaps, he too was speechless. My heart ripped immediately as he stretched out his both arm. Before one could say "Jack Robinson". I rushed into his embrace and hugged him tightly.

"Fantasy come true." I said to myself while still in his embrace and then I felt this tiny tears of joy strolling down my cheek. "It's getting dark and the taxi is waiting." He said as he held my both cheeks and kissed my forehead. He dragged my big luggage while I took the small carry-on as we head where the taxi is parked. For close to fifteen minutes, there was calm silence. I was having a lot of conflicting thoughts within me and perhaps, likewise him. “Has he been dating someone else in my absence? Who wouldn’t want him, he looks more handsome, tall and broad.” I felt some twinges of jealousy in my thoughts as I fixed my gaze at the driver’s side mirror, while noting his glances slightly with the corner of my eyes. I knew he was watching my countenances but I was trying hard not to allow my thoughts surface on my facial expression. 

“Don’t worry, we have only fifteen more minutes left to reach our destination.” He assured placing his hand above my mine which was resting on my thigh. A chilled feeling ran through my spine but I tried not to show it. “How was your trip down here?” I guess he was trying to initiate a conversation. Maybe, he want to disperse the silence that has already dominated us. “It was very great.” I replied, shrugging my shoulder with broad smiles on my face. “Your smiles…you…you have not changed at all.” He pinched my cheek as his laughter echoed inside the taxi. “What do you expect?” I gave him a funny facial expression as I laughed aloud.

He has always wondered why I am always fond of smiling even at odd moments, the reason he is yet to comprehend. That’s just me. I have a way of smiling even when things are not going well. We are still conversing and laughing when the taxi pulled at one corner of a street. “There we are! Welcome back.” He announced, got down, moved to the other side and opened the car and motioned me to come down. “Thank you.” I said. I was already very tired after boarding up to several flights and now, the taxi. “Thank God for journey mercy.” I said. It’s already dark, about 7:25pm. I heaved a sigh of relieve as we proceed with the luggage towards the staircase. His room is at the fourth and last floor, hence we had little difficulty moving the luggage up. As soon as he unlocked the door and we are in, I threw myself on the bed leaving him to bring the luggage inside by himself. By the time he finished. I was almost half asleep.

“Warm or cold bath, which do you prefer?” His question arose me. I opened my eyes. “Oh! Am so tired.” I exclaimed. “Yes I know but you must take your birth while I get busy in the kitchen. Would you like cold or warm bath? He asked again. “I think cold one will be okay. The weather is very hot here." I replied, pulling myself up from the bed. “Here is towel. Just wait a minute while I fixed something.” He said, heading towards the bathroom. I quickly undressed and wrapped my body with the white towel. “Everything is set now. You go ahead and have your bath while I fix the dinner.” He moved toward the kitchen even without giving me a second look. “Thanks.” I said and dashed to the bathroom. Ten minutes after my bath, dinner was ready and we ate in silence. He finished eating before me and proceed to take his bath. I took the plate and dumped them in the sink when I finished. Immediately I was returned to the bed, I dozed off.

“What are you doing? Have you not been sleeping?” I asked lazily, pulling the blanket aside. “It’s morning, but still very early. Go back to sleep.” He replied. I tried to recollect the event of last night, then it dawn on me that he was still in the bathroom when I slept off. I looked at the wall clock and it was 3:05 am. Yes he’s right. It’s still very early but what could he be reading at this time. I wondered.  “Am fully awake now. What are you reading?” I was curious. “The Secret by Rhonda Byrne. “ He said, placing the book on the desk and heading towards the bed. “How long have you been awake?” I asked, now facing him as he sat on the bed. “Only thirty minutes. How do you feel now?” 

His eyes met mine and remained fixed. “B…better. What about you, did you sleep well?” I stammered. “Not really…” I couldn’t allow him finish. “Why…Is anything the matter?” I almost interrupted him. I was inquisitive and nervous at same time. “I was thinking of the right way to tell you this…the appropriate way to let you know that…that…” I was then impatiently waiting for him to finish his sentence. The he paused, without his eyes leaving mine. Then followed silence for few seconds. He swallowed hard. “Let’s grow old together. Please be my wife.” I heaved a sigh of relieved, then swallowed hard too. “Of course! I have already accepted to marry you long time ago. You needn’t ask me again.” He dipped his hand in his pocket, brought out a little case, took the diamond golden ring and slipped it on my finger. “You like it?” He smiled. “It’s beautiful!” I smiled too. Just then, our faces met, followed by a long passionate kiss. “Am not surprise.” I said, pulling my face from his. “About what?” he asked, still cupping my face with his hand. “This is the fourth proposal remember!” I giggled. “Indeed, you are right.” He laughed.

Watch out for Episode 2..!

This story is undiluted and comprises of the author's imagination and experience. No part of this write-up should be duplicated elsewhere. Please, make use of the comment box for you opinion, contribution and correction. 

Just for Wedding's Sake - Complete Episode 2

“The state of the heart could hardly be defined. The heart has its own way of making a match, gradually attaching to somewhere we least expected, thereby leaving us with little or no choice than to surrender to its influence. Indeed, the closer it becomes, the faster it adapts.”

Quote by Ann

...

Nabel has commenced her internship program with utmost enthusiasm. She couldn’t envisage for more since her place of assignment offers the much she expected. Little did knew that her internship program would be a meeting point with the man she would be attached to for the rest of her life, that’s the least she expected. However, it happened anyways, and what started as a casual phone calls and friendship began to yield…

I first met Danny at Pastoral Communication School where I was assigned for internship program after my first year in Technical Institution. He was one of the tutors there and unlike others, he never hesitated to assist me each time I face any challenge with any of the computer programs.  Three months had gone since I started my internship program and Christmas holidays was fast approaching. The school management, tutors and students alike were putting extra effort to ensure that the forthcoming end of the year and send forth party was well coordinated. It was on one of those busy days that Danny approached me and handed me a card.

“What’s this about…?” I was about to ask when he caught me short. “Do you have any intention of travelling this holidays?” He looked so inquisitive. “Em…Not really. I will be spending the holidays with my family in this town.” I replied, trying to open the card. It read, “Merry Xmas and Happy New Year.” I smiled. “Thanks for the card. Are you travelling?” I asked, looking directly at his shirt. I have always wondered why Danny has always worn nothing but long sleeve shirt. Many times I was tempted to ask him but on a second thought I dismiss the idea. After all, it was none of my business. Another thing that baffled me about him was the only time he talks with his fellow tutors is when they exchange morning greetings at the beginning of the day and goodbye at the end of the day, the rest he is either busy on the computer or in the class.

“Nabel, would you mind if we have a date during the holidays?” He was straight forward. I was more of a shock than believing my ears. It was not because it was the first time I was being asked for a date but because he was the least I expected it from. I never thought he could be that bold enough to talk to someone, let alone asking for a date. He was always by himself. “Sure, as long as we aren’t too busy with our families.” I assured him and with that we parted. Indeed, after I left Danny that day, I never gave his date request a second thought. During the holidays, I was so engrossed with the Christmas celebration, busy with preparing varieties of dishes, receiving friends, exchanging gifts and many more, totally forgetting about the date with Danny until his phone call came.

The day he finally showed up was pretty less busy. We strolled to the amusement park which was quite close by. He came with a guy he introduced as his childhood friend, best and only friend. I was somehow surprised that Danny even had a friend, owing to the way he carried himself, one would never believe he could make friends. So, you don’t have to blame me at all for thinking that way. On arriving at the park, Kenny suggested we take some pictures together before the beautiful weather faded. We all saw it as a great idea and after the taking few photograph, we went for a drink, followed by a prolong chat which lasted till it was almost late in the evening before we left the park and parted ways. I really enjoyed their company, it was more like a friends outing than a date. I was so relaxed that it didn't at all feel like a first time date with Danny. Moreover, the presence of his friend, Kenny made it the more humorous that one would wish for such meeting over again.

As soon as Christmas break was over, I resumed my internship program which remained three months to last. Danny and I was gradually becoming closer without realizing it. Within the institution, he didn’t change in his usual way of relating with other, including me, neither did he express any extra preferential treatment towards me. However, during the evening I usually receive his phone calls between 7pm – 8pm for at least twice every week. It gradually became a routine that I started anticipating toward some evenings of the week. Unaware to both of us, we were becoming somehow attached emotionally. Few months later, I completed my program and was ready to go back to school to commence my studies. It was quite difficult for me since I have grown fond of Danny but I reassured myself that, though I would be unable to see him often, he would not relent in his phone calls.

Few days before I was due to return to school, Danny invited me to his family house. I was a bit skeptical and could have declined because of my shy nature, I wasn’t sure how I could stand being introduced to his family but I was encouraged by the thought of having to see Danny again. “Wait a minute! Why did he want me to meet his family?” I was having a second thought. Ever since the last time we had a date, Danny had not treated me any different except for the phone calls, neither had he confess any love for me, it was just casual and platonic.

It was a Saturday afternoon, I followed the address and description Danny gave and succeeded in locating his family residence. I was amazed by the way the Clinton welcomed me. They were all extremely happy to meet me, the thought of which baffled me. I was only meeting them for the first time but the whole family members were present to welcome me like I were a long time distanced relation. Mrs. Clinton seemed to be the tallest woman I have ever met, still looking so elegant and agile even in her mid-fifties. “No wonder where Danny got all those long legs from.” I was thought. I tried to hide my amusement by composing myself with my usual way of smiling. I was introduced to each member of the family, including Mr. Clinton himself who appeared a bit reserved. It was then that I began to comprehend why Danny was always quiet and by himself, indeed he took after his father.

The Clinton’s comprised of three boys and two ladies, including Danny himself. They all took after their mother in their heights and complexion, except for the elder lady who took after Mr. Clinton’s dark complexion and average height. Though she was married, she was present to welcome me and that alone beat my imagination. “What a kind and lovely family.” I wondered. I joined the whole family during lunch which lasted over half an hour. Throughout the remaining time I spent with the Clinton, I felt at home as the atmosphere very friendly and relaxed but my stay was caught short by the time I realized that it was almost 7:10pm. I signaled Danny of my intention to leave then stood up, thanked them for their hospitality before bidding them good night. They all saw me to the door while Danny and Tricia, the youngest sister accompanied me till I board a taxi.

End of Episode 2!

       Watch out for Episode 3..!

This story is undiluted and comprises of the author's imagination and experience. No part of this write-up should be duplicated elsewhere. Please, make use of the comment box for you opinion, contribution and correction.