Love is a Beautiful Thing!
7
__________ _
Settling into my room after my not-so-refreshing walk, I get engrossed with wrapping up assignments, then reviewing my timetable for tomorrow. I hesitate when my phone lights up with an incoming call. Seeing Special’s name on the screen sends a mixture of emotions coursing through me—relief, curiosity, and a lingering sense of uncertainty. After taking several calming breaths, I answer the call.
“Hey,” I greet, hoping my voice is steady despite the emotions fighting for control n me.
“Hey. Hi Fifi,” he hesitates.
I adjust my sitting posture, my curiosity growing. “Hey, is everything okay?”
There’s a brief pause, and then he speaks, his words catching me off guard. “I’m sorry for not responding earlier. I needed some time to clear my head. ”
I blink, his admission prompting me to straighten up and take a deep breath. “Spesh, I will not lie; you had me really worried.”
He sighs audibly—I hope he is regretting his actions. “I know, and I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to cause you any unnecessary worry. It’s just…”
Leaning back in my chair, all the questions and accusations I had planned to fling at him fade away. He doesn’t sound like himself. “Is everything alright?”
He hesitates.
“You can talk to me, baby. Come on, talk to me.” What is wrong?
“Fifi baby…” The energy he usually puts when calling my name is nowhere to be found. “I’ve been dealing with some personal stuff, and it’s overwhelming. The house, moving, the guys, work, one high risk bet I placed, then your safety—I needed to take a step back to process things.”
I listen attentively, my heart going out to him as he opens up about his struggles regarding accommodation, getting a real full-time job and losing some of his savings to a bet he placed. “And I went and added to your stress. I’m sorry… You should have told me, baby. I would have understood.”
“I know,” he admits, his voice softer now. “But sometimes, it’s hard to articulate what’s going on inside.”
I nod, knowing exactly how that feels. “Speshie, I’m here for you. Forget all that BS about men keeping their emotions locked. You need to be vulnerable with me. I’m here for—whatever you’re going through, we’re in this together.”
He sighs, and I can sense relief in his voice. “Sure.”
Swallowing, even though I know we have bigger fishes to fry, like him placing bets when we’re trying to save what we have for our future, I want to know my baby is alright. “Are you feeling better now?”
“Umm,” he pauses, as if contemplating his answer, then coughs. “I’m getting there, slowly.”
“Good.” I smile, releasing a long breath. It might be too soon and I know he’s apologized, but we need to talk about last night. However, instead of going that route, he asks about my day, and he tells me about his. We talk about plans for the week, laughing when we disclose something funny and talking about everything but what’s really bugging my chest .
I’m in bed when our conversation lulls and it feels like we’re back to our place of understanding, stronger than where we were before the misunderstanding.
I think this is the right time to address what transpired last night.
Taking a deep breath, I hesitate for a moment before speaking. “Spesh?”
“Huh?”
“I wanted to talk to you about what happened last night—”
“Fifi,” he interjects, his voice terse with an edge, “I appreciate your concern, but I don’t want to talk about it. See, I don’t want to hear it.”
Blinking in surprise, and taken aback by his sudden change in demeanor, I frown, staring at my phone. You don’t want to hear or talk about it?
I try again. “But baby, I just thought—”
“I know what happened, Fifi. I told you the truth and then I needed space, and that’s all there is to it.”
My breathing accelerates and I quickly place a hand on my neck. Why do I feel choked all of a sudden? I want to cry but I won’t give into that. The openness that had characterized our conversation is being replaced by a wall that feels insurmountable.
“I understand you needed space,” I reply, finally finding strength in my voice. “But I thought we could at least talk about it, so we’re on the same page. Those stuff you said about Itohan, they’re not—”
“It’s your life, after all, so do what’s best for you. You’ve got instincts. Hang out with who you think is right. All I shared were my observations.” His response is firm, leaving no room for negotiation. “See baby, I don’t have time to debate, okay?” He sighs. “Let’s just move forward.”
The silence that follows is intense. I swallow hard, the sensation heavy in my stomach as I struggle to find the right words to continue the conversation. I’m torn between my desire to resolve the tension within me and my respect for his boundaries.
“Okay,” I finally respond in a calm voice. “If that’s what you want.”
He sighs heavily and I hear the rustling of bedsheets. “It’s alright. Okay? ”
Closing my eyes for a moment, I let out an audible breath, wanting to dislodge this heaviness in my heart. “It’s just... I thought we could talk, even when things are difficult.”
His voice softens. “I know.” Is that a touch of regret seeping through it? “And I’m not saying we won’t. Just not right now, okay?”
With his words, it becomes clear our conversation has reached an impasse. I understand his need for space, even if it’s leaving me with unanswered questions and no way to express myself. When did we—
“Fifi baby…” he says playfully like his usual self, “how about we switch this call to a video call? I miss seeing your smile.”
Switch to video call? Which nonsense smile? I’m not happy. I need us to talk! Yet I find myself agreeing with a smile tugging at my lips. “Sure, let’s do that.”
We transition to a video call, and I am met with Special’s familiar face on my screen. UK has really worked wonders on his already gorgeous skin. The playful gleam in his eyes and the gentle curve of his lips has an instant effect on lifting my spirits and chasing away the lingering tension.
“Ah, there’s that beautiful smile,” he teases with that infectious grin of his.
I roll my eyes in mock exasperation. Truth? His lightheartedness is exactly what I need right now. Gosh! I’ve missed it.
Scrunching up my nose, I reply as my smile grows wider, “You’re such a charmer.”
He chuckles, his gaze softening as he gives me a flirty once over. “I just wanted to see you smile.” He licks his lips in a mock sensual manner.
I burst out laughing, grateful for this unique gift of his. Gad! I want to spend a lickle physical time with this man. This is so unfair.
His tone shifts, his voice taking on a hint of excitement. “So, Fifi baby, I’ve got some great news to share with you.”
Curiosity piqued, I lean in closer to the screen. “What is it?”
His eyes lights up with enthusiasm as he announces, “I’ve booked tickets for you to visit me in the UK!”
What? !
Oh. My. Godddddddd.
My heart skips multiple beats as happiness floods through me. The surprise of his announcement leaves me momentarily speechless, as disbelief courses through my veins. “You... you booked tickets for me?” I stammer, my reflection on the screen is grinning like a buffoon.
He nods, his smile radiant. “Uh huh. When we started discussing, I just thought, why not? Logged on to the site, booked it for the week of your break. We can always move it, if necessary.” He shrugs, “Sorry I sounded testy earlier. I wanted to move on from yesterday and make sure we have something to look forward to.”
Tears of gratitude well up in my eyes. I struggle to find the right words to express how I feel. “Speshie, that’s... that’s thoughtful.” I sniff, wiping stray tears from my eyes.
His gaze turns tender, “Baby don’t cry. This wasn’t meant to—”
“I don’t even know what to say.”
“You don’t have to say anything. I just want you to know how much you mean to me.”
I nod, wiping away a tear. Knowing that he’s doing this with the meager fund he earns. Knowing that I’ve been making plans, to no avail, to save up for a ticket. Knowing that this is something we’ve always wanted to do. This moment is so surreal.
I get an email notification and he tells me it’s my booking confirmation. Gratitude and a renewed sense of affection floods my senses, making me wish I could hug him in person.
Soon…
Very soon.
We continue talking, and he mentions that I’ll have to get a UK visa. Then he cracks a joke about relocating to Australia if his stay in the UK doesn’t pan out. His playful humor and this heartwarming announcement has transformed the atmosphere, leaving me with a sense of hope for our future. When we say our goodbyes and end the call, I stare at the screen for a moment, a content smile tugging at my lips.
Look at me! Just look at me! I roll around the bed, giggling. See why I love this guy? He can do no wrong! He knows how to fix things. Knows what I need and when I need them .
Still lovestruck in the dimly lit room, my phone lights up with a notification. I pick it up and see it’s a sweet message from Special. I respond with a grin. When I close our chat, I see my chat with Linda where she asked if I’m feeling better, so I decide to spread the happiness. Who better than her, who has been with me since the beginning to understand my happiness?
Me:
Guess what? He called!
I drop my phone thinking she would respond tomorrow morning, but she responds immediately.
New Message from Linda:
?? Finally!
How did it go?
Are things better now?
Ignoring her sarcasm, I type a response.
Me:
It was... interesting.
We talked about a lot of things, and I think we’re on a better page now.
New Message from Linda:
Glad to hear that! ;)
I pause for a moment, contemplating how much to share with her. Eventually, I decide to be honest.
Me:
I tried to bring up last night
he wasn’t keen on discussing it
New Message from Linda:
Hmm .
Me:
I’m trying to be patient and understanding.
And he made up for it too ??
He booked tickets for me to visit him in the UK!
New Message from Linda:
No way!
That’s incredible!
Me:
I know, right?
I was just as surprised.
He said he wanted to give us something to look forward to.
New Message from Linda:
Wow, that's really thoughtful of him.
You must be so excited!
Me:
Excited doesn’t even begin to describe it.
It’s like a dream come true.
New Message from Linda:
I can only imagine!
This is good news for you two.
Me:
It really is.
And I’m just so grateful for this opportunity.
New Message from Linda:
You deserve it.
At least you’ll get to create beautiful memories together.
Me:
That’s exactly what I’m hoping for.
We’ve been through a lot, and this feels like a fresh start.
New Message from Linda:
I’m so happy for you ?? ????
Me:
Thank you ??
I’ll keep you updated on how things go.
New Message from Linda:
You better!
Oh! I’m so looking forward to pictures and all.
Me:
I’ll definitely keep you posted.
Thanks again.
New Message from Linda:
Anytime, Fii.
You know I’ve got your back.
Just keep being your amazing self.
Me:
I’ll do my best.
Thanks again, Linda.
New Message from Linda:
Take care and enjoy every moment!
YOLO
Me:
I will, Linda.
You take care too.