Story: The Proposal

The Proposal: A Short Story💍

(Written By Sonia Okehie)

Every lady have their unique fantasy and dream of how they want that special day they say 'Yes' to the man that stole their heart; same with men, they also have their fantasies on how they picture that special day to go down. Well, in Jennifer's case, it's been a long time since she had been dreaming and fantasising on that special day but it was unfortunately not coming forth.

Jennifer was an independent woman that worked in a Big renowned company. She was smart, beautiful and down to earth. It's been over six years since Jennifer and Kendrick started seeing each other. Their relationship was highly admirable because they were both cute and successful.

Despite the fact that everything seemed to be going on perfectly well in Jennifer's life, she was actually unhappy as against what alot of people thought because she kept wondering why Kendrick hadn't popped the Big question yet; after over 6 years of them dating.

Things began to get worse when Jennifer's friends started getting proposed to by their partners. Her friend's made matters worst for the emotionally frustrated lady when they started appointing her to be their chief bridesmaids or part of their bridal train. Despite the fact that she was truly happy for her friends from the depth of her heart, there was still a significant amount of sadness she felt within and it was due to the fact that Kendrick wasn't fulfilling his obligations as her partner because she felt he should have taken things to the next level by putting a ring on it.

As time went by, Jennifer started giving signs indirectly and leaving clues for Kendrick to read between the lines and realise that she needed the 'Ring' level of commitment, but he sadly wasn't catching her coded hints. To be honest, Kendrick wasn't doing a good job to a lady that had been dating him for over 6 years. He was in his mid thirties and wasn't a kid to not get the clues that Jennifer needed their relationship status to upgrade for the better, so she can be assured that she wasn't wasting or investing her time on the wrong person and relationship.

"Jenny, I can't believe that Kendrick hasn't proposed yet oh, what's his reasons?" Khloe, one of Jennifer's friends asked one evening during a bridal shower she attended. Jennifer's emotions were triggered but she managed to respond playfully to her friend. "I don't know my dear, when next you see Kendrick, ask him" she said. The conversation suddenly got heated as all her friends that were present at the bridal shower started asking her numerous questions concerning her relationship status with Kendrick. "Girl you need to have the talk with your man and stop expecting him to catch these signals you are constantly throwing at him" another friend voiced out.

As they all took turns to advice Jennifer, it started to get to her emotions but she still put up a tough countenance. After they were done taking, she smiled faintly and told them that her time was coming and that she might be the next person on the line to get hitched by her man. The ladies all said "Amen" to Jennifer's word of faith and finally proceeded to enjoy the party they all came for.

What Jennifer's friends didn't know was that they had succeeded in ruining her night because her mind kept thinking about what they had discussed earlier concerning her relationship status. She struggled to put everything aside and have a good time regardless but was finding it absolutely difficult to do so.

After all the merriment and celebration that night, it was quite unfortunate that Jennifer had to return to her sad thoughts and reality. When she arrived home, she crawled into her bathroom to take a shower but unfortunately started tearing up. She sat in the bathroom floor and cried as the water from the shower cascaded on her. "Why is Kendrick treating me this way? For God sake I'm not getting any younger, when will he finally realise that our relationship needs to move over to the next level? I'll be 28 years in few months time, is it until I get super old that he will propose? What's missing in me that has made me unable to complete him yet? I'm just tired!" Jennifer said as she sobbed. It was such an emotional night for her but after crying for a while, she retired to bed.

The next day, Kendrick woke Jennifer up with a sweet message, followed by a video call. While they were on the video call, he kept playfully complimenting her for looking beautiful without makeup but she didn't care one bit about his compliments, neither did she show any appreciation.

Few minutes into the video call and Kendrick could already sense that something was wrong. "Are you ok? Because I have this feeling that something is up with you" he inquired but Jennifer refused to give him the answer he sort. "I'm talking to you but you aren't minding me, what's going on? Did I do something wrong?" He curiously asked and this time around, she was ready to give him 'Hot' with the replies he was asking for.

"So you don't see anything wrong with this our relationship? Are you telling me that you don't see what's wrong? It's been 6 years Kendrick, 6 good years and we are still answering Boyfriend and Girlfriend without the need to elevate our relationship. How long more do you want to keep making me feel stupid to ask for something that is due for me? Aren't you of age to have kids? Don't you think it's time for us to build a family? Look I'm tired and don't think I can continue with this relationship again if you don't make me feel like I belong here with you" Jennifer sadly said. Immediately she was done talking, Kendrick couldn't contain his laughter. He laughed slightly and shook his head for reasons known to him.

What made the whole situation more critical was the unseriousness in Kendrick reaction and response to what Jennifer complained about. The fact that he even had the guts to laugh at such a moment as that made her even more devastated.

To Kendrick, he actually didn't see any big deal in them waiting a little more till they were truly ready to have a family; but to Jennifer, she perceived his reaction as being insensitive to serious issues. She was heartbroken indeed!

'Is anything wrong with me? Otherwise why will you be laughing at something that's taking me alot of courage and emotions to voice out?" Jennifer angrily inquired, "Babe chill out, we are fine! You are just putting alot of pressure on this relationship which isn't healthy" Kendrick said. What he said was extremely hilarious that she had to take a minute to laugh hysterically. "You are so selfish, all you think about is You You You, how about me huh? How about what I want and what is reasonably right to do? Why can't you put me into consideration too? I'm not getting any younger; why can't you see the need to give me my own kids? I'm tired and at this point, I have had it up to the brim and can't take this any longer" she angrily said.

The atmosphere was getting heated but apparently, Kendrick hasn't figured yet that there was fire on the mountain. "Oh so this is about your age and probably because your friends have been inviting you to all those weddings? When did age become a factor to consider for one to know that it's time to get married? Jennifer, who have you been talking to because this clearly isn't you" he angrily said.

It was there and then that Jennifer realised that she had been dating an immature man for the past 6 years of her life. It all came down to the conclusion that Kendrick was clearly out to waste her time and emotional investment, so she had to act fast in other not to live the rest of her life in regrets. After he said that last thing, she didn't utter a single word again and just kept mute. Kendrick tried to change the topic but Jennifer wasn't in the mood for any more conversation with him. She said 'Goodbye' and ended the call while he was still on his way to asking about other things that wasn't related to the topic on ground.

Immediately the call ended, Jennifer burst into tears and cuddled her pillow. She cried uncontrollably for hours without ceasing. The pillow she cuddled was soaked with the tears that fell uncontrollably from eyes. It was such an emotionally draining day for Jennifer but the good thing was that she now knew where she stood in Kendrick's life. At least she now knew that he didn't see any further with her, he wasn't on the same page with her, he was immature and reacted insensitive to serious issues and wasn't fit to be with her anymore. I wonder why it took her over 6 years to find out!

Later that day, Kendrick called and called Jennifer's phone but she didn't pick up. She needed enough space to get herself together so as to know her next course of action. After that day, he stopped calling and didn't bother to check up on her to know if she was even alright. Deep down, it killed Jennifer that her own man for 6 years wasn't even moved to find out if she had seriously hurt herself or something. Despite being hurt and broken, she still felt happy that she was able to know her stand in their relationship so as to stop whatever investment she was making to see that they worked out.

Life moved on eventually after many weeks of crying and being overly emotional. Jennifer's friends were aware of what she was going through and made sure to be there for her. The next month, there was another wedding to attend and Jennifer happened to be the maid of honour to the bride. She worked selflessly and tirelessly to make sure that her friend's day was the best.

Due to the fact that Jennifer was loaded financially, she used her money to carry out some activities in preparation of her friend's Big day. She did everything from the button of her heart without any intensions of God rewarding her with a husband due to her selfless work for her friend's wedding. At that moment, she was happily single and not desperately searching.

Matter of fact, Jennifer had deliberately removed her mind from anything that concerned marriage and wedding fantasies. She needed and secretly yearned for it, no doubts but she just decided to stop stressing herself up for things she couldn't control.

The D-day for the wedding finally came and Jennifer's friend was looking breathtaking. It was such a beautiful moment all through and some emotional people dropped a few tear drops every now and then. After the church wedding, everyone headed to the reception for merriment and to have a good time. Jennifer didn't dance much because she was the shy type and couldn't dance to save her life. She happily carried out her maid of honour duties and didn't have time to pay much attention to the things happening around her.

After the merriment and enjoyment, it was time for the bride to throw her bouquet. Alot of ladies gathered behind her and Jennifer was amongst them too. They all counted from one to five expecting the bride to throw the bouquet but she hurriedly located Jennifer and personally handed it over to her.

It was such an angelic moment for Jennifer because she didn't see that kind gesture coming at all. Unable to contain her joy, she raised the bouquet up and happiness like never before overshadowed all her being. Jennifer was so happy that even a blind man could tell. She hugged her friend tightly and they both shed few tear drops. Other ladies who were expecting to catch the bouquet but didn't, clapped in excitement after the little breathtaking scene.

After that moment, Jennifer danced her legs out and suddenly activated the celebration mood. The wedding sadly ended and everyone retired back to their houses. All through the remaining hours of that day, Jennifer couldn't stop smiling and decorated her house with the bouquet.

Days turned to weeks and weeks to months and Jennifer was still keeping body and soul together. She focused more on her career ventures and not on things she couldn't control. It's been over 5 months since her and Kendrick parted ways. Jennifer tried to remain positive about finding love again but didn't let that hope turn her into a desperate and thirsty person. Back at work, she wasn't slacking one bit and closed multiple deals for her company.

Due to Jennifer's outstanding work inputs, her boss appointed her to represent their company for a business seminar that was upcoming. Turns out that she was also going to speak as one of the facilitators in the seminar. In preparation for the seminar, Jennifer read lots of books and relevant work materials aimed at preparing her for the lecture she was going to give.

The D-day finally came and Jennifer arrived at the venue early and fully prepared. She checked in at the facilitators section and sat quietly at one corner of the hall. She paid attention to every single person that spoke before her and made sure not to miss a thing.

After over fiver facilitators had lectured, it was now Jennifer's turn to mount the stage. When her name was called upon, she gracefully walked down to the stage as people clapped for her. When the microphone was handed over to her, she began to spill wisdom upon wisdom that everyone was extremely impressed and marvelled.

However, while Jennifer spoke, there was somebody that couldn't take his eyes off her. This handsome bachelor was so engrossed in her teaching and also the elegance at which she spoke and carried herself. "Who's she?" he wondered as he looked intensely at her. On the gentlemen's hand was the brochure of the seminar that contained the names and profession of all the facilitators at the seminar. Curious to know who Jennifer was, he flipped through and finally spotted her picture and brief info.

One thing was clear to the gentleman that day and it was the fact that he wasn't going to let the lady that stole his attention slip right through his hands. In 30 minutes time, Jennifer was done with her lecture and descended the stage with a clapping ovation. Everyone was impressed with her lecture and couldn't hold back their hands from clapping.

Immediately Jennifer descended from the podium, she went straight to her seat and sat down. After taking a deep breath and breathing in and out due to the tension she was feeling at that moment, she settled down and enjoyed the rest of the seminar.

At around passed 5pm that day, the seminar came to an end and everyone tried to network with one another. Jennifer didn't have much time to spare to network so she hurriedly packed her notes inside her bag, greeted few people and headed towards the door. Unknowingly to her, a gentleman had been watching her every move and was waiting at the entrance for her to pass by.

"Nice speech!" Jennifer heard out of nowhere as she passed through the door. She immediately turned to see who said that and jammed eyes with the handsome gentleman standing close to the entrance door frame. It took Jennifer a few seconds to process what was happening and what to say or do. "Thank you" she politely said in a calm tone. Their eyes were still slightly locked with each other but Jennifer tried to unlock it.

The atmosphere was a bit tensed and being a shape guy, the gentlemen figured that Jennifer was nervous so he had to act fast to ease the tension. "You did really great back there I must confuse, I had to Google you to know more about you but unfortunately, Google couldn't help me with your number or any vital information about you so I had to automatically assume the position of a stalker" he playfully said and Jennifer smiled faintly. To be honest, that was the first time in a long while that someone had made her smile from the depths of her heart. She kept blushing afterwards.

In order not to look boring, Jennifer had to also contribute to the discussion her and the gentleman were having. "Do you have a name? Because I'd like to know your name" she said with a smile on her face, "Oh, my bad! My name is Kaycee" he happily replied. Jennifer was excited to have met someone new but never allowed it to show in her expression. She had learnt not to invest her emotions in a place it isn't needed; not after what Kendrick did to her.

"Nice to meet you Kaycee but I was actually on my way home, so I better be going now" Jennifer said as she took several steps out of the door. Unable to watch her leave just like that without getting her number at least, Kaycee followed her outside. "You know there's no way I'm letting you slip right through my fingers without at least getting your number" he said.

The manner at which Kaycee was coming for Jennifer made her a bit happy but still careful. Deep down, she knew she didn't want to lose him either so after much persistence, she finally released her number to him. He thanked her afterwards and requested to drop her off but apparently, she came with her own car too. They bid each other 'Goodbye' and parted ways.

As Jennifer drove home, she could feel the butterflies dancing in her stomach. "No this is just too good to be true, who's that handsome gentleman?" she asked herself in excitement but couldn't give herself any suitable reply. All Jennifer could actually do was hope for the best between herself and him.

Days passed and Jennifer waited for a phone call from Kaycee but non was forth coming. She didn't have his number so he was the only one that could do the communication. After over one week, there was an unknown phone call one beautiful afternoon and it was the long awaited phone call that Jennifer had been waiting for. "Hello" she greeted, "Hi, it's Kaycee" the caller said. On hearing his name, she took a deep breath and relaxed properly to talk to him. "Did you fall off the surface of the earth or something?" Jennifer joking inquired and Kaycee laughed. He explained to her that he had to travel out of the country shortly after they met and that was why he wasn't able to call earlier.

Being an understanding person, Jennifer swept everything under the rug and they talked further. "Where are you going to be tonight?" Kaycee curiously asked, "I'll be home of course" she replied, "How about I take you out tonight, are you gamed?" he asked and she chuckled.

Jennifer really wanted to jump at the offer but had to play tough a bit. "I don't think that will be possible because I have work tomorrow and have to sleep" she politely said but Kaycee was determined to change her mind. "I promise we wouldn't stay out too late, just have dinner with me" he said.

If there was one thing Jennifer figured Kaycee was very good at, it was the fact that he knew what to say at every given time. Her defences were broken and she agreed to go on the date with him.

Immediately after work that day, Jennifer hurried home to prepare for her date with the one man she had been thinking about the past week. She selected a beautiful dress and ironed it well. The time scheduled for the date came and Jennifer drove down to the location Kaycee gave to her. It was a nice restaurant in the heart of town. When she arrived at the venue, he wasn't there yet so she had to keep herself busy by ordering a drink as she waited for him.

To be honest, Jennifer felt a bit annoyed that Kaycee hadn't showed up yet; after he was even the one that picked the time and place. It wasn't a good first impression at all but she still behaved maturely and waited a few minutes more before finally calling him to know why he hadn't showed up yet. The phone rang twice before Kaycee picked up; "Oh I'm so sorry, I got caught up in traffic. I'll be there with you soon" he hurriedly said. Jennifer tried to be understanding and matured so she told him it was OK and that she'll wait a little longer.

One hour later and Kaycee still hadn't showed up for their date that should have started an hour ago. Without hesitating, Jennifer angrily paid the bill for the drink she took and stormed out of the restaurant. Just before she walked down to her car, Kaycee drove into the restaurant.

Jennifer was still pissed and didn't care to act matured anymore because Kaycee had succeeded in ruining her happy mood and running her out of patience. "I guess this is the 6pm you assured to met up with me huh?" she asked with a straight face when he alighted from his car. At that moment, Kaycee knew he had messed up and needed to apologise as soon as possible. "I'm so sorry dear, I was caught up with lots of activities and then the hold-up on my way here made things even more difficult for me. I promise to make it up to you however you want" he calmly said.

There and then, thoughts of doubts concerning Kaycee started going back and forth on Jennifer's mind. Even though he had explain why things turned out that way, she still felt his actions spoke volume of the kind of person he actually was.

Due to the fact that Jennifer was just getting to know Kaycee, she didn't want to make conclusions too soon. His apologies were accepted but the date was definitely cancelled because there was no way she was going to go back to the restaurant she had been sitting idle in for two good hours. Having communicated to Kaycee that the date was unfortunately not going to hold, he understood perfectly fine and walked her to her car; of which she drove off afterwards.

A day that was supposed to be a happy one for Jennifer, turned out to be a disaster. Due to what happened back at the restaurant, she started having double mind concerning Kaycee. "Like what sort of man leaves a lady hanging on their first date he initiated, except he's a two faced liar or womaniser" she thought to herself as she drove home that night. Kaycee called before she retired to bed to say 'Goodnight' but that didn't change anything at all.

Life soon moved on and they hadn't met each other since the first date saga. Just so you know, Kaycee had been trying all he could to reschedule another date but Jennifer was proving very hard this time around. She didn't want to deliberately set herself up for heart break so she was being extra careful. After several refusals, she finally accepted to go on another date with him. This time around, Kaycee was 20 minutes early and already seated waiting for Jennifer to show up. She finally did and they had a nice time together.

However, one thing was clear to Jennifer that night and it was the fact that Kaycee was a good but complicated man. They talked about so many random things at first before they finally got into intimate issues. "Are you single?" he bluntly asked out of nowhere, "Yes I am" she elegantly answered. The conversation was about to get more heated and it was apparent that both of them where ready to dig deeper.

"To be honest, I think I am attracted to you" Kaycee said, "Think? Why not wait till you are sure before voicing out" Jennifer jokingly said and they both laughed. "I really like you and want you in my life" Kaycee added and before they could continue the conversation, his phone started ringing and didn't seemed like it was going to stop. Jennifer was quite irritated by the constant excuses he was taking in order to step out and receive the calls. She also noticed how his body movements were when he answered the calls from a distance; "Something just doesn't feel right with him" she said to herself as she watched him.

After several trips to receive calls, Kaycee finally switched off his phone in order to pay attention to Jennifer but it was already too late because she had gone out of the mood for the talk they were having earlier. They talked about more random stuffs before the date came to an end.

Kaycee walked Jennifer to her car and bid her 'Goodbye' as she left first. There was just something fishy about him and she could feel it deep down in her heart. The fact that they weren't in a relationship made her less bothered about what he could be hiding. Well, they say before you make a Big decision or take a huge step in your life, it's always good to consult God first so he can reveal what your eyes can't see.

There and then, Jennifer said a short payer to God and ask that if Kaycee was another 'Time Trap' and not the one for her, it should be revealed in due time. Turns out that Kaycee was a chronic womaniser that was popularly known for his womanising. How stupid Jennifer felt the day she found out with her two naked eyes.

One fateful morning, Jennifer needed to make a quick stop at a hotel in order to book rooms for some delegates from another company that was to pay their firm a business visit. When she arrived at the hotel, she sat at the lobby awaiting for some payment process to be finalised.

As Jennifer waited, her eyes spotted two people that seem like couples at the other end of the lobby and it seems as though they were about to check-out. She blushed and watched closely for a while, only for her smiles to vanish when it became clear to her that the man she had been looking at for over 4 minutes was Kaycee.

"Oh My God!" Jennifer shockingly said as she watched Kaycee kiss the lady over and over again in a playful manner. Jennifer's heart skipped several beats and it seemed as though she had hit a trailer because the shock was too much for her to bear. "How could he?" she wondered as she stared at the two love birds. At that moment, the hurtful feelings she experienced with Kendrick came back again but not as intense because her and Kaycee were never really in a relationship, but it was still hurtful regardless.

As Kaycee and his beau continued with their love play, Jennifer was called upon by the receptionist and that was her moment to make herself seen by Kaycee. As she walked down to the receptionist desk, their eyes jammed together and she removed hers first. He was utterly dumbfounded and wasn't able to utter a word till she had left. The fact that Jennifer caught him red handed kissing the lady, made any excuse he would have given pointless. He played along till she walked out and that was when he immediately excused himself from the lady he was with and pursued after her.

"Jennifer hold on let me explain" Kaycee said but Jennifer kept walking without looking back. Unable to give up, he pursued her and finally caught up with her. "Can I explain?' he soberly asked, "To be honest, you don't owe me any explanation but rather you owe the lady you are with an explanation for leaving her seated at the lobby and going after another woman. Move away please, I need to get into my car and head to somewhere important" she bluntly said and zoomed out.

On the ride back to the office, Jennifer cried because she really liked Kaycee and thought he was going to be different than the rest and hopefully her final Bus-stop. It pained her to see her life go towards the direction it was going without a positive change for a start.

"God when? When will I have my own man that will love me completely and want me the same way I want him? What have I done wrong to deserve this manner of emotional torture all the time? I'm just tired" she soberly said as she drove down to work. That day was a very sober one for her as she couldn't stop thinking about the heartache and disappointment Kaycee had caused her. Despite the fact that they weren't in any relationship yet, she was human and felt betrayed because he was actually leading her on.

Thankful to Jennifer's friends, they were able to cheer her out of depression and were sure by her side at those trying times. Gradually, Jennifer started giving up on Love and harbouring the mentality that maybe she wasn't meant to get married after all. Gradually, all her proposal and wedding fantasies and dreams started vanishing. It got to the point where Jennifer stopped giving anyone access to her life at all. She was approaching 30 years and her walls became even thicker and harder to penetrate. She had already given up on herself, Love, and all the fantasies she used to live with for many years. The reality of her predicament made those dreams and fantasies look like a myth to her.

Well, you know that sweet thing they say about the best things of life showing up unexpected and at a time all hope have been given up. Something beautiful happened in Jennifer's life that turned everything around.

One causal evening, Jennifer decided to go for a walk around her neighbourhood. That evening, there was a party ongoing at one of her distant neighbour's house. While strolling, she passed in front of the house the party was ongoing and a particular guy sighted her from the balcony. "Chizzy, who's this lady?" the guy asked his friend that owned the house, "I don't know, but I see her pass most times with her car or by foot" Chizzy replied.

Without hesitating, the guy in question who's name was Michael, went downstairs and camped in front of his car that was parked outside the compound; waiting for Jennifer to pass by again.

After about a hour of waiting outside, Michael finally spotted Jennifer coming back from wherever she went to. He leaned a bit on his car bonnet as he waited for her to come closer.

"Hello, please can I talk to you for just one second?" Michael politely asked. One look at the neat handsome gentleman and Jennifer's attention was stolen. "How can I help you?" she asked with a straight face, "You can help me in so many ways by giving me just a little of your attention or letting me walk with you" he politely said with a smile on his face. Due to the calm manner at which he spoke, she agreed for him to walk with her.

As they strolled down towards Jennifer's house, a conversation started. "By the way, my name is Michael and you?" he asked, "Jennifer" she replied, "Nice name I must confess" he said and she thanked him afterwards. Michael was bound on knowing her well so he probed further; "I saw you initially when you passed and knew that I just had to talk to you. Has anyone ever told you how graceful and peaceful your presence is? Because I would be truly disappointed if no one ever did" he said and she smiled faintly, "actually, no one has told me anything like that" she replied. Michael looked into her eyes and calmly asked "Who are you around all day?".

The cuteness Michael exhibited was just too much for Jennifer to contain. She blushed all through their remaining conversation till they got to her apartment. "Can I see you again? I really want to see you again?" he asked, "why do you think it's necessary to see me again?" she inquired, "Because I like how I feel now I am with you and would love to feel this way again" he said.

There was just no way Jennifer would deliberately let go of the first man that ever looked into her eyes and told her how amazing and special she was. Matter of fact, she liked his vibes and wanted him around too. After much thought, she gave her number to him and they bid each other 'Goodbye'. It felt too soon to be excited or expectant of anything so she instantly killed any expectation or excitement that tried to spring up.

First thing the next day, Michael called to check up on Jennifer and also inquire if she was OK. That was the first time a man had ever been so concerned about her than she was concerned about herself. Later that day, he came around her neighbourhood in the evening and called her to come out. Thankfully, she was back from work by then and happily strolled down to where he was parked.

"Surprise visit indeed, thanks for stopping by" Jennifer said when she entered his car, "I should be the one telling you thanks for coming out to see me in such short notice" Michael said. They smiled and laughed at every little thing they said or did, that one would think they were siblings. Michael was a Pilot by profession and was hardly ever around and that was why he made good use of every little opportunity he had to see the people he cared about. When his occupation was disclosed, Jennifer also told him everything he wanted to know about her.

As they conversed, Michael informed Jennifer that he would be flying the next day and she was a bit sad and jokingly made a frown face. He cheered her up and asked what she wanted when he comes back in 3 days time; "Just bring yourself back safe and sound" she replied and he smiled warmly. Their little car meeting came to an end and he dropped her off in front of her house before zooming out.

There was just something about Michael that felt so good. For the first time in Jennifer's life, she was genuinely happy to be around someone. He never flirted with her, he was articulated and considerate, he listened whenever she spoke and also cared about her with actions.

Suddenly, Jennifer started finding every lost emotions and feelings that vanished due to all she has been through in the past. She kept everything about Michael to herself and didn't want to tell her friends too soon. For everyday Michael was away, he called her at least once and never missed a day.

The time scheduled for Michael to return drew nearer and Jennifer felt like a little kid on Christmas day who couldn't wait to open her presents. Everything about him just felt right with her and despite the fact that she was taking things slow, the emotional rush was just beyond her.

Finally, that beautiful long anticipated day came and Jennifer held her phone all through, waiting for Michael to call and inform her that he was back home. She waited all morning till evening but no call was coming forth. Disappointed and heart broken, she gave up all hope of seeing him that day and started attending to other things.

At around 7pm, Jennifer's phone rang and it was an unknown number. She felt disappointed that it wasn't Michael and sadly picked up the call. "Hello" she sadly said, "Why do I sense sadness in that voice, I guess I have the perfect medicine to cheer you up. I'm outside your house, come out" the unknown voice said and without a name revelation, Jennifer screamed "Michael, is it you?" and he happily said 'Yes'.

Without thinking twice, Jennifer ran outside her house and there was Michael; standing in front of his car like a piece of snack. She happily ran and gave him a hug and they both held each other for long. "I missed you" Michael said while still holding her tightly and she reciprocated by saying "I miss you too".

It was such a beautiful moment for two people who only just began to know themselves. It goes far to prove the saying that when you find that right person for you, there wouldn't be second guesses or double minds, you will just know deep down that that person completes you in a way no one else can.

After the display of affection, they talked for a while to catch up on what had been happening in each other lives before Michael finally asked her out. "I want you in my life and I'm willing to try and see where this goes" he said. Jennifer was dumbfounded and didn't know what reply to give. After much consideration, she accepted his relationship request and they officially became an item from that day henceforth.

With the new 'Taken' status, Jennifer decided to let her friends in on what was happening in her life. They were so happy that she had found love again and wished it would be her last bus-stop.

Days passed, same with weeks and months and their relationship grow stronger and eventually got to the point where they realised that they couldn't do without each other. Jennifer had flown twice to an all expense paid trip with her beau. It was so refreshing dating a man that was out of the norm she was used to. She started exploring life to its fullest and began to glow.

As time went by, Michael began to feel it was time he settled down once and for all with this lady he liked dearly; which was Jennifer. The funny thing was that she never mentioned married to him not even for one day but still was at peace because she knew deep down that her heart was in the hands of the right person she had waited so many years for.

Unknown to Jennifer, her man had already started making plans to pop the Big question. Michael wanted a simple but yet memorable proposal and that was the kind of fantasy Jennifer also had too. It took him over a month to plan the Big day but it was all worth it at the end.

It turns out that Michael was a personal pilot to a Wealthy man that owned a private jet. He told the man about his proposal and what he wanted to do with the jet and without hesitation, the man permitted him to use it. With the help of some decorators, he was able to decorate it slightly with roses and "Will you marry me" balloons.

There were two glasses and a bottle of wine waiting to be popped. Michael made reservation at a nice resort in another state, far away from the one they resided in. It was the perfect time to surprise Jennifer on her 30th birthday.

On the morning of that same day, Jennifer woke up with a heavy heart and cried her eyes out for still being unmarried with no kids. Despite the fact that she had Michael, there was no much guarantee in her heart that he wouldn't change one day and walk away. After crying all morning, she cleaned her face and pretended to be happy as loved ones and well wishers poured in their 'Happy Birthday' messages. Michael pretended as though he had an urgent travel to make and wouldn't be available to celebrate with her. He sent her a Big cake as camouflage so she wouldn't suspect what he had under his sleeves.

The day went on fine as Jennifer received birthday wishes from every angle. It was on a Saturday and she was glad that there was no going to the office. Few friends came around during the day and they celebrated with her. Everything was going on as usual till Jennifer got a text from Michael, requesting that she dress up for a birthday date and that his travel plans were cancelled. She was extremely happy that she gets to spend that day with the man she loved and not just her friends. She wore a breathtaking red gown and waited for him to come pick her up.

Shortly afterwards, Michael arrived and they headed to an undisclosed destination. When they arrived at the airport, Jennifer was wondering if he forgot something and came to pick it up. "Did you forget anything?" she curiously asked, "Yes I did, please follow me to go get it so we can be back sooner and leave to where we are going" he lied and they both alighted and headed towards the area the plane was parked. "I forgot something important inside the plane, take the lead" he instructed and she gently climbed the private jet stairs.

Immediately Jennifer entered completely and saw the "Will you marry me?" balloons at one side of the plane, she held her heart and quickly turned back to ask Michael what was going on but found him on his knees with a ring in his hands saying "Will you?".

Oh my! It was as though the world should come to an instant end because Jennifer was about to go crazy. At that moment, she couldn't talk nor breathe but just had her mouth wide opened. "Will you? Michael asked the second time and she burst into tears.

"Baby, what's.. what's... going on?" Jennifer asked with tears in her eyes and Michael didn't even know when tears fell off his own eyes too. "I'm still waiting for your answer babe, will you?" he asked and she shouted 'Yes' with tears falling uncontrollably from her eyes. He inserted the ring in her finger, got up afterwards and plated a soft kiss on her lips of which she reciprocated. He looked into her eyes and said; "This is forever baby" and she nodded 'Yes' with tears still in her eyes.

Before the atmosphere explored with emotions, the pilot door opened and a co-pilot was seated on the seat, as one ready to fly. Surprised and confused, Jennifer asked; "Babe please tell me there are no more surprises".

Michael smiled and replied; "I saved the best for the last, we are actually on our way for a weekend getaway and if you will excuse me now, I have a plane to fly".

Jennifer almost died blushing and couldn't contain the joy and happiness that flowed through her heart. She sat down on the plane, opened the wine and dialed one of her friend's line.

"Hello Jenny" her friend greeted. She smiled and said; "Guess who just got snatched from the market? Your girl is finally Taken!". Her friend joyfully screamed "Ayeeee!".

End of story! 😉