EPISODE 12.
π (UNPREDICTED LOVE) π
(C) Judytex_Stories
From Annabelle’s point of view.
Sharing the same room with Raymond on this trip was not something I originally planned or expected. And as we both stood staring at the door of our hotel room, I kept wondering what to expect. I also wondered if fate was trying to tell me something by constantly bringing us together. But since I didn’t want to get ahead of myself, I had to be careful not to make the same mistake of being in a one-sided love the second time.
But I was unaware that sharing a room with Raymond, was just another opportunity to help me learn more about him.
And thanks to that, I was able to hear Raymond’s story of his past experience in love. So, after hearing Raymond’s story for the first time, I realized that just like the cab driver I met the other day, Raymond had his share of heartbreak and disappointments with women.
His story and experience were further proof that betrayal, disappointment, lies, and heartbreak weren’t gender-based like I used to think. Because after my experience with Deji, I jumped to the conclusion that all men are the same. Not knowing that there are still good men out there whose kindness are been taken for granted by women who don’t know what they have.
It made me wonder why good men and women often end up with partners who are their complete opposites.
Meanwhile, upon hearing Raymond’s story, I realized that he wasn’t the type to talk a lot about himself when not asked. And just looking at him, you would never believe that he has had such painful and heartbreaking experiences with women in the past.
When he finally came up with the idea that we should go sightseeing, I got excited because I indirectly wanted to cheer him up. But he ended up cheering me up instead. And in the course of the sightseeing, I found myself stealing glances at him. And once again he managed to make my heart beat with the way he smiled at me. And the way he thought of my son like he was his blood, brought me to tears.
You won’t blame me for overreacting that way. Because it’s been a long time since anyone sincerely did such things for me and my son. And I think Keturah was right. Raymond is indeed a good man.
We made a lot of memories in a short time and when we got back to the hotel we saw Deji standing in front of our hotel door. He and Raymond began talking while I stood there remembering the wonderful time we spent outside. Then the next thing I saw, was Raymond holding my hand in his and saying we were now officially dating.
The whole thing surprised me, and I quickly gave him a quick, confused and curious look while wondering,
“Why did he do that? Was he in love with me the whole time?” I wondered.
β β β β β β β
From Raymond’s point of view.
I know even Annabelle must be wondering how and why I suddenly proclaimed her my girlfriend in front of Deji and Roseline. The truth is, even I don’t know why I did it.
Life and emotions are part of the things that we as humans can never predict. The first day when I walked into the waiting room during the new employees orientation, it was odd that out of all the empty seats in the room I chose to sit next to Annabelle.
I don’t know why I kept getting closer to her from that day on. It went from returning her handbag to meeting her son, then falling in love with her little Prince Charming.
I felt like I only got closer to Annabelle because I adore her little son. But when she almost fell at work the other day, I realized how worried I was for her seeing how I quickly grabbed her to ensure she didn’t fall. Even while she was feeling sleepy on the plane, I couldn’t help but give her a shoulder to rest her head on.
And as she said those reassuring words to me in our hotel room after I shared my experience with her, I felt the urge to ask her when she will be ready to love again. And when she said she was now ready to let go of her past, I felt this sudden urge to ask her to give us a chance to get started and see where it goes. But I couldn’t bring myself to say it. Maybe because I was scared. Or maybe because I wasn’t sure of what my feelings were for her.
Oddly enough, when we went sightseeing, her smile brought joy to my heart. And I have to admit, that morning her beauty shone more than ever. Seeing how she was brought to tears by my small gestures, I couldn’t help but feel like she was my kind of woman. And that’s because all my life I’ve only met girls who never appreciate the bigger things I do for them. But here was Annabelle, who appreciates the smallest things I do for her.
Now that I think about it, she is beautiful, hardworking, a good mother to her son, a good friend to me, she is lively and fun to be with and most of all she has a good heart. All of this and more pushed me to take our friendship to another level.
But I couldn’t bring myself to tell her anything about what I was beginning to feel. I wanted to make sure my feelings towards her were real and not based on pity.
But when Deji said those words, I just decided to take the risk once and for all. Which was why I immediately held Annabelle’s hand and declared her my girlfriend before Deji and Roseline. But what was even more surprising was the fact that Annabelle didn’t argue. She just played along.
“But why did she do that? Does she have feelings for me too?” I asked myself.
β β β β β β β β
From the writer’s point of view.
As soon as Raymond made this proclamation, Deji’s heart sank immediately.
“Huh? Annabelle, is this true?” Deji asked, staring at Annabelle who was still trying to figure out what was going on and why Raymond had said something like that when they weren’t actually dating.
Looking at Raymond, she saw him smile and nod as a sign for her to say yes to Deji’s question.
“Yes, it’s true. We’re officially dating as of today,” she replied, still staring at Raymond.
“Awwn. I knew it. I’m so happy for the both of you,β Roseline said, laying her head on Deji’s shoulder with excitement on her face. “We definitely need to celebrate this good news,” she said.
Deji, on the other hand, felt completely uncomfortable with what he had just heard.
“Before I forget, my father texted me a while ago to inform me about a dinner party with our supposed clients tonight. So ladies and gentlemen. Get ready. Tonight we’re going to an exquisite dinner party to promote and market our new product in style” Roseline said enthusiastically.
(In Annabelle and Raymond’s hotel room)
As soon as Raymond and Annabelle entered their hotel room, Annabelle walked slowly to the bed and sat on the edge, keeping the teddy bear aside. With her face buried in her palms, she asked.
“Why did you do that?”
Hearing this, Raymond sighed and sat down next to her.
“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that without asking you out first. Although I only said that to get Deji to stop asking me unnecessary questions. But the truth is, I think I have started developing feelings for you,” Raymond said.
Hearing this, Annabelle shot him a quick look.
“Yes, Annabelle. But the thing is, I am yet to understand exactly what I feel about you, and that’s why I haven’t told you yet. But if it’s okay with you, I will like us to take this opportunity and give us a trial. That is, if you feel something for me, too,” Raymond said, fiddling with his fingers.
After a long silence, Annabelle said:
“I feel something for you too, Raymond”
Hearing this, Raymond turned to her in surprise.
“And like you, I still don’t know what it is. So I don’t want to get ahead of myself by calling it love when it might just be a feeling of gratitude,” Annabelle said.
“Same here Annabelle. And judging by what you’ve been through in the past, I don’t want to arouse your feelings for nothing. I really don’t want you to get hurt the second time. Because I also can’t tell if it’s love or pity that I feel for you. So I suggest that we give ourselves a chance to discover our true feelings for each other. I think we’re both adults and wouldn’t want to start a relationship for fun right now. That’s why I want us to take things slowly, without rushing into anything. Let’s be ourselves and keep building our friendship until we’re sure of our feelings for each other. So whenever we say the word “I love you,” we can be sure it’s coming from a place of sincerity. And as you know, it’s been quite a long time since I’ve been in a serious relationship. So I still have a lot to learn. And you should also feel free to correct me if I’m wrong. So feel free to enlighten me about the things you like and the things you don’t like. That way, I can get to know you better. And until we’re sure of our feelings for each other, we can start hanging out and doing other exciting things that couples do. Except, of course, for lovemaking and other forms of sexual activity, so as not to confuse lust with love. How about that?” Raymond asked.
“That’s okay with me. I like the idea of us taking our time to understand and get to know each other better. And also, to verify what our feelings actually are before using misleading words or engaging in any intimate activities,” Annabelle said.
“Then from now on, we will both focus on realizing what our feelings are for each other and we will also work on understanding ourselves better. And if we end up realizing that we are better off as friends than as lovers, we will both accept our fate without hate,” Raymond said with a smile.
“Thanks, Raymond,” Annabelle said with a smile.
And with a smirk Raymond said:
“You’re always welcome. I think this trip and sharing a single room was worth it after all. So tell me, what will my new girlfriend wear to tonight’s dinner party?” Raymond asked.
“Come on, stop it, Raymond. It still feels weird. Like it’s only one day here and I’m already being addressed as your girlfriend,β Annabelle said, looking shy.
Hearing this, Raymond burst out laughing.
“But you better get used to it. Because I’m a guy who likes his woman to look good for him. And even though it’s not official yet, you still have to look good for me,β Raymond said, laying his back on the bed.
βIt’s been long since I attended such a party. So I guess your assistant will be needed in picking a dress” Annabelle said
βExactly,” Raymond said and they both burst out laughing.
(Back in Deji’s hotel room)
Deji kept pacing from one corner of the hotel room to the other, with different thoughts running through his head.
“I doubt those two are really dating. Maybe Annabelle is just trying to get back at me with Raymond. Or does she just want to make me jealous? I’m sure nothing is going on between them,” he kept telling himself.
“Babe? Are you alright?” Roseline asked, operating her phone on the bed.
“Sure I am,” Deji lied with both his hands on his waist.
“So babe what do you think of Annabelle and Raymond? I honestly think they look cute together and their personalities kind of match. Or what do you think?” she asked.
“Do you think his parents will allow him to marry a single mother?” Deji asked.
βWell, there might be a little resistance. But I’m sure he can win against them if he really loves Annabelle. Because that’s how persistent Raymond is,” Roseline said.
“You think so?” Deji asked.
“Yes. But why have you been acting weird since we got here? Is there something I need to know?” Roseline asked.
“Huh? No, not at all. All is well. I’m just trying to figure out what I’m going to wear to tonight’s dinner party,” Deji lied and went to the closet.
“Hmmm. Something is definitely wrong and he’s trying so hard to keep it from me,” Roseline said to herself.
(At the dinner party)
The four of them arrived at the venue all looking stunning.
A few moments later, while Annabelle was advertising their new product to one of their clients, Deji walked up to her and dragged her into a corner.
“Deji, what is the meaning of this?” She fumed, glaring at him.
“I should be the one asking you what is the meaning of the nonsense you’re doing with Raymond. Do you think I will fall for your cheap acts and believe that something is going on between you two?β Deji asked.
“And what is it to you if something is actually going on between us or not? When exactly are you going to learn to mind your business and leave me the hell alone?” Annabelle fumed.
“Not until I’m sure you two have something going on,” Deji said.
“Really?” Annabelle asked in complete disbelief.
“Yes,” Deji said.
“Well then, in that case, watch me prove it to you,” Annabelle said.
And without hesitation, she approached Raymond, who was also trying to persuade a client.
She walked up to him and tapped his shoulder.
“Yes?” Raymond asked, turning to face her.
“Raymond, please, I’m sorry. But I have to do this,” she said, rubbing both of her palms together.
“Do what?” Raymond asked confused.
He was still trying to figure out what she was talking about when Annabelle leaned forward and pressed her lips against his.
Raymond stood there, lost and confused until Annabelle pulled her lips away from him.
“Why did you kiss me?” he asked.
“I just wanted to check something,” she said.
And without hesitation, she quickly turned to leave, but Raymond grabbed her hand and pulled her back to himself.
“What are you doing?” she asked in a calm tone.
“Trying to show you how to do it right,” Raymond said.
And before Annabelle could say a word, Raymond lowered his lips to hers and slowly planted a deep kiss onto her lips.
