I

“What has been happening to us”? Tyrone asked her, offering her a tissue to wipe the tears rolling down her cheeks. “We should be making our wedding plans and talking about the future, but these days you just sit down and either cry or stare into space. I mean what is actually going on”?

Ten months ago Esther’s father died. He was a wonderful father and Esther adored him so much. He had died from a failed heart and Esther’s world seemed to have shattered.

“Sorry Tyrone”, she sobbed as she got up from the sofa. “I’m sorry but I can’t control myself”.

“It’s alright darling. Its okay to cry but it shouldn’t be forever. Life should go on you know”. He tried to reassure her. “Tyrone, you keep telling me that life goes on. I know you care as much as me but my grief just seems to be taking over”.

She leaned towards him as he took her in his arms as if to comfort her. “Come, let’s sit outside. It’s a beautiful day and we should appreciate that”, he said quietly to her.

When they got to the balcony, he let her sit on his laps like a baby trying to breastfeed. She was his baby and he loved her so much. They were good together. However, since she lost her dad, Esther had been a bit distant and he was beginning to feel it.

“My sweet pumpkin”, he started, when he noticed she was a lot calmer now. “I know how you feel. Remember my own father died many years ago. Although I was a kid, I felt bad, sorry and then angry about the whole thing. You see my dear, grief is like a journey”.

He paused for a second then continued when he noticed Esther’s interest in his little speech. “Sometimes, it’s best to accept what has happened and move on. You will be in a stronger position if you accept that you cannot change events”.

“I know”, Esther said. “I have accepted it and I’m moving on”. She tried to smile but couldn’t.  “That’s my girl”, Tyrone said rather loudly. He was glad at the change in her mood.

“Now, let’s do something different for a change. Let’s go into town. We can go to this café near the museum and listen to jazz music and they cook nice food there as well”. “Good idea”, Esther said as she got up to adjust her skirt. “I would have to powder my nose if you don’t mind”, Esther said as she hurried inside.

Tyrone kept looking at her as she walked back into the living room. “Oh what a beauty”, he thought to himself. His heart raced as he thought about some of the good times they had spent together. She was his missing rib. She was his queen and he would stand by her and make sure she overcame this grief-stricken period in her life. He couldn’t imagine life without her. It was almost one year her father died, but was there any other thing bothering her? Was she having cold feet?

“I’m ready”, Esther said, as she interrupted his thoughts. “Ok, let’s hit the road, shall we”? Tyrone told her as he made his way to the car. “By the way, you look smashing in that outfit”. “Thanks”, she said shyly, as she sat down in the cool air conditioned car.

“Tyrone, you’re very nice to me”, Esther told him when they got inside the already packed café.

“Please my head will swell so much, or do you want me to blush in this my skin color? Tyrone asked, holding her right hand in his. “Don’t you worry about a thing”, he continued, “I will take care of you. I will help you follow your dreams, our dream”... He seemed to go on.

She had no idea what her dreams were but did not say anything. She only nodded. He was such a gentleman and she cared about him a great deal. She loved him but she wasn’t sure the love was strong enough to walk up or down the aisle.

“Come on babes, can you hear that? Tyrone stood up, wiggling his hips and asked her for a dance. There was some nice cool jazz playing and he wanted to dance with her. He wanted to feel her body close to his. “That’s Miles Davies” he told her as they made their way to the dance floor. “Miles who”? She asked, not wanted to show her lack of interest for jazz music.

“It doesn’t matter who he is, let’s just enjoy the moment”, he said as he took her in his arms.

It was an evening to remember and they both had a good time. Although Tyrone could sense there were other things on her mind, he tried not to spoil her evening.

How could she tell Tyrone what had been bothering her for the past two weeks. She was somehow over the death of her father, but how could she get pass this one?

By Kate Chukwu 2007 

Robot  Villager

# 1 &...Read the full article. Posted by Robot| 03.02.2007 17:27

Showcase  Villager

# 2 Good job. When is the continuation? Posted by Showcase| 03.02.2007 19:24