CHAPTER ONE
Beauty is not always in the eyes of the beholder but if you disagree, what if the beholder has eyes problem? What if the beholder is born in a away that they couldn't see beauty and understand? Maybe, just like some people are born with disorder structures and they are not like complete humans, what if someone is not born with the ability to recognize and appreciate beauty?
That rain that come down in heavy liquid as if the heavens couldn't control any amount and no liquid is left for the next drop could be mirrored as my tears in the middle of a relationship with an ideal beautiful lady. Stood I at the edge of the relationship staring out at the crashing waves beneath it and could pretend to be alright. Going back was not possible and going further, a red traffic was shown. The sound of "This is the only angel on earth" keeps me matching the serpents in the relationship. I see reasons to love and go further more than to withdraw and exit when I was still with little strength. Ten thousand would be her errors but a single good will buy a new her. Maybe, in her heart blessed is the new day another monkey was born on this earth. Tears streamed down my face blurring the words on the first day I saw her, "You are the lost but found angel". This is the story of myself when I decided to fall in love for the first time after avoiding relationship for years so that I escape love imprisonment and challenges. This was the story of "Tears of a Late Lover".
That type of morning rain fall and when it stops at once as if it wants to add again but then leaving the weather smiling and making even the poor to feel rich. I set to travel to Abuja to start my college. I needed no angel to tell me that have a nice journey because the weather alone predicted a nice journey. If I could see a truck coming, I could held that the driver understands the fact about the weather and he could maintain the protocol. As I came out of my compound and stand beside the road, I stopped a taxi driver who carried me to the motor park. "Bring him here, this is a vehicle for Abuja travelers " the conductor in the park directed and we followed. Before I entered in the vehicle, I could spot a beautiful and charming image inside already though the view was still blurring and I couldn't pass a final judgment. While I struggled to enter, like the moment thousands of eyes are on you on the stage and as stage flights could lead you do what you haven't planned and leave the planned, that moment you could fall on the stage but still be thinking you are standing because of thousand of eyes on you and you could shiver uncontrollably. Christabel's two eyes on me worth thousand of eyes and got me thinking I'm at a wrong place and I need someone to help me out. Yes, the reality was there. A beautiful soul exudes a radiating aura of grace and elegance. She has a captivating smile that lights up her face and a kind welcoming spirit that draws people towards her which I was one. Her eyes are like windows to her soul, sparkling with intelligence, warmth, and compassion. Yes, I could say the eyes sparkle when she looks into your eyes. Her natural hair is lush and shiny, framing her face in a way that accentuates her natural beauty.
Her posture in the car was poised and confident, displaying a graceful and alluring silhouette. She moves for me to get a space and sit down with grace and poise, like a dancer gliding across a stage. Every movement she makes was intentional and graceful like a delicate swan on a peaceful lake.
Her style was impeccable, showcasing her unique sense of fashion and individuality. Her taste was refined, and she carries herself with sophistication and class. Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder so they said but I tell you, any beholder that will pass without admiring Christabel's beauty has problem in their eyes.
Beyond her physical appearance, I couldn't explain what is inside at the moment but could imagine a complete beauty.
When she allowed me to sit, she extended a hand and said "hello". I confidently complied. Sooner than later, our vehicle set off.
As we sat closer to each other in the vehicle traveling to Abuja, I couldn't stop feeling grateful for the peacefulness of the journey. At this point, I regain my confidence fully and could smile broadly. The only thing that could have made it better was the company of the beautiful lady sitting next to me.
Yes, she began a conversation and I confidently joined. We chatted and laughed, little did I know our conversation turned to the topic of love. She asked me if I believed in love at first sight, and I couldn't stop smiling. "I hate someone who expresses love to me at the first moment of seeing me?" I told her that I did believe in it, but not in the way it is often portrayed in movies and novels. I explained further, something must move the heart to fall in love; something must grasp one attention and calls one to come closer. I told her that there are some beauties even if you are married, you will stop and appreciate. Even if you are driving on a very high frequency, once your eyes glances such beauties, you must stop else you miss control. She laughed.
I explained more, love at first sight is more of an intense connection or chemistry between two people. It's that feeling of familiarity and understanding that you get with someone, even if you've just met them.
She nodded smilingly taking in my words before sharing her own thoughts on the matter. She continued that she believed in love at first sight as well, though she also believed that love takes time and effort to truly grow and develop. Love is not just a momentary feeling, but rather a continuous choice to understand, support, and care for someone, I added.
As we talk futher, we also shared our own experiences and future hopes. It was refreshing to have such an open and honest conversation with her, especially since we had just met.
I couldn't hold my joy but feel a strong connection with her, and as the bus keeps jumping, allowing me to robe my body with hers, I realized that love may have indeed found me on this journey.
We continued to talk for hours and before we knew it, the bus had arrived at our destination.
It was a beautiful journey, and we had been chatting for hours through out. As every passenger begins to find their last destination, I didn't want the conversation to end.
I looked at Christabel with a smile and said, "I've loved talking to you through out the journey. Would you like we continue this conversation sometime soon? Maybe over coffee or a walk?" Her eyes lit up, and she nodded enthusiastically. Then, I asked, "May I have your number so we can plan something?" She handed over her phone and we exchanged numbers. As we exchanged digits, our fingers touched and I could felt a spark of love. "Would you like to grab coffee this weekend?" I asked, Christabel smiled and replied, "I'd love to!" As we parted ways, I felt elated and couldn't wait to see that day.
As I reached home and have taken a good care of myself, I gave her a call as I couldn't wait so long. "Hello! Is this Christabel?"
"Yes, it's me. Who's this please?" She connected and I continued.
"Hi, this is Master Barnabas. How are you, my dear?"
Christabel: Oh, hi Master B, I'm doing well. How about you?
Me: I'm great, thank you. By the way, how was your journey back home?
Chritabel: Oh, it was lovely. The weather was perfect and the roads were clear, so it was a smooth ride.
Me: That's great to hear, your beauty held the burning African sun to stand muted today. I was a bit worried about you going alone.
Christabel: Aww, that's so sweet of you. But you shouldn't have worried, I'm more than 18.
Me: I'm sure you are and I'm sure you are smarter but a real husband has to show care.
Christabel: (laughs) Thank you. You always know how to make me smile but you must remember I'm not your wife and you not my husband.
Me: As long as I can make a Lady like you smile with white teeth like snow opening her sparkling eyes, my day is complete. So, did you happen to think of me during your journey?
Christabel: Of course, I did! I was missing you terribly. Your stories couldn't escape my horizon.
Me: (with love in voice) Oh God! We missed you too, dear.
Christabel: We missed you? You meant you and who please.
Me: My head, eyes, ears and mouth, my shoulders,chest and hands. My west down to my toes, we missed you.
Christabel: (laughs mightily) Stop! Stop! Please, just calm down.
Me: And even if I calm down, the air I breathe will go ahead.
Chritabel: Oh, absolutely! I can't wait to see you and spend time with you again.
Me: (smiling) Me I can wait to see you but only my heart can't wait though. I'm counting down the days until we can be together again. Until then, stay safe and take care, my dear.
Chritabel: I will. And thank you for checking up on me. It means a lot.
Me: Always, my dear. Have a good night and sweet dreams.
Chritabel: You too. Goodnight.
Me: Goodnight, my love! I continued alone... bittersweet: I miss her so much. Hearing her voice again brought back all the memories and feelings that I couldn't hold. I wonder if she knows how much my poor heart moves for her. That voice can cure Corona Virus, can cure HIV; a voice that can heal all kinds of virus. Sweet melody in the soft air; keep echoing in my brain every time I hear it. A voice that can send a man to go and withdraw his money himself, my heart skips a beat and I can't hold but smile. Inner thoughts: But I can't tell her that. I think I'm rushing too much. I can't risk ruining our friendship or scaring her away. Oh Daddy in heaven! (whispers) I wish I could tell her how much I love her. How much I want to be with her and make her happy.
But she deserves someone who can give her everything and I'm afraid I'm not that person. Well, (smiles sadly) I guess I'll just have to keep these feelings to myself and continue to be there for her as a friend. Even though it breaks my heart every time I see her with someone else but as long as she's happy, that's all that matters. Oh! (whispers) I love you, my dear. I hope she knows. I hope she can feel it through the phone, even just a little bit. Because I love her more than words could ever express. Oh! The new catch they said is always beautiful than the previous one and the new ones are not yet born. Maybe, I have to wait for the last beauty? No! No! This lady is the last...aah! women are still conceiving everyday. Now, how would my result and Christabel show in future? Could she be an angel with a difference?