Unconventional Love - Chapter 14
Xenia Snyder-Collison@xeniasnydercollison751687
20 days ago
DATE GONE WRONG
Inside her modest home, Ursula sat on her bed, contemplating her dress choice for the evening. Her heart was filled with conflicting emotions as she prepared to meet Gareth, for dinner. She wanted to
appear ordinary, so that no attraction would be generated during their meeting.
‘This dress will do. I don’t want to give Gareth the wrong impression. I need to be as ordinary as possible,’ Ursula whispered to herself, trying to calm her nerves.
As she entered the restaurant, she spotted Gareth waving at her with enthusiasm. She approached him with a polite smile, trying to maintain a sense of normalcy.
“Ursula! I’m so glad you could make it,” Gareth said, his eyes lighting up with excitement.
“Hi, Gareth. It’s good to see you too,” Ursula replied, offering a forced smile.
Gareth tried to hug her but she took a step back, averting his flirtatious gesture.
“Oh, um, it’s great to see you, but let’s just have a seat,” she suggested.
As they sat down, the conversation started on a light note, reminiscing about their childhood and shared memories.
“I’ve been doing well! Life has been interesting. What about you? What have you been up to lately?” Gareth asked, trying to catch up on Ursula’s life.
Ursula responded with a smile, “Oh, you know, just keeping busy with work and other things.”
The conversation flowed smoothly for a while. However, the atmosphere changed when Gareth’s tone shifted.
“I have to be honest with you. I’ve had feelings for you for years. And seeing you now, looking as beautiful as ever, I just can’t keep it to myself anymore,” Gareth confessed.
Ursula paused, feeling sad for her friend’s unrequited feelings. She began to realize that no matter how ordinarily she dressed, the man seated in front of her would still be hooked!
“I appreciate your honesty, but I thought we were meeting as friends. It’s been a long time, and I hoped we could catch up without any romantic implications,” Ursula explained gently.
“I understand, but I can’t deny my feelings. You’ve always been special to me, and I thought maybe things could be different now,” Gareth said, hoping for a chance to win her heart.
Meanwhile, in Malcolm’s abode, he stood beside his mother, observing her with a heavy heart – she was wincing in pain.
‘I wish I could make her smile again, just like the old days. I need to do something special for her,’ he thought to himself, recalling the gestures of love and support his mother had shown him in his childhood.
‘I remember how mum would get me jollof rice and chicken whenever I had a tough day. It always made me feel better. Maybe it can bring a smile to her face now,' Malcolm thought, feeling determined to bring some joy to his mother’s life.
With that decision in mind, he headed to ‘Abena’s Diner,’ a small local restaurant known for its delicious jollof rice and chicken. He placed an order for a take-
away pack, along with a can of malt, knowing it would be a delightful treat for his mother.
While waiting for his order, Malcolm looked around the restaurant and noticed Ursula sitting with a man. The man’s gesture of rubbing Ursula’s cheek ignited a pang of jealousy within him, surprising him with the intensity of his emotions.
‘Strange, why am I feeling jealous? Ursula is just a friend,’ Malcolm reasoned, trying to dismiss the unease he felt. The restaurant staff interrupted his thoughts, handing him his order. As he was about to leave, he decided to walk over to Ursula’s table to greet her.
“Hey, Malcolm! What a pleasant surprise!” Ursula greeted him warmly as he approached.
“Hey! I just came to buy some food for my mum. How are you doing?” Malcolm replied, trying to sound casual.
“I’m doing well, and you?” Ursula asked with a friendly smile.
“Fine, too,” Malcolm responded, stealing a glance at the man who was seated with Ursula. Following his gaze, Ursula introduced the two men to each other.
Gareth examined Malcolm with a hint of condescension, saying, “Nice to meet you. You know, Malcolm, I didn’t expect you to look like that. You know – different.”
Malcolm felt defensive, not appreciating the judgmental comment, “What do you mean by that?”
Gareth smirked, “Well, let’s just say you’re not easy on the eyes, are you?” Ursula was shocked by Gareth’s rudeness, “Gareth, that’s a really rude thing to say!”
“You have no right to speak me like that. Ursula and I are friends, and that’s all that matters,” Malcolm asserted firmly, refusing to be disrespected.
Ursula sighed, trying to focus on her meal, feeling that meeting with Gareth might have been a bad idea.
Gareth persisted with his derogatory remarks, “Friends? Oh please! Why would a gorgeous lady like Ursula have an odd-friend like you? You two are from totally different worlds; you don’t deserve even to be just her friend! Go take a look at yourself in the mirror. Maybe –"
“That’s enough. I don’t want to hear any more of this,” Ursula interrupted, taking Malcolm’s hand. “Come on, Malcolm. Let’s go.”
“Ursula, wait! Please don’t go. We’re not done spending time together,” Gareth pleaded, hoping to salvage the evening.
“I am disgusted with your behaviour. Malcolm is my friend, and I won’t let you talk to him in such a filthy manner. Coming here was a bad idea indeed!” Ursula declared, taking a stand against the hurtful comments.
Ursula and Malcolm left the restaurant, leaving Gareth and a few onlookers in bewilderment. As they walked together, Malcolm felt a mix of emotions. Grateful for Ursula’s defence and support, he wondered if their friendship might evolve into something more someday.
“Thanks for standing up for me. You’re a true friend,” he expressed.
“Of course. That’s what friends are for. That said, how is your mum doing now?”
“Her health is improving, she just experiences some occasional pain from time to time. You can come with me and see her, if you like,” Malcolm suggested.
“Sure! After that guy pissed me off, there’s nothing else I’d rather do.”
As they arrived at Malcolm’s house, Barbara was thrilled to see Ursula in their home, and the two friends engaged in a heartfelt conversation. Malcolm presented his mother with the package he had bought, and she enjoyed the meal with relish.
Soon, it was time for Ursula to leave, and for the first time, Malcolm offered to walk her to the junction. As they strolled together, they engaged in a small chat, Malcolm still grappling with the emotions he had experienced at the restaurant.
“I still can’t believe Gareth said those things to me. It’s not easy dealing with people’s judgment,” Malcolm confided, his vulnerability evident.
“I can’t imagine how difficult that must be. All the same, don’t let his actions bother you. I’m here for you, and your mum too,” Ursula reassured, her empathy shining through.
“Thanks. You always know how to make me feel better,” Malcolm said with a weak smile, appreciating Ursula’s unwavering support.
As they reached the junction, she prepared to board a taxi, but before doing so, she bid him farewell.
“Goodbye, Malcolm. I’ll see you soon.”
“Goodbye. Take care, too,” her replied, watching the taxi disappear into the distance.
As he stood there, his heart yearned for something more than friendship, but he also knew the value of their bond. He decided to cherish their friendship and allow fate to unfold its plans.
#unconventionallove
#novel
#chapterfourteen
