We met at the housewarming party of the David’s. I knew there was the possibility of our seeing each other there. Mr. David was his brother-in-law while he was a close family friend to me. Trust me, I came prepared. Dressed in a figure-hugging red gown, make-up on fleek, and a new haircut, I wanted to look much different from the person he knew way back.
It was four years already. He had moved on and so had I. The memories of our relationship flashed through my mind. We had found love in an unexpected circumstance. We had so much in common. Our friendship was enviable. The bond was powerful. Nobody would have thought we would break up. However, things went sour, and the love grew cold.
The attraction seemed to wear out. We started making unhealthy comparisons. Arguments replaced heart-to-heart conversation. There was no enough time for each other. His work was demanding, yes,, but he didn’t think I was a priority anymore. And I was there, overreacting and getting paranoid. Sadly, we parted ways in the most conventional way.
“We can’t go further. We just have to call it quits”
I recall those exact words he said on that day in his BMW car as he dropped me at home. He offered to pick from work because he had “something to say”.
It was not shocking. I had already read between the lines. I saw the clear signs. He had stopped doing the things he normally did. And when I tried to draw his attention, he said I was controlling.
I smiled as I listened to him. The tears refused to roll down.
“It is okay”
“Just like that,” He said in surprise
“What do you want me to do?” I asked.
“It’s okay. I am fine”, I said, then removed the seat belt and opened the car door.
He held onto my arm as I was about to get out of his car. “We are still wonderful friends”
I nodded and left. In my room, I cried myself to sleep. The next day, dusted myself and got up ready for work. I acted as nothing happened. Thankfully, I was due for office leave during that period. It was the perfect timing to clear my head and go back to the “default setting”.
I didn’t know that would be the last time I would see him until four years later in a housewarming party.
Before he sighted me, I had seen him. He was talking to another guest. I would have left to avoid bringing up sad memories. But I had to be fully present at Mr. David’s housewarming party. It was my way of showing honour to Mr. David.
That awkward moment came. We finally bumped into each other at the party. Noticing the ring on his left finger, I quickly slipped on a ring I got from an online shop onto my left finger before he drew close.
“You have changed…..” Those were his words at our first glance there.
I didn’t know how to respond. Was that a compliment or jibe?
I flashed my left finger to his face. He was quick to notice.
Smiling sheepishly, I said, “It’s been a while, good to see you”
He reciprocated with a handshake.
“And you are now a Mrs...cool”
I nodded.
“We have a lot of catching up to do,” I said “Just a moment”
I had to excuse myself, then walked away.
Was I wrong to act ostentatiously to prove a point?