My phone rang, it was Pleroma. I felt the usual tingling in my skin whenever his name pops up anywhere. This cannot be normal. I am sure he barely notices me apart from anything that has to do with work. But why would he be calling this early, by 8:00 am on a Saturday morning?
"Hello, Betty, Good morning hon." Oh that voice, I felt an answering tug in my belly. I had a flash of tangled limbs and sheets. Crazy.
I cleared my throat. "Good morning Pleroma. How are you?"
"I am doing great beautiful." I stilled my body from responding automatically again. Hopeless, hopeless I muttered beneath my breath when my body defied my instructions.
Well, two can play this game, I just hope that it doesn't drown me.
"Hey handsome, what's up this early morning."
"Calling a beautiful woman is a great way to start a day, you know. What are you up to today?"
I was shocked for the briefest of seconds. Pleroma had always acted so cold towards me and all of a sudden he wants to hangout. What is going on here? I have never understood my attraction for him even though he always acted like I don't exist.
"I have a couple of things I need to do this morning. Anything for me?" Of course, as much as I am excited to hangout with Mr cool and suave, I don't have to show it. I felt my alter ego roll her eyes at me and say, don't slack girl.
"Well, I have a list of things I wrote down to do whenever I want to unwind and I thought you are the best person to spend the day with."
"What are those things?" The image of tangled limbs and sheets flashed through my mind again.
"Scrabble competition with some friends, lawn tennis, other games with small chops and drinks. So many things on the list and I want you to meet my friends. We will make a great team."
Okay, that wasn't what I was expecting but it sounded fun.
"Alright, is 10:30 am late?"
He chuckled and I shut down the automatic image again. "I will come by 10:30 am then. See you soon."
I had a permanent smile as I prepared for the day ahead. O boy! A day with Pleroma and friends, wow!
Several hours later, the day was everything I expected and more. I saw a side of Pleroma, I had never seen, easy going, carefree and smile that lit his face. The smile did a lot to my insides. He proudly introduced me to his friends, you would think I am his girlfriend. When we had our fill of fun and excitement, Pleroma stood up from the table and tapped his glass.
"Listen everyone, I have an important announcement to make but first of all I need to ask Betty something."
I felt the quiver in my belly. Oh my God! My eyes went round in my head, what does he want to do now?
Pleroma turned to me with a look I have never seen, my heart started beating faster.
"Betty I know I have never shown you how much you matter to me. I have been the tough Superior at work, making you look like you never do the work well. But the truth is, I admire your grit, your passion for people, your vision. Yes I saw your purpose book and I told myself, yes she is the one, I have finally found her. So Betty, will you marry me and build a future with me?"
Oh my God! I looked around and I saw the expectant expressions, I looked at Pleroma and....
I heard the phone ring, I opened my eyes, it was a dream.
-Victoria Ukpaka
