Continued from Part 4 of this short story series
Why does she do these things!!?Rue exploded aloud as she yanked her hair up into a ponytail before snatching open her bedroom door. The faint sounds of their laughter grew louder as she made her way to the room where Naima and Rue’s surprise guest were seated. When Rue saw who it was waiting to see her she stood in the entryway unable to neither move nor speak. She found herself observing his every move and being captivated by his gentle ways, calming tone, and respectful interactions with Naima. Rue didn’t know how long she had been standing in the entryway observing him, but he was oblivious to her presence until Naima called for Rue to enter into the room and join them.
Immediately he stood up and adjusted his suit jacket, picked up the vase of two dozen white long stem roses, and walked towards Rue. He handed them to her and said: “These are for you Rue. How are you…how are you doing?” Rue smiled and thanked him for the roses without answering either of his questions.
He looked at her facial expression and said: “I have to explain to you about last night. When I saw my cousin Lavelle with you, I wanted to know what his intentions were with you. So, I pulled him aside and asked him if he was going to marry you. He told me that he had no intentions of committing to you and marrying you. So I told him to leave you alone. Rue, you deserve someone who will love and commit to you in marriage.”
Rue placed the vase of roses down on the coffee table and sat down on the sofa. Her eyebrows furrowed and lips curled as she blurted out: “We didn’t work out…that’s why you and I only went out on that one date and haven’t spoken ever since until right now…”He responded to Rue saying: “But it did work out. I want to marry you…have a family with you…love and care for you and make you happy until the day I die. When I first saw you, I knew that I wanted to marry you…our date was just confirmation for me.”
Rue stared at Bodie as if he were delusional. He knelt down in front of her, stared into her eyes and stated,“Timing is everything and my timing was completely off during our date; you lashed out at me because you were hurting. Your soul was broken because you lost your husband. You were just going through the motions, trying to keep it all together. I’m sorry my questions overwhelmed you and pushed you over the edge.”
Bodie continued, “Ever since our date, I have been unable to get you off of my mind. I haven’t dated nor pursued any woman except you. For a year and a half I’ve been calling Naima twice a week to check on you and see how you’re doing. Rue, I want you to know that I am okay with you not being okay because I understand that healing takes time. So I will continue to pray for you until you receive your breakthrough and are able to smile…laugh…live and love again…”
Rue jumped up from the sofa; Bodie reached for both of her hands and said “Please talk to me Rue…. Please tell me what I said that made you uncomfortable.” Without hesitation, Rue responded and said: “This…all of this is too much! The way you’re talking to me right now as if you know me…as if you really care and are concerned about me…what do you want with a woman who is broken!?”
Bodie responded and said,“I am concerned about you because you’re a part of me…you’re my rib. You were gently and carefully crafted by God, for me. It is my responsibility to pray, care and love you to wholeness…if you’ll let me…will you let me?” AsRue looked at Bodie sideways, Naima cleared her throat and said “It’s time for you to stop holding it in and tell him the truth Rue…”
Stay tuned for the next installment in this short story series by Lynnette Easter!
