Age is not a barrier. It is a limitation you put on your mind. — Jackie Joyner Kersee

Dora never thought she would relive her youthful days in her mid-forties. However, that's what destiny bestowed upon her that fateful Friday. 

A week had passed since her meeting with Gerald and his family. However, the events of the day remained fresh in her memory.

What occurred after Ellie's declaration followed Dora everywhere and caused a major distraction.
 

As she sat in her living room anxiously tapping her foot, her mind flew back to that day and how it all ended. 

                    ★★Flashback★★

"That is an invitation card for our baby shower and gender reveal party!" Ellie announced with a huge grin.

"Oh my God, that's lovely!" Dora produced a huge grin. "I will definitely be there."

Happiness swelled within her as she celebrated with the young mother. Someone who was fast becoming a daughter to her.

Dora had decided long ago at the start of her friendship with Ellie that her past with Gerald would not taint their friendship. And so far, she had managed to stand by her decision.

"Beautiful. I look forward to seeing you." Ellie beamed and turned to the side. " Tara and aunt Chiaka, you both should please attend, if you can."

"I will try to be there," Chiaka said.

"I will surely be there," Tara said with a smile.

"That's wonderful!" Ellie exclaimed. "Things will definitely be fun."

Dora didn't miss the smile Ellie and Gerald shared. Her eyes darted to the side and the expression gleaming in Gerad's eyes made her stomach squirm in nervousness.

One quality Gerald possessed was his inability to hide his feelings. Especially his happiness and anger. The smile hovering on his lips caused Dora's unease to rise.

She forced the thought to the back of her mind and got a rein over her emotions. She cleared her throat to gain the attention of everyone.

"We should take our leave now. Otherwise, we shall get late due to the heavy traffic we shall encounter."

"Ah, yes!" Ellie nodded in understanding.  "The traffic around here can be crazy."

"Exactly. Let me pay our bill and then we will be on our way." Dora brought out her purse and pulled out some cash.

"Oh no, please don't worry. I will take care of it," Ellie rushed out.

"No, that's not happening." Dora pinned her with a stern gaze. "I shall pay this time."

Ellie shook her head. "Please don't be stubborn; I invited you so I should pay."

Dora narrowed her eyes.  "This time I will pay.  Remember the deal last time was I would pay the next time we dine together in a restaurant."

"Okay...fine." Ellie huffed and produced a pout. "I will let you win this time but definitely not next time." A playful glint appeared in her eyes. 

Dora grinned. "Fair enough. But overconfidence is not good." Mirth gleamed in her eyes.  

Ellie snickered and huffed afterward.

Dora signaled the waiter over, asked for the bill, and handed him the exact money.  Then she, Chiaka, and Tara rose to their feet. 

"See you all soon," Ellie said as she stood up and hugged the three women. 

"Yes, see you in a few weeks." Dora pulled back with a smile. She blew Mide a kiss and sent the men a polite nod.

The trio turned on their heels and sauntered off.  However, they had barely reached the exit of the mall when a voice stopped them. 

"Adaora!"

Dora swung around and her breath caught as she stared at the approaching figure.

"I will be back," she said to Chiaka and Tara.

"Gerald, what happened?" She asked with scrunched brows. 

"I believe you dropped this!" Gerald stretched out his hand. 

Her gaze fell to his hand and her eyes bulged as she stared down at the deep chocolate card which belonged to Jide Brown. 

"Thank you!" She snatched it and wrapped a fist around it. Her eyes drifted to Gerald and an unreadable expression shone in his eyes. A vein ticked in his jaw.

Her head ducked away.  For some reason, embarrassment washed over her. 

The words of Jide Brown flooded her memory and left her distraught.
The corners of the card dug into her palm as her hold on it tightened. 

"Are you okay?"

"Y-yes, I'm okay." Dora stuttered without looking up.

"Are you sure? You seem distressed."

"Yes, I am okay," she said in a much stronger voice and faced him. "I just have a lot on my mind."

"Okay. That's understandable," he said and went silent.

Nervous butterflies romped in her stomach as she pondered on what would happen next.

She wanted to walk away. However, one side of her urged her to ask him if he had anything else to say.

"Uh... Can I ask you something?" Gerald finally broke the silence. 

Dora tensed but looked up.
"Yes? Go on." She gripped her bag straps.

A mixture of fear, hope, and nervousness shimmered in his eyes.

Dora felt similar emotions well within her.

"Will you be available tomorrow?" He asked.

Dora's forehead wrinkled slightly as she thought of an answer.
"Yes, I will."

His eyes bore into her as he asked the next question. "Can I take you out?"

Dora's throat immediately clogged and she swallowed a lump. Her stomach flipped repeatedly and her heart raced. 

Apprehension shone in his eyes and his lips lifted in a nervous smile. "Will you go out with me?" Amid the glimmer of apprehension, a glint of hope surfaced. 

"Yes!" Her voice came out hoarse and low. Various emotions stirred within her as she thought of her response and the consequences that might come with it. 

           ★★END OF FLASHBACK★★

A loud knock broke her reverie.
"Mom, are you in there?"

"Yes, come in!" Dora's eyes darted to the door.

The door squeaked open and Tara slipped inside. "Ooh, you look lovely!" She smiled.

Dora huffed in response and shook her head. "I don't believe I am doing this."

Tara chuckled and took a seat beside her.  "There is nothing wrong with what you are doing."

Dora snorted. "That's not true.  Who goes on a date at 45 years old?"

"You," Tara stated.

Dora glared at her and scowled. 

Tara's lips lifted into a half-smile. "I don't know if you are the first person to do it. But I know it is the right thing to do."

Dora's eyes dimmed and darted away as thoughts filled her head.

I don't know the right thing to do anymore.

Why did I say yes?

I wonder where he is taking me?

Something grazed her hand and she looked down. Tara's hand was wrapped around her own. Her eyes flickered up and connected with Tara's eyes which shimmered with understanding.

Dora sent Tara a puzzled look and Tara smiled in response.

"I understand how you, feel." Tara squeezed her hand. "I might be too young and inexperienced to say this, but I have had my share of heartbreak and wounds." Pain flickered in her eyes.

"However, there is something I have learned from you; it is the will to move forward and overcome all obstacles." Her lips curled into a soft smile.

"I have learned from you to have the courage to fight every adversary.  I have learned from you to summon the strength to keep the flame burning regardless of any storm." Tara's smile grew. "So, Mom, don't forget your own teachings. It's time for you to follow them."

Tears shone in Dora's eyes as Tara's words struck hidden and unhidden places in her heart. She produced a watery smile and cupped Tara's cheek.

"Thank you for understanding me." Sincerity gleamed in her eyes. "I agree with everything you said," she sniffled, "but then again, it is easier said than done." A pained smile graced her lips and she dropped her hand and tried to get up.

However, Tara's hold on her hand tightened.

She turned to face her. "What, Tara?" Tiredness tinted her voice.

Tara heaved a sigh. "I know it's easier said than done, but once you start, it  will get easier over time." She squeezed Dora's hand and tilted her head. "Please, Mom, go out with Uncle Gerald today and have fun. Don't think about anything else."

An intense look of begging marred Tara's face. "You have a break from work until Tuesday.  Utilize the opportunity to relax and recharge."

Dora bit her lips.  "I don't know if I can. But I will try, dear!" Her lips lifted into a smile.

"That's good!" Tara's eyes crinkled at the side as she produced a toothed grin.  "Now, wipe your tears because he would soon be here."

Just then, a loud horn sounded from outside, and then Chiaka yelled from behind the door, "He's here!"

"Okay, Aunty. We are coming." Tara whirled to Dora with a wide grin.

Dora's heartbeats sped up and she shot up from the bed. She raced to the mirror and stared at her reflection. Her hands flew across her hair and dress as she struggled to rearrange them.

A huff escaped her lips and her hands dropped to the side. "I don't think I can do this!" She shook her head and eyed her reflection with a scowl. "I don't look good."

"That's not true," Tara said and came to stand behind her. "You look beautiful."

Dora scoffed and turned away from the mirror. She clutched her stomach that churned repeatedly. "I don't feel good either." Bile rose to her throat.

Tara produced an amused laugh. "It's the jitters. Don't worry, it will disappear as you get into the swing of things."

Dora shook her head and slumped onto the edge of the bed. Her toes squeezed and her shoulders tensed. 
"I can't do it," she murmured.

Her eyes shot to Tara. "Send him away. Tell him I am a little ill and I need to rest." Her hand flailed in the air and an agitated look marred her face.

Tara stomped her feet. "No! I am doing no such thing," she said in a raised voice.

Dora faced her with a frown. "Why?"

"Because you need to go. You gave him your word and you should fulfill it."

"Well, I am feeling quite unwell. I shall fulfill my word some other time." Dora huffed and turned away. She balled her fists and clenched the bedsheets.

Tara let out a groan. "Come on, mom! Stop being stubborn."

Dora scoffed without facing her.

"Mom..." Tara dragged out after a few beats of silence.

"What?"

"Do you remember what happened on the day of my first date with Philip?"

Dora looked at her.  "Vaguely. What about it?" She sent her a questioning look.

"You told me something." Tara walked slowly towards her.

Dora arched a brow. "I did?" She frowned.  "And what was that?"

Tara produced a grin.  "Your exact words were: 'TaraOluwa Dumebi Bullock, fear has no power over you. You are going on a date and you are going to have fun.'"

Dora recounted her words from months ago. But her words couldn't ease her anxiety.

Tara's smile broadened.  "Do you remember?"

"Yes," Dora stated. "But I don't see how it has to do with the situation on ground."

"It has a lot to do with it." Tara stopped in front of Dora and grasped her shoulders. "Because I am telling you now, Mom, that fear has no power over you. You are going on a date and you are going to have fun."

The eyes of mother and daughter connected. Defiance shimmered in their eyes as they fought to make each other understand.

Finally, a knock on the door broke their staring competition. 

"Adaora, if you make him wait five more minutes it would be considered rude. So get yourself out," Chiaka said in a stern voice. 

"Okay, Sis, I will soon be there."

"Good." Chiaka's footsteps faded away.

Dora's eyes drifted back to a grinning Tara and she rolled her eyes. She silently rose, crossed over to her shoe rack, and pulled out a pair of wedge heels, and slipped into it. 

She picked up her black tote bag. "Shall we?" She asked Tara and opened the door. 

"Yes, we shall!" Tara beamed and skipped out.

With each step, Dora's heart pounded faster.  Finally, after what seemed like years, she reached the living room and Gerald's bright face welcomed her. 

Ooh, he looks dashing. She thought as her eyes roamed over his outfit. His chinos looked well laundered and his navy blue polo shirt clung to his body adding to his charm.

Heat crept onto her cheeks as she realized her thoughts.

Gerald stepped closer to her and whispered, "You look gorgeous!" His eyes danced with gladness.

"Thank you," she muttered and lowered her eyes.

The musky fragrance of his cologne drifted through her nose.

"Afternoon, Uncle!" Tara's excited voice filled the living room.

"Hey, Tara!" Gerald smiled and pulled her in for a hug

She watched Gerald and Tara with a frown. Shock washed over her as they shared a high-five.

When did they become friends? She wondered as her confusion increased.

"Are you ready?" His deep calm voice broke her musings.

Her eyes darted to him. "Yes," she murmured.

"Great! Let's go." His voice sounded delighted and her stomach churned.

Dora took a few steps forward but Tara's next words stopped her.

"The bag is in the boot!"

Dora swung to Tara with wide eyes. "What bag?"

A mischievous glint appeared in Tara's eyes and she produced a sly smile. Her eyes darted to Gerald and they shared a look.

Dora whirled to Gerald. "What is she talking about?" Her mouth parted open.

Gerald's lips lifted into a smirk and he declared, "A bag of clothes for you because we are going on a trip."

                              ★★★★

Ooh, yayy! Dora is finally going on a date 💃😂

What are your thoughts on that? Drop an emoji in the comments section that expresses your feelings concerning it. 

Annd, I will rush to the question of the chapter because I am excited to know your answers. It might give me the inspiration to write future chapters 😂

Anyway, Our Question of the Chapter is: Where do think Gerald is whisking Dora off to?

I will have to keep quiet on this one 😉
But I can say for sure, it will be romantic 😂

Anyway, don't forget to 😏

Until next time, don't limit yourself.  XD