The oldest, shortest words—’yes’ and ‘no’—are those which require the most thought. -Pythagoras 

The sun descended beneath the horizon. Its rays cast a golden glow through the window on the figures in the room.

“Oh my gosh, you look lovely,” Alice squealed as she beamed at Tara. 

Tara turned her head and smiled. “Thank you.” 

She turned back to face the mirror as she wore her gold earrings and the gold sunflower pendant Philip got for her. Her palm ran over it as she thought about the person who bought it. She walked to her shoe rack and took down a gold pair of sandals and slipped it on. 

“Oh my gosh, Tara, when are you going to try wearing heels?” Alice raised a brow and shook her head. “You should wear one with this dress. It will add to your whole look.”

“Never.” Tara shrugged. “Heels aren’t for me.” 

Alice rolled her eyes. “That’s because you never tried wearing them.” She sighed. “But you look chic today. Philip is in trouble.” She smirked. 

Tara’s cheeks reddened as she ran her hand down the fabric of the wrap leopard skin dress she wore. “I wonder where he’s taking me to,” she whispered. 

“It’s probably a romantic dinner.” Alice wiggled her eyes at her. 

Tara’s cheek turned a brighter shade of red. Her eyes flickered to the clock stationed at the corner beside the door. 

“He is going to be here in thirty minutes and I am feeling quite nervous.” She played with her fingers and stared at her friend with bewildered eyes. 

Alice laughed. “That is how it is. Especially when it is with someone special.” Alice winked at her. 

Tara’s face couldn’t have gotten redder. She glared at her friend with laughter dancing in her eyes.

Her face returned to its natural color, and she said, “I will be right back. I am going to meet mom.”

“That’s great.” Alice smiled. “In the meantime, let me clean up this mess.”

Tara surveyed her room. Clothes lay scattered on the bed, her closet was open, and various make-up instruments littered her dressing table.

“Thank you so much, Ali.” She smiled at Alice and strolled out the door.

As she strode down the hallway, her mind flew to her mother, who retreated into a shell after Ayodeji appeared in their lives a week ago. 

Tara’s heart cried for her mother, who had lost the life in her. She barely ate or spoke to anyone. However, come morning, she would force herself to be strong and go to work. 

Tara rapped on her mother’s room door and waited for a response.

“Come in.”

She pushed the door open, and her mother’s solemn face greeted her. 

“How are you, Mom?” She walked forward and stood at the edge of the bed. 

“I am well, dear.” Dora cracked a small smile and closed the Bible that was open on her lap. 

Tara knew her mother was not telling the truth. She could see bags under her eyes from lack of sleep and her eyes were red, a sign of tears shed. 

Dora’s eyes roamed over Tara’s body, and a huge smile spread across her face. “Wow, you look beautiful!” Her eyes brightened.

Tara’s eyes sparkled, and her heart brimmed with joy. She was glad her actions brought a smile to her mother’s face. 

“Thank you.” She gave her a toothed grin. However, her smile fell. “I don’t want to leave you alone. What if he comes?” She swallowed hard and stared at her mother with clouded eyes. 

Dora’s smile slipped off her face as she narrowed her eyes at Tara. “You must have fun; you don’t need to worry about me; the Lord is here with me.” Her smile returned.

Tara slowly nodded in agreement, but there was apprehension floating through her because Ayodeji couldn’t be trusted. “But—” A knock on the door interrupted her. 

Alice’s head peeked through the half-opened door. “Philip is here!” 

Tara’s heart sped up. “Please inform him I will be there soon.”

“That’s great!” Dora exclaimed and climbed out of the bed. “I must meet my future son-in-law.” She winked at Tara, whose face turned red.

Tara fidgeted with her fingers. She was both excited and anxious about spending time with Philip. She felt like this date will change some things.

“It is not good to be keeping him waiting,” Alice’s voice drew her out of her musings.

She nodded and took a deep breath and ambled past Alice. 

Her shoes clicked on the tiles as she walked down the hallway. The light chatter between her mother and Philip floated through her ears.

Arriving in the living room, she was ecstatic to see her mother in high spirits as she smiled broadly at Philip. 

Her eyes drifted to Philip, whose back was to her. 

“Aha, here she comes,” Dora shrieked with sparkling eyes. 

Philip turned to face her with one of his charming smiles. He looked dashing in a grey wool blazer and white button shirt with grey dress pants and a navy blue tie for a pop of color. “You look gorgeous, as always.” He beamed at her. 

Tara whispered a “thank you” through pink cheeks. 

She spied a look at Dora and Alice, who had soft contented smiles on their faces. 

Philip cleared his throat and asked, “Are you ready to go?”

Tara bobbed her head and stepped forward. However, she halted and whirled around to stare at her mother with wide eyes and puckered lips. Her eyes said words her mouth couldn’t say. 

Sensing the need for privacy, Philip muttered, “I will go prepare the car.” He smiled at the women and sauntered out. 

“I need to finish tidying up the room,” Alice declared, and scurried out. 

The mother and daughter were left  alone, staring at each other with agitation and bewilderment. 

“What is the matter, Tara?” Dora asked with raised brows. 

Tara rushed over and grabbed her hands. “I seriously don’t want to leave you here alone,” she said with scrunched brows. “Philip will understand If I decline.” 

Dora shook her head vigorously. “I thought we had gone over this.” She frowned. “I will be fine here. God is with me. Where is your faith, Tara?” She squeezed her hands.

Tara swallowed. “I trust God, but I don’t trust that man; he is unpredictable.”

Dora placed her hand on Tara’s cheek and said, “If you trust God, then you trust he won’t let anything untoward happen.” 

Tara knew her mother was right, but she couldn’t stop worrying. Her eyes clouded with a feeling of foreboding.

“Hmm, does part of your agitation has to do with your date with Philip?” Dora asked with wide eyes. 

Tara thought for a moment. “I don’t know, Mom.” She rasped out. “I just feel like something good or bad wants to happen.” She sighed.

Dara cracked a smile and patted her cheeks. “Don’t worry, dear. Whether it is good or bad, the Lord will take control.” 

Tara nodded and sighed in resignation. She left her mother’s hand and took a step back. “Okay, Mom. Please take care of yourself.” She flashed a smile. “And please call me if you need me.” She said with stern eyes. 

Dora smiled and nodded her head. “I will.” 

Tara turned to go out. However, Alice’s announcement stopped her.

“Tara, to make you feel better, I have decided that I will stay with her until you get back,” Alice said with a smile. 

“Oh no, my dear. Don’t worry.” Dora rushed out. “I am sure you have other things to do.” 

Tara contemplated between accepting the offer and rejecting it. She didn’t want to impose on her friend. 

“Don’t worry, Ma. I have nothing else I need to do.” Alice smiled. 

“Are you sure, Ali?” Tara gazed at her with doubt.

“Yes, I am.” Her smile didn’t waver.

“Ahh, thank you so much. I don’t think I could ever repay you.” Tara grinned at her friend. 

“Oh, come on; she is like my mother too, so no need for payment.” She laughed. “And now be going. Philip is probably having a heart attack, believing you will ditch him.” She chortled. 

Tara glared at her friend. “Don’t say that.” She couldn’t fathom anything bad happening to Philip because of her. 

“I will go now.” Tara’s eyes flickered between her mother and friend; she sent them a smile and ambled out the door. 

The evening chill whipped at her as she strolled towards Philip’s car.

She watched as Philip dropped his phone and came round to open the door for her. He had a grin plastered on his face. 

She slipped in and drowned in the familiar woody scent of his cologne. 

The engine came to life, and the car veered out the gate and down the highway.

They flew past the light traffic as people headed home for the day. 

The silence that filled the car was not one of discomfort, but it was soothing and relaxing as both parties prepared for their time together. 

As Philip turned the car left, he broke the silence. “Hmm, something is different today.”

Tara raised a brow and faced him. “What is different?”

“Someone didn’t pester me for information about our destination.” His eyes shimmered with mirth. 

Tara giggled. “I believe that is because a certain gentleman requested that the person should trust him.” Her eyes lightened up. 

He gave a rich laugh. “And I guess she did, didn’t she?”

“Well... I guess she did. But we shall see; the journey hasn’t ended.” She smirked as she bit her lips to stop herself from laughing out.

“Hmmm, I see.” He sent her a wink. “I guess we shall see.” 

They both laughed, and they settled back into a comfortable silence. 

The car slowed down as it came to a stop in front of a one-storey glass building that shone under the glistening moon. 

She stepped out of the car as Philip opened the door for her. 

Written in cursive gold writing was Resto D’amour

“The restaurant of love,” she whispered. And her heart sped up. 

“Oh my word, I didn’t know you could speak French,” Philip remarked as he gazed at her in awe. 

Tara laughed and looked at him. “There is so much you don’t know about me.” She gave him a cheeky grin.

“Well, I will gladly be your student.” A soft smile played on his lips.

They gazed at each other. The sound of a car driving past broke their trance. 

Philip cleared his throat, and Tara blushed.

“Shall we?” He stretched out his hand. 

Tara nodded and slipped her hand into his own. A thrill flowed through her body, and something within her didn’t want to let go. 

They strolled hand in hand up the marble steps. They stepped into the building that was illuminated by candles dotted around and chandeliers above that produced a silvery glow on the objects around. 

The smiling face of the hostess greeted them. “Good evening Sir and Ma’am. How can I be of help?"

Philip spoke up, “I would like to confirm our reservation.”

“Okay. Name and seating, please?” she scrolled through her tablet. 

“Philip Angelo. Table for two.”

She looked up. “Your table is table 27. Please come with me.”

They nodded and tagged after her. 

Servers scattered around as they attended to the different customers. 

The hushed voices of the consumers filled the space as they chatted over their meals. 

The hostess led Philip and Tara down the aisle as they maneuvered through tables occupied with people munching on tantalizing dishes. 

“Here it is.” She stopped in front of a table with two chairs around it. 

Tara gasped as she scanned the table. 

A candle was shimmering in the middle of the table and a vase of lilies stood elegantly beside it. The silverware glistened under the glow of the light fixture above. 

Philip pulled out a chair and Tara slid in and Philip took his seat opposite her.  

The hostess placed two menus on the table, looked at them, and smiled. “A server will be with you shortly. Have a lovely meal,” she said. 

“Thank you,” they both said, and the hostess walked off. 

Tara looked up at Philip and smiled. “You remembered my favorite flower.” Her eyes darted to the vase of lilies.

Philip gave her a toothed grin and declared, “I remember everything about you.”  

Tara’s cheeks reddened, and she looked down at the silk cream tablecloth. 

“Anyway, what would you like to have?” Philip asked as he picked up his menu.

“Hmm, let me see…” She scanned the pages of the menu. “Aha, I would love to have an Italian dish. You have tried my country's food, so let me try yours.” She grinned at him. “Could you please choose one for me? You are more experienced than me.” 

“Well, that is great! I shall do the honor.” He beamed at her. 

A server walked up to them. “Good evening, Sir and Ma’am. What would you like to have?” He looked between them.

They told him their preferences, and he walked off. 

Their eyes locked, and they gazed into each other’s eyes as the glow of the candle shone on their faces and made them look more striking. 

To Tara, Philip’s olive skin looked brighter than she had ever seen. 

Tara broke eye contact and blushed as she toyed with her hands on her lap. 

Questions filled her head, and she didn’t know which ones to ask. 

“Have you ever dined here?” She blurted. 

“No, I haven’t. My friend stumbled upon it when he was preparing for a date with his girlfriend.”

“Oh, that’s nice.” She nodded. “It is Dennis, right?” 

“Yep, that’s him. He is more or less my only friend. He has stood by me through many storms.” An indecipherable look flashed in his eyes. But a smile covered it.

Minutes later, two steaming plates of lasagna arrived and were placed in front of them. 

Tara’s mouth watered as the steam oozed out, and the aroma drifted into her nose. 

The server placed two glasses of red wine before them and ambled away.

The duo dug into the food after Tara said a quick prayer.

Several minutes later, their plates were cleared away and their stomachs filled up. 

“What next?” Tara asked after their check was cleared. 

“Hmm, please come with me.” Philip’s eyes twinkled with an emotion she couldn’t decipher.  

It heightened her nervousness, but she followed him. He guided her out of the restaurant and towards the side of the restaurant.

“Where are we going?” Tara asked with raised brows as they walked farther away from the restaurant building.

“You will soon find out,” Philip said from over his shoulder. “Remember, you promised to trust me. So please do.” 

“Okay. Fine,” Tara huffed. 

Tara watched as they came upon a mini garden dotted with roses, lilies, and gardenias.

“This is it,” he proclaimed as they stopped at a clearing. “Isn’t everything beautiful?” He asked while looking down at her with that unreadable expression.

Tara smiled in response as her heart pounded. The feeling of foreboding raced through her and she stepped away from Philip. 

Tara stepped forward and stood next to a gardenia shrub. The scent was relaxing and intoxicating. She looked up at the sky and watched the little stars shine to their full potential.

She rubbed her arms as the  night breeze washed over her. 

Philip took his place beside her and seemed to stare far ahead at the endless world in front of them. 

“Tara!” His whisper broke the silent night. 

“Hmm,” she hummed as she turned to face him. He looked at her with an even more intense look, which made her shiver.

“I need to talk to you,” he stated as he moved closer. “I want to ask you a question.” 

Tara’s eyes widened, and her heart pounded in her chest. “What do you want to talk about?” 

He swallowed hard and rubbed his neck. He shuffled on his feet and gazed at her with a nervous look. 

“Well, first, I want to say that I have known you for only a few months, but you have affected my life greatly.” He smiled softly at her and continued, “You have a beautiful soul, Tara.”

Tara’s heart swelled with those words, and her cheeks splashed with red. 

She opened her mouth to speak, but he stopped her. “Please listen to me. When I am done, you have all the time to say what you want.” He drew in a shaky breath. 

Tara’s heartbeats rang in her ear. 

He stepped closer, leaving little space between them. Tara swallowed as she adjusted to their proximity. 

“My question is—” he paused and cradled her hands. “Would you please be my girlfriend?” He asked with eyes dancing with an emotion she didn’t want to identify. 

Was it love? 

She gazed at him with wide eyes as she processed his words. 

Suddenly, with the force of the wind, she snatched her hands and stepped back, almost tripping on her dress. She gawked at him as his words settled in her head. 

Philip gazed at her with helplessness. “Please, Tara?” He whispered with furrowed brows. “Give me a chance.”

Tara paced as his words rang in her head. She clenched and released her fist as she paced about. 

What should she do? She questioned herself. 

She choked on a sob as tirades of emotions ravaged her. 

“Please, Tara. Give me one chance.” His voice filled with emotions.

A part of her wanted to say yes, but the words didn’t come out.  

The battle between yes and no and the battle between past and present continued for minutes until, alas, she decided. 

She exhaled and took slow steps toward Philip. Standing in front of him, she stared into his eyes filled with hope. She berated herself for snatching his hope away. 

“I am sorry, Philip. But I can’t be your girlfriend.” Tears gathered in her eyes as she watched his face fall and his shoulder slump. His eyes became moist. 

He opened his mouth to speak but closed it. He stared at her with tear-filled eyes. 

She hated seeing the defeated look he wore. And she hated herself for being the cause. That was why she couldn’t be his girlfriend. Because she was wounded. 

Because she will do things to hurt him like she hurt her mother. 

Her tears fell without control. 

Her wounds were still fresh, and she didn’t want to give pain to anyone.

  ★★★★★★★★★★★★

Oh no! 

Tara refused Philip 😭

Did you see it coming and what do you think about it?

To make things a little livelier, our Question Of The Chapter is: What is your go-to drink? What drink do you like to take or crave the most? 

Hmm, I am a water person😏 but I love a cold glass of juice and maybe a mug of hot chocolate 😁

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