Chapter 6: Chapter 6

Is this love

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Anthony's pov

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I felt dejected and unworthy when Elena didn't show up on time. I wondered if I had been over my head thinking she would love me or even have an interest in me. She was beautiful, rich, and probably had everything she wanted, even male admirers.

I felt like kicking myself in the guts, how could I be so foolish, a girl like her could not be single, or could she. I paced the lawn of the restaurant, as different thoughts came to my mind.

I wanted to call her number but stopped midway, for the first time in my life I didn't know what I would say to her. So I decided to wait for her and when I lost all hope of Elena coming I felt a gentle tap on my shoulder and there she was standing before me looking elegant and graceful.

I forgot my worries and apprehension, I wanted nothing more than to be with this woman standing before me.

"I'm sorry for being late." She said she looked a bit strained but I didn't think much of it. Lagos traffic could get the best of you.

I didn't care anymore that she was late, all I cared about was that she was here finally. We walked into the restaurant and ordered lunch, the food and conversation were splendid, it was so easy talking to her.

We had our first kiss at the sea shoreline. After our meal we took a quick stroll towards the beach, I couldn't resist her anymore, the way her hair flowed all over her face as a result of the wind, her full lips, and luminous eyes. I have kissed before but with Elena it was magical, her lips felt soft against mine and she tasted like sweet orange.

"I have fallen deeply in love with you Elena," I said to her as I held her in a tight embrace. I could feel her heart, beat against mine.

"I'm not going to rush you, or ask you to declare your love for me, I only wanted to tell you how I feel." I gently separated our embrace and gazed into her eyes, I wanted her to see my love for her, in case she doubted my words.

"I love you too," Elena said, her eyes softened as she smiled at me.

I was surprised and pleased at the same time, I knew she was attracted to me but I did not know she had fallen in love with me as I did for her.

"I want you to be a part of my life, Elena."

"I would love that very much."

"Can we see again tomorrow, I could come to your place."

She didn't speak for what seemed like ages "I would rather come to yours, at least for now."

From her reply, I knew she wasn't comfortable with me coming over to her place, but I didn't mind having her in mine. So we made plans for her to visit my home the next day.

I walked Elena to where her car was packed and watched her drive off, for a brief moment I felt inadequate. I couldn't afford some luxuries she seemed to enjoy but I quickly banished such emotions from my mind.

I wouldn't pretend to be rich or affluent just to woo her, if she must love me it would be for who I am.

With this mindset, I walked towards the bus stop to board a public transport home.

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I had stopped at the mall to get some groceries, I wanted to make a special dish for Elena when she came. I have always loved cooking especially for those that had a special place in my heart.

Immediately after I got home, I unpacked the groceries and stored them in the fridge. I looked around the apartment and felt the need to rearrange and clean everywhere.

The apartment wasn't dirty so it didn't take me much time to be through with the cleaning. I changed my bedsheets and tried to make the small room as comfortable as possible.

The next day I woke up earlier than I used to, I wasn't able to sleep. The thought of Elena occupied my mind throughout the night.

I exercised and did some more chores around the house.

"Are you expecting someone?" My mother asked me as she joined me in the kitchen.

"Yes," I replied, trying hard not to blush.

"Someone special."

I turned to face my mother before replying "Very special, mum."

"Is it the lady that dropped you here the other day?"

I was surprised at her question, I had not realized that my mum had seen us. Even so, she didn't ask me who she was that day which made me even more curious as to why.

"Yes, mum, it's her."

"Do you love her?" Her face was devoid of emotion and I couldn't tell what she was thinking.

I hesitated for a while. "I love her." As I said those words I knew truly that I loved her and saying those words affirmed my feelings.

"Does she feel the same way for you?"

"I hope so," I replied. I hoped she did.

Mother stood watching me for a while, I could tell that she wanted to say more but didn't.

"I wish you well my son." She said, patted me on the cheeks, and left me alone in the kitchen.

I stood at the kitchen sink for a while, going through my conversation with my mother in my mind. I remembered my kiss with Elena, and what I was sure I felt for her.

I didn't know what the future held for both of us but I was more than willing to at least make an effort.

Bringing my thoughts back to the present, I concentrated on the food I was making. I had learned from my conversation with Elena yesterday that she loved fried plantains with omelet and that was what I made for her visit.

I couldn't remember the last time I cooked or felt excited to be in the kitchen, but being in love made you do this you swore you wouldn't do. As I made the meals I hummed my favorite love song, I couldn't control the future but at least I could enjoy my present and that was what I planned to do.