RUNNING FROM LOVE

Monday morning, July 22.

Tabitha was seeing at the early hours of the day having a zoom meeting with Mrs Eze Ngozi. The meeting took about thirty minutes. This was a regular occurrence as communication was constantly kept to ensure she was not finding it difficult managing things at hand.

When she was done, Tera and Dike also came around to ask after her and Joy, who had just left for school with the driver.

Tera quickly disappeared thereafter, leaving Dike over the zoom call with her. The two spoke at length - about nothing in particular.

Well, that was who Dike had been. His presence either through phone calls, live appearances or chat was always a lively engaging one.

Tabitha learned that he was 32 years old - just a year behind her.

Her conclusion on Dike's much closeness settled on the fact that probably he was most often alone, minding that Tera was more of a loner who often spend her time online, either chatting with friends or carrying out some work projects.

Dike took after his father, meanwhile Tera after her mom.

Immediately she was done having a live chat with Dike, a call came in as she sipped from the cup of tea to leave for office.

The caller was one of the workers in Mrs Eze Ngozi's company; a tall dark figure with a smart appearance. He had been eyeing Tabitha for such a long time, until a month later he opened up to her, disclosing his intentions.

Tabitha felt happy about it and appreciated him for the courage he summoned to speak to her.

When she began speaking on the day of the proposal, the way she spoke was already convincing the man until she broke the news to him that she wasn't ready for marriage;

Mr. Franklin, I really appreciate your courage to have approached me for a relationship, more so your persistence, but I am sorry, as I have always said, I can't go into a relationship now. I am okay the way I am. I won't give my best in any relationship for now if that be the case. please understand me Mr. Franklin."

"Tabitha, will you please call me Frank. I'm not comfortable you calling me Mr. Franklin. I really love you. Please give me an opportunity to proof that I am saying nothing but the truth. I'm I not good enough for you?" He asked worriedly.

"No, no, no! Frank, look, it's not as if I am saying you are not good enough for me. You are a good man with good outlook and character. The problem is with me. I am not okay with going into a relationship for now. I don't have the yearning for it. I don't want to start something that would end up becoming a struggle. Please understand with me. I need to catch up with some engagements." Tabitha said and stood to leave but was held at the tips of her fingers by Mr. Franklin.

"Tabitha! If it's about your daughter, I promise to accept her. I love you! Please!" He shouted feeling overcomed.

Tabitha shocked, turned slightly and slowly with a strong gaze into his face.

"Wait, what do you know about my life?" She asked and took two steps to her seat.

"Please tell me Frank. What do you know about my daughter? You have been going around me?" She asked again.

"I am sorry. Please forgive me. I know you have been through a lot. I know how uneasy it is being a single mom, but I promise to love you just the way you are and for who you are." He vowed.

"Who told you about all these?" Tabitha persisted.

"Ok, before madam traveled, he made reference about you and slightly said something like you are a single mom she has seen that is so passionate about making a difference. That was when I got to know that you are a single mom. Tabitha, i understand what it means to be a single mom. If you don't answer me, I won't be myself." He explained.

"Hmm, Frank, I understand, but as a child of God, I think you should give me more time to talk to my father about this. I will get back to you, meanwhile, nothing has begun between us. The answer may be yes or no. Whichever, please don't feel disappointed or elated.

I am sorry for prolonging issues." She concluded and stood to her feet.

"Alright! It's fine by me." He answered and the two departed for their cars.

Mr. Franklin's boldness and seeming sincerity was challenging to Tabitha. That aside, she was not ready for a relationship. She feared that such would divert her focus from making progress on the direction her life had taken.

She drove home quietly and thoughtfully.