BERRY WRITES - A Quick Love Story

BERRY WRITES is a weekly feature where I will share my thoughts on different topics culled from my 300 Writing Prompts journal. You can look forward to them every Tuesday, and you're very welcome to tell me your experiences and thoughts as well.

The first time they met was at Terra Kulture. Her friend was one of the supporting actors of the stage play she went to watch. After the cast and crew's introduction, she started to pack up her things when she looked up and saw him. Their eyes locked. The attraction was instant, like they had been hit by the same lightning bolt. Time stood still for a few moments as she tried to catch her breath. She smiled, and he took that as an invitation to walk over and say hello.

His name was Donald and he worked as a Creative Consultant at D.D.B. Hers was Misan, and she was in the Safety and Environment department at Mobil. He asked if she wouldn't mind getting a drink at the adjoining restaurant, and she obliged. They spent the rest of the afternoon talking about the play, and generally getting to know more about each other. As she rose to leave, he asked for her number and when she hesitated, Donald volunteered his number instead. 

A few days later, he got a text message from a number he didn't recognize... it was her. That was the beginning. From random texts daily to talking on the phone, he quickly realized he was smitten. Their love for artsy events in Lagos gave them many date opportunities. They danced and drank palm wine at Afropolitan Vibes. Took in the latest collections at Re.Le Art Gallery. They even joined The Social Prefect for one of her many tours. 

After a few months of dating Misan, Donald knew that she was the one. He planned a surprise proposal for her birthday at Nok By Alara. Tuke Morgan was there, saxophone handy. Suss Productions had cameras hidden from plain sight. The ring was hidden in Misan's dessert - Tiger Nut & Lime Cake with Vanilla Ice Cream. As she ate and found the ring, Donald got on one knee and asked her to marry him. With tears in her eyes, she looked at him, and said, 


























"No."

The End.

P.S. This entry in the journal called for me to write a quick love story... that must end badly.

P.P.S - I know why she said no, and I'll update this post next week with the answer, but let's play a game. Why do you think she said no?



UPDATE - The story continues...

"No. I can't marry you."

The restaurant went into a quiet shock. Tension filled the air. Everyone stared, unable to look away from what was happening. Donald could not believe what Misan was saying. He pressed on, saying that while he knew things were moving very quickly, he was sure she was the one he was destined to be with. He reached for her hand, searching her eyes, imploring her to change her answer. As Misan shook her head, Donald couldn't breathe. How could this be happening? He remembered their kisses, cuddles, laughter, loving gazes. The room began to spin as he stood up to leave in humiliation. All he could hear was, "No, No, No...










NO!"

Donald woke up in a cold sweat! He looked around, trying to figure out where he was. The bed, the TV stand, the wall clock were all familiar. He was safe in his bedroom. Safe but still heartbroken at the sudden death 2 months before, of the love of his life... his fiancee... Misan.