1 comment

Romance

In my way of thinking, what were the chances of me ever getting married? Since I was only focused on being a rebel and deliberately going against the grain as it were; I just didn’t want one of those people who were socially pressured to tie the knot by family friends. The best advice that I had received from my father was to ‘ fully live out your celibacy, find out who you are and decide whether or not to make a decision then if the occasion would ever arise ‘.

Human haste towards the marital bandwagon is only made because most don’t want to be left culturally, behind where most find themselves that life becomes more difficult, than anticipated. Yet, there’s nothing wrong on being single at all. There are several perks which can be taken towards one’s own benefit. There would exist a very limited amount of worries and conflicts which one could absolutely avoid in order to keep a wide peace of mind. Commitment should always be a definite issue, not a partial pursuit; otherwise the whole idea of teamwork becomes redundant.

One of my many hobbies, I had always enjoyed creative writing and to my surprise; some of my literary pieces had been unexpectedly, recognized. Within these points of encouraging feedback that I was receiving, I felt more energized to further express myself. Unfortunately, not all of my written materials have not been successes. Somehow, many were greatly critiqued with negative comments, but these opinions have not discouraged me at all. As, I realize that some people have neither possess any taste nor any perspectives; it was acceptable for me to know that I wasn’t able to keep up with everyone’s intrigue.

Through a fan magazine, I had discovered that I could share my outlooks and curiosities upon specific band members with other literary correspondents. Within the first six months of my letter-writing campaign, I had only received a fraction of my exchanging authors. Not everyone was in the similar frame of minds as I was. Then, one day, a phone call had arrived on the same day that I received someone’s else letter in the mail and as another person had accidentally received mine.

With an open mind, I had patiently listened to the caller as she kindly explains and apologizes for the mix-up. Somehow, the incorrect letters were mistakenly swapped in the addressed envelopes. The view that I taken upon this mishap wasn’t really devastating in my mind because I had also unintentionally made the same mistake in the past. As our phone conversation was very cordial; we had further delighted in the subjects which we were possibly discussing to agree in overcoming this small discrepancy and continued to correspond with one another.

Along the following months, the more that we exchanged literary perspectives, we had discovered that both of us had possessed some common traits. This is where that our friendship had eventually was emerging to be more personal and intriguing to the point that we were contemplating of meeting one another in person. Even though, she was now became the only remaining individual that my curiosity had been eager to keep in contact with her. Then an inexplicable issue had slowly being evolved in something more serious between us.

Realistically, I didn’t want my imagination to run away with my emotions or possible expectations. This is why I was taking my time with her. The reason for my hesitation only derives from my previous relationship experiences had lead me to be substantially hurt in the past which were caused by various interpretations and miscommunications. This is why my initial reaction had been quite reluctant towards her. Being stern and as well in learning from others’ whose imprudent actions had lead them into unforeseen and unwelcomed disasters.

As time went along as we each proceeded with our isolated lives; our mutual interests and correspondents had also slowly and unexpectedly moved up to a higher level of a more sincere verbal exchanges which were being initiated. Surprisingly, she had generously sent me a lovely photo of herself, then I was glad to reciprocate this kind gesture. When the opportunity did come about, I had told her that I wanted to meet her. Even with all of my internal apprehensions, I had still felt compelled to see her in person because I had privately known that it was important for me to take this chance for possible happiness. During our communication & correspondence; we did got to know each a whole lot better.

Once, I had nervously arrived at the airport, I had to keep my subtle composure because I had completely no idea who I was meeting. My palms were damp, I was sweating and my walk had become rigid. As, I patiently waited to see her; she was the one to recognize me from a distance. My first impression was I had witnessing a beautiful girl coming up towards me, very quickly. Aroused and excited, she threw her arms around me and kissed me. My initial reaction had been an immediate and a most comforting delight.

As we had found ourselves, alone; she got on one knee and proposed to me. With absolutely no hesitation, I had immediately said to her: ‘ YES ‘. After spending a week with her, sight-seeing, we had learned a lot from each other and both of us had subconsciously known that it was the right time for this great leap in time.

As a decisive adult, I certainly had attained my own identity. I knew what I wanted and how I wanted to proceed. It was no need of boasting, it was just the correct time for my announcement to be subtly told to those who mattered to me; many were astonished and congratulatory, yet others had found themselves in shock and disbelief. Remarkably, the closest people to me had become surprised for the only reason that they had always assumed that they really knew me. All of those unexpected reactions of which I had received were all clearly anticipated. Somehow their startled facial features, their dismayed and speechless body language were obviously revealing. I had definitely enjoyed to be privately entertained.

They were inadvertently revealing their disappointments and destroyed their personal illusions and traditional expectations of what should I have proceeded with my life. I had absolutely no interests in trying to impress a crowd. I didn’t care what anybody else thought; it’s our lives, not theirs. In my heart as I have the utmost for my respect my wife; I would certainly refuse to put her on display or being socially broken in; unlike the selfish majority have constantly done for their simple purposes were to only profit at the cost of other people’s dignity and finances. In essence, these are the very same people will always disappear amid the times of turmoil. Otherwise these are the very same individuals who wanted to bother with me in the past. Only one’s true supportive friends are found amid the hardships.

Once, the special day had finally arrived, it was unforgettable when the entire ceremony had been quite beautiful, brief, private and lovely; it had been performed on a Thursday morning. There very few people that intended, yet I was the only male in the room. It was a simple, quaint and straight forward ritual where we had lived a pleasant moment together without hearing any snickering critics ostracizing about the surroundings nor any unwanted fools seeking attention, around to annoy the crowd.

In retrospect, I had never imagined in my life; that I one would one day experience an event of true peace. Since then, we’ve remained happily married for over a quarter century; it’s certainly never been easy, but it’s never boring, either.

November 11, 2024 19:35

You must sign up or log in to submit a comment.

1 comment

Trudy Jas
16:49 Nov 17, 2024

Hi, Marc. Just want to let you know that Monica's review is AI generated. Reedsy does not support or approve of the use of AI. Feel free to report it.

Reply

Show 0 replies
RBE | Illustrated Short Stories | 2024-06

Bring your short stories to life

Fuse character, story, and conflict with tools in Reedsy Studio. 100% free.