By Shafeen
Date: 24 November 1999

the moment when nothing else matters

"ring ring" 
I jump out of my seat. 
"Hello?"
"Oh…hi aunt Bet"
"No mum's not in yet."
"OK. I'll tell her"

Where was he? Why hasn't he called? 

"ring ring" 
My heart jumps.
"hello?"
"hi ya baby! How's my woman?"
"Your woman's been waiting by the phone for her man's phone call"
"I'm sorry baby. Umm this prolly isn't the best time to say this but I have to cancel our date for tonight."
"what?"
"I know, I know but its just that I have a really important meeting to attend and it's a once in a life time deal. You understand don't you?"
"But you've been canceling for the past week! It's our anniversary today. This is such an important night! How could you do this to us?"
"Look baby, I'm sorry but please. This is an important meeting. It could mean a promotion…"
"Shove your promotion! I don't want to hear it. This was supposed to be the most romantic night of my life!" I slammed the phone down.
"But baby!"


I'll to go out anyway.  Why should I stay at home while he's having a jolly good time at the meeting? I went to catch a movie and have dinner by myself. I don't need him. This is going to be a good night. I'll make it worth while. Who am I kidding? This night had been planned for months. It was our night. 

I went for a walk on the beach and cried silently. The water was so calm. The breeze was cool against my skin. The air filled my lungs with salt and a freshness too pure. The reflection of the moon on the water was so magical. I remembered the nights we used to spend on the beach. In each other's arms, away from hurt and pain. He would plan such romantic evenings. It always involved a rose and the best champagne he could find. 

I walked back home the long way-the scenic way. I passed the park I had played in when I was younger. I found my initials on the tree I carved it in. I walked passed his house. I stopped in front of it thinking about what I would do next. I decided to keep on walking. 
I went in through the back door to avoid seeing my family. I walked up to my room. Something made me stop at the door. The envelope with my name on it that had been taped to the door. I stood there for a while. Thinking if I should open it. I did open it. It read:
  "Baby what I couldn't do
   With plenty of money and you"
Someone very witty once said that. This is the meeting. It is a once in a life time deal. I wouldn't miss it for the world.


I opened the door quickly to find the room filled with my favorite red roses and champagne. Each bunch had its own card. In each card there was a different message. All ended with 'Love your man'.
Where was my man? At that thought came my man not through the window, or appearing from thin air. He came tumbling out of the closet with an embarrassed grin.

"Come here baby," He said.
 I half ran and half skipped, teary eyed. He does the most sweetest things. I truly am the luckiest girl in the world.
"I thought you weren't coming. I went for a walk to think"
"And cry. I can tell. You are the most important person in my life. I won't ever choose a meeting over you. Remember that!"
"I'm sorry for yelling at you like that. I didn't mean to"
"Hey, hey its ok, you were angry. So do you like my anniversary present?
"Its beautiful"
"Fancy another walk?"
"Always"

We left my house and walked along the beach hand in hand. The moon above us, the stars smiling, the waves crashing, the wind dancing. This felt good. He's the one I want to do all this with forever. I can't imagine this feeling happening all over again with someone else.

"Baby?"
"Yea?"
"I love you"
I smile at him and give him my reply.
"I love you more."