Love Unfolding

ERIKA LEIGH PARLAM

A delicious aroma engulfed my nostrils as I stepped out of the bedroom one evening after taking a warm bath.

With my robe on, I treaded the way to the kitchen while tying the lace of my robe.

A smile curved up my lips as I saw my girlfriend humming a song and swaying her hips as she cook.

Her back was on me, so I have the luxury to watch her lovingly as I leaned my shoulder on the wall with cross arms.

It has been forty five days when we haven"t spend dinner together because of her job in the restaurant. And now it"s finally over and my longing would finally be quenched.

"G.o.d"

Look at her, oblivious of her surroundings— just being herself.

I really missed her.

Nah, missing her is even an understatement.

Though, we were together at school it"s just not enough. I want every second of everyday with her especially my nights.

Then a thought crossed my mind which immediately turned my smile to a bitter one and my stomach knotted that I want to puke and my heart sunk.

But I brushed away the idea when Andy turned in my direction beaming her dimpled smile.

"gosh I"m melting"

"I love you," I mumbled.

She smiled, "I love you too," then reached out something at the upper part of the cupboard— a spice I guess.

A blush appeared on my cheek as her shirt was pulled up by the action revealing her toned stomach.

"G.o.d"

It has been a while since I had my lips on that and—

Yes, in those forty five days we haven"t done it and d.a.m.n— I have my needs.

"duh"

Call me whatever you want.

"bleh"

"A little bit more Love and we can eat," she said turning her back on me one again as she continued cooking.

I paced the remaining distance and wrapped my arms around her waist, pressing my front against her back and dump a kiss on the nape of her neck.

She cringed and her body heat invaded mine and her scent invaded my nostrils.

"I"m thinking of something I would love to eat now," I flirted.

"hehehe"

"I"m trying to cook here Erika, behave yourself," she warned but she"s suppressing a giggle.

"But I"m h.o.r.n.y now," I pouted.

With one swift move, she spun around and trapped me in the kitchen counter, each hands on my side gripping the marble tile.

"As much as I love to devour you right now," she ran her gaze all over my face and stopped at my lips.

"… we have to eat to sustain us for the night," she winked then pulled away and back to her cooking.

"the f.u.c.k"

"G.o.d"

"Andy!"

"take me—"

Just as simple as that and my knees already went jelly.

She has that effect on me.

"d.a.m.n"

[***************]

We sat opposite the table as we ate and —

"d.a.m.n"

I would never trade Andy"s cooking for anything; it"s heavenly.

"This is awesome," I complimented pointing my fork on the dish.

"Well, I"m actually a chef," she boasted.

"A self professed chef," she added and forced a smile.

Well, I won"t argue with that; her cooking is really good.

We continued to eat, talk, laugh then I didn"t notice that I got lost in my thoughts between our silent moments.

I snapped out of it and my eyes found my girlfriend"s worried expression.

"What"s wrong?" She worriedly asked.

"Is there something bothering you?"

I just stared at her. I didn"t answer, I didn"t speak, I didn"t say anything at all.

Guess, I may have a really bothersome look on my face at the moment that she reached out for my hand and squeezed it.

I was contemplating but the gesture gave me courage.

"I need to tell you something," I muttered, my heart pounded.

She has sensed the seriousness of my voice that she released my hand, put down her spoon, and leaned back to her chair.

"You"re scaring me."

"What is it?" She asked.

I took a deep breath, " Mom and Dad, decided to send me away to train at my Uncle"s company in Kanada after graduation.

She didn"t respond so I continued on—

"I"ll be training under Mei"s father for two years there. Then I"ll take over Dad"s business here or help his business here."

I waited, but still no reaction from her. She just stared at me with furrowed brows.

I already told her about the matter months ago but that was pa.s.sive. I haven"t even gave so much thought about it until three days ago when my mom called over the phone for finalization.

"My flight would be a week after graduation, " I concluded.

Then again, I waited for her reaction but she just stared at me— no, more on glared at me.

My heart was skipping a beat in antic.i.p.ation, and with every second, she"s gradually becoming like a bomb ready to explode.

Then she abruptly stood up, I flinched a little but she didn"t say a thing.

I followed her with my gaze, she went to the sink and washed her hands then went to the living room, sat on the couch, held the remote control and turned the tv on.

I joined her on the couch, my heart was pounding in fear. Her eyes glued on the tv but I could tell she"s not looking at it at all.

I took her hand and kissed it tenderly. I put it down and locked it with mine as I leaned in to her and rested my head on her shoulder.

"I"ll visit you on holidays Love," I said with a trembling voice.

"We have means to communicate through Skype, Zoom or whatsoever—"

"It would just be two years Love," my voice cracked.

But then again, why the h.e.l.l she"s not saying anything?

Then my heart pumped out of my chest as she shoved me away, stood up and threw the remote control hard on the floor.

The remote shattered mercilessly —

I gaped in shocked— then trembled as I met the glaring eyes of my girlfriend.