The Proposal: A Short Story?
(Written By Sonia Okehie)
Every lady have their unique fantasy and dream of how they want that special day they say ‘Yes’ to the man that stole their heart; same with men, they also have their fantasies on how they picture that special day to go down. Well, in Jennifer’s case, it’s been a long time since she had been dreaming and fantasising on that special day but it was unfortunately not coming forth.
Jennifer was an independent woman that worked in a Big renowned company. She was smart, beautiful and down to earth. It’s been over six years since Jennifer and Kendrick started seeing each other. Their relationship was highly admirable because they were both cute and successful.
Despite the fact that everything seemed to be going on perfectly well in Jennifer’s life, she was actually unhappy as against what alot of people thought because she kept wondering why Kendrick hadn’t popped the Big question yet; after over 6 years of them dating.
Things began to get worse when Jennifer’s friends started getting proposed to by their partners. Her friend’s made matters worst for the emotionally frustrated lady when they started appointing her to be their chief bridesmaids or part of their bridal train. Despite the fact that she was truly happy for her friends from the depth of her heart, there was still a significant amount of sadness she felt within and it was due to the fact that Kendrick wasn’t fulfilling his obligations as her partner because she felt he should have taken things to the next level by putting a ring on it.
As time went by, Jennifer started giving signs indirectly and leaving clues for Kendrick to read between the lines and realise that she needed the ‘Ring’ level of commitment, but he sadly wasn’t catching her coded hints. To be honest, Kendrick wasn’t doing a good job to a lady that had been dating him for over 6 years. He was in his mid thirties and wasn’t a kid to not get the clues that Jennifer needed their relationship status to upgrade for the better, so she can be assured that she wasn’t wasting or investing her time on the wrong person and relationship.
“Jenny, I can’t believe that Kendrick hasn’t proposed yet oh, what’s his reasons?” Khloe, one of Jennifer’s friends asked one evening during a bridal shower she attended. Jennifer’s emotions were triggered but she managed to respond playfully to her friend. “I don’t know my dear, when next you see Kendrick, ask him” she said. The conversation suddenly got heated as all her friends that were present at the bridal shower started asking her numerous questions concerning her relationship status with Kendrick. “Girl you need to have the talk with your man and stop expecting him to catch these signals you are constantly throwing at him” another friend voiced out.
As they all took turns to advice Jennifer, it started to get to her emotions but she still put up a tough countenance. After they were done taking, she smiled faintly and told them that her time was coming and that she might be the next person on the line to get hitched by her man. The ladies all said “Amen” to Jennifer’s word of faith and finally proceeded to enjoy the party they all came for.
What Jennifer’s friends didn’t know was that they had succeeded in ruining her night because her mind kept thinking about what they had discussed earlier concerning her relationship status. She struggled to put everything aside and have a good time regardless but was finding it absolutely difficult to do so.
After all the merriment and celebration that night, it was quite unfortunate that Jennifer had to return to her sad thoughts and reality. When she arrived home, she crawled into her bathroom to take a shower but unfortunately started tearing up. She sat in the bathroom floor and cried as the water from the shower cascaded on her. “Why is Kendrick treating me this way? For God sake I’m not getting any younger, when will he finally realise that our relationship needs to move over to the next level? I’ll be 28 years in few months time, is it until I get super old that he will propose? What’s missing in me that has made me unable to complete him yet? I’m just tired!” Jennifer said as she sobbed. It was such an emotional night for her but after crying for a while, she retired to bed.
The next day, Kendrick woke Jennifer up with a sweet message, followed by a video call. While they were on the video call, he kept playfully complimenting her for looking beautiful without makeup but she didn’t care one bit about his compliments, neither did she show any appreciation.
Few minutes into the video call and Kendrick could already sense that something was wrong. “Are you ok? Because I have this feeling that something is up with you” he inquired but Jennifer refused to give him the answer he sort. “I’m talking to you but you aren’t minding me, what’s going on? Did I do something wrong?” He curiously asked and this time around, she was ready to give him ‘Hot’ with the replies he was asking for.
“So you don’t see anything wrong with this our relationship? Are you telling me that you don’t see what’s wrong? It’s been 6 years Kendrick, 6 good years and we are still answering Boyfriend and Girlfriend without the need to elevate our relationship. How long more do you want to keep making me feel stupid to ask for something that is due for me? Aren’t you of age to have kids? Don’t you think it’s time for us to build a family? Look I’m tired and don’t think I can continue with this relationship again if you don’t make me feel like I belong here with you” Jennifer sadly said. Immediately she was done talking, Kendrick couldn’t contain his laughter. He laughed slightly and shook his head for reasons known to him.
What made the whole situation more critical was the unseriousness in Kendrick reaction and response to what Jennifer complained about. The fact that he even had the guts to laugh at such a moment as that made her even more devastated.
To Kendrick, he actually didn’t see any big deal in them waiting a little more till they were truly ready to have a family; but to Jennifer, she perceived his reaction as being insensitive to serious issues. She was heartbroken indeed!
‘Is anything wrong with me? Otherwise why will you be laughing at something that’s taking me alot of courage and emotions to voice out?” Jennifer angrily inquired, “Babe chill out, we are fine! You are just putting alot of pressure on this relationship which isn’t healthy” Kendrick said. What he said was extremely hilarious that she had to take a minute to laugh hysterically. “You are so selfish, all you think about is You You You, how about me huh? How about what I want and what is reasonably right to do? Why can’t you put me into consideration too? I’m not getting any younger; why can’t you see the need to give me my own kids? I’m tired and at this point, I have had it up to the brim and can’t take this any longer” she angrily said.
The atmosphere was getting heated but apparently, Kendrick hasn’t figured yet that there was fire on the mountain. “Oh so this is about your age and probably because your friends have been inviting you to all those weddings? When did age become a factor to consider for one to know that it’s time to get married? Jennifer, who have you been talking to because this clearly isn’t you” he angrily said.
It was there and then that Jennifer realised that she had been dating an immature man for the past 6 years of her life. It all came down to the conclusion that Kendrick was clearly out to waste her time and emotional investment, so she had to act fast in other not to live the rest of her life in regrets. After he said that last thing, she didn’t utter a single word again and just kept mute. Kendrick tried to change the topic but Jennifer wasn’t in the mood for any more conversation with him. She said ‘Goodbye’ and ended the call while he was still on his way to asking about other things that wasn’t related to the topic on ground.
Immediately the call ended, Jennifer burst into tears and cuddled her pillow. She cried uncontrollably for hours without ceasing. The pillow she cuddled was soaked with the tears that fell uncontrollably from eyes. It was such an emotionally draining day for Jennifer but the good thing was that she now knew where she stood in Kendrick’s life. At least she now knew that he didn’t see any further with her, he wasn’t on the same page with her, he was immature and reacted insensitive to serious issues and wasn’t fit to be with her anymore. I wonder why it took her over 6 years to find out!
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