Last updated on October 22nd, 2025 at 11:46 am
I’ve been on a high. It’s very easy to detect, and everyone around me has noticed. The other day, my teammates teased me during our meeting. They insisted that it had to be a woman, to which I laughed. Hassan and a couple of guys from the gym that I’ve started relating with have also observed the same. How do I hide this? How can I conceal this ray of sunlight streaming into my life after so many cloudy days?
I suggested a slow burn because it feels like what we both need, but my feelings are nowhere near a slow burn; they are on full speed, and I’m unashamedly soaking them up. It’s been a few days after our last call, and though we’ve been chatting constantly, I’ve missed her terribly. A part of me fears the outcome of this unconventional process but this is what love looks like to me—a declaration and respecting the other as they process your declaration.
I get up from my work desk and stretch, my muscles groaning considering that I’ve been working for more than four hours. It’s time to get some food in my stomach, though. I stroll into the kitchen, open the fridge and bring out a bowl of rice and chicken. I put it in the microwave, set the timer and wait. I’ve been meal prepping for some weeks and the initial inconvenience can be off-putting but the rewards are numerous. I meal prep twice a week, repeating the same meals so I don’t run into decision fatigue.
While I wait, I remember Angela’s smiling face. She’s so beautiful. If we finally agree to date each other, which is already a green light from my end, how do we handle the logistics? I think. I recently renewed my rent here in Calabar, so the decision has pretty much been made for me. For me, a long-distance relationship is not sustainable long-term. How do I add ease to your life when we are about twelve hours from each other? I can’t ask Angie yet. I don’t want her thinking that I’m pressuring her or something.
The microwave pings and as I settle down to eat my food, I continue with my thoughts. Am I even ready for the demands of a relationship? Living together? Getting married? The emotional part is easy. Thankfully, the vulnerability is also easy, but there’s more to making a relationship thrive, more to building a healthy relationship. Suddenly, it hits me that I haven’t shared my abuse with Angela. There’s always so much to discuss that we never get to it. Then it hits me again that I can physically see her on Friday rather than our scheduled video call.
My spoon drops to the table with a clang as I fist pump. It can’t be a surprise, though; she has to know, she has to even consent to it. Even at that, it doesn’t stop me from checking flights to Abuja. I resume eating with a silly grin on my face. I reckon this will be our style when we’re in a relationship, surprise and scheduled visits to each other until we find a solution to the distance.
Sweetcakes, you should be rounding off for the day. I send to her. I still need about two hours of work so I can be ahead but I’ll take the next hour or so chatting with Angela instead. I will simply work into the evening. Perks of being my own boss. I’m getting comfortable on the couch when she replies. My heart literally expands when Angela does anything.
I am. How’re you? Can’t believe I was so busy the entire day. Are you done for the day? A
Honestly, I still have to do a few things but they can wait. J
Didn’t you start working around 7 in the morning? A
Yeah, but I took an hour break at 11. J
And continued working at 12, it’s currently 4:30 and you still have work to do today? A
Of course, Angela is up to date on my schedule. I smile as I read her messages. I work a little too much, but it’s the reality of owning your business. Being self-employed is not as fancy as people think; many days you work more than eight hours. In fact, working for eight hours is a privilege.
Just a little. Enough about me. Are you fine with seeing me on Friday?
Seeing? As in physically? A
Yes, ma’am.
Joe, isn’t that too expensive? I’m talking about the time and money. You don’t have to do that. At least not yet. A
But, are you cool with seeing me? If you didn’t have these concerns, are you okay seeing me?
Sure. Yes! A
It’s settled, baby. Talk to you when you close!
