Page 172 - Interior_SPRING SUMMER FALLING_2021

172 | FRANC E SCA PE NN

The same thing happened a few more nights with varying intensity. I never
refused because I was happy to at least have part of her back.
I was so hopeful after the fourth. Her dad’s attitude towards me relaxed once
he saw the video of me embarrassing myself for love. The performance itself wasn’t
embarrassing, it was the part where I was practically baring my soul. That was the

part, however, that saved me from more scrutiny.
Neither one of our dads were interested in fireworks. Instead, they wanted to
grill me on my plans for our future. They’d explained the push for me to move out
had nothing to do with disliking of me or Sanya and more to do with being
traditional and honorable. In other words: no shacking, as the older people say. My
dad could tell that we were more than roommates the day my family visited, and
her dad picked up the same vibes the moment he’d arrived.
All I needed to do was move and date her properly. I kept that with me,
nourished and used it as solace when she pulled away. I just need to get through
this move and then tell her how I feel.
Today is moving day, and I can’t help the excitement and anticipation that
rolls through my body. This, by far, has been the easiest move in the history or
moving. I only had to pack my clothes and toiletries. I grabbed my electronics out

of storage and waited for my new bedroom and living room furniture to be
delivered. I’d already gotten my cable and utilities turned on earlier in the week.
It’s 1 PM, and I am completely moved in and almost fully unpacked.
I’d decided on a two-bedroom condo. I could not push myself to buy a house
when my heart and my woman still lived in the current one.
Sanya offers to help at the end. I am encouraged by her semi-presence.
She’s just returned from the car, a wrapped present in her hand. Her big smile
doesn’t reach her eyes. I accept it. It’s the most I’ve seen her during the day. I’m
greedy; I feed on her nearness fake smile and all. She’s wearing workout leggings
and a tee, her hair is flowing freely, and her face is makeup-free. She’s beautiful, and
I want to kiss her. I also want to suggest christening the condo, the counter is the
perfect height.
“What’s that?” I ask curiously.
Sanya rolls her eyes like it’s obvious. “Your housewarming gift.”
“Housewarming gift? You didn’t have to get me anything.” I decide to refresh one
of her memories. I need to know where her head is. “I told you,