Trials of a Romance

CHAPTER THREE

It is midnight in London, everywhere is quiet in the neighborhood, and one can hear the tiny sounds made by insects in the garden. The weather is cold as it is winter, and snowdrops along the empty street are seen. Bryan is wearing a jacket and a heavy blanket as he snores loudly on his enormous bed. Bryan started snoring at a very young age. He hates his condition but has accepted it since all efforts to manage it seem futile. It gets worse during cold weather. No wonder he has a big dislike for winter.

Bryan’s phone produces a very loud sound. Someone is calling, and he seems not to respond as he is deeply asleep. The sound comes up again, and still no response from Bryan, who is now snoring loudly. The sound comes up for the third time, and this time around, he makes a brief movement, scratching his eyes profusely, while he adjusts his hand towards the upper side of the bed. His hand is still on the phone when it rings again, and Bryan, who has almost fallen asleep, quickly raises his head, and hurriedly picks up the phone while he tries to get a grip on the device.

“Hello.. hello?”. The caller speaks loudly.

“Who is this?” Bryan responds in a sharp voice.

“You are making a mistake bro.. a big mistake, “ the caller responded.

“This is midnight for God’s sake.. who the hell are you, what are you even saying, mate?”. Bryan inquires as he gets confused.

“She is not who you think she is bro, trust me, mate, she isn’t “

“Wait! Who are you talking about? Who.. who.. who is she?” Bryan stutters as he gets more confused and interested.

“Justina!” the caller responds in a loud voice. “Yeah, she will play you, wreck you, and dump you like a piece of rag,”. He continues.

“Justina? How do you, wha.. aat are you? (stuttering) How do you even know Justina? What is this? How do you know her?” He is fully up from the bed and now pacing about the room as both confusion and curiosity grow.

“I am sorry mate, she did it to me, and she will do it to you. I’m sorry mate.” He responds with a rather lower voice.

“What did she do to you? Who are you? Who are you to her?.. what are you talking about, bro.. who in God’s name are you?”

(Caller hangs up)

Bryan is now pacing endlessly around the room. He is trying to make sense of the entire conversation. Who is this guy? How does he know Justina? Justina did it to him? What exactly? Why call in the midnight? Is this a prank? But he mentioned his girlfriend’s name, so this is not a coincidence. He has so many questions, as he gently lays back on the bed, facing directly to the ceiling. A strange call has disturbed his night, and now he cannot think straight. The only way he can find a little clarity is if he narrates everything to Justina. She might explain whatever just happened, he thinks. He picks up his phone to call Justina but figures it’s a bad idea as the time is barely 2 AM. He waits till morning, while he lies on the bed with his brain occupied with so many thoughts.

It is 7 am, and the cloud is brighter. People are on the streets, all covered up, mostly with long blankets to battle the cold temperature. Bryan lies on the bed. He has barely closed his eyes, as he cannot get over that midnight phone call. Bryan gently lifts himself, and he reaches out for his phone. He glances outside the window for a while, taking notice of the gloomy atmosphere, then dials Justina’s number. It rings for a while before Justina picks up.

“Good morning, love,” Justina answers in a very warm and calm tone.

“Good morning babe, hope you had sweet dreams?” Bryan replies while gently scratching his head.

“Of course, babe. You know, it is all about us every day.” She giggles.

“Yeah, of course, you are right.. ermmm.” He stutters

“Are you ok, babe? Is everything alright? You do not sound alright,” Justina asks, feeling concerned.

“Ermm.. I’m good. It’s just that.. um.. something happened last night and I can’t seem to wrap my head around the experience “

“What is that, babe? What happened?” She questions him.

“I was sleeping around midnight, and my phone.., you know what, babe? Let’s meet at Sandman’s,” Bryan replies quickly.

“Babe, what is going on? Who called you? Talk to me, love..” she is now very concerned and also curious, that she breathes hard.

“Relax, sweetheart, let us meet for breakfast, alright?” He says with a gentle voice.

“Yeah.. ok, I will see you in like thirty minutes “

“Alright babe..” he hangs up.

He hurriedly removed his pajamas and ran to the bathroom to freshen up. He cannot wait to be clarified about the incident and is moving as quickly as possible.

The Sandman is a small restaurant on Brockmans Avenue, just a 20-minute drive from Bryan’s Estate. Known for its peaceful atmosphere. It is the best place to relax, either with a partner or after a very long and stressful day. Bryan’s old neighbor refers it to as roadside therapy. Bryan and Justina have been regular customers, right from the beginning of their relationship. They must have a good time at the restaurant, at least once a week. Bryan knows that the discussion is better had at their favorite Sandman restaurant.

Bryan puts on an ash pant, and a black turtleneck, and covers them with a large black blanket. He picks up his hat and heads towards his Mercedes.

The restaurant is a little empty, as few people, as well as some builders, are present. Bryan walks in and picks an empty table just close by the window. He puts down his hat on the table and rubs his palms together while looking outside to see if he sees Justina’s car.

“Good morning Bryan,” the server interrupts with a warm smile.

“Hey Ruth..how are you doing?” Bryan responds with a warm smile as well.

“You know how I am always doing,” she says with a little friendly laughter. “Is she coming?” She asks, referring to Justina.

“Yeah, of course, bring us a hot tea “

“Sure “

The server walks away, and Bryan looks out the window again and this time he sees Justina’s Toyota SUV. He adjusts himself on the table while waiting for her to walk up to him. He signals her as she walks in. She sees him immediately, and her face lightens up. They both hug and kiss each other warmly.

“Are you ok, love?” Bryan asks Justina with a smiling face.

“Yeah, it is a beautiful morning,” Justina replies, smiling back at him

“You know babe, I feel I messed up your morning”, Bryan speaks as he adjusts himself on the chair

“Not at all, just felt a little worked up, “. Justina responds.

“Here is your tea,” the server interrupts, smiling at both of them

“Thank you, Ruth” Justina tells the server with a smile.

“What is it about that call?” Justina asks