An unforgettable weekend
735 Words
THE DRIVER'S SECRET
Chapter Four: An Unforgettable Weekend
The drive from the motor park to Collins' apartment was filled with laughter.
Neither of them felt like strangers anymore.
As Collins drove carefully through the busy streets, Ruth admired the city through the window.
"So this is where you've been living all these years?" she asked.
Collins smiled.
"Yes. It may not be the biggest city, but it's where I've built my life."
Ruth nodded.
"I like it."
"You do?"
"It feels peaceful."
Collins smiled to himself.
For some reason, every compliment from Ruth made his heart lighter.
---
Twenty minutes later, they arrived at his apartment.
Collins hurried out of the car and opened the gate.
"It's not much," he said shyly.
"But you're welcome."
Ruth stepped inside.
She looked around carefully.
The apartment was small, but it was spotless.
Everything had been neatly arranged.
The curtains were freshly washed.
The floor sparkled.
A vase of flowers rested on the center table.
Even the air carried the fresh scent of lavender.
She smiled.
"You cleaned all this because I was coming, didn't you?"
Collins scratched the back of his head and laughed.
"Is it that obvious?"
Ruth laughed too.
"A little."
"I just wanted you to feel comfortable."
She looked at him warmly.
"You've already made me feel welcome."
---
After helping Ruth settle into the guest room, Collins said,
"You've had a long journey. You should rest while I prepare something for us."
"You can cook?"
He laughed.
"I hope you'll be the judge of that."
Ruth smiled.
"Then let me help."
"No."
"You're my guest."
"Guests can still help."
Within minutes, both of them were in the kitchen.
They laughed over simple things.
Ruth teased Collins for cutting onions too slowly.
Collins joked that she was trying to become the head chef.
The tiny kitchen echoed with laughter.
For the first time in a very long time...
The apartment felt like a home instead of just a place to sleep.
---
When dinner was ready, they sat opposite each other at the dining table.
The meal was simple.
Noodles.
Fried eggs.
Grilled sausages.
Soft drinks.
Nothing expensive.
Yet it felt like the best meal either of them had eaten in months.
After the meal, Collins stood up.
"I'll be right back."
He walked to the nearby supermarket and bought a bottle of Odogwu Bitters and a bottle of stout.
Returning home, he mixed a small amount of the two drinks for himself.
Ruth watched him curiously.
"I've never seen anyone mix those together."
Collins laughed.
"It's an old habit."
"Does it taste good?"
"Only if you're used to it."
She laughed.
"I'll stick to my juice."
---
Later that evening, they moved to the sitting room.
The television was on, but neither of them paid much attention to it.
Instead, they talked.
They spoke about childhood dreams.
Their families.
The struggles they had faced.
The future they hoped to build.
Hours passed unnoticed.
Then Collins became unusually quiet.
Ruth noticed immediately.
"What are you thinking about?"
Collins looked into her eyes.
"I've been wanting to tell you something."
"I'm listening."
He took a deep breath.
"Meeting you has changed me."
Ruth remained silent.
"I don't know how to explain it, but every day I talk to you, I become a better person."
She smiled gently.
"Collins..."
"I know we've only known each other for a short time."
"I know people may say it's too early."
"But I can't hide my feelings anymore."
He looked at her with complete sincerity.
"I love you, Ruth."
The room became quiet.
Ruth lowered her eyes.
A smile slowly appeared on her face.
Then she looked back at him.
"You don't really know everything about me yet."
"I know."
"And you're already talking about love?"
Collins nodded.
"I am."
She laughed softly.
"You're brave."
"No."
"I'm just being honest."
For several moments, neither of them spoke.
Then Ruth reached across the table and held his hand.
"I won't promise you forever today."
"But I can promise you this..."
"I'm happy you're in my life."
Collins smiled.
That single sentence meant more to him than anything else.
As the night grew late, they sat together talking until they realized it was almost midnight.
Neither of them knew that this beautiful weekend...
Would become a memory they would both carry for the rest of their lives.
End of Chapter Four
- Writer
