Love Wreck

Chapter 2

In the cold of the morning, this Saturday, Seyla’s usual migraine in cold seasons seemed more intense this time, she lay in bed, the phone a silent weight against her ears, as she spoke with John. After an hour, he had to go only because duty calls. Seyla agrees to speak with him later but had unexpressed expectations

A silent wish that John should come visit because his comforting presence brought so much ease whenever she was ill.

Through John's busy schedule, he checked in on her in the early hours, and hoped she understood he would love to be with her over the phone all day, but duty calls, he couldn't continue through the day. It had been a full day, from responding to mails, to impromptu million dollar deals to close, administrative functions and endless feedback required. He looked forward to speaking with her and checking on her health. She was on his mind all day. Seyla’s health had improved and the migraine receded after she slept for five hours. She hopped on her phone hoping she hadn't missed his calls, a wave of disappointment surged through her as John hadn't called in. She was furious and couldn't wait to unleash her disappointment and anger.

That evening, John called in “Hey Babe, how's your health?” and all hell, they say broke loose! John! Seyla disrespectedly called out, it's been over five hours and not even a text from you as you are duly aware, I wasn't feeling well. Is that how you treat a woman you claim to be in love with? Is this how you intend to take care of me when we're married? John quietly says, “I'm sorry” and that got Seyla even more angry. She kept hammering more accusations and how she had turned blind eyes to similar events in the past, expressed a perception of neglect and even questioned his love for her. John was quiet through the call and sad, he had looked forward to the call, and that wasn't what he envisioned. After some hours, he sent a text apologizing and they were fine.

Seyla had seen nothing wrong with what she did. She was only standing up for herself, setting boundaries, asserting her needs during marriage now before things got out of hand. John felt disrespected by her tone but for peace's sake, he knew she'd be defensive and he just thought to let it slide and continue in the peace. John is emotionally mature, self aware and wouldn't want to act out of character by her rage.

The following morning, John called in not as excited but gentle and loving to check in on her. Through the weight of whatever he felt yesterday, he was calm. Seyla spoke normally as she had moved past it. She had made her points, laid bare her expectations and they were talking, which meant they were fine. The first realization dawned on John that Seyla did not notice he didn't sound like himself or maybe she did but it didn't mean so much to her. After the call dropped, he kept replaying Seyla’s words “Is that how you treat a woman you claim to be in love with?” The echoes of her anger made him even more counter productive through the day. He is still amazed as to how they got there, he only wanted to connect with her again in the day, offer comfort and show genuine concern for her health.

Well, it's nothing he can't handle, so he agrees to the flaw and decides to let go. John knew what he wanted. It's Seyla, so whatever resentment was building up in him, was his absolute responsibility to end.

As a means to that end, he visited Seyla. He had a well planned indoor activity for bonding, from playing scrabble to paintings, to writing and exchanging love notes, to dancing to their favorite songs, speaking with their parents, and reading their favorite chapters of the book of the month to each other. John is intentional and he wanted to keep this beautiful experience with Seyla. Seyla was in awe of the man she got in her world. “How did I get this lucky?” she smiled at him after reading out his plans for the visit. She knew she loved him but she wasn't breaking her defenses for any man to trample upon.

It was a pleasant experience and more memories were created. John struggled with the thoughts of letting her know exactly how he felt that day but that atmosphere was too beautiful to spoil, so again he let it slide. Just before he leaves, Seyla gets a notification from one of the top companies she had applied to for an on-site interview the next day and the joy she exuded, dancing, screaming and jumping on John. That was a sight for sore eyes! John lived for her happiness. He wondered if he'll genuinely be able to make her happy because after everything he does, she rarely shows moments like that. They said their goodbyes and stated they'd continue over the phone

Immediately John got on his bed, his phone beeps and it's a call from Seyla, what a surprise! it's been two years of dating now, numerous call times and she has called in, probably five times. He does most of the calling. It's not a big deal but what he also can't wrap his head around is the fact that she either complained the calls came in late, or he called for only five hours the entire day or he texted more than he called in a day. He always finds a way to help their love through those conversations but if only he was given the same level of consideration.

Well, this time, she called, that means the visit really meant something to her. Let's make a big deal of it, he thought! Hey Babe! he exclaimed, it's good to see your call, I'm home and safe. Seyla goes, so I had to call before you'd mention. John jokingly said, slow down baby, I was just trying to settle in, I was going to call. Anyway, moving forward, thank you for stopping by, I enjoyed every bit of our time together, she added. That was the most soothing thing he had heard on that call and it helped him loosen up. I'd do it over again with you my love, and the conversation went on smoothly until he fell asleep.