50 Days to His Heart

Day 22: Henry

Looking at Conrad while he talk to people from the business industry assured me that I did not make the wrong decision of bringing him with me in this business convention.

This is actually not part of our activity calendar but the speakers are foreigners and I thought that this can be a good exposure for someone like Conrad who is so passionate about learning, plus he helped me a lot even with my personal relationship with the Lord. The convention is also in a way an escape for me to endure the space arrangement Lorraine requested. I just pray that after her alone time, she would come back to me and will be together again.

Conrad shook the hand of a German participant and went to the buffet table where I was getting another cup of coffee.

Today's the last day of the convention and I see nothing but all smiles with Conrad. He sure knows how to appreciate blessings.

"Sir, I did a lot of note taking. I'm thinking of doing a PowerPoint so I can share it to our team."

"That's perfect Conrad."

"Thank you sir for being my mentor."

"And thank you for being my spiritual adviser."

And we both laughed knowing how much we admire each other.

It is now that I realized that in a way, I am also seeing a younger Lorraine in Conrad--- passionate, vibrant, enthusiastic.

When we agreed that she needed to finish college, she did all her best to excel in class. And during her math subjects we would stay all night until she would grasp the concepts. Sometimes, she would tease me and call me Teacher Henry and I'd call her Ms. Lorraine. During her major exams, she'd prepare her reviewers and record her voice so she could listen to it while she took care of our twins. And whenever I would have board meetings on Saturdays where she didn't have class, she would volunteer as my personal secretary so 'she can take down notes and learn first hand.' I don't care if that was part of her dad's plan to pry on me but I never regret anything. If not for her dad, I won't meet Lorraine. Conrad is right, it is looking at a different perspective because everything that happens to us is part of God's bigger plan. 'All things work together for good for those who believe in God.'

I was about to invite Conrad back to our seats when I felt my phone vibrated. I'm pretty sure this has nothing to do with my company since all my communications pass through Conrad so this could only be...

'Meet me at the lobby.'

I could not contain my smile and it felt like I am a young boy excited to read my crush's message.

"Conrad, thank you. Our prayers have been answered."

"You mean sir there's news about the kids."

"None yet but my wife texted me." I whispered.

"Wow sir."

"I'm seeing her at the lobby. If people would ask about me just tell them I'm attending to someone. Just enjoy the convention."

"Thank you sir and congratulations."

And just before I leave, Conrad laid his hand on my head and claimed 'victory in Jesus' name.'

***

I was speechless seeing a beautiful Lorraine seated in one of the couches at the lobby. The pencil cut skirt just looks good on her and no one would think that she gave birth to our twins. I brushed off the memory of us making love.

"Hey, I got your message."

"And you didn't bother to reply."

"I was too excited to run to the lobby and see you."

"Can we book one of the rooms here and enjoy the rest of the day together?" Lorraine moved near me and started stroking my cheek. I stiffened with her touch. How could she be teasing me like this.

"Ahmmm.. Lorraine..." was that me moaning with her strokes?

Lorraine started laughing and pinched both of my cheeks.

"You are so obvious Henry. You miss me that much huh?"

"Lorraine you know very well that I just agreed to the space arrangement because I love you. It's so hard for me to understand you but I know you have a reason."

"Oh.. Relax... Ditch your convention now and spend the day with me."

She pulled my necktie and people looked weird at us. But who cares? My wife is asking me to be her date. Ill let her do it her way.

***

Lorraine got my keys and drove silently. I wanted to talk to her but she put this aura of 'silence please' the moment we got inside the car.

A lot of things have been playing in my mind and I just hope she will not ask for a total space from me because I will never agree to that.

"Here we are, our wedding church."

"Oh, yeah. I almost forgot how to get here. I'm really that old. Wait, are you really proposing to me baby?" I can't help but be happy. I know Lorraine is enthusiastic, but this bold? Wow. I should be the one proposing to her and not the other way around.

"Well, let's just say that I want to assure you that no matter what happens, I'll always be your baby and you'll always be my daddy. Just like what you said in our wedding vow."

"Baby, you don't know how you are making me so happy. Conrad and I even prayed for ..."

I didn't get to finish my sentence because Lorraine has placed her lips to mine, this kiss though is not a hot, passionate one. It was more of that sweet, refreshing kiss we shared when I first kissed her.

"Henry, I... I want you to know that I am never giving up on you and together, we will face everything while holding each other's hands. And every time you feel like letting go, please remember that God has found ways for us to be together so let's involve Him in everything that we do."

I can't help but be teary-eyed to what Lorraine was telling me. And it is just amazing that we both feel the same thing, and most likely, she has been praying for me too.

Lorraine got something from her bag and ...

"Henry, I went to see Principal Pearl because I found this letter in Dos' drawer and they showed me other letters."

I read the letters my children wrote and tears just poured down.

My boys hate me. They really do, crossing out my picture from our family picture and...

I felt Lorraine's hand patting my back, making me feel that it's gonna be alright soon.

"What have I done to our family baby? What?"