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“Gladys is that you?‘ Edward stood up from his chair and stalked over to the windows. He almost hadn‘t answered the phone when he saw the strange number, but he was now glad he had. “I‘ve been trying to call you.”
“I‘m sorry to be calling you at work.”
The unease in her voice must be because they had not spoken in over a week. “You know that has never been a problem Gladys. To tell you the truth, my mind wasn‘t on the job. I‘ve been calling you for the past several hours...”
“I have to apologize for that.
“The girl on the phone said you were not there. I was worried you had traveled...”
“Aunt Isioma has a new house help who was receiving your calls without telling anyone in the house. And I‘ve travelled, I‘m actually in Enugu right now…”
“I hope it‘s not because of what happened last week?”
“That had a bit to do with it. I didn‘t want to spend Christmas in Lagos when we were on such terms. But I‘m glad I came back; I‘m enjoying being with my family.”
“How is your mum and brothers?”
“They are fine. None of them is here though. I‘ve probably not been very good company.”
“Gladys I know the stress I‘ve put you through. I‘m sorry about that. I was serious about the proposal but not the way it came out. That was thoughtless, please accept my apology.”
When she remained silent, he continued, “I‘ve not been myself since that day. I felt terrible after you left and the only reason I didn‘t call the next day was because I wanted us to calm down. After that I had many things to sort out. Then I couldn‘t get through to…”
“I‘m sorry too Edward, I guess I could have called you as well. I was about to confirm it when my aunt called.” As the days passed and he didn‘t call, she‘d assumed the worst.
“I‘ve got to tell you this Gladys. I cherish you with all my heart, body and soul.” He couldn‘t hold it back any longer. He was in love with her and had only been too afraid to acknowledge it.