MARITA

The Beginning of Complication (Part 3)

"I got something for you," Arnold reached to the back seat for the mobile phone he bought earlier.

"You got me a new phone," exclaimed Marita as she took the box out from the bag.

"Awww... Thank You," She flung her arm around Arnold's neck and gave him a kiss.

"Aahhh... It's nothing. I will be the one taking care of you from now on especially in 2 months from now." Arnold was beaming as he started the car engine.

Marita smiled happily and proceed to unbox the new phone. It was the same brand as her old ones but the latest series. Her smile widened. Arnold knows her so well to know that she is very devoted to one brand for her gadgets.

"You can do it at home," said Arnold glancing at her fiddling with the packaging. "Lean back. You look tired".

"Humpfff..." Marita dropped the box back in the bag and placed it next to her. "I am. It's such a long day." She sighed as she leaned herself back to the seat.

Arnold reached to give her a light shoulder massage with one hand while the other one firmly grasped the steering wheel.

"Ahhh that's nice. Thank you. But I think you should focus on the road." Marita pulled Arnold's hand from her shoulder and hold it against her chin.

"I love your hand. They are warm"

"Hmmmm.... Shall I give you a massage when we get home?"

"Pffft... Naaah... I think I just want hot tea and bread and then sleep".

"When we are married, I can give you all the back massage you need." They arrived at the red light so Arnold could turn and pay attention to his woman. He gently caressed her hair and gently massage her head. Marita closed her eyes to enjoy the relaxed feeling. Arnold knew she loved head massage.

"Shall I recline your seat?" Arnold asked still massaging her. The light is still red.

"No. It's OK. My stomach is feeling weird now. So, laying down is not an option on a moving vehicle".

Arnold nodded in understanding. The light turned green and Arnold must return to the steering wheel.

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(Arnold's POV)

Exiting the elevator, Arnold could immediately see Marita through the office window. He smiled a loving smile watching his woman. 9 years is a long time... perhaps too long. In those 9 years they have gone through good times and bad times together. Through university years and during the time they both strive in their chosen career.

Marita was talking, explaining something to her colleague with her animated hands. She has that distinct gesture that Arnold loved to watched. The first time Arnold was captivated by Marita was when they first enter the university. Marita was the interpreter for a foreign speaker at his campus orientation week. She was also a first year student but she has been working as interpreter for a while so one way or another she was contracted for their event. The speaker was a Silicon Valley Young Innovator Awardee the perfect motivator for computer science and technology major like their department. Arnold remembered being captivated by her eloquent interpretation, animated hand gesture, her voice that is both cheery and dignified. And of course, her smile.... That smile entrapped his heart.

After the event, Arnold jumped to the first opportunity to talk to her. When all his friends crowded the speaker, Arnold went straight to Marita who was refilling her water bottle and giving space for the speaker to interact with the audience.

"Hello, You must be very tired now." Arnold offered a cold coke to Marita.

"Ah No, thank you. I prefer water." Marita refused but gave him her smile again. Arnold felt his heart beats uncontrollably. He had to take a second to breath.