UNEXPECTED ENCOUNTER (EDITED VERSION)

CHAPTER SEVEN: Expectations

-Shelley-

It's been quite a while since I last set foot in a church. Despite having ample free time on the weekends, courtesy of my work schedule, I find it challenging to make it to church on Sundays to connect with my faith. "I'm so exhausted today," I mumble to myself as I let out a big yawn. Probably, I am this tired as a result of today's church service. It seemed to have dragged on longer than usual. The pastor seemed fixated on the topic of repentance, seemingly oblivious to the restlessness among the congregation.

I must say, praise and worship, on the other hand, was quite uplifting and enjoyable. I do hope that in the future, they stick to their schedule. However, the part that stuck with me the most was the post-service interactions. Several people approached me to extend a warm welcome, and some even had the audacity to inquire about my relationship status. It was quite an unexpected and intrusive experience.

I sighed in anger as I Closed the door gently behind me, made my way to the bed, and sank into the soft mattress, gazing up at the intricate patterns on the ceiling. I couldn't help but ponder the cultural significance of relationships in Ghana. It seemed as though every Ghanaian woman approaching her thirties was expected to be in a committed relationship or married, and societal pressure loomed over those who hadn't met these expectations by the age of 35.

Thinking about it now, the constant inquiries about my relationship status from acquaintances were beginning to grate on my nerves. I let out a sigh of frustration and rubbed my temples, feeling the weight of the unwelcome attention. "I really need a break from all this," I murmured to myself, feeling a throbbing headache creeping in. I rolled onto my side, seeking solace in sleep.

***

Somewhere in my sleep, I heard the alarm blaring, filling the room with its incessant beeping. I groaned and turned over, my hand reaching out to silence the noise. As I sat up in bed, I rubbed my eyes and let out a tired sigh. A quick glance at the digital clock on my nightstand jolted me awake, sending me scrambling out of bed.

"Fuck, it's already 4:30 p.m. How is it that nobody woke me up? I told Ben to pick me up at 5 p.m. I only have thirty minutes to get ready. How can a lady get dressed in thirty minutes? 'Ugh!' I haven't even picked a dress yet." I rush frantically to the washroom.

"Shelley, are you awake?" Sam asks as he taps on my door and pokes his head in. "Mom wants me to find out if you will be joining us for dinner."

"Absolutely not," I called out from the bathroom. "Why did you guys let me sleep for so long?"

"You looked like you really needed the rest," he said. "You were yawning non-stop on our way back home. I figured it was because you stayed up late last night, and we did have to wake up early for church." "Where are you off to?" he asks as I step out of the bathroom.

"Out for dinner with a friend."

"You mean, Mr. Adam?!"

"I meant a friend. Stop questioning me and help me pick out a dress for the evening."

As I sat on the bed, I contemplated between two dresses that I had carefully selected. "Which one do you think suits me better?" Lifting both dresses, I inquired, seeking Sam's opinion. Sam, my younger brother, stood before me, carefully considering each dress while gently stroking his chin. Throughout his life, he had demonstrated a remarkable flair for fashion, making him my trusted advisor in matters of style.

"Neither," he instructs. I shoot him a deadly glare, determined to convey that I'm dead serious. With a chuckle, he strolls over to my closet. "Let's see what other outfits you've got in here." As he sifts through my clothes, he declares, "Ah, this will do just fine. Perfect for a night out." Turning towards me, he reveals a stunning dress made of silvery-grey satin with a daring high slit and an intricately laced low-cut back.

"Are you insane? That is too revealing." I barked.

"Nonsense," he dismissed me. "You'll just show a little skin here and there, and he won't even notice."

"Anyone with eyes can see that that is revealing. - Sam"

"Quit whining, will you? Why buy it if you do not plan on wearing it?"

"I do plan on wearing it, just not tonight." As I was arguing with Sam about the dress in hand, I heard the horn of a car.

"He is here!"

"'Good.' It looks like you do not have much time to pick another dress." He says, with a smirk and a smile. Fuming, I shouted at him, "Give me that," as I grabbed the dress from his hand and dashed into the bathroom to change.

While I gazed at my reflection in the mirror, I couldn't help but feel uncertain about the dress I was wearing. The back seemed too revealing, and I couldn't shake off the feeling of doubt. In the midst of my contemplation, my mom's voice interrupted my thoughts, informing me of an unexpected guest. "Just a minute, Mom, I'll be right there," I called out, attempting to gather my composure. Turning back to the mirror, I couldn't deny that the dress accentuated my curves flawlessly, albeit a bit too provocatively for my liking. I worried about what Ben would think if he saw me in this outfit. Despite my reservations, it seemed too late to change into something else.

As I walked into the living room, I noticed Mr. Adams engrossed in a serious conversation with my parents. When my dad caught sight of me, he complimented me, "You look absolutely stunning." He then gestured towards me, remarking, "Isn't she just beautiful?" He then turned his attention to Ben with a sly smile and added, "I want my daughter back home by midnight - not a minute later. Such a treasure should not be out for too long."

As if my parents weren't even in the room, Ben stood there looking utterly bewildered. I couldn't tell if it was my outfit or my transformed appearance that had him so stunned. I waited for him to say something, but he just kept staring. 'God, I'm in trouble,' he thought. 'How can one woman have so much allure in such simple clothes? Look at how that dress accentuates those curves. It's driving me crazy.' He shook his head, trying to regain his composure, and finally found his voice.

"Mrs. Dickson, turning to my mom, he says, "I come bearing gifts. For you." As he hands my mom a gift bag."

"Please call me Julia, and thank you so much. You really shouldn't have."

"It's not a problem," he says shyly. Looking my way, he utters, "Shall we?" I bid my parents goodbye as I walk out with Ben.

"Sir, don't worry; I will have your daughter home before midnight." He says this across his shoulder as we make our way out.

"Where are you taking me?" I asked as we headed to the car. "You will find out when we get there. It's a surprise. Let me get the door for you," Ben said, reaching past me.

"I am perfectly capable of opening the door myself, you know."

"Yes, you can, but why do it when I am here to do it for you?" he replies.

As I slide into the passenger seat, he closes the door and joins me. "Relax," he says. "I understand if you're a bit uneasy not knowing where we're headed, but I promise you're in good hands. And just so you know, I did let your parents know where we're going to have dinner."

Upon learning this piece of information, I felt a sense of relief during the journey. It's not that I didn't trust him, but knowing that someone else was aware of our whereabouts provided an additional layer of comfort.