Misguided

Chapter 3: When Secrets Get Revealed

The next few months to follow seemed to be going well for the young couple.  They went on several more dates including a painting class, hibachi grill, spa dates, and even enjoyed Korean barbeque where they could make their own food.  Sometimes, they would just hang out and enjoy long conversations, taking delight in each others company.  It was as though they were starting to become best friends. 

Tanya was in total bliss, which prompted her to reflect back on the great week that she was having. 

It was teacher appreciation week, and Jamal had been sending a gift to Tanya's job everyday.  He wanted to make sure that if anybody recognized her hard work, he would be the one. 

On Monday, he sent her three dozen roses, and a card that explained how each dozen was meant for every year that she had been in her role at the preschool.  It was a lot making sure the teachers were equipped to give the children what they needed.  The next day, he sent edible arrangements to her job, and on Wednesday, a sushi lunch from her favorite spot. 

She smiled as a warm feeling overtook her, as she sipped out of her coffee mug that he had delivered to her yesterday morning.  On the cup was a silhouette of a woman in her cap and gown, with textbooks, pens, and a tiny picture of a woman teaching two small children in the background.  The mug read "Never underestimate a woman who majored in Early Childhood Education."

Tanya couldn't believe how much he did to show her that she was valued.  She knew her field was underappreciated, as many people did not know the effect of early intervention, and developmentally appropriate practices in Early Childhood.  Things that happened early on affected the type of individual a person would become.  She wanted to make a difference in the lives' of the children and the families in the community that she served. 

It was crazy to her that society did not dedicate as much time and money into education, and seemed to misunderstand its importance.  She doted on the fact that Jamal grasped the idea, and as always, was continually impressed by his actions. If she wasn't sold on him before, he definitely had her now.  

Tanya felt regretful about how she had been reciprocating Jamal's actions toward her all week. She was very grateful, but so swamped at work that all she had been able to do was thank him through text.  He had also been asking to see her for the past two weeks after he returned from traveling for his job, with no success.  She had been working long hours as the school prepared for the start of summer. 

Now it was Friday, and she wondered what tricks he had up his sleeve for today. 

There was a small knock on her office door, that brought her back to reality. 

"Come in."  She answered. 

When the door opened, Jamal was standing there clad in a blue- gray, lightweight, wool blend two-piece matching suit, and his favorite pair of Cole Haan dress shoes.  Under his jacket, was a lighter blue shirt that ornamented his pecs, and hid the abs that she loved to touch.  She didn't miss the details of the dotted tie and pocket square either.  This guy sure knew how to dress himself, she thought. 

He stepped forward and shut the door to her office, closing the space between them.  Jamal handed her a card and waited for her to open it. 

Inside was heart confetti, and a dinner invitation to Eddie V's.  Tanya had never been there, and was dying to go. 

"So you fancy, huh?"  She teased.   

Chuckling, Jamal side- eyed her.  "I am not taking no for an answer either" he said.

She couldn't refuse now.  Here he was, once again asking her on a date.  She thought that she'd better go, because what she wasn't willing to do, another woman would... and nobody was taking her man.