Stories similar to this that you might like too.
Tess’ cellphone signaled an incoming text message, “”Happy Birthday Tess! I hope you have
no plans for your birthday, can I invite you for dinner?”” the message read.
It Was Arnold. It’s been a long time since she talked to him, nor replied to his text
messages. She didn’t understand why she replied now, “Thank you, Arnold. But I don’ť
-celebrate my birthday and you know why.””
Arnold’s reply to her didn’t take long, “”I know Tess, that’s why I am asking you out. We
should remove the sad memories attached to your birthday. Please Tess, just this once?””
Irritated, a smile managed to escape from Tess’ lips. Still the same old persistent Arnold, she thought.
But she knows he’s right, she should be happy on her birthday.
Jess, you’re right. Okay, pick me up at 7 tonight,”” she texted to
ink you very much, Tess. See you tonight”” was Arnold’s reply.
Thirty minutes before the appointed time, Arnold was already ringing the doorbell of Tes’
house. After seeing her mother, and asking permission to take Tess out for dinner, the two
went on their way.
So, where are you going to take me for dinner?”” Tess asked.
“You’ll see,”” was Arnold’s brief reply.
As Arnold was driving, Tess noticed the place where they were going. “I don’t know of any
restaurants here,”” she said.
Because we’re not going to any restaurants!”” said Arnold.
So, where are we going?”” asked Tess again.
“Here,”” said Arnold as he stopped the car and quickly got out, and went around to open
Tess’ door to help her alight from the car
Where’s this?”” as she handed her hands to Arnold and got off the car
‘Welcome to my place,”” he said
Yes, I Live here, and yes, I am alone. Come Inside. Make yourself comfortable,”” as he
guided her inside the house.
“So, you’re alone… and I am here with you, alone…” Tess said, while still standing near the
doorway.
Why? Is there a problem with that?”” asked a puzzled Arnold.
Hello! Just in case, you didn’t notice, I am a woman, and I am here with you alone!”
exclaimed Tess,
Haha!” Arnold laughs, “”Have you forgotten who I am? You know you’re safe with me, Tess.
We’re here to celebrate your birthday, remember?”” he continued, “”now, why don’t you be
a good girl and sit on the sofa while I go prepare our dinner,”” winks Arnold, and
disappeared into the kitchen.
A relieved Tess went in and sat on the sofa. She knows she is safe with Arnold. He never
read anything… which she felt makes him kind of boring sometimes, actually. “”Of well, at
least I’m safe,”” she murmured to herself.
Then, suddenly it became dark.
Arnold, why did you turn off the lights?”” Tess asked although she cannot see where
Arnold was,
I didn’t turn off the lights, Tess. I dimmed them,”” he replied, and lighted the candles
on the table.
Arnold emerges from the dining room, bringing a bouquet of flowers, and approach
a Tess that was seated.
Happy birthday Tess,”” and hands her the flowers as he kissed her on the cheek.
Thank you, Arnold,”” replied a smiling Tess.
“” Arnold gestured to Tess and offered his hands again to assist her. “I hope a
that I prepared for you.””
She gave her hand to Arnold and followed him to the dining table, where he prepared
a table setting for two, complete with candlelight.
Hmm… Dinner by candlelight. How romantic!”” exclaimed Tess.
Arnold assisted Tess to her chair and he sat opposite her. As if on cue, sweet, soft music
played in the background, while Arnold poured red wine into Tess’ glass.
Red wine, just what the doctor ordered!”” said Arnold.
Tess was smiling as she looked at Arnold and asked, “”Arnold, are you trying to seduce
me?””
“Seduce you?! No Tess. Seduction Is hardly my game. That’s too childish and short Lived.
The only thing that I want to do right now Tess, is to make you feel special… because, you
are special,”” as he raised his glass and said, “”Happy birthday to a very special lady.”
All she can reply was a smile.
She felt more confident and secure. A far cry from the intense and excited Arnold he knew just a
a few weeks back.
“And thanks to you, Tess” her thought was interrupted by Arnold’s voice, “”I now know that
not all pasta is called spaghetti.””
Soft laughter filled the air
I don’t suppose you were the one who cooked this fettuccine, right?”” Tess asked Arnold.
Tess,”” Arnold replied,””I did say I want this to be special, right? What would make it more
special than everything here being prepared personally by yours truly? Just don’t expect
five-star standard please, I’m not a chef.””
“Not bad, really,” said Tess, as she took a sample of Arnold’s cooking. “”You really surprised
me, Arnold… all these efforts, I am really elated. Thank you.””
I would do anything to make this day special for you, Yes:
“You’re my peace of mind, in this crazy world..””
Arnold looked at Tess, as the song Beautiful in My Eyes started to play… and he saw the
sweetest smile and the most angelic face he has seen in his entire life.
Wordsmith just a few minutes ago, Arnold was suddenly lost for words. He didn’t know
what to say, as he gazed at the beauty in front of him.
His hesitation, however, was just brief. Arnold stood up and approached Tess, and once
again offered his hands and said, “May I have this dance?””
Tess smiled, held Arnold’s hand as she stood up… and they dance to the beautiful song.
“You’re my Morals,
you’re my rainbow skies,
and my only prayer is that you realize… ”
Happy birthday Tess,”” said Arnold who’s now facing her so close as they dance. “Thank
of for giving me this opportunity.””
“Thank you very much, Arnold.. thank you for everything,”” replied Tess, as she looked
Arnold in the eyes…
up all always be, beautiful In my eyes,
and the passing years will show
that you will always grow
Barely two years after her separation from a failed marriage, the scars are still fresh and
the doubts in her heart are yet undiminished. But that night, Tess feels calmer… relaxed. In the
arms of Arnold, she felt safe… she felt special… she felt loved.
Arnold was just happy, holding her in his arms… and so close, the woman of his dream. He
knows there are no guarantees… she’s not yet ready. Tomorrow may be a different story
But it really does not matter to him now.
What matters is at that very moment, he is holding her so close to him while they dance.
All he wants is for Tess to be happy, to make her feel that she is special… and with Tess
resting her head on his shoulder while they danced, he knew he was able to make her feel
that… even just for that very special moment…
..and it’s all that matters to him.
“and the passing years will show
that you will always grow
ever more beautiful… in my eyes…””,
The End