As we all know age is nothing but a number
And Collins's story was inspired by this.
I remember I used to have this mad crush on him. Collins was just perfect, he had his flaws just like every human would. But back then in my eyes he was just the man I wanted.
Of course I fantasize about him a lot, he was pretty older than me, but that made it even better, back then I had this ideology that the older they are the more mature they would be. And boy oh boy was I wrong cause in my little lifetime I have seen a lot of immature grown ups.
Yeah let's get back to Collins, so little dear old me came up with a plan to tell him about my feelings after I graduate highschool at least he'd see me more mature. I'm no longer in a boarding school, so we could see each other more often while I wait to get into college.
Did I tell him, of course I did. I had more guts then I imagined, I did confess my feelings to him, we had a moment, shared a kiss, was it perfect?
Of course it was, it was everything I had expected and more.
A few days after our shared passion, I was still waiting for Collins' response to my passionate confession. And it came.
I remember it was on a Saturday, back then I didn't have a phone, I used to sneak and use my mom's phone, I had called him and he told me he was taking me out.
I couldn't even ask because I already assumed it was a date! I had put on one of my prettiest gown. I'm not a makeup person but I'd try to look as girly as possible, and I was pretty. I told my Mom I was hanging out with my friends and she allowed me to go. We actually meet up and went for a picnic, Collins was so handsome, he was a nerd and a very quiet person, he was that type of introvert that knew his way around the wardrobe, everything he wore scream to impress, but I knew Collins, dude was just really good at matching outfits, and with his height and body build every outfit just came out better than the last.
He looked sharp, and on the picnic date, which I assume it to be, he had a mat on the grass, the wind was perfect, the sun wasn't too much, and the sky was clear; it was perfect. So perfect that I couldn't quite grasp why Collins would rejected me.
Yes, you hear me; he rejected me at gunpoint! I thought I heard my heart crack open on that day. I was impressed by how well I held my tears. But there were things I took home that he had said.
He told me I wasn't quite ready for marriage; he told me his preference was older ladies; he told me how much I hadn't learned in life, and love wasn't something I would understand just yet. I was still in my fantasy world. Which was true.
And the kiss, when I asked him about it, he told me I was persistent and he couldn't say no, because I was vulnerable at that moment; he accepted his fault for giving me some kind of hope, but he had to go home and sit on the matter. He told me that it was better to tell me now than to date me and lie about his feelings. He went ahead to say dating me was to his own benefit, if he was like some men, he'd advantage of my innocence and I'd be on the losing end.
I thought I was going to die of frustration and anger; I was so hurt, but in a way I still understood what he said; there was some truth in everything he said. Believe it or not, I was more mature for my age back then. So to a large extent, I knew a relationship was a big deal; marriage was even bigger. Marry the wrong person, and you're doomed for life. And from what I saw Collins was after marriage not fun-filled relationship with no goals.
We became friends after I got over my crush for him.
I had to accept in my heart and soul that Collins was not my calling after I saw two of his dates; bro was into older chicks, no doubt, but they were in another class entirely. His last date, who became his eternity, was Ms. Susan; she was a single mother. And she was by far older than him; I think she was 8 years older than him. But in appearance she was younger than me.
“Nne, we have to talk; something has been disturbing me for some time now.” Collins called my attention.
I scowled, because we were in the middle of playing a game called (Ludo). And he was beating me hands-down. “And what might that be?.” I questioned, raising my eyebrows.
“It's about Susie, you know she's into big parties and you know I'm not that type to throw parties, I just wanted it to be just the two of us when I propose but at the same time I really want to give her a dream engagement party.” He muttered looking disturbed like always.
I had to hold myself from rolling my eyes, because Collins was the type to worry about everything even when it wasn't necessarily, I think that was one of the reasons I liked him back then in high school, after we became friends, we started sharing secrets about our partners, he had turned into a protective brother over night, he would advice me whenever I brought any issues regarding my date or love interest. Same with him, whenever he had issues with understanding something he pointed it out to me and got my opinion.
“See, I understand you perfectly but have you discussed this with her?.” I asked.
“No, not really, how would it be a surprise if I tell her my plans beforehand.” He looked at me like I was dumb for asking him that question.
It was obvious that he was smitten with her. And it was funny sometimes to watch.
“ Don't look at me like that, you're the one in need of advice not the other way round.” I chuckled at how he frowned. Giving me the “seriously” look. “Okay, okay enough with jokes, let's get serious, well let's do this in favor of both parties, why don't you just invite a few friends or family members to your house, you do the whole surprise thingy and take her to a hotel to spend your private time. Plus let's not forget you said you'd adopt Annabelle, so few family members witnessing it won't be that bad. If you ask me.” I give my intake in the situation.
Annabelle was Susan's daughter, after she got pregnant her partner back then had refused to take responsibility and sadly he died in the army. That was the highest level of karma if you asked me.
“Hmm, that doesn't sound half bad, with our family members there, I don't really want her big friends around till the wedding shaa.”
Like you won't be happy if they made donation.” I chuckled. Susan had really good connections, her friends were really wealth so if they found out their friend was getting engaged imagine the money and gifts that would come with them.
“Shaa that one follow, but it's our day, so let me do it the way I prefer, she can invite them on our wedding day, for now we just need our family and pastor to bless the day.” He responded.
Fast-forward to the D-Day, surprisingly it fall on Valentine's day, everything went as planned, Susan was indeed surprised, I think we all cried when Collins gave a speech about adopting Annabelle, she was just 7 years old, I think the most touching part was when Annabelle asked if Collins was now her Daddy and he said yes. You could see the longing in the little girl's eyes, she was desperate for a father figure.
Honestly I had never seen Collins as happy as he was, after Susan had said yes! He was smiling more than the sun. Collins was an introvert until he's with Susan. That's when you see his happy nature, and Susan, I don't think I have ever seen someone cry and still look pretty while doing it. That woman has a skin that makes me feel older than my age.
It's been 3 years since then, Collins still acts like a big bro to me, he's after my life when it comes to marriage, well I don't blame him, even my parents want me to settle down too. God has blessed Collins' household with twins, 2 boys. And the man wears his pride on his sleeves when it comes to his wife. Indeed a match made in heaven.