THE END | CHAPTER 26 | FICTION | CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
The Letters Held the Weight of a Thousand Emotions
Read the concluding chapter of ‘Love Interrupted; Love Ignited’ — it seals the pivotal moment in their journey.
Norm,
I hope this letter finds you well. I’ve been thinking a lot about us, and I figure it’s time to lay some cards on the table — no beating around the bush, unadulterated authenticity coming now.
So, here’s the essence of who I am:
I didn’t have an easy time growing up. As a child, my parents disappeared, leaving me to navigate the foster care system. Bullied, physically and sexually abused, you name it.
My survival strategy? Keep quiet, be small, go along, and try to improve.
Life threw me a curveball — I can’t have kids. But don’t get me wrong, I’m a survivor and a work in progress. I’m not saying this to earn your pity.
At 16, luck smiled on me, and I landed in the home of a wonderful woman. She taught me the ropes of using food as fuel, yoga, meditation, and why going to the gym is a good idea.
I lost weight and committed to fitness. College rolled around, and I took up kinesiology. Then came Adrian, a compassionate spirit who nurtured and cherished my well-being. I loved him right back, and I still do.
But Norm, when I first saw you, something clicked into place. Call it intuition or something else, but it felt like an answer to a prayer. Before we go any further, though, there are some non-negotiables you should know:
1. No shouting. Seriously, even in jest. Loud noises freak me out. 2. Rough treatment? Not on my watch. 3. Kids are a must — but not the traditional way. We’re adopting from the foster care system if we are together. 4. Financial stability is a big deal for me. I’m hustling hard to build a solid future and need a partner aligned with me to make, save and invest large sums of money. 5. Love me, deep and absolutely. Take my hand and give me priority.
I’m putting it all out there, Norm. Take your time to think it over. Let me know your perspectives on these matters. There is no pressure. Just be honest with me. Can you do this?
Also, let me know what you want; I will try to be all you need.
Cheers,
Oorun
‘What’s the worst that can happen?’ she thought. The torrent of possible petrified responses came fast, pinning her in the car. Rejection. Misunderstanding. Disapproval. Refusal to accept her non-negotiables. Hurt. He may not want the level of commitment she’s seeking —.
‘He’s here!’ her gaze caught the sleek, black Audi gliding into a space near the entrance. The car exuded a quiet suaveness, and as Norm stepped out, she couldn’t help but notice the subtle confidence in his movements.
He emerged from the driver’s seat, focused on adjusting his clothes, oblivious to her watchful eyes. She observed him straightening a collar, brushing off an imaginary speck of dust. ‘Is HE nervous?’ she wondered.
Her breath caught as he surveyed his surroundings, unaware of being observed. She slumped down in her seat. ‘Oh no, I don’t want him to see me yet!’
He took a final glance around and seemed satisfied. With a confident stride, he headed towards the entrance of the building. Oorun couldn’t help but admire how he moved — a blend of assurance and purpose. While he vanished indoors, she extended the time in her car to compose herself, gearing up for the impending conversation. This would make her late.
Dr. Adeola’s office is her safe space. But today, she invited Norm in.
“Okay, Oorun, you got this,” she muttered, gripping the steering wheel. She could feel the nerves creeping in, the weight of the conversation ahead.
‘At least he showed up,’ she reassured herself, finding a small comfort in the fact that Norm made it to the appointment. She knew this wouldn’t be easy, laying out her past and future expectations, but she also understood the importance of it.
‘This is your psychologist’s office — your safe space. You’ve faced tough conversations here before and can do it again. Today is no different,’ she reminded herself, drawing strength from the familiarity of the place.
Oorun unclasped her seatbelt with a determined nod and opened the car door. “You’re strong, resilient, and you know what you want. Stick to your non-negotiables,” she whispered, stepping onto the pavement.
As she approached the entrance, she thought about Norm. ‘He’s here because he wants to be. You’re not alone in this.’ Her internal pep talk pushed her forward.
Taking one step at a time, Oorun entered the office, ready to face whatever the conversation with Norm and Dr. Adeola might bring.
She knew her presence commanded attention. Standing tall, her dark skin exuded a natural radiance, accentuated by her striking physical fitness and undeniable attractiveness. The tailored white monochrome pantsuit she wore draped elegantly over her muscular frame. She chose this ensemble because it made her feel confident and spoke of sophistication with a keen sense of style.
Each step she took in those high-heeled shoes resonated with intent, the clicking sound echoing her feigned assertiveness.
Her makeup, light and natural, accentuated her features without overpowering them. Gloss adorned her full lips, adding a subtle touch of glamour to her overall appearance. Oorun took time earlier that morning to style her naturally curly hair with intricate braids.
The Yoruba charm adorning the chain around her neck caught Norm's eye. It sat gracefully against her skin. She noticed he could not take his eyes off it for several moments.
“I’m sorry I’m late,” she said in apology.
Dr. Adeola acknowledged, nodded, and said, “So, Oorun, Norm is here. Why are we all together today?”
Oorun turned to look at Norm and thought, ‘I believe you are my person. I hope you are willing to be with me in the way I need.’
“Thank you, Norm. You being here means the world to me,” Oorun said.
Looking at Dr. Adeola, she said, “I took your advice, doctor. I wrote a letter to Norm explaining my past and what I needed in a life partner. He’s read the letter. I felt I needed your help facilitating a discussion of those things.”
Dr. Adeola removed her zebra print-rimmed glasses and said, “Ah, I see.” She looked over at Norm. “So, Norm, are you ready to share today? Do you have questions about what you read?”
He did not reply at first.
Reaching into the inside pocket of his blazer, he fished out a dark blue envelope. Oorun, caught up in the moment’s drama, held her breath. The room stood silent. She and Dr. Adeola followed his deliberate movements.
He opened the envelope and pulled out a small, heavy-weight note card with a linen finish. He unfolded it and began to read.
“Oorun,
My sunshine.
Your letter struck a chord with me, and I appreciate your straightforwardness — it aligns with my preference for clear communication.
I’ve taken note of your non-negotiables — no raised voices, no rough treatment, a commitment to adopting children, and a shared pursuit of financial stability. Your terms are understood and respected.
Your journey thus far is a testament to your resilience, and I greatly respect the strength you’ve demonstrated. Adrian appears to be a commendable individual, and I can understand the foundation you’ve built together.
I, too, am a work in progress, Oorun, and I desire and require your presence. There is a great deal I aspire to contribute to this world, and you represent the fulfillment of my prayers. United, we can cultivate love and joy, beginning with our deserving children, gifts from the foster care system.
In the spirit of transparency, I’d like to outline my non-negotiables: - You will give us a fair chance; an all-in commitment is essential. - There will be no continuation of an emotional relationship with Adrian. - Love me, deep and absolutely. Take my hand and give me priority.
Regarding us, I’m entirely on board. No need for overthinking; I’m in sync with and commit to all the conditions you’ve laid out. Let’s navigate this path together, one step at a time.
I am eagerly anticipating what lies ahead.
Yours to love, Norm.
Norm carefully folded the handwritten note, his fingers moving with purpose. His emotions felt palpable as he slid the paper into the waiting envelope. With a steady hand, he extended the letter toward Oorun, his eyes searching hers for a sign of her reaction.
Oorun’s gaze met his, and a flicker of vulnerability passed through her eyes.
A wave of emotion hit her, and she blinked rapidly, trying to hold back the tears threatening to spill over. At that moment, the air seemed to crackle with unspoken words, emotions swirling between them.
Oorun turned to Dr. Adeola, whose quiet demeanor set a tranquil undercurrent in the room. She was such a supportive presence. With a subtle yet encouraging nod, the doctor prompted Oorun to share the contents of her heart.
With a mix of apprehension and anticipation, Oorun’s trembling hand reached out, and she accepted the envelope from Norm.
The simple exchange held a profound significance — acknowledging the emotions laid bare in that paper.
Norm, unable to contain the tension any longer, broke the silence. His voice, a mixture of hope and uncertainty, cut through the stillness, “Will you come home with me now?”
The floodgates opened, and Oorun burst into tears.
She released emotions that had been pent up for far too long in a cathartic moment of vulnerability. Amid her tears, she managed to lock eyes with Norm, the intensity of their connection transcending words.
After a few moments that felt like an eternity, Oorun, her voice raw but filled with conviction, managed to utter the word he longed to hear, “Yes!”
© Scarlet Ibis James, 2023: All Rights Reserved.
🆂🆄🅱🆂🅲🆁🅸🅱🅴 🆃🅾 🅶🅴🆃 🅼🆈 🆂🆃🅾🆁🅸🅴🆂 🅸🅽 🆈🅾🆄🆁 🅼🅰🅸🅻🅱🅾🆇
Disclaimer: This story is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or deceased, or events is coincidental. All characters and incidents in this narrative are products of the author’s imagination.
Binge read 𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝙱𝚘𝚘𝚔:
Thank you for reading and being a part of my journey through this world. 🦩
You can expect exclusive content in my upcoming book, including the epilogue, that won't be available elsewhere. Subscribe to my Substack to stay updated on the book's progress towards publication.
