Chapter 15 | FICTION | CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE

When Norm's phone chimed, cutting through the cool air of his patio, he stood frozen in disbelief.

‘It’s Oorun!’

After vanishing without a trace following their long-awaited reunion, she was now calling him.

His watch vibrated insistently, and his phone buzzed with her unanswered call.

He recalled their joyful meeting five weeks earlier.

Encountering her as he exited the gym had left him exhilarated, buzzing with energy and excitement.

They had retreated to a quaint health food café, enveloped by the delightful scent of fresh smoothies. Norm couldn’t help but steal glances at her, nervous energy radiating from him.

‘I can’t believe it! Olodumare arranged for us to meet again,’ he thought, expressing gratitude to the Yoruba God repeatedly.

Eager yet apprehensive, he initiated the conversation. “Oorun, there’s something undeniably special about our connection — it’s electric and invigorating. Do you feel it too?”

Oorun nodded vigorously, her eyes reflecting a mixture of emotions.

“Norm, I’ve felt this way for years. Even during my marriage, I couldn’t forget you. I know it’s wrong, but it seems the universe has conspired for us to reconnect.”

He reached for her hand, feeling an undeniable bond.

“It feels as if we were destined to meet not just once, but several times, even today.”

She closed her eyes, smiling, and he wondered what thoughts were racing through her mind.

He had a lot to express, yet he hesitated, wanting to avoid overwhelming her.

“Let’s take this slowly. We owe it to ourselves to be sure,” he said with calm assurance.

Oorun squeezed his hand gently, meeting his gaze. “I agree. I have so much at stake, Norm. I want to make sure this isn’t just a passing attraction.”

‘I need to show her I’m ready,’ he thought, taking a moment to breathe deeply.

“Oorun, after we first met, I realized I couldn’t be with you. That’s why I didn’t reach out. I needed to end my previous relationship and address my personal struggles to become the man you deserve,” he confessed softly, carefully watching her reaction.

He sought any hint of surprise or upset in her demeanor, uncertain of what he saw.

Pressing on, he continued, “It wasn’t just for you; I needed to be prepared for whatever the universe had in store for me.”

Norm smiled tentatively, relief washing over him. He didn’t want to hide; he desired an honest connection with her.

‘Am I being clear?’ he questioned himself.

With caution, he posed a crucial question, “Will you leave your husband?”

She looked away for a moment, then focused on their hands.

Her eyes fell on an intricate tattoo, recognizing the hidden story it told. Given what he shared about his medical journey, she understood that beneath the ink lay a skin graft, likely related to a phalloplasty.

Oorun contemplated the sacrifices Norm had made to be available and authentic.

‘He is free for me,’ she realized.

Looking at him, she finally said, “I’ll tell him today, Norm.”

His heart raced with the undeniable connection they shared, but he was fully aware of the challenges that lay ahead, having been through his own marital dissolution.

Surrounded by the café's lively chatter, they shared a moment of silent understanding.

Eventually, Norm spoke with unwavering conviction, “Regardless of what happens, we must remain true to ourselves and each other. We’ll find a way to validate our feelings. If we are meant to be, we will face the consequences together. I will support you no matter what.”

As they left the café that day, Norm felt a mixture of hope and uncertainty, energized by their connection.

However, his joy was short-lived.

Later that evening, his heart shattered as he watched her depart, hand in hand with her husband, never glancing back.

A week later, he saw her briefly on a Sunday, but she hurried away after a few awkward introductions.

For the next two months, his texts went unanswered, and his calls were ignored — until today.

Faced with his phone, Norm contemplated his next move.

‘I won’t chase this anymore,’ he decided, declining the call and sending a text: “Can’t talk now. Catch me when you are truly free.”

He noticed the three dots indicating she was typing, holding his breath in anticipation.

The dots vanished, and he exhaled.

They reappeared once more.

‘Why isn't she sending a message?’ he mused in frustration.

Suddenly, a notification reminded him of an interview with a local news station.

They wanted to highlight a youth justice program he had developed and managed through his company. His employees mentored boys and young men in the system and helped them with internships and work/study programs after their release. Norm donated most of the administrative fees himself, with his predominantly Black staff contributing their time and resources. This initiative had provided vital support to older youth transitioning back to society.

As he reflected on the impact of this program, he realized that each moment spent waiting for Oorun's response detracted from his work and passions.

With newfound clarity, he silenced his phone, left the patio, and closed the door behind him, marking the end of his pursuit of Oorun.

‘It’s time to focus on yourself, man,’ he thought.

In affirmation, he felt Olodumare whisper in his heart, ‘Yes, self-love is the key to self-actualization and attracting the love you desire.’

Oorun read Norm’s text: “Can’t talk now. Catch me when you are truly free.” She understood the unspoken message beneath his words.

She began typing, “I am free,” but deleted the message, struggling to articulate her feelings.

Thinking deeply, she typed again, “I want to be free,” only to erase it once more.

Observing the bustling parking lot, she reflected on the thoughts and dreams she had kept hidden due to her marriage.

Norm was right; she needed to pursue him only when she was truly free.

Instead of composing another message, she set her phone down.

Starting the car, the song “Brave” by Sara Bareilles began to play.

With a smile, she realized that she no longer needed that musical encouragement.

Silencing the music for a moment of meditation, she thought, ‘You need to work on yourself, woman.’

Her therapist's words echoed in her mind, ‘You’re at a crossroads, Oorun. Understanding your feelings and what truly matters to you is vital.’

Later that evening, while lying in bed, Oorun stared at the empty space where her husband, Adrian, usually slept. He had left for South Carolina that morning to search for their new home.

She felt a pang of sadness for Adrian, knowing she wouldn’t be accompanying him. With a soft touch, she tapped her chest a few times, a calming habit she learned in foster care that remained with her.

Sighing, she turned on the television, eager to watch whatever she wanted that night, including the local news.

When the 6:00 PM program began, she was stunned to see Norm staring directly into the camera, addressing her.

His company, Eastern Rising, was sponsoring a youth justice program involving mentoring young men.

Oorun admired Norm’s philanthropic efforts and was captivated by his presence on screen — his confidence and charisma were undeniable.

‘Could he be any more handsome?’ she thought, feeling warmth spread through her.

Her eyes widened as she took in his polished brown leather shoes paired with dark slacks that accentuated his physique. The fitted, gray shirt clung to him in an appealing manner, and his salt-and-pepper goatee curled enticingly around his lips.

She couldn’t help but react physically, her tongue brushing against her lips as he chuckled at something the interviewer said.

Her imagination soared, and she felt an intimate connection with him through the television.

As Norm spoke about the program, she felt as if he were addressing her directly.

He said, “I tell the young men: I can be a more reliable, loving partner than the current program officers. They may have kept you confined, but it’s time to elevate your life and give it the attention it deserves.”

Leaning forward, he clasped his hands, elbows resting on his knees.

Looking straight into the camera, he continued, “With my company and our staff volunteers as your mentors, we will create something extraordinary that the current system can’t match.”

Oorun pondered, ‘Is the current system my marriage?’

After his segment ended, she remained fixated on the screen, oblivious to her surroundings. Clarity and determination surged within her.

Switching off the TV, she placed the remote aside and reached for her journal.

She wrote:

October 28, 2023

• Free yourself from Adrian with compassion
• Rekindle your passion and reconnect with your joy within
• Forgive yourself
• Prepare for new challenges from all sides

Reflecting on her goals, she penned one last resolution.

• Win Norm Eastern’s love

© 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.

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