Wednesday, 24 February 2016.
That week, when they’re apart for his work calls and her visit with relatives, they text each other.
Christian, what an adorable place you have in Spain! I looked at the link you sent me. Happy for you. Now I’m ashamed of my lack of space. Though very grateful with the life I’ve got. So many have so much less than me…
Oh! Spain was my home for a long time. I miss the fireplace, most of all. And the quiet. Your place is lovely, Anna. It’s all about maximizing space.
Yes! I make the most out of it. Keeping organized. And as long as my home is filled with love, the bills are paid, there’s healthy food and I can give my teens the occasional treat, I’m more than satisfied.
Trust me. You are doing an amazing job.
What kids want the most is attention, anyway.
Your children are lucky. And I can see you have lots of interest, passion and energy. I’m sure your ex is a good dad, as well.
Yes, he is. And thanks, I really do. I just need to heal my feelings a bit.
It’s always intense, their back and forth interaction.
Their holidays together just keep getting better. More fun! They play short, strategic board games with lots of competitiveness – Ticket to Ride, Nexus, Ingenious. They laugh, watch more movies and then there’s all that crazy-sweet loving.
They’re chatting in the shower now, getting ready to go out. This will be their last night together.
This week!
“Yeah Chris, I know myself and what I dream of. I don’t want to live alone forever – of course not. But it would be crazy to be in a hurry, after a 20-year-long marriage behind me. I’ve gotta be wise.”
“But maybe in a year? Maybe then? I understand you, Anna, and need time, too.”
“Maybe one. Maybe two. Hopefully not more! Then my teens will have been raised.” Is he just curious? It’s interesting that he is bringing up this topic already. I must have made quite an impression, then. Cool.
“I think you like me, Chris!”
“OMG, you are fantastic, Anna. You are the whole package. The whole package! Really! I’m amazed.”
“You are? I am? How come?!” — She smiles happily.
“Oh, Annita. You’re organized, hard-working, fun, sweet, smart.”
“Mm, what else? Keep it coming.”
“And so beautiful, sexy girl!” — He pinches her cheeks.
I am?! — “Of course I am, Chris. And you’re not bad either.”
Yesterday, he took her out on dates to Stones – for a quick happy hour – and then to Vapiano, near Stockmann. Vapiano was quite boring and she almost left, because he was very late in coming to meet her there. Humpf. A bunch of business calls for his start-up and such. He apologized, of course, but hmm.
Now it’s his last night in Helsinki, and “I want to make it special, Anna. No phones, no hurry. Choose one of your favorite places and I’ll take you there!”
“Gringos Locos it is, then!” — with delicious food and an authentic feel — “They have such cool decorations, Chris. With real ponchos and sombreros from Mexico. It’s not a franchise, you know… Joey and Kristiina love the place, too!”
(Later in 2017, Gringos is shut down and a new restaurant called Hooks is opened in the same location. Haha. Must be destiny, but Anna hasn’t been there yet…)
The winter air is crisp and dry, as Christian and Anna walk the 4 km to their last date night this week, stopping to take some pictures of each other by the Töölö Bay. And kiss, of course. Great memories!
They’ve joked and had a chat with the cute, tattooed waiter – they’ve eaten the marvelous entrecôte – and now they are sitting there, just smiling and looking at each other. Not a care in the world.
“Anna, your teeth are so white! I like your fashion sense, but I love your happy smile. Really, how can your teeth be this white?”
“Haha. I think you’re just comparing them to heavy tea-drinkers’ teeth, English guy. Mine are just normal…”
“No. They’re really white!”
“You’re funny, Chris!” — First time a date has praised my pearly whites. Haha! — “Btw, I like the shirt you’re wearing tonight, lover boy!” — She smiles looking into his vulnerable, beautiful eyes. His gaze says a thousand things his mouth won’t utter. — “I’ve had a happy week, Christian. Thank you for all these dates!”
“Thank you, Anna. I never knew whether you’d want to see me again.” — His voice sounds vulnerable, too! — “The same mystery every afternoon! You were always plotting, huh………?” — Silence.
He looks at her with a quizzed look on his face. — “Will you want to see me again when I come back?”
She hasn’t been plotting – no!
She has simply been wondering about him and his life, because I can already tell I like this charming guy.
What is he looking for, really? What can I become to him eventually? What’s the potential? I just want a boyfriend for now – is that too much to ask in life?
That’s it – a bf.
And this week has surpassed my expectations…
“There you go plotting again! With The Look!” — He protests jokingly.
“Chris… I just want to share the simple good things in life with someone special. Nothing mysterious there. Good movies. Games. Sports. Loving. Friendship. Trips… Hmm. Are you special, Christian? Hmm. Let me see… Ah, maybe you’ll do.” — She teases him, laughing affectionately. — “Yes! I want to see you again.” — pause — “But do enjoy your son in Berlin, in the meanwhile.” — In that feminine voice she’s growing used to now.
“Phew! In that case, I’ll be back with you soon, Annita!” — He is a natural sweetie, isn’t he?
And… She’s getting a serious crush. Is he really coming back??
I’ll just have to wait and see. Guys have to do their part. My bf will!
Hand in hand they take the walk back home from Gringos.
Something has been bugging her for 2 km, so they have to stop.
She holds onto him with one arm, takes off her right boot and rolls down her hold-up pantyhose that has ripped and is hurting her toes.
“Are you going to repeat that naked-outside-wearing-just-your-overcoat-and boots drill, Annita?”
“Haha. No. That was spontaneous… You know I had to change the parking meter fast, don’t tease me now! My toes hurt.”
“That was one of the sexiest things I’ve ever seen. I loved it!” He supports her on the icy sidewalk, and then gives her a passionate kiss and a warm embrace. This is what love in pieces tastes like! Gosh.
“Let’s take a kiss selfie, Anna! Show me how.”
Click, click, click.
He’s looking hot – wearing her mother’s scarf and his elegant overcoat.
“You have the juciest lips, Anna! The best kisses I’ve had in all my life.”
“Awww. You do, too! I love your thin-thicks.”
They resume their walk.
Anna is happy.
© 2017 rf
Obs. Sighs. Happy, happy sighs!
The Chronicles of a Happy Divorcée 