Unconditional

Chapter 9

•Kim•

I was sitting on my couch in my living room waiting for Rashad to come pick me up. I haven't heard from Chris since we talked yesterday morning. I sat there hoping that Chris wasn't this to hard. He was always with a different woman every day so I'm giving him a chance to get it out of his system. I was pulledout of my thoughts when I heard the sound of my doorbell. I rose from where I was seated and opened the door expecting to see Rashad but instead I meet face-to-face with an arrangement of my dream wedding ceremony flowers. When the arrangement was lowered I see the face of the delivery man.

"Hello," he greeted, "Are you Kimberly Tift?" He asked after he took a glance at the card attached to the flowers.

"Uhh, yeah," I answered, clearly confused.

"These are for you. Sign here," he instructed, handing over a clipboard.

"Who are these from?" I asked as I signed my name.

"It doesn't say, but there is a hand-written card"

"Okay. Thank you."

"You're welcome," he said leaving.

I carried the arrangement to my kitchen and set it on the table. They were already in water so I just grabbed the card and opened it.

I never thought I'd see the day that you'd stop putting up with me, the day you stop wanting me. I can already say that I regret the dumb decisions that I've made. The fact that I kept you waiting so long, when we had real dreams together, only makes me feel like shit even more than I did before. I also realized that I hurt myself more than I hurt you because I can see that you can do without me, when I can't truthfully say the same.

My problem was that I was afraid that you'd find someone else that could offer you more than I ever could. I'm not using that as an excuse though, I just thought you deserved an explanation. I'm sorry for everything I ever put you through and remember that I love you. I always did love you even when I was to scared to admit it.

I smiled sadly at the card. From the outside looking in, anyone could clearly see that our friendship-relationship was deteriorating. Then the tears started to fall freely when I realized that Chris remembered every single detail of my flowers. Creme Roses, Yellow Tulips, White Asiatic Lilies, Lavender Stock, and Matsumoto Asters. That really touched me.

Right in the middle of my moment the doorbell sounded again. I rushed in to my downstairs bathroom and dried my face. Then I quickly brushed on some bareMinerals powder on to cover up the red tint in my face from crying. I glanced in the mirror and it looked as if I never cried at all.

I rushed to door and opened it. This time it was Rashad with that dazzling smile that was so contagious.

"I hope I didn't keep you waiting to long," I said breaking the silence.

"No, not at all," he replied pulling me in to a hug that I returned, "you ready to go?"

"Yeah, I am," I said turning around to grab my luggage. Just the minimum of two suitcases and a carry-on. Then I grabbed my Juicy Couture tote and keys. As soon as I got to the door Rashad had taken my luggage from me and proceed to his Land Rover.

"Dang, girl. we're only gonna be gone overnight," Rashad joked.

I managed to crack a smile while I was climbing in the passenger seat and replied, "One is for my clothes, the other shoes, and the carry-on... accessories."

"I understand," he laughed.

When Rashad got in I put on my seatbelt and relaxed against the seat. Like I said, I need a mini, just a mini little vacation. Rashad began to speak but I was in a different world and unknowingly, I fell asleep.