If I Were A Carpenter

One of the most delightfully delicious experiences in life, is of falling head over heels in deep, consuming love.  Nothing quite beats that floating sensation during the early days of courting.

Spending every single possible moment in each other’s pockets.  Those brief, yet torturous moments apart.  Going about your day in clouds of daydream, counting down the seconds until you see them again.

Then the delectable icing on the cake:  Falling in love when you least expect it.

My friend, Ms B is the girl about town.  I dare say, that she is well connected because she is constantly bumping into someone in the street.  Actually, I wouldn’t be surprised if you know her too.

I fondly call her my little social butterfly because as frustrating as it is for me, I love how she constantly keeps herself busy.  So much so, that it can take weeks for me to finally “book in” some quality time with her.

Among the hustle and bustle, an Irish carpenter entered her life.  In the form of a flat-mate.

Since he moved in, the two had become steadfast chums.  They would often cross paths – mainly in the kitchen and the lounge room – sharing jokes and stories of polite interest.  Not an inkling of romance.

Although unsure of when it precisely happened, there was definitely a build-up of innocent flirting, mixed in with making each other cups of tea and interludes of late night lounge room drinks.

Sure enough, Ms B suddenly found herself attracted to her friend.

Confused and seeking advice from close friends, Ms B eventually made the firm decision to confess her feelings.

But how does one open one’s heart and manage to ignore the fear of rejection ?

She chose to do it with a gesture.  A dinner voucher.  For two.

One Friday night she was about to muster the courage.  Finally, she was bold enough and ready to pass on the invitation.  While he himself, in fact, had some important news.

Work was calling him.  He was leaving for Melbourne.  That following weekend.

Heartbroken, Ms B tried to keep her composure.

Although nothing was said, at that moment, Mr Carpenter knew how much the news had hurt her.

The week progressed with Ms B carrying the  heavy weight of sadness to work every day.  The day before his departure, along with mutual friends, they all went out for final drinks.

Despite the imminent parting and the uncertainty they faced, both did their best to stay up-beat and jovial.  Jokes were shared to ease the tension, yet thrown in were mutual puzzled looks.

The night soon ended and looking for a taxi together to return home, he took her by the hand.

Mr Carpenter simply whispered, “Don’t worry.  I have a plan…”

Back at the apartment, Ms B nervously gave her boy a parting gift that she had carefully picked.  Knowing the drive to Melbourne would be long and tedious, in her typical pragmatic, yet thoughtful nature, she bought a road atlas of Australia.  Along with it was a heart-felt written card.

Filled with anxiety, Ms B needed an excuse to leave the room.  So, she offered to make some tea.  Wandering into the kitchen, she hoped that Mr Carpenter would open the present while she wasn’t there.  Taking as much time as she could to make that simple cup of tea, she finally made her way back to the lounge room.  Only to find him waiting for her.  With the present on his lap.  Still unwrapped.

Nervousness and excitement took to its new heights for Ms B.  As this is when it happened.  He leaned over for a hug, then a kiss.

Their first kiss.  Sealing the mutual attraction.  Reassuring the other that despite the unknown future, things will work out.

When Mr Carpenter packed his van and tools the next day, he promised Ms B that he wouldn’t be away for more than two months.

Despite his absence, the communication remained constant.  In fact, it didn’t even take being apart for 24 hours when Mr Carpenter came to a realisation.

His instincts told him that he was in the wrong place.  Without the right girl.

He drove back to his beloved Ms B.  Just in time for the weekend.

As we speak, the two are blissfully tucked away in their own little world of new found love.

In this story, the message is two-fold.

For all you fabulous single gals out there:

Keep doing what you do best;  Stick to doing what you love most;  Stay in your equilibrium of content.

Because that’s when you shine in all your glory.  Then, when you least expect it, such magnificence will surely be noticed.

In a whisper, you will be swept up in the warmth of true love.

Without fail, love always creeps up on those who are too preoccupied with the bits and bobs of life to be looking for it.

Now a message for the debonair single men:

All it takes is some love and a plan.

Make that special someone a cup of tea.  Tell them how you feel.  Then never let them go.

Let this be a story be a celebration;  The wonder of being pursued for love.

Ms B, this one is especially for you. With already a fulfilling and happy life, here’s to the one who has given you even more.

No one I know right now deserves this more, than you.

 

“Love sought is good, but given unsought, is better”

–William Shakespeare