The Love Story: Episode 1

“In the Beginning…”

We hear the words ‘once upon a time’ about how we come to be when two hearts entwined in affection choose to welcome a newborn into the world.

From time immemorial, love has shown up in many ways: within families, among friends, in the intimacy shared with someone special, and even in our communion with God.

It has connected people, no matter where they are, reminding them that they belong together.

These, among others, are some of the things Susan held onto for the longest time.

Growing up in a Christian household, she understood the importance of love and how deeply it mattered to both her and her family.

Right from Sunday school, she had been taught to pray for her future spouse and declare the things she wanted to see happen in a relationship.

Susan knew the drill, having witnessed for seventeen years her parents’ unwavering love story unfold before her eyes.

They, as high school sweethearts, epitomized what love looked like in human form—at least to her.

Their days were adorned with tender gestures – the exchange of anniversary gifts, shared date nights, and passionate kisses before bed, never letting arguments linger.

She’d watched them remain consistent with these little things, and she desired a love like theirs for herself.

Grounded in the teachings of 1 Corinthians 13 since childhood, Susan’s understanding of true love shaped her character and qualities.

However, there was just one snag she faced.

While she embodied intelligence, kindness, and charm, there had never been genuine romantic interest—unless you counted the advances of older, unsavory men lurking in the shadows.

Her friends repeatedly prodded her to reveal why she had never dated before.

Yet, how could she explain to them that it wasn’t her, but rather the caliber of men who pursued her?

Susan observed as her friends were asked out on dates, invited to birthday parties by their crushes, and showered with gifts—experiences she secretly yearned to have herself one day.

To divert her mind from these desires, she committed herself to serving the church.

Immersed in the protocol department, she found the impetus to interact with fellow members and foster connections within the church community.

Despite her warm and friendly nature, not even young men in the church approached her.

Susan sometimes thought about it, hoping she wasn’t somehow lacking.

While she desired someone to be attracted to her, she also understood, through observing experiences, that dating solely based on appearance often leads to heartache.

That’s why she wanted something more real and meaningful.

Finding solace in her relationship with God, she believed that true love emanated from Christ.

Nothing would bring her greater joy than encountering a man who shared her faith and convictions.

Then, one day, it happened. Susan crossed paths with someone special.

********

Many people say that your first crush is an unforgettable experience. The feeling, that spark, it can truly change you.

For Susan, it was Jaden, a striking 21-year-old whose presence captivated her from the moment he stepped into her father’s pharmaceutical store to drop off a new shipment with his colleagues.

His curly, dark hair, tall fit figure, and bright eyes made him undeniably attractive.

Whenever Susan came by the store, Jaden’s gaze met hers, sending her heart racing with a mix of nerves and excitement.

As she learned that he would be a frequent visitor due to his responsibility to ensure the safe delivery of the boxes, she found herself stealing glances from the balcony or peeking out the window just to catch sight of him working diligently below.

But she would spot him only a few times; the rest of the time, she would sadly retreat to her business.

Over time, however, Jaden began to catch on to Susan’s subtle signals, prompting him to offer friendly waves in acknowledgement, to which she nervously reciprocated.

Then, one Monday, as Susan made her usual stop to the store, one of the men who worked with Jaden approached her with a greeting.

Almost absentmindedly, she looked away, her thoughts consumed by the desire to see Jaden, who was conspicuously absent.

“He didn’t come in today. He’s not feeling well, so he took the day off,” the man informed her.

Worry and surprise etched across her face. Yet, amidst her concern, she couldn’t help but wonder: had Jaden mentioned her to his colleagues? Was that why this gentleman assumed she was looking for him?

Did he perceive her as attractive? Was he fond of her?

Susan pondered over it, the uncertainty weighing on her mind.

As time slipped by, Jaden made his return on the final day he and his men would visit the store.

Determined not to leave without speaking to Susan, he sought her out by the balcony, his nerves palpable as he mustered the courage to ask for her name and phone number.

Aware of the significance of the moment, Susan felt a mix of anticipation and apprehension.

Though inexperienced in matters of romance, she recognized the familiar path unfolding before her—the moments that often paved the way to talking stages.

Having heard her friends discuss it, witnessed it in movies, and listened to similar anecdotes during youth fellowship at church, Susan understood.

She knew what to expect.

She smiled and gave Jaden her phone number, excited about what was to come.

She was ready for the thrill and the newfound experience of someone expressing genuine interest in her, enough to want her number.

However, days went by, and there was no word from Jaden.

Every time her phone rang, Susan would quickly glance at the caller ID, hoping for a new number, hoping it was him on the other end. But each time, it was just another letdown.

She subtly asked her friends about it, yearning for some reassurance.

They all said the same thing: “If a guy receives a lady’s number, it’s expected that he will call.”

Susan’s mind was a whirlwind of possibilities.

Could it all be too good to be true? Perhaps Jaden wasn’t as interested as she thought.

Maybe he misplaced her number or lost his SIM card altogether.

Is he shy, avoiding seeming too eager? Or maybe illness struck again, leaving him unable to reach out.

The thought of a robbery crossed her mind, or perhaps it was all just a game to him and his mates.

Susan couldn’t help but contemplate endless reasons why Jaden hadn’t reached out.

Never before had she felt such intense confusion and worry.

Not even when she swore she’d put her term paper in her bag before leaving home, only to realize she’d forgotten it on the day it was due the previous semester.

Arriving at school, she noticed her error and panicked, frantically hoping for a miracle.

Luckily, the universe had her back; her lecturer extended the deadline, sparing her from the consequences.

The Jaden situation, however, felt very different and stretched her to her limits. It was utterly perplexing.

“Is this what happens when you have feelings for someone?” Susan wondered.

It felt all wrong.