His palms got sweaty and his heart rate increased as he approached the door.

He has no idea what kind of reception he would receive, but he was willing to try.

He has loved her from their kindergarten days, from her little flouncy skirt and swinging ponytails to her grown svelte alluring confident self and sleek bob.

As the boy next door, he had watched the dates come and go from the sidelines, wishing he was the one; now it’s time to take a chance and knock.

Suze opens the door, a huge smile weaving on her face as his words stammered and stuttered along, she buried her nose in the beautiful bouquet of flowers, heaved a sigh of content and relief, ‘I thought that I would have to wait forever,’ she said.

© Jacqueline Oby-Ikocha