WNP: 2/22/13

"He was always late, but tonight he arrived early."


Jomo quickly showered and shaved.  The steam filled the bathroom with a warm fog, a cocoon that he didn't want to leave.  He deeply appreciated the comforts his new life afforded him.  "There are some things in life one wants to relish," he mused as he wiped the steam from the bathroom mirror.  He gazed at himself, no longer the little boy from Ghana.  Now, a man.

He hated the hustle and bustle of the city.  Everyone was in such a hurry, just like the airport, you hurry up to get there, only to wait in line at the checkin or ticket counter.  Then you rush to the Gate, only to await the plane that seldom arrives on time.  "No, " he thought, I like to to take things nice and slow.  "That is the nature of the people where I am from," he thought fondly of his home land and the people he left behind.  Shaking himself from his reverie, he dressed quickly.

He  hailed a taxi outside of his apartment.  A soft mist was fallilng, tonight, nothing could ruin this evening. The taxi driver weaved skillfully in and out of traffic.  Jomo looked anxiously at his watch.  Finally he arrived at the restaurant.  He stood before the window to make sure his tie was straight. Through the window he could see the soft glow of the candle light where she and her family sat.  He stood staring at her beauty, and she must have felt his presence.  She turned to the window,  smiled at him and waved.  her parents looks followed her gaze.  "That's Jomo," she said with a smile on her face.  "He's always late," she uttered softly, "but tonight...he's right on time.