Megyn had shared the secret of this meeting with her best friend, Cindy. She had been anxious, even considering cancelling the date.
"Go have some fun, my Friend." Cindy had urged. "Meet the man and just be yourself. Besides, you have such a pleasant personality - only a pig will be bored around you"
Megyn had pouted. "Cindy, what if he is a pig?"
They both laughed heartily. Cindy had then taken Megyn's hands in hers, looked her in the eyes, and said, "we are still young. We are not seriously searching. Besides, love is such a wonderful thing - you might just find it today. Sometimes we meet pigs, frogs and ducks before we finally find our prince charming.
Megyn had smiled, slightly relieved. Cindy had added, "Go my friend. But keep your eyes open. And promise me – if the man turns out to be a joke, you will call me immediately."
Now as Megyn walked towards the restroom, Benjamin watched her go, his eyes studying her silhouette.
His thoughts drifted to the phone call he'd had with Aunt Lucia earlier that day.
She had been right.
Megyn was beautiful.
Her hot pink dress hugged her figure, accentuating her slender waist. The color blended perfectly with her smooth chocolate complexion. Her high cheekbones, delicate features and natural elegance were striking.
He found himself staring.
What is happening to me?
Benjamin shook his head slightly, forcing himself to focus. He did not want his thoughts to drift in that direction. Love and relationships had never been his priority. His focus was on his career, on building his professional life.
And yet…
Megyn had wits and a lighthearted charm that left him mesmerized. But he reminded himself, "Not now."
One month ago, he had adamantly rejected Aunt Lucia match making attempts.
"Auntie, I do not know her. I may not like her, and I am an adult - I can find my own woman.
Dr. Lucia had simply smiled.
"Benjie, just meet her first. An eight-year age difference is nothing. If you will not like her - or if she will not like you - then fine. But I know her. She is a rare jewel.
Benjamin had reluctantly agreed – if only to prove his aunt wrong.
Benjamin was still lost in thought when Megyn returned from the washroom. She was smiling, her face radiant and glowing and her presence disarming as ever.
Her smile was disarming. Before Benjamin's mind could wander further, he took another sip of his cold water, savoring its coolness in the January heat.
"So how was your journey from the Capital?" she asked, watching him over the rim of her glass.
"The journey was quiet and restful." He replied. I trusted the driver."
He had held her gaze with such intensity that Megyn felt herself shrinking slightly under his scrutiny. His eyes seemed to be searching for something in her – reading her thoughts – her emotions.
She was shy. But she wasn't dismissing his attention either.
She grew self-conscious, lowering her gaze to her folded hands on the table. But even as she avoided his eyes, she couldn't ignore the way he made her feel.
Benjamin was an attractive man – more than she had expected.
She had expected to find an ordinary man – a simple introduction set up by Doctor Lucia. But what she hadn't expected was to find him…this intriguing.
She had told Doctor Lucia she was just going to "check him out," nothing more. Yet here she was, unexpectedly drawn to him.
No man had ever looked at her with such consideration. And the thought that this man had travelled all the way from the city because of her was overwhelming.
She was awestruck.
But she wouldn't let him see it.
She straightened slightly, regaining her composure. "We trust the drivers, yes," she said, "but we must trust God more – He is the one who guides them."
"Well said, Megyn."
Benjamin had taken a bus instead of a faster means of travel – not because he couldn't afford a flight, but because he had wanted time alone - long enough - to clear his mind.
Now he was glad he had made that decision.
After a brief pause, he asked, "who is Megyn?"
The question caught her off guard.
"Mm…?"
"I mean you are beautiful, intelligent…but what's your story?" He gestured slightly as he spoke, emphasizing his curiosity.
Megyn smiled. "Thank you for the flattering observation, Benjamin. You just made my day."
Her confidence shone through.
"Well," she continued. "Megyn Maringo is a very focused lady. I'm currently a fourth-year medical student at Capital city University, doing my attachment at Randi County Hospital. I plan to graduate by twenty-four, complete my master's degree by thirty-four, and earn my doctorate by twenty-eight."
She paused, gauging his reaction. The she quickly added, "oh, and did I mention? I'm twenty-two."
Benjamin raised an eyebrow, intrigued.
"How have I never seen you at the Capital City University hospital?" he wondered aloud.
He had been to the university hospital countless times, walking through its corridors for work-related matters. His office wasn't far from the hospital, and he frequently visited his childhood friend, Doctor Evans, who was also a lecturer there.
"Do you know Dr. Evans? "He asked.
Megyn's expression shifted. Yes, he's our anatomy lecturer."
"Do you know him personally?"
Megyn hesitated before answering. "Let's just say, I know of him."
Benjamin noticed the sudden change in her mood.
"Why?" he probed.
Megyn exhaled quietly. Birds of a feather flock together. She thought.
Dr. Evans was handsome but had a reputation as a womanizer. He flirted with almost every beautiful female student – especially those who showed interest in him.
Now hearing that Benjamin was his close friend, Megyn felt a flicker of doubt. She didn't know Benjamin well yet – but was he like Evans?
"…and who is Benjamin?" she asked, her tone subtly inquisitive.
Benjamin sensed the weight behind her question. He could tell she had reservations about his association with Evans.
Choosing his words carefully, he replied, "Benjamin Hawi is the only child of Mr. Hawi. He was raised with discipline and taught to respect people – especially beautiful women."
Megyn narrowed her eyes slightly. "Oh? A very disciplined man?"
Benjamin nodded seriously. "I mean it Megyn."
She tapped her fingers on the table. "How many girlfriends or flings does Benjamin have?"
Benjamin chuckled. "Would you believe me if I said none?"
Megyn's gaze sharpened.
"Benjamin, I'm serious. You just told me Dr. Evans is your good friend. Yet from what I know of him; he switches women like clothes. So, forgive me if I find it very hard to believe you don't have any girl in your life."
Benjamin sighed. He thought he detected a hint of jealousy in her voice.
He had once had a girlfriend in high school – a relationship he had taken seriously, only to have his heart broken. Since then, he had lost interest in romantic pursuits. His aunt and parents had expressed concern over his lack of interest in women, but now, here is Megyn – the girl he had just met – making assumptions about him.
"Megyn," he said, his voice steady. "I think you're judging me unfairly based on my friendship with Evans. I'd ask that you get to know me first before making conclusions."
Megyn felt a twinge of guilt. "I'm sorry, Benjamin," she said sincerely. "I don't know what got into me. I just…I guess I don't like Dr Evans. For obvious reasons."
"I'll accept that." Benjamin said, his gaze lingering on her.
Megyn smiled, but she wasn't about to let Benjamin think she had accepted his answer so easily.
"And what happened to 'this' one serious relationship you had?" she asked, her tone laced with curiosity.
Benjamin grinned. "Are you trying to probe into my past life?" he asked.
"Mm…" She shrugged her shoulders. "Why not?"
Benjamin leaned back, intertwining his fingers on the table.
"I had a girlfriend in high school," he admitted. It was my first serious relationship. But it ended bitterly."
Megyn tilted her head slightly. "What happened?"
Benjamin exhaled. "She broke my heart. That experience shaped my opinion about relationships, at least for a while."
Megyn studied him carefully. "I am sorry. That must have been tough, especially at such a young age."
Benjamin shrugged. "It took me a long time to let go of it. But thanks to my Aunt Lucia. I moved on - with stronger resolution."
Megyn took another sip of her coke, considering his words. "So, what changed? What made you agree to see me?"
Benjamin reached across the table and gently held her hand.
"My aunt had painted a very rosy picture of you." He said with a small smile. I was curious to meet the girl she spoke so highly of. And now, sitting here, I must admit - she was right."
Megyn's heart skipped a beat. She wasn't expecting that. For a moment she forgot to respond.
"Does Megyn have a boyfriend?" Benjamin asked, breaking the silence.
"Nope." She replied almost too quickly.
Benjamin raised an eyebrow. "Why? You are beautiful, intelligent …I imagine you have plenty of admirers."
Megyn smiled, slightly flattered. "I just haven't met my prince charming yet."
Benjamin grinned. "Well, you've found him today."
Megyn rolled her eyes. "Don't flatter yourself, Benjamin. You might just be the frog."