Destiny and I decided to step out on a random Saturday night because we were too cute to be lame in the apartment. We ventured out in Harlem where we lived and walked past a lounge (L Lounge) that seemed to have a nice vibe inside. I remember we sat at the bar and asked the bartender why everyone was gathered and she said there was an event happening, so we had crashed a party. We moved to sit on the lounge chairs and a young man sat next to Destiny. He asked if we were here for the event to which we both explained that we had no idea what was happening. He said his sister and her boyfriend were hosting a launch party for their startup and the convo moved from there. He told me his name was "AH-ZI-EE" and he was from Nigeria. Destiny was sitting between us and conveniently decided to go use the bathroom which left me and Azai to start talking. Destiny came back a few minutes later and we decided to leave. Azai offered to give us his number and Destiny told me to take it. I wasn't that interested at first, but he seemed nice so we began texting. Our first date was 2 weeks later. We had burgers and walked all over the city. It was so chill and easy.
I was at my sisters event which was slowly winding down and I was about to leave because there were not any prospects. Two dazzling ladies walked in and of course as a guy I noticed this, I had a reason to remain. Now I'm not sure all guys do this but I do, I watched them sit and of course plotted my advance as this would not be easy especially for me. I wasn't dressed up but I was at a stage where such things didn't matter to me *I still dress this way*. I went outside and walked by them still plotting my advance. The nerves crept in but I had the best way to get in which was simply that the place was rented by my sister for her event so it is a private event. So I sat and asked if they were there for the event and they stated that they were not but asked about it and happily explained. The work my sister was doing hit home for Destiny because of her work and what the app does, this allowed for the conversation to expand. One thing I am good at is talking to people and so we get into talking about what they do for a living and where they went to school. I mentioned what I do but noticed Erica wasn't too interested. I knew well before she even knew I was Nigerian that she was African but I just didn't know from which country but nonetheless our conversation continued and Destiny steps to the bathroom. I knew Destiny was doing this on purpose because it was the second time she had gone to the bathroom in the span of 5 mins but I thank her for it because it allowed for Erica and I to talk some more. I offered my number as they were about to leave and Erica took it and thus began our Journey.
I was away for the weekend for my girl Doreen's wedding. He picked me up downtown and kept telling me how today (Sunday) was going to be all about me. I was thinking uhmm okay I hope he put up the shelves I bought on Amazon. When I walked into our apartment he had candles scattered around our living room area with a bouquet of flowers on the center table. He was also cooking a 3 course meal of our favorites. I sat on the couch and waited a little admiring him as he cooked and holding the bouquet of flowers. I suspected something was going to happen but nothing was happening. I went to take a shower thinking he'll surprise me when I get out, nope. We ate while we watched anime, our usual weekend tradition, and after it was over still nothing happened. So I killed the expectation. I was tired from traveling and told him I needed a nap. After my nap, I went to sit on the couch and that's when he got down on his knee. I cried and we danced to a few songs. The funny thing is he put the ring in the bouquet of flowers but it fell to the bottom so we had to shake the bouquet out to get the ring, lol. It was a beautiful moment.
It wasn't all about when but about how. For me it was all about how to capturing the moment a moment that would transcend the words "Will you spend the rest of eternity with me". It had to be somewhere within my comfort however the caveat is that it then needed to be beautiful and creative. Thus I chose to do it at home, I had many other plans but they just seem to be me trying to attempt things that aren't what I am about. To set the scene I had to plan the dinner course and how I would set the stage. I bought several fragrance candles and several LED candles as for the flowers I got them from a flower shop that I have never been to before but maybe
they felt the intensity/drive coming from me in regards to whatever reason I
was buying the flowers that they made a bouquet that was simply amazing
for just about $25. The scene was set the menu was set we were to have a 3
course meal of Nigerian puff puff, Jollof Rice, Dessert--I forgot what
dessert I made but nonetheless it was good and yes I made everything. The
puff was a struggle I won't lie but that was due to a technicality and I have
redeemed myself in that regard. The ring sat in the flower but now it was a
question of how do I actually do this thang. I played many scenarios in my
head and nothing...she goes to shower and I'm thinking I've blown this. It's
always times like this that I surpass myself and do what I need to do so I
took out the trash and on my way back changed the TV to our chromecast
and played "Jerry Butler & Betty Everett - Let it be Me" lovely song....I
walked in as it was playing and picked up the flowers. I bent the knee and
stated in short "Erica Joanna Frempong will you be my partner for life" and
we danced because "dancing is life"