Disappointment

Lillian Monroe.

Everything had to be perfect.

For him, at least.

I was going to make this marriage work perfectly this time. We had been too imperfect for long.

Luckily, I had talked over it with my husband and he thought same too.

"Hang the picture there." I said to the men who carried the giant portrait of my husband and I, taken on the day of our Military marriage.

People always asked me how it felt to be married to a military man.

I'd say... Interesting and sweet.

But in truth, it was not so good. It was a herculean task for only those strong at heart.

Myself, for instance.

So many times, I felt like marching to his battlefield and dragging him back home to spend some time with me.

At least, it was finally happening after three months.

I missed my husband so much. 

In every way possible.

"Going all out of your way for your husband?" My neighbor smiled at me, holding out a cookie box to me.

"Thank you Maria. I just hope he likes it." My tone was nervous.

He didn't know I was doing this.

I just wanted to surprise him.

"Trust me, he will love it. Who wouldn't love it when their wife goes out of their way to make your return special." She chuckled, patting my back. "I gotta go pick a dress. Can't miss an opportunity to eat nice food and drink."

Chuckling, I nodded at her.

Seeing that everything was set, I clasped my hand in content. 

"Order for Mrs Monroe?" A lady said from the door, holding a bag for me.

I knew the content.

It even made me more giddy.

"That's me." I signed and took my package from her, ushering the workers out before locking my door.

Squealing, I rushed into my room to fit the new Victoria Secret latest lingerie edition. It was sexy as fuck. 

There's no way, he'd keep his hands to himself after seeing me in this. I thought to myself.

My phone rang out, making me jump in fear. My heart drummed harshly in my chest. 

"God, Fedora. Are you trying to give me a heart attack?" I said to my best friend over the line.

"Hey girl. Hope you've waxed that area clean because today you're going to be cleaning those cobwebs!" She yelled, almost blasting my eardrums.

How did I even know this girl.

"Are you not outside?" 

"What? This is the 21st century and so sex is no longer something new to be discussed about, in a hushed tone. Besides, you're married and we're talking about you having sex with your -"

"Okay, I get it." Chuckling, I shook my head. "You're a handful."

"Sorry, I won't be able to make it today. I have this church deliverance that nana is trying to take me to. She thinks being a lesbian is a demonic initiation activity." She laughed, reminding me about her bat-shit crazy ass grandma.

That woman was something else.

"I feel you." I nodded in understanding even though she couldn't see me. "It's almost 5. I gotta bathe and open the doors. Party starts in 30 minutes. He should be at the airport by 5:30 too."

"Have fun, girl. I need the dirty deets tomorrow. Make sure you try those new styles." 

"Bitch, bye!" I hung up, tossing my phone on the bed with a wide smile on my face.

Packaging the lingerie back into its bag, I rushed to freshen up. Bathing didn't take long because excitement wouldn't even let me stay in there for another minute.

After I had dressed up, I went to check everything once again and when it got to 5:30 PM, I opened the door, sipping on my drink as I waited for family and well-wishers.

Just as I had predicted, by 5:35, my phone buzzed in my hand. Smiling at my husband's name displayed on the screen, I quickly picked.

"Hey Big Guy!" 

He stayed silent for a while, before saying. "Hey."

Frowning slightly, my forehead creased with worry. I made my way to the speaker, reducing the music.

"Are you good?" I asked, my heart beat racing.

Hope nothing bad had happened to him. I thought to myself.

Oh God!

"Yeah. I mean no."

"Then speak to me." I almost shouted frustratedly. 

I nodded curtly at my neighbor who had returned back in a beautiful party dress. She was really ready.

"I... I'm sorry Lil, I can't make it today. Something urgent came up and I would have to spend another one month here." 

My mouth fell open, a piercing noise blaring in my ears as my phone slipped down from my hands. The house felt like it was closing on me, the decoration and food mocking me.

It can't be.

No, no, no. This wasn't happening to me.

All my surprise. Time. Money... The guest -

"Whooo!!!" Cheered crowd of persons as the made their way inside to celebrate the return of my husband -

Who was not going to make it.

Fuck.