Two timming

John boarded a bus from Sydney to Canberra.
Just when he was settling into his seat, he heard his phone ringing, he smiled as he saw it was his wife calling. Hello Honey she bellowed, how’s your journey coming on? I called to check up on you.

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John was still on the phone taking to his wife when a beautiful young lady slid into the empty seat beside him smiling up at him. In what would be more like an unconscious and a reflex action, He hung up the call, not minding that he wasn’t done talking with his wife and smiled back at the lady who introduced herself as Tina.

In no time they were in deep conversation all through the journey. Tina was a natural and rather smooth. The connection was deep as Tina was fun, curious and an easy person to talk to. They literally talked about everything. From politics, to family, football, marriage etc. It felt like they’ve known each other for ages. Tina got to know that John was married through their conversation but she didn’t seem to mind.

Hours passed by and soon the bus arrived in Canberra. Tina shook John’s hand with a seductive smile and slipped a card into his hand as she waved him goodbye. The front of the card had her name and website address written on it but on the back was a hand written note “Call me if you want to continue the story.” She obviously wanted more than just a bus connection.

In the night at his hotel room, John kept staring at the card. He felt a strong pull gnawing on his emotions. He enjoyed the long conversation he had with Tina. He had never had that liberty to talk to freely about anything. He also wanted more. The thought of calling her excited him but he also was feeling guilty. He was battling with his mind.

No one will ever know, one thought said to him. What about your wife? the other voice retorted. He was in a dilemma. He loves his wife and didn’t want to do anything to hurt her but something within him also wanted to connect with Tina. He was in a dilemma. He didn’t know what to do as he paced up and down his hotel room.

He picked up his phone, but instead of calling Tina, he called his wife. He confessed everything to her, from the long conversation they had on the bus and to the card and what was written on it and also to temptation he had as to whether to call her or not.

His wife listened in silence all through his confession. Instead of shouting, she asked calmly “so why are you telling me all these?” Because I don’t want to live two lives John answered. I want you to be a part of all my stories he continued.

Well, “don’t create another story you will regret she said. Come home.” John didn’t call Tina however he kept the card, not as a token of love but as a reminder of how close he came to loosing what truly mattered to him. The temptation he had was sharp and real but he had peace by choosing his marriage.
Sometimes, the strongest love story is the one where nothing happens.