The Awakening of John - Episode 19

Mubina arrived a few minutes early, whilst, predictably, John was still in the shower, having started to get ready later than he’d planned. Bob answered the door. “Hi Mubina, come in, I’m Bob – John’s in the shower.”

“Oh, I didn’t think I was that early…” said Mubina, a little flustered.

“You’re not” said Bob, smiling and guiding her into the living room. “John’s many gifts don’t often extend to good planning – especially when he’s nervous.”

Mubina smiled at this disarming comment and instead of the seat she’d been offered, followed Bob into the kitchen. “Well, this looks and smells amazing, thanks Bob! How do you know John, he was pretty vague…”

Bob smiled again, “We go back a long way, we met through church. How about you though, new job, new responsibilities, how’s it going?”

“Oh, thanks for asking – it is a challenge, but I’m enjoying it.” She replied, desperate to know what John had said to Bob about the whole process. Bob seemed to guess at her anxiety, “He knows you were the better candidate. Took him a little while to get there, mind you, but he was genuinely pleased for you – I think he knew how much pressure it would have put him under to be honest!”

Mubina was still processing this information when John came into the kitchen looking anxious, worried about what the two of them might have been talking about – and his own lateness. “Hi Mubina, I’m sorry I was…” and then decided just to be straightforward. “I dither when I’m anxious, then I run late – but you know all that from our car-park dances. It’s lovely to see you.” And with a smile, the evening began.

The meal was lovely and the conversation flowed easily around family and faith. As he’d come to expect, Bob was genuinely interested in Mubina, asking questions, laughing at some of her anecdotes, gently bigging John up whilst teasing him gently. He never seemed to be the centre of the conversation, but he oiled it for everyone. When they’d finished eating, he surprised John by announcing that he was going to visit Trevor and wished them both a good evening.

After Bob had left, Mubina started stacking dishes. It wasn’t quite the romantic ending John had been imagining. Then he remembered chopping vegetables with Bob and smiled. He picked up a dishcloth and joined her at the sink.


 

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