You've Changed

Write a story about someone coming to terms with how different they are from their younger self.

I’ve waited for this moment for seven years, and finally, it’s here. Some might argue that seven years is a long time to hold on to someone who didn’t want me, but I’ve not been waiting for Anu, per se; I’ve been waiting for an apology.

It surprised me when I got her message on Instagram two weeks ago; I mean, I knew she blocked me some time after our break-up because I wasn’t seeing her posts again, so for her to have messaged me there meant that she had to find me and unblock me. Wow!

Anu’s message was simple, polite, informal, and careful. It read, “Hey Dayo, long time. I’m coming to London in a few weeks, and I’d like to meet up if you don’t mind?”

‘If I don’t mind?’ I laughed at the message because the tables had indeed turned. I mind! I MIND! She hurt me and then showed up with a ‘long time, no see’ message? Well, you don’t say!

I waited to reply. I wanted her to see that I had read the message and hoped she’d be filled with dread while waiting for my response. I also needed time to calm down and think.

‘Sure. Time and place.’ That was my reply. When what happened to us wasn’t pleasant, there was no need for pleasantries.

Anyway, today is the day. A chilly Saturday afternoon, reminiscent of the day she told me it was over between us. We’re meeting at The Coffee Bar, a spot I introduced her to all those years ago. I wonder what she was thinking about picking this place, but if she thinks being here will lighten the mood, she’d better think again.

I arrive, and I see her. For a second or five, time stopped. She looks different, I can’t put my finger on it, but she seems… she’s bright. Then, suddenly, a nudge from a customer who wasn’t looking where he was going brings me out of my daze, and I eventually decide to walk up to our table.

“Anu. Hi.” I stand staring at her before sitting down, and with a broad smile, she greets me, unsure whether to hug me or not. Finally, we opt for a handshake. Her hands are still so soft.

We’re sitting in silence for what feels like forever. We both have so much to say, but where do we start?

“How are you doing, Dayo?” She asks sweetly.

“I’m doing great.”

“I’m glad to be in London.”

“Ok. How long for?”

“A while.”

“How long is a while?” I’m irritated.

“A few months.”

“I see.”

An awkward silence follows closely behind the server, who takes our orders. I can’t take this! I need to know why we’re here. So we place our orders, waiting for the server to leave.

“So, Anu. Why did you want to meet? I’ve got things to do and…”

“You’ve changed.” She states, as a matter of fact. She tilts her head slightly as if assessing this supposed change. “Yeah. You’re different.”

“I could say the same for you.”

“Yeah, I know I’ve changed, and I know why. But you? Something is off.”

As I’m about to give her a piece of my mind, our server arrives with our drinks. We stare at each other, with our mouths full of words we want to say once the server leaves.

“It’s been seven years…”

“I didn’t mean it…”

Our words stumble over each other tragically, and like a basketball coach, I signal for a timeout.

“What do you mean I’ve changed?” I don’t know why I asked her. Why should I care what she thinks about me? It’s been seven years!

“I know it’s been a while, and the way I ended things wasn’t the best. But, to be honest, I wanted to see you and talk. I don’t know — maybe I thought I’d get to sit with the sweet, kind and thoughtful Dayo, but you’re not him. And I get it. Time has passed, and life has been life-ing both of us.” She chuckles. “Dare I say it, but you remind me of how I was.”

“I’m nothing like you!”

Anu’s curious smile disappears, replaced by shame… no remorse. Is Anu remorseful? In all the years we were together, I can count on one hand how many times she apologised to me for her crazy behaviour. Yet, here she is, poised, calm and collected and even though she hasn’t uttered the word yet, I can tell she’s genuinely sorry.

“Well, I hope you will never be like how I was. I was a terrible girlfriend.” She closes her eyes for a brief moment before continuing. “Dayo, I’m sorry for everything. From the bottom of my heart, I apologise for how I treated you. I can’t imagine how my actions might have shaped you today, but whatever the case, I’d like to ask for your forgiveness.”

The apology I’ve been waiting for! But the request for forgiveness? Yeah, that isn’t part of my package. And if I forgive her, then what? What will happen to the things and people I lost because I was nursing the heartbreak she caused? What happens if I honour her request? Do I just forget and pretend as if nothing happened?

“Apology accepted. I have to go.” I see the hurt on her face as I get up to leave; her face reminds me of mine on the day she left. Now she knows how it feels. Good!

“Erm, Dayo, wait!” She grabs my wrist with her forever-soft hands while making her plea. I’d be crazy to deny that this moment isn’t satisfying. I begged her to stay too, and she still left me all those years ago.

She stands and looks me in the eyes as she leans in to hug me, then whispers in my ear.

“I’m sorry. It might be seven years too late, but whatever you do, don’t change. Sweet Dayo will always be the best Dayo in my books.”

She leans back to take a good look at me, then says, “Jesus took away my darkness, and I’ll be praying he does the same for you too.”

I’m trying my best not to express my shock; instead, I release myself from her embrace and say, “Enjoy your time in London.”

I’m around the corner of The Coffee Bar, out of her view, before I catch my breath. I lean back on the stoned wall behind me, confused, shocked and furious! Who asked her to pray for me? When did she start praying for people? She used to mock me for praying too much, and now she’s praying for me? I DON’T WANT HER OR HER SILLY PRAYERS!

“But my son, you need them. I want to answer her prayers for you.” The Voice I once knew speaks to my heart, and I’m terrified and overwhelmed because it’s been seven years since I heard Him so clearly.