Manners of the Unconventional Virgin: The Tiny Box

The weightlessness of air is filtered by the anemic saxophone of Kenny G. It isn't exactly a perfect soundtrack for an evening of romance. But for Monica, romance is either a remote idea or an unknown monster lurking underneath someone else's bed.

That possibly could change tonight. And she isn't comfortable about it.

"Is there something wrong with the decadence?" Jacque, in his usual natural charm, never fails to look after her.

Monica gave a look of feign content. Dessert was perfect, she told him. But reality was, she didn't seem to mind the flourless, overly rated house sweet specialty. Monica would have wished to have McFlurry Oreo on that fateful night, she later related to me.

Her eyes was wondering at the tiny box that sat on Jacque's left corner of the table. She doesn't have to be a magician to know what the fancy pink wrap hids. Normally, times like these, her previous dates would either give her gold earrings or diamond-studded pendants, or European royal brooches (or she hopes, the much talked-about Celestial diamond ring).

But her curiosity is beyond whatever expensive item that comes out of it. Her mind juggles between an anxious anticipation & the urge to embrace Jacque and a tactical exit to keep her out of his almost impossible-to-resist charm.

For Monica isn't used to kindness from men. Even from her family, she is seen as a strong, determined lady. Alienation would be too big a word but Monica seemed to have separated herself from any emotional attachments. To her, it is filial responsiblity. To her father & brother, she is a provider. Rightfully, respect is accorded rather than kindness.

Jacque moved the tiny box closer to her side. He didn't say a word. Just a soft smile that conveys sincerity & affection. And Monica knows this. And this is what she is afraid of.

"I wouldn't know how to begin, Monica," Jacque uttered as Monica slowly untied the silk ribbon off the tiny box.

Monica fought hard to keep a tear from falling. The overwhelming surprised was clearly painted on her face. And Jacque, faintly expecting this turn of events, was satisfied. He knew that eventually she will give in to him. And she will have her in full.

She put the box lightly on the table with the lid nowhere to be found. She didn't bother take the content off it. Instead, she gracefully took the last piece of the decadence and had her champagne. She was trying to find composure.

How did you like the gift, Jacque probed.

She let him ran his fingers against the delicate supple skin of her forearm. Jacque waited for an answer. She knew that her next words would be very important to the two of them.

"You know how much I like you. I never believed that I 'd be feeling this way again." Jacque couldn't hold it no longer. "I think I'm falling for you.

Monica took what would be her last champagne of the night before saying this to Jacque: " I am thankful to you for so many reasons. You just don't know how much this means to me.

You have a wife. And I don't want to know how your marriage is working out right now. However, you also know from the very beginning how this arrangement works."

She took a momentary paused and readied her pouch. She finally collected herself.

"For me, men are like rented DVDs. After 3 days, you return them. If they are hot, you can have them overnight. If it's a classic movie, you can always return to rent it. But you never get to own them at all."

She started to leave and gave Jacque a quick, unforgettable kiss on his lips.

Jacque remained on his seat. A mixture of confusion & frustration came his way. The tiny box with the key to the newly bought apartment glittered against the light. A conspicuous contrast to the unnecessary gloom that awaits ahead.