The ' A challenged woman's love ' stories, contrary to my Handicapped love series, are fictional. Mostly inspired by moments, dreams and experiences I had as a disabled woman. I guess we all have these moments when imagination takes over our minds. I just happen to have a lot of time and very few outlets. But writing is one of them. I hope you enjoy.
I don't want to sound too acerbic but attending parties is not my favorite activity. Especially when it's a family matter, but now or then I have to attend an anniversary, a birthday, or like a few weeks ago a wedding. My niece, who is 12 years younger than me, got married to a very handsome and successful man.
The wedding was in a beautiful castle in the hills of southern Belgium. I wasn't able to attend the church ceremony, and my day started afterwards during brunch with the closest family. And although I am not, I guess they felt obliged to ask me and my mom for it because of the effort we took to be there.
Of Course all eyes were on me the moment I rolled into the beautiful garden and heads were coming together to whisper about this conspicuous, not to miss, individual in a big wheelchair. I was invited to fulfill their needs to outline how good, beautiful and blessed they were themself. Needless to mention, never ever did any of these family members visit or contact me besides a " Hello " and " Happy Birthday " once a year on social media.
Once I found a quiet place in the back of the ballroom inside the castle, and all the noisy and rude comments, inappropriate touches from old aunts or unknown ladies, it was a nice party. A kind waitress made sure I got everything I needed and once in a while I actually had a good conversation.
In the late afternoon, as most guests were present for the big evening party there was a photo moment in the beautiful garden of the castle. It was uphill and I couldn't get there. Many others, especially older people, didn't bother to go there and just had a look from a distance. I wheeled to the edge of the terrace and could get a glimpse of the joy and laughter 50 meters away.
"Hi there. They look lovely, don't they?"
"Oh hi, yes they do. Ank was always really handsome and now she is shining like a celebrity. You don't want to have a look at what's going on there?"
"Nah, My knees ... Tomorrow I would regret having stumbled up that hill. Roger ... by the way, I am a colleague of Werner."
Although he was at least 10 years older and slightly overweight I was surprised he couldn't get up that hill. I suppose he just didn't bother. His face was grooved, wrinkled and rough with a nice sun teint. Probably from working outside all his life. His friendliness was attractive, masculin.
"Are you here alone?"
"No, I am with my mom. She is up there somewhere. You?"
The moment I asked I thought it might be inappropriate. But he didn't take it that way at all.
"Yes. Werner invited two colleagues and Hans, the other one had to cancel due to family matters. So besides Werner I don't know anybody here."
Roger searched for someone to talk to, to get through the day and stay out of the picture. I was honored to be that one and the evening got a nice turn. Roger actually turned out to be almost 20 years older than me. He was kind and wise, a wisdom of age but still curious and open to whom he was talking to.
Relationships were also part of our conversation. Roger was divorced several years ago and had 1 daughter who was studying abroad. With her not being around very often he admitted he was often lonely and although being alone for many years now he started missing a relationship, a woman. I explained briefly my situation trying to not sound too uneasy. Yet in a setting where the love of two people is celebrated it can be difficult at moments. Roger held my hand, looking into my eyes, shyly.
"You are beautiful. Don't tell yourself differently.", he said as his face came close
Close enough others could think we were kissing. He didn't hesitate or have any thoughts about it. He was just kind and thoughtful. In an impulse my lips went to his but I wasn't sure, about myself, about his motives and my effort ended with a cowardly, desperate cheek kiss touching briefly his mouth.
"You are beautiful. I am an old guy, but my heart is beating like a young chap."
He didn't seem to be out of his comfort zone at all and that fact gave me twinklings in my stomach. Roger saw this and he came closer. As close as people often get when having a conversation but the music is very loud. Our eyes met often during the next hour. When it happened I was shy and looked away quickly. He was a good listener and that fact made my lips loose. I talked about my longings and how difficult it was for myself and others to find my inner feelings and senses.