One More Chance

Personal standards, opinions, and values are unique as fingerprints. So is every relationship. Many couples enjoy the company of mutual friends of the opposite sex, but what happens when a friend is revealed involuntarily by circumstances?

Liza sat in her office gazing at the picture of a man she knew was the love of her life. She and Jacob realized their attraction was more than just good neighbors with shared interests in music, poetry, and all things fun. He noticed her the first day he saw her. “There is just something about her. She’s different.” Jacob confided in his buddy Marshall while they browsed the latest studio software. Liza was like a teenager in love. She told her best friend, Debbie, “He is such a gentleman. So polite and generous” as she displayed the pair of earrings Jacob gave as a birthday present.

Everyday, Liza replays the questions Jacob asked, “If nothing was going on between you and your so-called friend, why didn’t I know about him until almost two years after you and I became closer? You say nothing is going on! Does his wife know you and him discussed their marriage over a meal? Why is he always available to you? Both of you were cheating! THAT’s why! I didn’t know about you meeting with him behind my back! That’s cheating! His wife didn’t know about you meeting with him behind her back! That’s cheating! I don’t believe you did not have sex with him! You did everything else with him! I thought you were different! You’re just like all the rest!”

The door slammed. Startled by the noise, Liza looked up at the couple who arrived for their two o’ clock appointment for counseling. This was their ninth session on the very situation that made Jacob end their nearly two-year relationship: Liza’s failure to mention a friendship with another man.

Working with this couple was like watching her and Jacob all over again, but this time, a happy ending was in sight. This young lady did the opposite of what Liza did with Jacob and mentioned her male ties as soon as she and Jacob were clear they were together for life. She laid out every detail of each relationship and it took these many sessions of their pre-marital counseling along with the men and their significant others before her fiance began to believe she did not have sex with these men.

After it was revealed she did not compromise their love, the young lady was concerned her word was not good enough. She took issue with not being trusted. Liza could still hear Jacob, “If you had told me about your friend from the beginning, I would have accepted him as a friend too because you were up front with me, but you continued to see him behind my back while you claimed you loved me!”

“Thank you Miss Liza for helping us get through this tough time.” The young lady’s fiance looked so much like Jacob. Liza fought back tears when they announced the wedding will go on as planned. It was perfect timing because the young couple thought Liza fought back tears of joy. “I have an announcement too. This is my last session. I am retiring my career of counseling to pursue another passion. I am honored to have this final session conclude with happiness for a couple so deserving of love.”