Our Story: Part 9 "Phone Call"

We had had 'THE TALK', but now where did that leave me?

Later that afternoon, after 'the lunch', I went to practice and went about my normal day.  I thought about Phil a bit, but I kept busy so I didn't think about it too much.

Sunday came and went and I didn't see Phil at church or Sunday night worship.

Monday and Tuesday passed without phone calls.

Wednesday we didn't meet up for our usual Wednesday morning breakfast devotional.

Thursday Lesley came home from class and said to me, "Morgs, I know he isn't this way around you, but Phil is seriously awesome."

That was like a little paper cut.  That comment ate at me all day and it wasn't because Lesley thought he was cool, or that he actually was cool around other people, but it bugged me because I had been missing him A LOT and I didn't want to admit it and I didn't want to be reminded of him and I was too proud to say maybe I made a mistake.

So I didn't say anything until Saturday night.

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We had played a spring tournament and Lesley's dad was in town to watch and hang out with us.  He made this awesome steak dinner with yummy mushroom and cheese toppings (YUM), and I really don't remember how it came up, but eventually I spilled my guts and shared that I missed Phil and I think I made a mistake.

After talking it out for several hours, Joe and Lesley convinced me that I had nothing to lose by giving Phil a shot.  They talked me up and I finally built up the courage to call him.

It was around 10:00 on a Saturday night and I was SO nervous.  The phone rang and rang and it never occured to me that he might not answer.

So when the voicemail picked up, I was so unprepared that this is the garbage that spewed out of my mouth:

"Hey Phil, This is Morgan Albini, I don't know if you remember me but I was just hoping we could talk.  Can you call me back when you get the chance.  Thanks."

Ummm...Had I really just said, "I don't know if you remember me".  We had only hung out for the past two months on a very regular basis and you called my dad the week before.

He didn't call me back that night.  I went to church the next morning hoping to see him, but he wasn't there.

Around 4:00 I finally got the phone call I had been waiting for.  He told me he had gone home for the weekend and had been busy doing stuff with his family when I called the night before.

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I made small talk for several minutes and finally Phil cut to the chase.

"So, Morgan, why did you call?"  I could almost hear the smugness in his voice.

I continued to blubber and stumble over my words for a minute or so before he finally saved me.

"Do you want to give this another shot?"

How did he know exactly what to say.  He had every right to yell, "I told you so" but he still managed to let me keep my dignity in tact.

I said something non-committal like, "yeah, I guess so."

Then he hit me with a gut check again.

"Well, my feelings for you haven't changed.  I am willing to give us another shot, under one condition; you give it 100%.  I'm not saying we're going to get married, but I just need to know that if we are going to have a relationship that you are going to give it your full effort and be completely honest with me. 

 Are you in?"

ARE YOU IN?

ARE YOU IN?

ARE YOU IN?

The way he asked me felt less like a question and more of a vow from him.  He was telling me that he was all in, and he wanted that from me too.  Could I do that?

The wise words of Lesley's dad stuck in my head, "FEAR NOT!"

What did I have to lose.  If I gave it everything I might gain something really wonderful, but if I didn't, then I KNEW I would lose the opportunity to find out.

In that moment I finally felt at peace; I felt confident moving forward.  I felt like the pressure was finally off.  All the direction I had prayed for was clear.  All I had to do was give this relationship my absolute best, I I finally felt ready to do that.

I felt like I was about to start an adventure with endless possibilities and I WAS EXCITED!

The first picture Phil and I ever took together.

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The adventure still continues today!  

I had no idea what the future would hold when I said I was all in nine years ago, but I am sure glad that I did.

We have had our highs and lows, our joys and heartbreaks.  We have experienced marriage and parenthood and home-ownership.  We have grown spiritually and emotionally.

I know that Our Story will continue and I can't wait to see where our next adventure takes us!

But for now, I am off to meet my HUSBAND for lunch without our kids and relish our time together.