At nine o'clock on Saturday morning my official boyfriend knocked on my door. He drove all night, like Roy Orbison sings, just to be with me. I froze, of course. I absolutely hate surprises, and even more when they spoil my well crafted plans. My decision was taken on the spot. I would have to tell him the truth. The whole truth, about my secret love and my life in Brussels. And I did.
I felt an immense freedom and also a huge guilt covering me. He than told me that he just received a proposal to go to Afghanistan for the next two years and he was wondering what would be my opinion. My mind automatically made the connection with my ex-husband, who decided that after our divorce his best alternative will be to join the Foreign Legion.
My now, ex-boyfriend left almost immediately after I told him the truth.
I've called him afterwords. He doesn't hate me, he can't give me up yet, but he will go to Afghanistan despite my pledge to drop the assignment.