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I love it.....#following

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Mandy Brews knew it was going to take her time to heal but she told herself that she could and she would. Without Joe. She was going back to be Amanda Clarkson and she was going to take her life in stages now. She was going to have a baby and she was happy about that at least. Whenever Sue would go over to see her dad due to the custody arrangements, she would be with her baby.

It was already a month they had moved and She was doing fine already. She still went to her chambers and her lawyer was helping her out with the whole divorce arrangements. Bill Bradley was a man in his late forties and a ruthless lawyer to the core. He hardly lost any case and he had been the family lawyer for years and so when the whole divorce thing came up, he’d been on her side.

Mandy knew if she wanted a fair deal with Joe Brews, she was going to need someone like Bill. Although the man had shown interest in her more than once, and she’d turned him down, she tried to ignore that fact and ask for his help.
She would reward him generously.

He’d invited her to dinner and she’d agreed and she could tell he was relentless with his proposal that they’d start seeing each other.

He reached for her hand over the table while she looked into his eyes then and he pressed a wet kiss on her hand.
“Joe is a fool to have treated you so badly. You don’t have to pay me for anything. Just let me love you.’’
She removed her hand almost immediately and tried to get distracted from all the attention he was showing her. He was handsome and rich too, and the silvery grey hair on his temples gave him that sexy matured look any woman would swoon for.

But she had mixed emotions about everything going on around her. Her mind flashed to what Joe had said to her when he explained what happened between himself and the witch.
What if he had been right? What if he was a changed person and wanted them to spend their lives together with the new life growing inside her.

Mandy came back to reality when Bill called her name to tell the waiter what she wanted.
“Tortellini and spring vegetable salad and a bottle of water please.’’
The waiter left with their order in mind and their menus in hand and Bill resumed his conversation.
“I’ll do everything I can to make sure you get what is yours and you’ll be a free woman once again. At least, that will give us the legal right to do what we want.’’

She shook her head sadly. ‘’Bill, i don’t wanna rush things. I’m just coming out from a 16year marriage and I’d like to settle down with my thoughts and everything else. Not to mention the fact that I’m pregnant.’’
She thought he would repel but he raised an eyebrow. ‘’that’s not an issue. I’ll be the father of your baby if you give me the chance.’’
“how did you know I was pregnant?’’
“Joe told me. infact he told me to try and talk you out of the divorce thing.’’ He smirked. ‘’ such a fool.’’
Mandy flinched but forced a smile. ‘’a fool indeed.’’
‘’I’ll give you time. All the time you need Amanda, and I won’t stop loving you.’’ he continued. even in her present state, he’d never seen a more beautiful woman with grace when she moved and talked. How could Joe be so blind to have this in his home yet long for another woman’s bed outside?

She smiled briefly and was glad when the waiter once again distracted them. She didn’t know why she felt guilty all of a sudden and why her thoughts were constantly about Joe who had come over to talk to her that he would go with the divorce after the baby was due.

He had pleaded and begged and she knew she couldn’t reject his offer.
Right inside, she still had a soft spot for him but knew she had to be careful not to let it reveal itself or he’d take advantage of her again.

Alexandra Ruby stepped into the house absentmindedly while going through the mails that had been delivered to the box outside the house but stopped short when a wonderful aroma greeted her.
She headed right to the kitchen and saw her daughter with an apron baking things and mixing something in a bowl.
“Scar?’’
“mum.., you’re home’’ she beamed and went over to kiss the shocked woman. It seemed her daughter was getting over Josh pretty soon and she loved it.

This was a month after they’d moved.
Her hair was still looking pretty trimmed and short, some finding way to her edges and a little bang forming on her forehead making her look more beautiful. She was getting slimmer no doubt and no longer looking like a child. Even her stomach was getting flat day by day and she was happy for her.
“whats going on?’’

“I’m baking, and I’m making a nice dinner for all of us. Velveeta Italian sausage bake for us while the cookies will be for the kids in the church since I volunteered and will be doing so throughout summer.’’
“smells good.’’
“yeah..had to get some things from the grocery store with the little cash I saw in your bedroom. I hope you don’t mind’’
“I don’t’’ she shook her head. “if I get to taste out of those delicious cookies in the oven.’’
“sure, why not.’’
“and are you still thinking of taking that summer job down the road at the coffee house?’’
“yes. I am.’’

Mrs Ruby understood the short direct response and didn’t push further. Her daughter was doing all she could to forget everything and move on and she was really doing good.
But wasn’t she pushing it too hard?
She flipped through the other envelopes and stopped when a certain envelope caught her attention.
Her daughter had been accepted in Trinity Christian College ……., she looked up at Scar who had bent down to open the oven and pull out the baked cookies.
“have you checked the mail today?’’
“no, why?’’

“well, I have an envelope here that tells me you’ve been accepted into college. Trinity Christian College to be exact!!’’
Scar froze. ‘’really?’’
“yes honey!’’
She dropped the pan nervously and removed her oven gloves, rubbing her hands on her aprons nervously knowing fully well it wasn’t going to be the one Josh would go. His parents had much more money to take their son to Harvard or Princeton or somewhere far away and sophisticated than the one she was going to.
She remembered one of their conversations………..
“so you’re gonna go to Law school in Harvard or Princeton.’’ She had mentioned when they sat by the lake together.
He looked at her. ‘’yea, I guess so.’’
“you think you’re gonna have time to play football when you go over?’’
“nah’’ he laughed. ‘’I’ll be strictly professional. This is just a boost to get me into the right colleges.’’
“I’ll miss you.’’
“we still have a whole year to ourselves baby.’’ He traced his fingers on her lips and kissed her head. ‘’and we’ll call each other. We’ll send emails. We’ll keep in touch.’’
“you wont forget me?’’
“I wont.
Infact I should be the one scared that you might forget me.’’ he teased and she slapped his hand playfully. ‘’I mean, some hunk who’s gonna be a lover of art and literature might just be the one to sweep your feet away whereas I might have forgotten what in the world Shakespeare is.’’
‘’well, I’ll tell him I have a better hunk somewhere in Harvard who’s waiting for me to be through with college.’’
His face became serious. ‘’you will wait for me won’t you?’’
‘’you know I will.’’
And he’d kissed her.

Right now, she knew there was no way he would wait for her and she had no obligation whatsoever to wait for him. she had to live and it would start now.
“that’s the best news I’ve heard all summer.’’ She smiled
And all her mother could do was come towards her and kiss her.
“your father will be proud of you. Wait till he comes back today.’’

Episode 1..Stay tuned for Episode 2..

EPISODE 2..


its been years. So many years i chose to be a lousy father and husband due to my selfishness and bad drinking habit, and now, I feel like I’m losing all.’’ Joe paused to inhale, closing his eyes to prevent the tears from falling and trying not to make any eye contact with anybody present.

He was just here to get help and confess all he had done admitting her was sorry.

If only Mandy was here with Susan. In the past, she’d give her all to follow him and stand by him if he’d agreed to this but now that she was gone, he knew he had lost her for good

16years!!

For sixteen years, she’d endured everything, even on days when he would transfer or vent his anger on her if he got drunk or if things with his mistress didn’t go well that night. Years when he wouldn’t even touch her and years she’d always be awake just to make sure he returned home safely.

Any reasonable woman would have walked away many years ago, but yet Amanda stood like a rock and endured all. Even the nights when he would come home drunk and while their child was upstairs, he would rape her and leave her to lick her wounds alone. The next morning, she’d be there to act normal and look cheerful preparing Sue for school and trying to cover up everything so that Sue wouldn’t be affected.

She was a rare gem but he’d let her slip out of his fingers. If only he had made her understand that what she had seen was nothing but Beth’ s way of manipulating things. The woman had a strong hold on him and she wasn’t letting go easily. When he complained, she cried and wailed about him ruining her life. about him being the only love of her life. he’d promised her things out of foolishness but he could never have promised her his marriage.

He didn’t want a divorce, she had initially agreed to the whole arrangement and she would have to cope with it.

But now, all she talked about was the trouble she had sharing him with another woman.

He got scared when she threatened once to hurt his family if he didn’t give in and he’d called private security to watch over them unknown to his wife and daughter.

If things got complicated, he would tell the police to intervene.

Mandy knew he cheated and she hoped he would change and see the light. He knew she had this strong belief against divorce in Christendom and so he used it to her advantage.

But now, he was the loser.

He choked on his emotions as he continued. ‘’I don’t wanna lose my wife. I cant find anyone like her.’’ He knew other women would cheat on him. even Beth did and he knew it. if she could cheat with him, she could do it with anybody else.

‘’I know I’m going to get better, and I do wanna be a better person, which I’m already becoming. Alcohol wont destroy my life anymore. I’m taking that decision to be a better man and I’m glad to say for like a month now, I’ve stopped drinking.’’

Someone clapped, and then another, and then the whole group joined in the applaud of a broken man who was ready to change his ways after realizing all he had lost due to his attitude towards life and alcohol.

Many of them were encouraged.

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Joe threw on his jacket and was about heading to his car when a young woman walked towards him and smiled warmly. Beside her was a man looking quite younger than her although he suspected them to be a couple since he’d seen them in the group.

“hello.’’

“hi’’ he tried to be polite

“we noticed your regular visits to AA and we heard your story. Just wanted to give you this.’’ She passed him a pamphlet which he recognized to be a religious one. He saw the image of a bleeding man on the cross which he was quite familiar with and shook his head.

“thanks, but I’m doing fine.’’ He opened the door to his car and settled into the seat ignoring the couple who stood right in front of him.

It was when he settled on his seat he saw them moving away and at that moment, he felt something he had never felt before and the image he saw came right into his memory in a way he’d never experienced. There was just something about the bleeding man and his situation.

Mandy was a religious woman so she’d know much but he didn’t since he had never been interested in the first place.

But he had the urge to just look at the pamphlet again.

He suddenly stepped out of the car and hurried towards them.

“hey!!’’ he called out. ‘’helloooo..’’ he kept moving towards them till they turned.

“can I have that leaflet please.’’

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With arms akimbo, Josh looked at the beach and basked in the afternoon sun glad that summer was here and majority of his time would be spent surfing and swimming.

Alone.

He recognized the teens on the beach and tried to ignore the glistening bodies of the girls that were sunbathing and giggling, while some just strolled around in bikinis stopping to wink at him or throw a smile his way.

His mind flashed back to last summer when he’d been the one applying sunscreen lotion on Sheila’s back while she laid down and they’d made out on the beach with intense passion but he’d slowed it down due to self-control on his own part and the full realization that they weren’t the only ones present.

Scarlett’s face suddenly came up and he felt guilty knowing fully well she had left because he didn’t play his part well. But what would he have done?, beat up the whole team, or try to protect her from girls like Sheila which was so impossible

Maybe they had tried too hard, or rather, maybe they were not meant to be. He suspected her parents would send her to a Christian College and she’d hook up with a Christian guy who shared her beliefs and who wouldn’t make her cry like he did.

She didn’t know the number of times he’d been to her house to see her just to end up being humiliated by her father or treated like a dog. He hadn’t done anything wrong yet the man deemed it fit to threaten him and tell him to buzz off. The likes of him didn’t deserve his daughter.

He hadn’t given up and came to her window at night throwing little pebbles to get her attention but it seemed she didn’t even sleep in that room since there was no response

The day she had come back to school was the day he was going to play. He couldn’t let anything distract him but he’d tried to see her but he couldn’t.

What else could a young guy like him do to show her he cared about her, die for her?

She was fragile, and insecure and people loved to take advantage of people in that category. This was high school, but he’d do anything to reverse back time and tell her He was sorry for everything

But it was too late.

He might never even see her again.

He remembered her shy look, her eyes and her lips. He remembered the beautiful blush that stained her cheeks whenever he complemented her or caught her looking at him or him looking at her, and he knew no one could replace Scarlett Ruby in his life.

He would move on, but he would never forget her.

He pulled off his shirt and strolled with his surfboard to the water hoping to drown out the memories of her.

Episode 3.


Rea hurriedly ran downstairs knowing she was late already most especially when she’d seen Susan text her like more than five times tonight even though she was downstairs chatting with her parents. She wondered how good she was texting while managing to still make eye contact with the adults downstairs. She could hear her giggling and Mickey’s noisy voice could be heard loud and clear from her room.

The twins were not excluded and when they screamed, she knew the girl had bought them something.

Very typical of her.

The last thing she threw on was the locket her mother had given her few weeks ago when they’d been talking. It had her father’s old picture in it and she’d kept it for so long only to realize Rea was the one who needed it most and at that moment, Rea burst into tears. The woman had been going through pain for years, she still remembered her father but tried so much to forget him and move on.

“He’ll forever be in my heart. Or hearts.’’ She had whispered and embraced her crying child.

Rea fell in love with her mother once again. And not only her this time, everybody else, and she found it so easy to relate with Rick these days. If only she hadn’t wasted so much time. He was warm, loving and caring and she could tell the man loved her mother to the core. He volunteered to take her on her driving lessons and she didn’t object and as far as she could infer presently, she was doing good.

Her hair in a ponytail, and a touch of lipgloss and mascara on her face, she smiled when she saw the life in the sitting room.

“why do you have ugly make-up on your face?’’ Mickey pouted and ran far away before she caught up with him.

“now go upstairs to your room.’’ Her mother cautioned. ‘’I’m coming to join you and your homework.’’

“mum!’’ he sulked

“’you heard me right young man’’

He marched upstairs angrily while Mrs Rivera turned to smile at her daughter. ‘’ready to zoom off?’’

“yeah.’’ She briefly replied, kissed her mum’s cheeks and Rick’s and stepped out with Susan.

“make sure you come back home in time for dinner!’’ her mum cried after her

‘’I’ll keep that in mind.’’ Rea replied knowing that was just a precautionary statement.

She most definitely wasn’t going to be home in time for dinner.

That was a fact, most especially with the rock concert that was going to last till midnight.

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“never knew you liked rock.’’ Rea began when Sue arrived at the venue and stepped out of the car smiling at the guy and some girls who came over to greet her.

“Ryan invited me. I just had to agree since home was kinda boring.’’

Rea’s heart skipped a beat. ‘’Ryan?’’

It was then she looked up and saw him coming out of the hall looking all dashingly young and handsome, like he didn’t even break a sweat.

“hi’’ he smiled at her

Rea managed. ‘’hi’’

“sorry about the other day.’’ He extended his hand. ‘’friends’’

She received it scared he might notice how awkward she had felt. He was the first guy she would ever fall for ever since she was in high school. Even in elementary school, she didn’t have any particular boy In mind. She’d always try to act tough and independent.

Right now, she wondered what was going on with her. when she lived like Sue, she felt she could do without him and didn’t mind him breaking up with her. infact she wanted the space.

But right here and right now, after knowing him so well and sharing lunch and conversations with him, she couldn’t say what exactly her feelings were

Why didn’t Sue tell her Ryan was the one who had gotten them the tickets. At that moment, she turned around and saw the girl had strolled off with her other friends and only Ryan stood with her.

She felt the heat up her bones. Susan Brews had done this on purpose.

“Sue told me you like rock and went on and on about you being this crazy chic who could do stunts with her skateboard. The other day was….’’

“the concert.’’ She cut in immediately. She had to run away from him now. How come he smelled so good. “’I bet there’s some good old rock song happening in there.’’

She was about strolling off when he caught her by the wrist and looked at her face. ‘’If you don’t want us to be friends, I can understand. Although I doubt if I ever did anything to hurt you.’’

“no, you didn’t.’’ she mumbled

“I have a feeling we’ve met before. Like I know you somewhere or someplace and somehow, you’re trying to prevent me from finding out the truth.’’

“I know you as part of the football team.’’ He released her, obviously disappointed. ‘’don’t mind me acting so weird, I lost a friend and I’m trying so hard not to get myself drunk. I’d be a total mess in the morning and you wouldn’t like that side of me.’’

‘’I’m sorry about your friend. Is it Scarlett, Josh’s girlfriend?’’

“yea, she moved out a couple of months ago and I feel its kinda my fault for not being there for her.’’ she looked up at him and saw the look on his face. ‘’I don’t need to bore you about all this kinda shit that’s happening in my life right now. Maybe I should just go in and have fun. The good part will come up anytime soon.’’

“I doubt you’ll remain the same when you come out of there with the way you’re feeling. C’mon, I know a good place where we can get high.’’

Rea’s eyes widened. ‘’pot?’’

“hey’’ he laughed. ‘’better than pot.’’

“you better hope its better than pot’’ she followed him while he led the way.

“you smoked pot before?’’ he turned on his car

“haven’t gotten to that stage of my life yet.’’ She giggled. ‘’I still have years ahead of me and a college to attend in a few months time.’’ she jumped into the passenger’s seat and smiled at him.

He smiled back and drove off.

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Rea returned home laughing loudly. A way she had never laughed before in years and she had to keep using the back of her hand to wipe her eyes dry.

She’d never had a good laugh with a guy like Ryan and he just kept gesticulating a funny incident that happened at the cream and cakes shop they had spent the whole night. He told jokes he’d heard on TV and those his uncles shared when home since he had a large family. He described the incident that happened with his Italian great aunt who kept poking her grand son-in-law for sugar because he’d refused her some and her doctor had warned her about her sweet tooth. She had a long cane and used it to poke the poor man when her own grandchildren refused to give in to her blackmail of exposing the childish things they did when they were young.

He would be quiet and she would urge him on telling him there was nothing interesting about her own life.

And then they talked about school, what they were going to be doing for the rest of the summer and colleges they had applied to. They talked about their likes and dislikes and everything else

When he finally parked a few blocks away from her house, he looked into her eyes then and used his fingers to wipe away the tears that still found way to her cheeks and then his eyes went to her lips.

Rea froze.

His gaze strolled down to her locket and he held it. ‘’I’ve seen this on you all night and I was waiting for the right time to pop the question.’’ He looked into her eyes again. ‘’a long distance relationship secret love?’’

She laughed. ‘’of course not.’’ She opened it and showed him the picture of her father. ‘’my Dad. He passed away some years ago. Talking about it brings memories and so I just like keeping it locked up in my chest like the locket.’’

“its beautiful.’’

“yeah, he bought it for my mum when they got married.’’

He still held unto it and stared for a moment before looking into her eyes again. ‘’are you okay?’’

“I’m fine.’’ She mumbled and before she knew what she was doing, she had leaned close and kissed him softly on the lips. It was a moment before she pulled away and looked at him.

There was a blank look on his face and she quickly apologized. How stupid was she? Her first casual date and she was ruining it by being so forward.

“I’m sorry I—‘’ but he stopped her short when he kissed her this time and she could do nothing but let go.

When Ryan broke free, he looked at her again. ‘’why do I feel like I’m cheating on Sue’’

And they both laughed awkwardly

“I guess she wants ‘us’ to happen’’ Rea was glad that they could talk about Sue at moments like this when they should feel weird. But it didn’t feel bad at all.

“do you really feel you’re cheating? Or we’re cheating?’’

“nah, I guess not. Just thought I’d chip that in.’’ he breathed against her lips and kissed her again. ‘’love the spark in your eyes when I bring up weird conversations out of nowhere.’’

Rea could only laugh and broke free finally. If she didn’t leave now, it might get intense and she wasn’t ready to go that far yet.

“it’s late. I have to get inside.’’ She blushed but recovered quickly.

‘’I’ll call you tomorrow.’’ He brushed her cheek slightly and raked his fingers through her hair. ‘’okay, now you have to go.’’ he inhaled deeply and she knew he was taking him all his strength not to pull her back and kiss her.

‘’g’night’’

‘’g’night’’

And she was gone.

Rea knew she didn’t walk to the door. She floated.

Days turned into weeks and weeks into months and so did Rea and Ryan’s relationship wax stronger. They texted, called and had dates with other friends and Rea got to know all about Ryan’s life, his friends and his family. They talked about everything and sometimes when they didn’t talk, she would lie down on his chest and cuddle up to his huge frame basking in his scent.

If he called and she mentioned she was in the kitchen, he’d be at her place in about twenty minutes time rolling up his sleeves and asking where and how he could be useful. She knew he couldn’t really cook, but just wanted to be next to her just the way she wanted so much to be with him.

Her phone was filled with all the pictures they took together, not excluding the one with the funny faces.

Everyday she wanted him to be close to her. they composed lyrics together and when he played, she would just sit and stare at him, lost in the song, in his voice, in the words they’d written together.

She had never known herself to be so dependent on a boy and she got scared.

Was this what love meant?

Was this why wyclef Jean sang that he was in trouble in his song with Mary J. blige?. She wasn’t a fan of his kind of music or RnB either. Scarlett had been the mushy one. The one who knew all the country songs and RnB’s about love and she sang along when they all played on her radio in her car or her computer. The one who cried when she heard a particular love song she loved and even though her reactions irked her then, she would give anything to see her bestfriend again and hear her sing all her love songs. Share her detailed love life with her and if things had worked out, it’d be she and Josh and herself and Ryan.

But everything had gone so wrong and she blamed herself everyday.

Ryan preferred her in dresses and he’d mentioned it a time or two and she immediately dialed her emergency number.

Susan Brews.

They’d gone shopping for gowns and shoes.

Tonight, just before Prom, he was inviting her to his place to meet his family and she wanted to look her best. No sneakers, no faded jeans or distressed jeans. No gothic looking make-up or T-shirt.

A simple gown would go with a nice beaded necklace and a good pair of sandal.

When he came over to pick her, he could only stop and stare. He’d never seen a gentle looking Rea looking so noble. Just because he’d asked her to.

“well, don’t just stand there and stare, how do I look?’’

He leaned towards her and kissed her letting the moment last.

“now that’s an awesome answer.’’ She giggled and touched his face. He kissed her fingertips and her nose.

“and so much more.’’ He withdrew and turned on the ignition zooming off to his house.

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When they arrived at his place, Rea thought they were having a buffet party with the whole town present. Ryan Riverstone had a huge family and contrary to what she thought, they were really nice to her, treating her like she was one of theirs and telling her stuffs about Ryan when he was a child. She ate, drank and danced with almost everybody and when they were not looking, Ryan pulled her away to the balcony where less people were and drew her into his arms dancing to the song playing in the distant background.

“practicing for tomorrow?’’ she mumbled into his shoulder moving as he moved. Slowly but peaceful to be in each other’s arms.

“should we?’’

‘’I don’t know.’’ She held him closer knowing she didn’t want them to talk about the future. Not here, not now.

Why couldn’t this last forever? Why couldn’t time stop right now and let them be happy together forever

Oh this wasn’t good. She hated this feeling most especially when it made her vulnerable to anything presently. If Ryan met someone else, she’d die. She couldn’t live without him.

When girls talked of heartbreaks, she never knew this was what they had felt for them to just be dumped by the special person in their lives.

The music stopped and Ryan stopped moving.

When he looked into her eyes, he frowned and asked.

“what’s wrong?’’

It was then she realized she had been crying.

EPISODE 4


Darren Roadshaw was one of those young men in his twenties who believed he’d fallen in love at first sight with Mandy Brews the moment he set eyes on her when she’d come with a complaint about her car to his father’s auto-repair shop. He just had a little break from college and loved to spend his time in his father’s place since he was going into the engineering field full time.

He just loved fixing things and using his hands to see things come together. he was so focused, handsome and had the body of an athlete. He’d had a girlfriend in the past but things didn’t seem to work well between them and so they broke up and here was Mrs Brews, making him feel things he’d thought he might never feel again but She was pregnant, had a complicated on-going divorce and was obviously still emotionally entangled to her ex-husband who wouldn’t stop going after her.

He wondered why she wouldn’t issue a warrant on him if she hated seeing him so much and knew there must be so much more to the whole affair.

But why did he feel this way. She was so out of his league, had a daughter whom he was still bound to set eyes on since the girl was hardly in the house but he felt so much for the woman

Or was it just sympathetic love?

He would go as far as getting groceries for her, calling her to ask about her health, insisting he drive if she said she wanted to go anywhere and she loved talking to him.

Little did he know Mandy saw him more as a son than a lover to be.

He noticed her lawyer and how the man showered her with flowers and gifts, not excluding the calls. And then, her ex-husband would come over and linger till evening when she insisted she wanted to rest.

He was going over to her place today and he thought of buying flowers. He knew she loved flowers and had a garden she tended to every day.

He just hoped he was feeling the right way and prayed to God to lead him aright most especially when his feelings intended to lead him astray.

When he got to the door, he knocked and when the door opened, he was held spellbound by the person who stood before him.

It was like a smaller version of Mandy Brews.

He was shocked for two reasons. He’d never seen a prettier version of his crush and he was holding flowers for her mother.

How would she see him?

“hi’’ he greeted trying to look confident whereas he could feel the heat crawling to his neck.

“hi…’’ she raised an eyebrow and cocked her head. ‘’and you must be Darren Roadshaw, the young man my mum won’t stop talking about.’’

He smiled nervously.

“you bought her flowers.’’ He noticed the way her countenance changed on realizing the kind of guy he was and she stepped back to allow him gain access into the house.

He came in still unable to voice out a defense.

Mandy appeared right into the foyer with her stomach still looking as round as usual. She embraced him warmly and kissed his cheek.

“Darren is the young man who’s stolen my heart when you’re away pulling stunts with your friends.’’ She giggled and accepted the flowers. ‘’its lovely.’’

“I’m glad you like it’’

‘’honey, do you mind going into the kitchen and getting him some iced tea. The young man must be famished.’’ She winked at him and held his hands leading him into the sitting room. ‘’just wait till I tell you all about what Sue and I have been up to.’’

She seemed to be in a good mood. He noticed and tried to tag along till he heard a crash in the kitchen

He stood up immediately out of reflex and hurried into the kitchen to see what had gone wrong.

Ice cubes lay splattered on the floor and he saw Sue’s smooth face contorted in pain while she held her bleeding finger.

‘’you okay?’’

“obviously I’m not okay.’’ She snapped and extended her hand to the tap while turning the water on. he came close to her but she shifted. ‘’I can take care of myself thank you very much.’’

“is everything alright over there?’’ Mandy yelled

“everything is fine!’’ she yelled back and hissed obviously still ignoring the fact that the young man in the kitchen wanted to assist her.

“you don’t need to get me ice-tea. I can help myself.’’

“just the way you’ve been helping yourself around my mother ever since you came into her life.’’ she blurted out.

‘’I don’t know what you’re really after, if it’s her money or if it’s just older women that turn you on, but the last thing my mother needs right now is a toy boy and as you can see, she’s pregnant’’

Darren stood transfixed and couldn’t say a word but hurt that the girl had brought him so low without even getting to know him personally.

Was there any wonder the men preferred her mother

He stepped out of the kitchen and headed to the living room. For a while, she could hear only whispers and nothing much.

And then she heard the door closing and sudden silence.

She packed the ice from the floor and threw a rag on it hopping over the water to see where her mother was.

The woman sat in the living room looking at the mute TV

‘’you okay?’’

“yeah..’’ she smiled sadly. ‘’I’m fine.’’

“then why are you staring at the mute screen?’’

She stood up and strolled over to her. ‘’I miss him already I guess.’’

“who?…ohh, you mean Darren?’’

“yeah, he was acting kinda awkward when he came over today and when he came back from the kitchen giving some lame excuse that he had to attend to something very urgent.’’

Sue shrugged. Well, he’d better run fast and do so” she thought within herself

“well, maybe he had something to attend to. Its not like he’s your husband or anything.’’

Mandy looked into Sue’s eyes then. ‘’What?’’

“well, I was the one who told him to buzz off and you don’t need someone like him at this time of your life. for crying out loud, you’re pregnant mum!!carrying another man’s baby.’’

“oh my god!’’ she covered her face and closed her eyes in pain realizing how foolish her daughter had been.

“what?’’

“is this about your father?’’ she sounded angry

“and what if it is?’’

“what has he been telling you about Darren?’’

“nothing that isn’t the truth, and with all your songs about Darren being so loving and caring and funny and cute and blah blah blah!! What is there not to insinuate?’’

‘’you are going to call that young man right this minute and apologize to him. you are going to take back those words and tell him you didn’t mean any of it..understood!!’’

“like I care?’’

“don’t you talk rude to me young lady. That man has been there for me when you go for your silly outings and forget you have a mother present at home.’’

“well, I have a life…arrgggggh’’

She was about going upstairs but she pulled her back and turned her to look into her face. ‘’don’t you walk out on me young woman. You try anything funny and I’ll spank you. Try calling the cops and you’ll tell me how you want your pregnant mother to start answering stupid questions.’’

Sue boiled but stood with arms across her chest.

“when did you become so rebellious? It’s that girl isn’t it? That Rea girl you’ve been going everywhere with. I knew there was a mischievous glint in the girl’s eyes when I first set my eyes on her.’’

“Now, let me correct you on your foolishness. Number one, Darren is not my boyfriend and I don’t intend making him one anytime soon. Gosh! He’s old enough to be your boyfriend. the kid is in College for crying out loud.

And number two, never say anything stupid to my visitors when you’re not so sure of their intentions!’’

“and as long as you live under my roof and eat my food and you haven’t carried another life in your body, you remain my daughter. No two mothers or bosses can live under this roof understood!!

“understood.’’ She mumbled. ‘’can I go now?’

‘’get me a glass of juice before going to your room.’’

And she was gone.

Mandy sighed and sank into the cushion. it must be the baby because her hormones were terribly getting hyper these days. A moment ago, she was all sweet and nice, and now, Sue must think she was a cruela de vil.

Well sometimes, having two women under the same roof required one boss out of the two and that boss would remain her till she left for college.

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Susan lay on her bed, facing the ceiling while talking to Rea on the phone. She went on and on about the whole incident that had happened today and the only thing that Rea could pick from her whole rant was this Darren guy that posed to be her mother’s boyfriend was an imposter and had those kind of intentions in mind though her mother was ignorant of the signs.

“well, with everything I can grab from this whole conversation, I think you’re jealous.’’

“what?, me, jealous….puhleaeeeze’’ she emphasized and rolled her eyes to an invisible Rea. ‘’and who am I jealous about, my mother, or this Darren guy who thinks he can sweep women off his feet and tries to date my mum?’’

“well, with the look of things, you seem to be jealous that he’s not even interested in you.’’ Rea replied bluntly.

“Rea!!!’’

“what?!!’’

She sat up. ‘’how can you say stuff like that?’’

“it’s the truth that I could think of and I had to say it. I mean its so obvious you like him cos all I’ve been hearing you say all day is your mum wont stop talking about him, whats so special about him anyway. Well, he’s good-looking and I bet he has eyes for older women. I won’t let him get his hands on my mum. He should have a younger girlfriend, and so much more. If you like this guy so much and you think he should have a young girl like you, then why don’t you make yourself available whenever he’s coming to your house.’’

Sue rolled her eyes realizing her friend was true but she hated the fact that it was true. She’d been awed at such young man standing at the door with flowers and wishing for a moment they were hers, just to find out he was the Darren her mum always talked about and the flowers most definitely were for her.

She allowed herself to dream a little about the possibility that he had eyes for her and she pictured his gorgeous face again, his darkish blond hair and his eyes.

Hazel eyes…

“hellooo’’ Rea broke into her daydream. ‘’Ryan is trying to get across, I’ll call you later okay..and if you can, try and take back your words by calling him. it won’t take you five minutes.’’

And she was gone.

She strolled back downstairs and went over to embrace her mum, her round form the only thing separating them.

“hey, its okay.’’ She stroked her hair and kissed her. ‘’it’s the hormones I guess.’’

“can I have Darren’s number? I wanna call and tell him I’m sorry.’’

“its okay. I already did that on your behalf.’’

Sue was disappointed but she didn’t give up. ‘’where did you say he works again?’’

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Sue stood nervously peeping at her wedges from time to time while waiting for him to show up. she’d told the man she met whom she wanted to see and he told her to wait while he went to get him since he was working on a car inside the auto-repair shop.

Rea was going to have her head off for not following her to a place like this. How could she have expected her to come alone?

She wore a pink chiffon gown that stopped right above her knees and her hair was left to flow around her shoulders and face while her sunglasses were still intact. At least, that did well to promote her confidence, cos right now, she was feeling far from confident.

He finally showed up and when he did, she had to hold herself from swooning and falling off her feet. He was a mess but a hot one in soot and sweat, and a grey vest clinging to his chest revealing muscular arms and even with his vest, she could see his abs taking shape through the vest and she held herself from fanning herself.

“miss Brews?’’ he brought her back to the present.

“oh sorry, I’m so sorry.’’ She gulped glad that her shades were still on. “I came over to see you.., I mean to talk…’’ she found herself stuttering. ‘’I mean I came over to apologize about the other day.’’

“its okay.’’ He smiled. ‘’so you came all the way to apologize?’’

“well, sort of.’’she mumbled handling her bag strap.

‘’you look great. Too good to come all the way here and waste that outfit on a place like this.’’ He came close to her and stretched forth his hands so that he could remove her shades. Sue hoped he wouldn’t see the way she was shaking and the sudden heat that crawled up her face when his fingers brushed her cheeks.

He looked into her eyes and she felt exposed. ‘’you’re beautiful inside and out and I know you didn’t mean what you said to me the other day.’’

She smiled and looked down. ‘’thanks.’’

He handed her shades back to her. ‘’I have to get back to work. Please say hi to your mum for me.’’

And he was gone before she could say anything else. Besides, what would she say? Oh, she could be like, ‘’gosh!! Man, you’re smoking hot!’ or “we could go on a date sometime. That would be so forward of her and she wasn’t used to pushing things since they came to her naturally.

She would need her mum’s help most definitely.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Darren quickened his pace and hurriedly found way back underneath the vehicle he had been working on before his attention was called.

That was an A-list temptation and it took him extra self-control not to pull her into his arms and kiss her. he had thought Mandy was an angel, but her daughter was so much more. Now he knew he couldn’t compare what he had felt for Mandy with what he was currently feeling for Susan. He had been sympathetic with her and would go extra miles for her but with Susan, he wanted to hit the skies and never return.

The first day he set eyes on her was the day she had spewed out bile in anger but he didn’t mind. It was evident she felt a little jealous that he was probably becoming the center of attraction since she hardly stayed home. and since he’d brought flowers for her mum, what was a girl supposed to think…, most especially when women old and young came unto him in the past and he’d never objected to any of them.

That he was trying to woo her mother of course.

No daughter would like that happening with their pregnant mother.

And today, she’d worn that pink dress that made her look like a princess. A princess he wanted to claim for his own but a girl like her had boys flocking around her and money at her fingertips. He wasn’t ready to get his heart broken after all he had been through and most definitely not by her. he’d vowed never to sleep with any other woman till he found the girl he wanted to marry and he’d court her appropriately even if that sounded old fashioned.

What he had gone through in his past was enough to remind him that he wouldn’t return to his old life anymore.

He tried to focus on his work at the same time, reminding himself that he was going back to college soon and so he’d better know what he wanted.

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The door bell rang and Mandy inhaled sharply wondering if Susan was back soon from the grocery store which Darren had volunteered to take her since she’d insisted that she should.

Placing her hand on the cushion and kicking away the throw pillow which had been below her feet, she struggled to get up and head for the door.

The bell rang again.

“I’m coming!’’ she yelled back and stopped in her tracks when she saw Joe standing right in front of her holding flowers.

She was about slamming the door in his face when he stopped her half-way and forced his way inside.

“don’t you come any close or I’m calling the cops.’’ She threatened vaguely although the other side of her wanted to just fall on him and cry. She needed a man, and that man was Him.

Joe Brews. Even with his unshaven face, she wanted to stroke his chin and kiss him.

Why did she feel this way?

Was this how divorce was, getting separated completely and trying to bury your past love whereas he just keeps resurrecting and reminding her of their life together.

A life she barely had with him.

“I brought you flowers.’’

“you can drop them and leave.’’

“Mandy, please, just try and hear me out. I’m a changed person and I want you to see that I would do anything, all I can if you can just give me a chance. I would never ever treat you bad, I swear to God. If you want it written in a contract deal, I will and I will do much more if you just let me.’’

He went on his knees and placed his head on her swollen belly grabbing her hands although she tried to wiggle free but he held on crying into her belly and pleading desperately like his life depended on it.

“16years.’’ She mumbled and sniffed back tears. ‘’its too late. So late to come here begging me for mercy and forgiveness and asking me to take you back because I’m moving on without you.’’

“Mandy….’’

“joe, let me go.’’ She insisted.

He stood up and looked into her face seeing her eyes pooled with tears.

“my love….’’ He croaked and held her face looking into her eyes. ‘’I was so foolish even when you saved me long ago from a wretched life. I believe in God now and I believe he made you for me.’’

A dam broke and she fell into his arms. ‘’Joe, let me go, please.’’ But he silenced her with a firm kiss.

And then, he felt a thud against him and they both pulled away. Mandy placed her hand on her belly. ‘’it’s the baby. I guess He just kicked.’’

“my baby.’’ He laughed and tried to hold her again but that was before she screamed when the contractions came piercing through her.

“Mandy!, what’s wrong?’’

“I’ll be fine. The baby shouldn’t be due till next week.’’ She tried assuring him till she looked below her and saw the evident puddle of water. she looked up at her ex-husband and he didn’t waste time again. He hurried into the house as she instructed and brought out her already packed bag and went over to lead her gently to his car.

Just before he stepped outside, she stopped. ‘’it’s been a while I’ve done this.’’ And the tears of joy could be seen in her eyes. She pulled his face close to hers and kissed him passionately till he broke free.

Joe swallowed looking into her eyes filled with hope and forgiveness. She was finally going to let him back into her life.

“I want my baby to have a father.’’ She added trying to hold down the pain coursing through her while she told him her intentions.

“we can talk about that later baby.’’ He breathed and led her quickly into the car fidgeting with the keys wondering how a pregnant woman had more strength than himself who didn’t have the capability to carry one.

But he was happy as he drove.

EPISODE 5

Sue and Darren were in the food section of the grocery store contemplating about the cereal pack to get and laughing about the idea of buying all and getting to eat each one every day.

No doubt, they had started spending much time with each other and they loved the fact that they could talk about things and laugh about things freely. He was the quiet type. One with pierced ears which had no rings or stud and she suspected it was his way of life in the past. He would be going back to college soon while she was getting prepared for hers as a freshman. She talked about her fears and her desires and he told her it was something she could overcome if she put her mind to it and with God on her side.

He revered God, and she observed he mentioned him in most of their conversations and she didn’t mind. She didn’t even mind when he invited her to his church the last Sunday and how he’d offered her a bible, coming over to the house in the evenings for bible study and at the end, they prayed and watched TV.

She was falling in love with him and she knew it. Recently, she read the book of Ruth and she wanted to be like her where Darren was concerned. ‘’His people would be her people and His God would be hers. She just wanted to follow him and become his.

In fact she prayed about it at night.

“hey? You okay’’

She broke out of her daydream and saw him staring down at her. this time he was neatly covered in polo and baggy khaki shorts and slippers

“I’m fine.’’ She smiled.

He nodded and pulled the cart away from her so that he could stand beside her, hugging her briefly and kissing her temples.

They had become that close.

She wanted to keep leaning into him and bask in his scent but someone broke into their sweet solace.

“Darren?’’

They both turned and Sue stood staring at the older woman who had disrupted such a blissful moment.

“Elizabeth..’’ he breathed as the woman came closer to him and beamed excitedly checking him out without shame. She embraced him immediately and held unto his arms, or rather biceps as Susan noticed.

Who in the world was this old woman and how did she get to know Darren so intimately that she could embrace him, let her eyes stroll down his body and claw her fingers on his bulging biceps.
“wow, its so good to see you darling Darren.’’ She cooed. ‘’and I see you’ve been working out pretty well too.’’

He tried to politely wiggle out of her touch and quickly introduced Susan. ‘’I would like you to meet a very good friend of mine, Susan. Sue, meet Elizabeth’’

Sue noticed the pink flush on his face when the woman’s gaze went to Sue’s body as she was also in shorts and a pink tap top with hair neatly fixed into a ponytail. She was old enough to be her mother but didn’t act like one. She dressed provocatively for her age and Sue could tell she did more of plastic surgery to keep her looks in place.

“I see you’ve found yourself a new playmate.’’ She smiled falsely obviously envying the young body Sue possessed and how her neatly tanned legs were on display.

Sue’s phone suddenly rang and she picked it up only to scream, pulling at Darren.

“mum’s having a baby.’’ She cried excitedly and jumped on him out of reflex.

Not long after, they were rushing to the car with the groceries trying to get to the hospital as soon as possible, the incident that just occurred in the grocery store still at the back of their minds but to be sorted out soon.

But not now.

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Rea had prepared herself for this day and told herself for the hundredth time when the tears stung that she wasn’t going to let them force their way out. She brushed her hair hard till she winced when her scalp hurt.

Her mum knocked and entered before she responded but she didn’t mind. She turned to look at her and smiled.

“you look beautiful’’ she praised.

“thanks.’’

“I just came to see if you’re doing fine and if you need to talk to anybody, I’ll be here for you. Rick is here to buy loads of blue bunny for you and if you need to drive somewhere to be alone, you’re free to take his truck.’’

Rea could only laugh and embrace her mother tightly knowing the woman was doing all she could to make her adjust soon once Ryan left for the airport today.

He was taking the afternoon flight and so she had to quickly go over so he doesn’t miss it.

Or rather, to say her final goodbye.

She was going to college too and she had to come back and prepare for hers too.

When she got to his place, she found out she was just in time as all his luggage was already packed into the car while his father went to get the keys.

His mother saw her and greeted. ‘’Hi Andrea.’’

“hi’’ was all she could manage when her gaze went to Ryan and he was already coming towards her.

He held her face in his hands and tried to smile but she saw it was forced. ‘’I was beginning to think you wouldn’t come to say goodbye.’’

“I almost couldn’t.’’

“you don’t know how much this means to me.’’ he mumbled and pulled her into his arms hugging her fiercely. ‘’I love you Andrea.’’ He choked and for the first time in her life, Andrea realized she was in love with him as well.

‘’oh Ryan.’’ Was all she could mutter and the tears came unbidden this time. She couldn’t just hold it back. ‘’I don’t want you to leave me.’’

“I’m not leaving you. I’ll call you first thing when I get to school. Okay.’’

She nodded and he raked his hands through her hair carelessly but she didn’t care. She just swallowed the saliva in her throat hoping she could endure it all.

“okay. Please promise me.’’

“I promise.’’ He replied and hushed her. ‘’its okay baby. I hate to see you cry like this.’’

‘’I’ll stop.’’ She laughed and started wiping her face with her hands. Not able to bear her actions, he took her in his arms and kissed her like his life depended on it.

Rea surrendered to him completely and pulled him close ignoring the fact that his father was already outside with the keys and ready to leave.

He coughed and they parted slowly.

His mum came over to kiss him and embrace him once more while she held Rea’s hand.

“she’ll be fine.’’ She assured him. ‘’now you better go before you miss your flight. At least its better than taking a taxi.’’

“I love you mum.’’

‘’love you too sweetheart.’’

He looked at Rea again and squeezed her other hand. ‘’goodbye.’’

“goodbye.’’

And he was gone.

The two women stood staring at the distance for a while before the older woman spoke. ‘’you wanna come in?’’

“no thanks. I’ll be fine.’’

“okay.’’ Was all she could say.

“I’m leaving for college next week by the way so I need to prepare.’’ She tried to look for an excuse. How could she explain to the woman that she was scared of entering her house and feeling the loneliness so much more.

But poor woman, wont she feel it more if she left her to be alone since his extended family were not around to make the huge house more lively.

She changed her mind. ‘’but I can come help with cooking if you want. Ryan tells me I’m bad with my cooking skills so I can just brush up with you.’’

That brought a smile to the woman’s face and she shrugged. ‘’let’s get started then.’’

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The whole scene in the hospital was beautiful and brought tears to Sue’s eyes. Her baby sister was so beautiful and pure. It was hard to believe that someone like her father was responsible for such a beautiful soul. She saw the way her father stood close to her mum and how changed he looked.

Something had changed in him and she could see it. he would kiss her mum and told her she should stop worrying about the house and everything. He was going to take care of everything.

Darren carried the baby and all she could do was stare at him lost in her daydream. Suddenly, she saw him as a perfect father, not as the kind of man she’d suspected him to be after that haggard woman at the store came unto him like an old friend.

She cringed when she remembered the scene and prayed he didn’t have anything to do with the woman anymore.

Her new baby sister was given the name Eleanor by her mum and her father agreed. She saw his wedding ring on his finger and his unshaven beard and at that moment, she felt for him.

He really looked like a broken man and not the drop dead gorgeous man everyone saw him as.

He’d apologized to her on so many occasions after telling her his life story of how he met God and how he’d become a changed man and he would do anything to win Mandy back.

He’d been such a terrible father and he wanted to make it up to her and her mother.

She forgave him quite easily and told him a day when she would be home so that he could try his chances. But anything he got, he had to live to deal with it.

He said he wasn’t going to give up and he meant it.

And right now, she felt so happy that her family was back together again but she hoped they raise Eleanor together and happily.

Joe insisted he would stay with the baby and her mother in the hospital while she returned home since she had so much to do and needed to rest.

Darren told her he would drive her home and Joe was grateful. The groceries were still In the car and she still had to unpack and make something to eat.

When Darren stopped right in front of the house, she inhaled deeply and decided to spill out her mind once and for all.

“Darren, there’s something I would like to talk to you about.’’

He unbuckled his seat belt and looked questioningly into her eyes. ‘’okay. I hope I didn’t do anything wrong?’’

“no, you didn’t.’’ she sighed. ‘’its just that I saw you with that Elizabeth woman and ever since then, you haven’t explained anything to me. I know we’re not dating or anything, but I just need to know where I stand. If I’m just a friend who needs to mind her business in cases like this, then I guess I can’t keep being your friend for long. I’d have to tell you we can’t keep seeing each other.’’

There was silence for a while and the tension was obvious in the car. Susan closed her eyes and knew she had been right all along.

What she didn’t know was if he might go back to her. it was like she had a sort of authority over him. Some kind of control. She’d noticed his breathing around her and the way she held on to his arms like an old lover

“she was part of my past.’’ He dug his face into his palms and ran it through his hair. ‘’I was looking for the right time to tell you all about it but I just didn’t know how you would take it.’’

Susan bit her lip but kept quiet to listen to the rest of his story. It was obvious he had a lot to tell

“i had affairs with women in the past. Both young and old but the older ones especially since they gave me what I want while I gave them what they wanted in return. They promised me so much more than wealth and pleasures and in my foolish youthfulness; I gave in and did what they wanted. The younger ladies I slept with came unto me and since it was just a fling, I couldn’t care less. I knew I wasn’t doing the right thing but I didn’t care. I had what I wanted and I was at their disposal. Life was give and take.’’

Susan suddenly felt sorry for him but sat still

‘’if you know how much I hate that life now whenever I remember all I did in the past. I wish I could turn back the hands of time and change everything. But I guess its just something I have to deal with and live with. I know God has forgiven me but I still get flash backs when I encounter people like Elizabeth the way I did today at the store. I didn’t know how you would take it and I felt so ashamed.’’

She held his hands and raised it to her lips. ‘’I don’t care about your past. What I care about is your now.’’

Darren looked sober now and she thought he would cry but he just looked at her face.

“do you know how beautiful you are?’’

She smiled. ‘’thank you.’’

“I’m not going back to that life ever again. I promise you.’’

Sue choked on her emotions realizing his promise to her meant only one thing and she couldn’t hold herself anymore. ‘’do you love me?’’

“I do. I’ve loved you ever since you opened that door that day and yelled at me.’’

And all she could do was lean forward and kiss him gently. He broke free and looked into her eyes then. ‘’do you?’’

“I do and I won’t stop loving you.’’ She whispered before kissing him again and he responded deepening the kiss. When her hands moved underneath his T-shirt, he took a sharp intake of breath and broke free. It was then he realized she was almost on his lap and he breathed. ‘’Sue, please. We can’t do this now.’’

And just then her phone rang and she looked into the screen.

Her mother

She adjusted her position and slid back into the passenger’s seat trying as much as possible to calm her heavy breathing before picking the phone.

“mum’’ her voice sounded like a frog’s in her ears

“sweetie, you alright?’’

“yes. I am. Just got home a little while ago. Darren is going to help me pack the groceries inside.’’

“oh really? That’s good. Treat him well before he goes back home. don’t hold him down too long too.’’

‘’sure thing.’’

“give him the phone let me speak with him.’’

She passed the phone to him nervously and avoiding his eyes. ‘’Mrs Brews.’’

For five minutes, her mother kept talking and all he was saying “uh-huh” and “yes ma’am” before the line went dead and he handed the phone back to her.

“I don’t think we should see each other in isolated places for now.’’ He was the one who spoke and all Sue could do was nod. Where in the world did the boldness come from. Just a few minutes ago, they’d been talking and so suddenly, she was all over him. she was glad the phone interrupted the whole scene because she was sure if it hadn’t, Darren’s plea wouldn’t have stopped her. she’d have given herself to him right here and would have brought him down just the way Delilah brought down Samson.

She felt so ashamed but tried to hide it.

“I’m sorry.’’ She apologized

“me too.’’

‘’I’ll get the groceries in by myself.’’ She stepped out of the car immediately and pulled out the bags. He went over to join her and objected. ‘’I cant let you do that all by yourself. I’ll help you and I’ll be gone in no time.’’

‘okay.’’ She squeaked and watched him carry everything into the house.

“thanks.’’

She was about going inside when he held her hands and looked into her eyes.

“I don’t know how to say this but in the cleanest way possible, I wanna ask your permission.’’

“okay.’’

“can I court you?’’

Sue’s eyes brightened and the tears rimmed in them. ‘’of course you can.’’

He laughed when he saw the tears.

“I just needed to know ‘cos ever since you told me you’ll be coming over to Harvard to join me, I wanted to know my fate with you.’’

“and now you do.’’

“I’ll tell your parents about it tomorrow.’’ He kissed her on her forehead and left before she had the chance to touch him again.

He was right after all. They could not be together in solitary places or they’d do something they both weren’t ready for.

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Scarlett enjoyed the coffee shop where she worked part time and loved how she could shuffle with spending time with the kids she took lessons in church, and the visits she made to the orphanage. When she was through, she would take the evening shifts with her co-workers and take the customers’ orders. When it started getting close to evening and soft music played in the background, she would hold herself back from crying and pretend like she wasn’t interested.

Good thing Valerie and Monica were not really the mushy type like her, although they could be mischievous sometimes and poke her about any past boyfriend but she wouldn’t budge.

She told them there was nothing to talk about.

She was just a new folk in town who moved in with her parents some months ago. The girls talked about prom and college and their boyfriends but she remained mute and did what she had to do before leaving. College was in a few weeks’ time. Initially, she had ventured to take a year sabbatical because of Josh but there was no point wasting time. She was ready to face the road ahead of her.

And she wasn’t the only one going that path alone either.

The first day she saw him, he’d been so quiet, so attentive to the poetry readings and if he wasn’t listening, he was taking down notes into a particular notebook she came to observe later was what he carried almost everywhere he went.

She’d attended to him unaware of his gaze on her till he greeted. ‘’hi’’

“hi’’ she smiled.

“I’m Gabe by the way.’’ She could tell he didn’t really talk much to strangers and he had gone a long way to greet her.

For crying out loud, the guy had been coming to the café continuously for a month now, same spot, same order and same actions.

“nice to meet you.’’ She poured him his coffee and it was then she saw his table. Something she hadn’t noticed since she this was the first time she would attend to him personally.

It was Shakespeare’s Macbeth. One of her favorite Shakespeare tales. She didn’t know what drew her into the story most especially when it had little to do with romance, but she loved the whole concept and construction. She loved the quotes and she would never forget the fierce force she felt when playing his wife in drama rehearsals.

That role did well in hiding the vulnerable side of her, although Josh had brought it out all again.

She looked at him closely. He was young, long brown hair which was trimmed to his neck and a nice beard to go with it making him look older but looking into his eyes, she could tell he was still in his early twenties, in college and probably studying for a course.

He was good-looking no doubt, but the quiet kind with puppy eyes.

And lanky too, she observed.

‘’you don’t mind telling me your name do you?’’ he looked into her eyes then.

“Scarlett.’’ She smiled. ‘’you seem to have a have quite a lot on your hands.’’

“yeah. School work. Second year in college.’’

“hmmn, cute.’’ Her gaze went to his table again and she quoted the famous words of the weird sisters. ‘’Double, double toil and trouble, fire boil and cauldron bubble.’’

His eyes widened in gleeful surprise and he beamed, feeding her his own quotes. ‘’Fair is foul and foul is fair.’’

“the milk of human kindness. Lady Macbeth 1.5.80’’ She smiled back at him.

“wow.’’ Was all Gabe could say staring at her with a new found love. “Boy am I glad I found you.’’

“thank you.’

“it’s a project I’ve been working on and I’m trying to write something that has a little taste of Macbeth in it and I’ve been going on and on about how to go about it. I come here because I feel it’s the best place I can get inspiration, but little did I know inspiration would find me.’’

They both laughed.

Someone called her name and she turned. It was Valerie asking her to help out since more customers were trooping in.

“I have to go.’’ She told him

“I’m sorry if I kept you that long.’’ He apologized and watched her leave.

When she turned her back to him, she knew their relationship wasn’t going to end there.

In fact, it was just the beginning of a new era for her and she would gladly embrace it.

EPISODE 6..

10 YEARS LATER

When Scarlett Rose Ruby received the news about the new job in Naperville, she was enthralled and excited at the same time.

This was like God’s answer to her prayers and she couldn’t thank Him enough.

But there was one problem, taking the job offer in Illinois meant her going back to where she’d run away from ten years ago.

She tried to comfort herself that it was located at the outskirts of Naperville, so far away from Ringfield where she’ schooled and grown up but that old feeling of fear kept creeping in.

She tried comforting herself with the thoughts of Gabe and since He lived in Springfield, it wasn’t going to be hard for them after they got married.

Years after she met Gabe Morrison at the coffee house and their relationship had boomed, even though it was a Long Distance relationship, she had wondered and prayed about How she would cope when they got married since she was currently living in a rented apartment at St. Louis ever since she graduated out of college and got a job of her own.

But now, she didn’t need to wonder anymore.

Her job offer was going to bring them together meaning they would be able to plan more and talk more and go on dates more often.

In fact, she would get to fellowship with him in his church and start getting used to this fact.

Living in a one room apartment down town, she knew very much about being prudent and accountable for herself. She lived alone in a condo with her Dalmatian dog Bernie and had been happy with the new life she had given herself over the years as a secretary of a mediocre company earning a meager salary but she hadn’t minded though. It was something and she had learned to live on her own and not on her parent’s salary ever since she remembered that acting was not her thing and would never be.

Not after the incident that happened ten years ago.

And she wanted a decent life, not a life in the cameras or newspaper. She wanted to marry a decent man and have a decent family together with the man she loved. The man who was going to share her dreams of being a teacher in the new school she was going to be introduced to in a few days’ time.

But she was going to need a place. She couldn’t move in with Gabe and she didn’t want to burden him by telling him to go apartment hunting for her before she arrived and neither could she lodge into a hotel especially when she was trying to be prudent.

She needed help and the only person that had an imprint in her memory who was also living in Naperville at the moment was Andrea Rivera

“oh Lord!’’ she sighed knowing fully well how her best friend of the past was going to react after ten years of her moving away and not saying a word about it or calling her to keep in touch.

And so when she needed help, she found it very convenient. Her mum had mentioned it years back that Rea didn’t stop asking about her and she could try giving her a call, take a short trip over to Naperville and see her best friend since high school but she had refused.

Seeing Rea brought back so many memories of the past and she felt she wasn’t going to be able to hide anymore if she came face to face with her.

Andrea was a girl who forced out things from her

She looked heaven ward and closed her eyes. ‘oh God, is this a sign for me to move on and forget everything that ever happened to me?’’

When she opened her eyes, they were misty.

She had to look for another option; she most definitely had to look for other options.

Andrea Rivera might not even want to see her after all these years.

She knew she had little time left and so she dialed her mother’s number.

Maybe a little conversation over coffee at the coffee house not far from her workplace would help her decide what to do and how to go about her new life that was about to start in a few days’ time.

I love your story.can't wait for it to fininsh.more grease to ur elbow.

Thank you cynthia.. Its for my sister. just helping her see the receipt-ability of her material.

Episode 7..

Andrea Rivera had moved on. Three years ago since Ryan decided to take a different path which didn’t include her being in his life anymore.

Over the past years when they’d gone their separate ways In college, everything had been going on fine and they still kept in touch. They talked and chatted. When the state of technology improved, they migrated to more accessible forms like Skype and blackberries.

She had her heart for him and made him realize that she wouldn’t see anybody else till they saw each other once more. And Rea hoped and prayed for that special moment when she would see him again and tell Him How much she loved Him.

And would still love Him.

she remembered the several times they’d seen each other. when they had breaks and couldnt wait to be in each other’s arms, and how everything had suddenly become history.

those moments had been the special moments of her life. when they would take long walks on the beach. she clocked 21 and he’d given her a very expensive locket and charm bracelet since Rea wouldn’t take anything else from him. she’d put his picture in it and showed it to him the next day

and on that same day, she’d given herself to him.

They were alone in his house that day since he’d invited her over after the small party her family had thrown for her the day before. He wanted to hand over everything he’d gotten for her and afterwards, he took her out to a very nice and exotic restaurant.

when the night was over and they returned to his place, she kissed him passionately, pouring her soul into it.

when they broke free, he looked into her eyes then. ”Rea…”

she looked at him and at that moment, they knew the night was not yet over.

“my parents are gone for the week. Do you wanna come upstairs?”

she nodded shyly.

he held her hands this time before pressing further. “its okay of you’re not ready. i can still wait.”

“i’ve been thinking about it and i believe i’m ready.”

and he’d been the one to kiss her passionately this time before blindly leading her upstairs.

That night, Rea lost her virginity.

she’d had mixed feelings afterwards but tried to comfort herself she had done it because She was in love and Ryan loved her too and would keep doing so since she had finally given herself to him.

they both went back to college and their Long Distance Relationship still went on for about 3 years, only for them to see each other during breaks

But things began to change and He never came back, the calls became less frequent and His responses became so direct and short. The texts were shorter than usual and then He just stopped calling.

And he didn’t bother picking her calls.

She’d been devastated at first, wondering how and what could have happened and If he was safe but right within her, she knew He was alive and well.

The spark had gone. It wasn’t just there anymore and he’d left her broken and empty.

She got angry, depressed and broke things, hatred filling her and anger that he would betray her. Betray what they Had, what they shared. He’d promised He would love her and never break her heart. the night when they had been together, he’d told Her what they had done was special and He would never forget but all had been Lies.

And those lies had ended up crumbling her her whole world

That was what drove her to the arms of Jesus. She didn’t think she could survive or live with the whole disappointment and her mother had tried everything else hoping her daughter wouldnt go crazy. She went for therapy sessions, had appointments with her psychiatrist but nothing seemed to work. She had become emotionally dependent knowing He was Her first Love and she’d given all to Him, trusted Him and believed him.

Mrs Rivera encouraged her daughter to come to church but Rea wouldn’t give heed and stayed at home instead to watch TV and it was right there and then that the message that would change her life for good came forth.

it was like the speaker knew what she was going through since She was talking about Relationships and the greatest one of all being the one with Jesus.

she didnt know when she sat down, how she came to listen to all that was said and broke down to cry and ask for mercy and forgiveness and a fresh start.

But she knew she wasnt going to be the same anymore. she felt whole, better and refreshed. Ryan’s memory wasnt going to fade automatically because of the new creation that she was, but with time, she hoped it would.

It took her a while before she realized she’d been her idol, but didn’t know it for years. He was becoming the center of everything to her and She had allowed him become her drug.

And so, she left home, got a job and got an apartment of her own, decided to Let Jesus take the wheel while she sat and watched. Sometimes, she wondered if God was paying her back for how rebellious she had been as a teenager but the comforting words of the Spirit was there to assure her that God had forgiven her, no matter what she had done in the past.

People often mentioned time healed, and it did for Rea partially although the images of herself and Ryan and their relationship of the past showed up in her dreams or imagination sometimes, she didn’t allow herself get carried away anymore.

She was going to do the right thing, which included allowing God choose for her while she focused on her work and bask in His love,after all. it had been three years ago. Two years were enough to mourn an ex-boyfriend and mend a broken heart

But when she’d landed in the hospital unexpectedly due to a back sprain she’d been managing for a while, it turned out to be a different story.

Most especially when she had collapsed into a brief coma

She opened her eyes and saw beautiful blue eyes staring down into hers

“Hey” she greeted weakly recognizing her friend’s worried look. The woman was going to give herself a heart attack in her late twenties most especially with Darren Junior on the way,

“hey yourself.’’ Sue snapped and rolled her eyes. ‘’so is this how you take care of yourself while I’m away huh?’’

Rea smiled weakly.

“I should slap that smirk off your face y’know and make you squirm.’’

“no mercy for the invalid?’’

“invalid my foot!’’

“so, what’s wrong with me?’’

“you have a terrible back sprain which you didn’t think you needed to see a doctor for months while climbing that ladder to fix the antenna.’’

“that’s all?’’

“in a lame man’s language, before the doctor comes in with his ‘grammar’ thing, I thought I’d fill you in.’’

“thank God’’ she sighed. ‘’I was beginning to think it was appendicitis’’

Susan didn’t say a word and Rea’s eyes widened in shock.

She could read that expression any day anytime.

Sue’s phone rang and she felt her friend exhale in relief before hurrying out of her hospital room.

Rea’s head sank into the pillow and she closed her eyes in anger trying to contain everything all at once.

Susan was a nurse, and she knew much more even if she didn’t work in this particular hospital and the woman was probably holding out on her.

Someone strolled in and closed the door bringing her back to the present.

“Miss Rivera?’’

She opened her eyes and managed to sit up so as to face the doctor when he decided her fate

Her eyes widened in shock on full realization of the man who was going to be seeing to her situation and she gasped.

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“I hate it when situations like this come up you know that right?’’

Josh Riley placed his briefcase on the table and started sorting out the necessary files for his client while paying attention to every detail that the man fed him concerning the new case he was about to handle.

“I told him I was going to sue him and I was going to get the best lawyer for this case. They think they can just fire me and get away with it huh?.They aint seen nothing yet Josh. Wait till we get into that courtroom and get them on their knees for what they did to me.’’

“Mr. Austin, are you sure of everything you’ve told me about this company and how you were treated?’’

“yes, 100% sure.’’

“and they fired you just because of your sickness?’’

“yes. My doctor gave me news about my diabetic health six months ago after the company I was working for advised me to see my doctor. I have my suspicions there too ‘cos how else would they tell me to go for that particular check up. ever since then, my boss has not been nice to me and just few days ago, he fired me. I look at him in the eye and tell him to give me one good reason why He’s firing me, but He couldn’t even pinpoint to one thing, imagine that!’’

‘’Mr Austin, are you sure this is all I need to know?’’

“yes, it is!’’

Josh looked into his client’s eyes and could tell the man was being honest but desperate and he really wanted His job back which he doubted he was going to go back to after this whole court thing. They might pay him, or recompense him in some other way but Mr. Austin might have to start looking for another job.

Mr. Austin was a very determined man in his late forties and the hair on his temples had a silver gray that added an attraction to his features. This man was his friend’s uncle and He had begged to help him out most especially when he had a family to take care of. On a normal day, Josh would have overlooked the case, but as a favour, he thought he’d help the man.

And now he saw the man, he felt for him too.

His phone rang and he excused himself.

A woman’s voice greeted him from the other end. ‘’hey you.’’

He recognized the voice immediately “hey hun.’’

“Did I interrupt a court session?’’ her voice teased.

“not really, how’s Gavin?’’

“he’s fine. He’s been bantering about how you two have the day to yourselves tomorrow.’’

Josh smiled. ‘’I can even hear him over the phone.’’

“hold on, I’ll put him on.’’

“Dad!’’

“hey kiddo! How was school today?’’

“it was okay.’’ His response was low this time and Josh knew his son was having issues with his classes again. “so tomorrow’s still on?’’

“yeah.’’ He looked at his wristwatch hoping he would be able to make it up to his son this time. He was just five years old and needed some father time. Demi had advised him to start making time for his son but he’d been preoccupied with his thoughts and his work lately that he hardly had time for anything else.

He often blamed himself for not being a good father for Gavin ever since his mother left him in his custody four years ago when they’d fooled around and even when his aunt Demi had advised him to marry for the boy’s sake, he simply ignored it. His parent’s persuasion was worse and so many women just kept coming into his life but none seemed to stay.

None of them could.

His aunt was staying with them for a while and it made his ‘fatherly’ duties quite easier since the woman was fond of the boy naturally and loved to hang around.

But what about when she left, how would he cope again? He wasn’t a very good father but He did his best

Maybe when she left he would start thinking of a new mum for Gavin.

“Dad has to work now, but I’ll see you tonight okay?’’

“buy me something on your way home, okay daddy?’’

“okay buddy. I will.’’

Demi took the phone and they talked about a few things before she finally hung up.

By the time he got home that night, it was late and Gavin was already in bed sleeping like a baby beside his aunt. He stood by the door staring for a while and his thoughts flashed back to the way he’d secretly watched a girl babysitting his siblings about ten years ago in high school and how the girl had left without saying goodbye.

Scarlett Ruby. He never even got to take her to the prom.

He never even got to know where she finally ended up and no one knew her whereabouts till date and she didn’t even look back and he doubted she ever thought of him while He’d spent years trying to forget her.

And he’d taken time to move on and forget about her. It seemed Fate didn’t want them to be together after all.

He resigned and headed for the kitchen to feed himself to what his aunt had prepared.

Tomorrow was another day.

Amazing spell bounding story.
Meanwhile teeluv do u knw me personally? Send me a mail

rofemiguwa: Amazing spell bounding story.
Meanwhile teeluv do u knw me personally? Send me a mail

left u a message on twitter

Episode 8.

“I think you already know the answer to the question you’re asking me.’’ Mrs Ruby gave her daughter a rueful smile and sipped her coffee with satisfaction.

“I’m just a little confused. I mean it’s a job I’ve prayed for, for so long and now it comes and I feel myself withdrawing and…’’

“it’s been years Scarlett Rose Ruby.’’ Her mother sighed and Scarlett could see tears already swimming in her mother’s eyes and she felt sober. Her mother rarely called her full name “you’ve allowed your past to ruin you while others have moved on and yet, this teaching job, something you love so much finally turns up in Naperville where you grew up and you’re hesitating?’’

“I haven’t spoken to Rea in like 10 years.’’ She looked down into her tea cup almost ashamed of herself. ‘’calling her now would make me look like an opportunist.’’

“which you know you are not. If you’re looking for a mediator, I can call her and act as a bridge.’’

She shook her head. ‘’no, I’m 27 years old mum, I don’t need you standing up for me anymore.’’

“what about Gabe, have you called him yet?’’

“no, I wanted to make up my mind before giving him the news.’’

“he’s a good man honey. Don’t let your foolishness drive him away. This is just working out so well, don’t you see. You two have been contemplating on how to sort out your moving issues and now, it’s been solved. When you get married, it makes all things easier and you have a good job of your own right there. You know I sent you to college for a reason don’t you?’’

“I do.’’

“so make Gabe happy. You two are already engaged and are planning to get married this Summer. Your father and I will gladly come for the wedding and who knows, you’ll make new friends who will help you with your wedding arrangements. I know Rea will be more than willing. You hardly made friends here anyway.’’ Her mother shrugged.

Scarlett nodded.

‘’so, why don’t you pick up the phone and call your sweetheart umm? I have Andrea’s number so you can call her up and tell her to help you go apartment hunting. You have enough cash right?’’

“yes, my savings.’’ She interjected. She didn’t want her mother to offer her any money. They had done enough for her already.

Her mother knew this but decided to play along as usual. ‘’so, when are you leaving?’’

“Tomorrow.’’ She forced a smile. ‘’ I was told to come over as soon as possible.’’ She sighed. ‘’sometimes I find it hard to believe that I’m about to start doing what I’d always loved to do after so many years of working for Mr Becker. He’s a good man y’know.’’

“yeah, he is. But goodness won’t get you food on your table, your clothing and your bills honey. Hard work and prayer does.’’

Scarlett looked at her wristwatch. ‘’I’ve gotta go pack and call Rea. Wish me luck.’’ She stood up and bent low to kiss her mother on the cheeks.

“Wish you much more than luck sweetie.’’

Scarlett picked her purse and hurried off, leaving her mother to stare after her.

She began to have doubts about her daughter leaving for Naperville and she tried as much as possible to bask in the comfort that it was all for good.

Her daughter needed to face her fears and move on, she needed to forget the past and face her future with the man she loved and so she was leaving.

That should keep her mind at rest shoudn’t it?

then why did the other side of her feel so uncertain about the whole thing?

;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;

Rea’s face was on fire and she was unable to say anything when Ryan stood before her looking like a GQ model in a ward coat. He looked much more different than the last time she’d set eyes on him.

And that was about five years ago.

His glasses were perched on his nose and he quickly adjusted them back to his eyes, quite nervously as Rea observed his hands trembling a little while he handled her Chart.

“Rea.’’ He breathed. ‘’hi’’

“hi.’’ She managed with eyes still widened in shock but was able to recover in time. ‘’Ryan, I didn’t know you work here.’’

“I just got a transfer a few weeks ago and it’s been like that ever since.’’

“ohh.’’ Was all she could mumble and looked at her palms. She felt like hitting him with her white palms till he felt the pain she felt years ago when He dumped her over the phone.

Very typical of Him. He was just like what she’d heard from other women about men. They used women and dump them.

She’d give him all and the only way He felt He could repay her was break up with her over the phone.

Such confidence and attitude. It was a surprise she didn’t notice those attributes in him initially.

“so.., how have you been?’’

“you now wear glasses?’’ she didn’t bother answering his questions. To her, they sounded stupid. How else could she have been all these years without him

“yeah.., reading glasses of course.’’

She hated him. right now, she hated the sight of him and the way they talked like strangers. Like they didn’t even know each other so much more than this. He had caused everything. He made her miserable for so long and she hated that He was the one that could see to her.

She made up her mind there and then. ‘’I’ll like to change my doctor.’’

“what?’’

“I don’t want you to operate on me.’’ she made herself clear. ‘’I do not want you to handle anything concerning me in this hospital. I hope I get a different doctor or I pull off the hospital gown and leave’’

“Rea.., please.’’

“don’t you dare ‘Rea’ me.’’ she held back the tears that was rimming in her eyes and looked at him in the eye. ‘’Please leave, right now or I’ll get my lawyer.’’

Ryan looked into her eyes then and stepped back.

And then He was gone.

It was after He was gone she realized how much hatred emanated from her being just on setting eyes on him and yet how much she’d missed him. she thought she had moved on. she thought he didn’t mean anything to her anymore since she gave her life to Christ.

She thought everything was settled.

It was now she realized how wrong she was and she burst into tears

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Ryan closed his eyes to inhale deeply resting on the door which he had just exited a few seconds ago wondering what he could say to make Rea understand why he had to leave her and why he couldn’t bear to see her hurting the way she seemed to be presently.

it had been years, so many years but yet He could remember everything about her. she hadn’t changed much although the spark in her eyes were gone.

the spark that reminded him of their times together.

he thought leaving her would help him get rid of his feelings but how wrong He was. it was like his feelings had been magnified times ten and he just wanted to pull her close, embrace her and kiss her.

But he couldnt. He just couldn’t.

Not after the decision he’d made those years ago during his residency when He gave his life to Christ. He’d been living a sinful life and He knew it. Rea wouldnt understand if he started explaining things to her and that was why He had to do it over the phone for fear that if he had to travel down to see her, he would forget about everything and just take her into his arms, taking no thought for tomorrow.

But now, the old feelings just came rushing back all at once. He accepted the transfer to Naperville hoping that Rea would be long gone by then and since he got some acquired property on the outskirts of Naperville, he found it more as a blessing and moved.

who would have known three weeks after he got the transfer, Rea would be at his doorstep?

He had to inform a different doctor to take care of her present situation. His ex-girlfriend had appendicitis and needed surgery immediately and if Sue in her pregnant state hadnt been able to tell her, then another doctor would have to.

But most definitely not him.

“Dr. Riverstone…” a nurse called his attention and He moved away from the door immediately to attend to another patient that had just been rolled into the hospital.

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Some days after Rea’s surgery, while she lay resting at home since she had been given a few days off, and Susan was on morning shift in the hospital, a call came through and not recognizing the number, she hesitated twice before resigning to whoever it might be.

“hello.’’

“hello…’’ the voice at the other end was low and a little shaky. Was someone trying to pull some sort of prank? She looked at the time.

It was just 2 o’clock in the afternoon. Too early in the day for pranks

“who’s this?’’

“Rea, is that you?’’

“yes.., and may I know who this is?’’

“its Scarlett. Scarlett Ruby.’’

Rea jerked from her seat. ‘’Scar?!! You mean Scar, my best friend in highschool who disappeared ten years ago without saying goodbye?’

She sighed. ‘’l’m sorry. I know I don’t have any right to be calling you…’’

“cut the formality talk girlfriend.’’ Rea laughed full heartedly and exhaled. ‘’I missed you.’’

“I missed you too.’’ She could hear her friend sniffing over the phone and knew she was already starting to cry as usual.

Still the same old Scarlett.

“so, what’s up?’’

“I’m coming over to Naperville.’’ She announced.

“wow!, that’s great. For what? Is everything alright?’’

“yeah, it is. I just got a job at Sunnydale and I was thinking you could help me out.’’

“okay.’’ Rea felt hurt that Scar remembered her because she needed help but swallowed the bile words she was about to spew and asked. ‘’and where do I come in?’’

“I need a place temporarily. A place I can stay for a few days while I go apartment hunting.’’

There was silence for a while and Scarlett began thinking Rea had hung up on her. she asked, ‘’Rea? Are you still there?’’

‘’yeah, of course.’’

“I’m sorry, this was a bad idea. I shouldn’t have..’’ she was about hanging up when Rea further asked. ‘’when are you coming over?’’

“first thing tomorrow.’’

“call me before you leave and give me the details to your present location when you arrive and where you’ll be. You can branch by a restaurant or coffee house and call me to inform me.’’

“I don’t know what to say.’’

“a simple “yes I will” should do the job.’’

Scarlett smiled over the phone and repeated the exact words Rea mentioned.

Rea could only smile and hang up as the tears betrayed the emotions she was feeling. She knew she had a part to play in the whole scenario of Scarlett leaving her and she knew this was the time she had to make it up to her.

She was going to have a new roommate starting from tomorrow.

;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;

“you have a great place Rea.’’ Scarlett acknowledged as she pulled her bags into the house and looked around. This was so far from what she had been living in for years at her little condo in St. Louis. It looked like the kind that could be found only in the country side. The huge stone house had a lovely charm to it’s construction ad this surprised Scarlett more. She had thought Rea was the kind of girl that zoomed off to city life immediately after college and live with a wonderful roommate just like her but the girl had proved her wrong with this charming house.

She knew there was still so much to talk about but time would tell. Right now, she needed to drink in her temporary accommodation and bask in the soothing smell of spring that was around to stay and the smell seemed to have permeated the whole building enveloping her.

The house even had a sun porch which was furnished with natural wicker tables and chairs and Scar knew this was the kind of home she’s always wished for her new family with Gabe and since she had skills in decorating, she would make it more beautiful and colourful and there would also be a separate room for the nursery. Gabe was doing well in the publishing house for which he worked and they would both work hard to give their kids what they want and live the life they’d dreamed of in their dream house. She already had the picture of everything In her head.

Rea’s house was beautiful but lacked décor but since she knew her friend wasn’t much a decorating person, she didn’t mind. The house was made of glass, adobe, stone and wood and Scarlett mused that her friend was doing pretty well to be able to afford a place like this. It wasn’t that big, but in Scar’s eyes it was, and most importantly, it was comfortable.

It lacked something like flowers. yes! Profusion of flowers In the sun porch and everywhere else to make the place look more homey

Rea led her into the house helping her with her load while she pulled her dog by the collar knowing fully well he was bound to run around excitedly if she didn’t keep him in his reins. Rea showed her the balcony, the garden, and the living room

She wanted to ask her when they would start sharing the bills but decided to take a shower first and off-load all her bags into the room she would be staying. When Rea deposited her into the hallway that led to her room, she was glad with what she saw and told her so before she left to pick her call.

Scarlett was already unpacking when Rea walked in.

“hey.’’

“hey.’’ Scarlett smiled at her and went into her arms when she stood standing with outstretched arms.

“it’s been ten years and I find it hard to believe it’s you, right here in my house.’’

“thank you for taking me in. this all came as a surprise to me. You telling me I would be your new roommate. You don’t know how much this means to me.’’

“you left without even saying goodbye.’’ Rea managed to speak out already choking from tears.

“I’m sorry.’’

“I’m sorry too.’’

They released each other and settled down on the bed together. ‘’you mind telling me about it?’’

Scar looked down. ‘’not yet. I don’t think I can handle the whole thing coming out now but in time, I will.’’

“okay. So how have you been and what’s this new job about?’’

“I’m gonna be a teacher in Sunnydale Elementary school, help with the preschoolers in their social and other activities. Its what I’ve ever dreamed and prayed about.’’

“wow! Just what I thought you’d be.’’ Her gaze went to her left hand and she raised an eyebrow. ‘’so when were you going to tell me about your engagement?’’

Scarlett slapped her hands on her lap nervously. ‘’I’m sorry. I know I should have called you and told you earlier but it all happened so fast..”

“so, who’s the guy and what does he do?’’

“Gabe Morrison. He works for a publishing company and we’re getting married this summer.’’ She beamed excitedly. “he’s an amazing person Rea and I really want you two to meet. We could have dinner sometime.’’

“that would be awesome!’’

“and so do you mind telling me about your hair?’’

“oh…, it was just something I had to do with time. The curly huge hair was getting too much attention and I…,’’ she sighed. ‘’it’s a story for another day.’’

“wow Scar, you’ve really changed. I almost didn’t recognize you sitting down by the coffee house. You looked like a supermodel.’’ Rea confessed.

The truth was that when she’d been looking around for her when she came over to pick her, she’d glanced her way initially but looked away before looking again just to realize Scarlett was the pretty woman who sat by the end of the coffee house. Short and prim red hair that looked like a professional had taken care of. A slight touch of red lipstick that blended so well with her hair and skin and green eyes that looked warm and inviting.

She was slim and her dress didn’t hide the fact that she was. In fact, it was that obvious that she worked out with the curvy body she possessed compared to the Scarlett she’d known ten years ago. Four inched heels that graced beautiful small but smooth feet with a lovely chiffon gown that stopped right above her knees. She didn’t look exotic and her clothing didn’t look expensive or the designer type.

But with the way she looked, with shades on her hair while she sat outside the coffee house with her lovely animal so quiet at her feet, her graceful appearance was enough to make any decent man wonder about her personality or rather, ask her any question at all, just to look into the pretty face with the red hair.

She’d said the curly huge hair called attention, well this wasn’t any better.

The Red hair just had an amazing effect on her, and with it looking primly cut, she looked more like a picture model

Her mind immediately flashed to Josh and she wondered what he’d think of Scar if he saw her now.

Good thing she was engaged. She wanted to ask if she still thought about him but avoided it. she wasn’t going to bring up past memories. She was still dealing with hers

Scar blushed. ‘’yea right!’’

“Gabe must be a lucky guy.’’

“we both are.’’

“its good to have you back’’ Rea stood up

“thanks.’’ She paused. ‘’Rea, I wanted to talk to you about splitting bills and stuff. Probably when I start working..’’

“and did I ask you to?’’

“No Rea, you cant..’’

“its my house and you’re my friend. When I have difficulty in paying for a place, I’ll tell you umm.’’ She assured. ‘’so, are you hungry?’’

“yea, but I’ll shower first and sort out some things before coming downstairs to join you.’’

“okay then.’’ And she was gone

And all Scar could do was fall on her knees and thanked God. This was more than what she’d asked for.

Episode 9

A month after Scarlett resumed in Sunnydale as preschoolers class teacher and counselor, she had gotten to know her colleagues and her kid’s names by heart and showed each one of them equal affection hereby making the kids more compatible with her method of teaching. After school, she spent time with the slow learners and since their parents knew about it, they had no problem with it most especially when she did it out of her extra time. She wasn’t being paid for it.

But there was one child she was having difficulty reaching and she’d been his data to help out in her spare time if she could and she knew she would.

His name was Gavin Riley.

And she’d tried so much to get him acquainted with his playmates and his environment but he loved his solace. He could sit for hours shading boxes and not look up in class and during break time he stayed on the swing refusing to play with anybody.

With the little knowledge she had in psychology, she knew if she could reach within him, and bring him out of his shell, he would do brilliantly and stop drawing on his paper and also reply her whenever she asked him a question.

One of her colleagues with strawberry blonde hair and green eyes disrupted her thoughts

“Miss Ruby.’’ He greeted with a wide but shy smile and Scarlett didn’t take long to know the young man had a crush on her. Ever since she stepped into the school, the man hardly stayed away from her class all in the pretense of ‘just checking up’ on her. she tried not to encourage his visits but He was a persistent man and the vulnerable side of her didn’t want him to feel bad by chasing him completely away.

‘’Mr. Chase.’’ She tried to smile and at the same time placed her fingers on the table for display so that he would be reminded of her status.

She was very much engaged.

‘’you look beautiful.’’ He praised.

“thank you Mr. Chase.’’

‘’and how are your kids doing? Improving I hope’’

“yes, they are by God’s grace.’’

“and that kid Gavin, I heard Mrs Lawrence talking about how slow he is to adapt to others and he might need special attention. She also mentioned getting in touch with his guardian.’’

Scarlett felt irritated that a married woman like Mrs Lawrence didn’t mind her business and that of her classroom kids. Gavin didn’t have a disability. He was fine the way he was and just needed loads of care and attention which was somehow lacking at home.

“Mrs Lawrence hasn’t made any complaint to me.’’ she replied briefly and stood up to adjust her lesson note for the next class. Just as she was about speaking further, a child’s cry rang through her class right from the playing ground and she rushed to the window to see what the whole fuss was about.

She gasped when she saw Gavin crying on the floor with dirt all over his hair and feet. It was obvious he had been bullied and some mischievous kids had thrown sand on him.

She ignored Mr. Chase standing close to her and rushed outside where he sat crying and she didn’t think twice before scooping her into her arms.

“it’s okay sweetheart, it’s alright. You’ll be fine.’’ She whisphered and kept rocking him while looking at the other kids that stood watching her.

“which one of you did this to him?’’ she was angry.

The young girl that stood by shook her head but mouthed. ‘’I only tried playing with him but he wouldn’t say anything. And then Jimmy Brick came and pushed him on the floor. His friends started making fun of him and poured sand on him.’’

Her English wasn’t well pronounced but she could grasp enough of what she was saying

She ignored the other kids and took him to the sick bay where the nurse attended to his wounds. Later in the afternoon, she went to pick him and try to cheer him up.

“hi.’’

He was curled up on the bed and managed a soft reply. ‘’hi’’

That was a little progress, she thought to herself and came to settle beside him while using her fingers to push back his tousled black hair.

He was a beautiful kid and though he tried proving tough, she could see right through him that he was so soft and vulnerable.

Infact, he could break easily. Probably one of the reasons why he was unhappy.

“You okay?’’

He nodded and looked into her eyes then. At that moment, she fell in love with the child.

“I bought you some goodies. I’ll give it to you once we leave this place.’’

“okay.’’

“you ready to go home?’’

He wiped his eyes and nodded finally sitting up. she took that opportunity to get his socks and shoes and soon, he was on his feet.

Scarlett thought of getting in touch with his father or guardian and have a good chat with them both. This child needed so much more than attention and she hoped he wasn’t having ADHD issues that could worsen his case.

She took him by the hand and led him out of the room while briefly thanking the nurse. Other kids had gone home at that time and she picked out a nylon from her bag which contained smarties and a coloring comic book.

She saw his eyes brighten and thanked God once more.

“thank you.’’ he mumbled

Just then, his aunt strolled inside to pick him.

“hiya cowboy.’’

He turned and ran towards her, jumping on her in the process.

“Hello Mrs Riley.’’

“Call me Demi please. I’m his aunt.’’

“it’s a pleasure to meet you Demi.’’ She extended her hand towards the woman and she received it warmly in return. ‘’You must be Gavin’s new teacher. I haven’t set eyes on you before.’’

“Yes. I’m Scarlett Ruby by the way.’’

“nice to meet you Scarlett.’’

“well, I would love to see you privately about Gavin and I don’t know when that will be possible.’’

“Anytime is suitable for me. it’s just that I would love for his father to be present too, if that’s okay by you.’’

“sure, that will be perfect.’’

“but if you don’t mind my asking, is everything alright with Gavin? Did something go wrong?’’

“not really, it’s just that at this stage of his life when he’s meant to be alert socially , emotionally and mentally, he’s not which I know He can even be better than where he is presently. He’s a good kid with so much promise but His father has a lot to do by playing his role appropriately.’’

“okay.’’

“what about Gavin’s mum?’’

“she wont be back in a long time.’’ Demi scoffed. ‘’I just decided to stop by and help out in every possible way that I can.’’

“I’m sorry.’’

“oh don’t be.’’ She beamed and further asked. ‘’so, when will be a good time to let his father come over to see you so that you two can talk?’’

“probably next week Friday, or if I can get a number to keep in touch to serve as a reminder if his father is that busy.’’

“no problem.’’ Demi called out Josh’s number and Scarlett punched the number into her cell and saved it immediately hoping that the man would be reasonable enough to come over.

“thank you Miss Ruby. I wont forget to inform him.’’

“thank you too.’’

Gavin looked up at her with his soulful eyes and waved when his aunt led him away. ‘’Goodbye Miss Ruby.’’

“See you tomorrow Gavin’’

It was after they were gone she finally collapsed into her chair. The whole day had been so exhausting.

But she was glad for one thing. The boy had opened a doorway for her to come in. and if God would help her, she wouldn’t mind introducing him to Jesus too.

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“you’re beautiful.’’ Gabe greeted when Scarlett came to settle opposite him in the restaurant he had chosen to have dinner.

“thank you.’’ She smiled when he stood up to plant a kiss on her cheeks and held her hands tenderly. She had chosen to wear something nice for their second evening together and so she chose a sleeveless red gown with pearls and a nice pair of pumps and Sue had been nice enough to make her hair for her

“you like this place?’’ he asked. ‘’I know it might not be too fancy but..’’

She hushed him. ‘’I think it’s great.’’

“I love you.’’

Her heart melted. ‘’I love you too.’’

“you look radiant today, mind sharing?’’

“oh its nothing really. It’s just my kids in school. When I get across to one, even if its just one child I can break his walls, I feel encouraged and inspired.’’

“its no wonder you wanna have a large family.’’ His eyes flickered and she smiled sadly. ‘’Its not only me in this Gabe, it’s us.’’

“I know.’’ He released her hand and picked up his menu card

Scarlett’s heart dropped. She hated when conversations like this came up but there was no way they could keep having superficial conversation when it came to having a family of their own.

It was what she’d dreamed of over and over again and if she couldn’t, they would adopt and she wouldn’t stop visiting the orphanage even after she had her own family.

Tonight, she wanted to enjoy herself and most importantly, make Gabe happy and so she changed the conversation.

“how was work today?’’

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“I’m ashamed of you Josh!’’ Demi yelled at him after he returned to the house late with his tie hanging loosely on his neck and his breath smelling of champagne.

He was ashamed of himself but tried to retain his pride by not showing it and strolled off to his study.

Demi followed behind him talking about Gavin, school work, preparation for camp and so many things he found hard to absorb all at once since his head felt heavy.

Jasmine Crane had succeeded in getting him half-drunk although he’d prepared himself against it.

He was glad he didn’t spend the night at her place or he’d end up feeling worse than he felt presently.

He had a child for goodness sake and he was a father, a lousy one in fact.

It was as if Demi read his mind. ‘’you’re one lousy father Josh! First of all, you fail to spend time with your son, you cancel out on him, you don’t even try doing homework with him and you’re not even present to wish him goodnight or even tell him bedtime stories. That boy has been doing poorly in school work and his teachers complain but you engross yourself so much in work that you refuse to acknowledge the fact that your son needs a father.’’

He closed his eyes and raked his hands through his hair the full realization of what he was doing dawning on him.

He was neglecting Gavin, his only son that Ashley had for him before she had dumped him and the boy and he hated himself for it.

“Demi, I’m sorry.’’

“save it for Gavin tomorrow.’’ She snapped. ‘’and by the way, Gavin has a new class teacher and she said she had to see you on Gavin’s case. It happens that the boy isn’t only doing poorly in school but He’s being bullied.’’

She stormed out of his study and banged the door behind her.

And all he could do was cover his face in his hands and cry.

He was going to make it up to his son. He just hoped it wasn’t too late.

;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;

“hey kiddo.’’ He greeted when he strolled into the kitchen and tousled his son’s hair.

“Dad stop!’’ He yelped. ‘’Aunt Demi took time to comb my hair Dad and all you can do is ruin it.’’

There was a palpable silence in the kitchen after his statement and Demi couldn’t interfere as usual. Her nephew was getting what He deserved

“I’m sorry.’’ He apologized and tapped his cheeks. ‘’so what’s for breakfast?’’

Gavin ignored him and kept coloring something on the kitchen table while His father sorted his breakfast out with his aunt.

“what did I tell you about eating and not letting anything else disrupt your attention?’’ Josh queried when he noticed how serious his son sat down to pay attention to the awkward comic.

“that was like a year ago?’’ his voice dripped with sarcasm and he didn’t look up at his father

Josh bit his lip and snatched the book from underneath his pencil so as to see what occupied his son’s time.

His eyes widened when he saw what it was.

“who’s been filling your head with religious nonsense?’’

“it’s just a comic Dad, not a bible.’’

Josh glanced at Demi and she looked away. If she was the one teaching her son about stuffs like this then he would have to talk some sense into the both of them.

“eat your food and get ready for school.’’ He picked the magazine and flipped through the pages wondering what the whole TOPZ meant.

Demi gave him the eye and he sighed. ‘’I’ll be taking you to school today.’’

“I follow the bus.’’

“and I said I’ll be taking you to school today.’’ He emphasized and downed his mug of coffee. At least, he would drop him off and head to work from there.

When they finally got to school, Gavin unlocked his seat belt and was about stepping out when Josh held him back. “I’m sorry about this morning.’’

Gavin shrugged nonchalantly.

“look..’’ he turned off the ignition and looked into his son’s eyes. He had his mother’s eyes. ‘’I wanna make it up to you. I know I haven’t been a good father to you and so I wanna promise you I’ll be there for you always.’’

Gavin was quiet this time.

‘’so, I’ll come pick you up today after school, okay?’’

“what about Aunt Demi?’’

“we’re giving her the day off. And before we get to the house, we could stop by and get ourselves a bowl of Rocky road ice-cream and those muffins you love so much.’’

Gavin hesitated before speaking. ‘’I wont be able to make it. I have an after class with my Class teacher.’’

“since when did you start staying back for extra classes?’’

He didn’t reply.

“and is this by school’s demand?’’

He lied and nodded. ‘’yes.’’

“and how come you didn’t mention it to me?’’

“aunt Demi knew about it and she didn’t mind. In fact she thought it might help and it did.’’

He nodded slowly trying to digest the whole news at once but still a little suspicious about his whole extra class thing.

“okay, have a great day at school.’’

He slammed the door and hurried off into the school building. He watched him walk up to a slim woman who welcomed him easily and placed her hand on his shoulder while leading him into the building.

He looked closely and thought her stride was familiar.

She turned and looked across with a smile. The distance between them was great so he couldn’t see her face clearly when she waved, on full realization that He was the boy’s father.

And she turned and walked away with his son.

There was just something about that woman that nudged at him. She looked familiar, too familiar in fact.

Episode 10.

Josh was beginning to get home early because of Gavin and the boy seemed to be warming up to him slowly. He was frustrated but Demi told him to give the boy time.

After all, Rome wasn’t built in a day and neither was their father and son relationship going to skyrocket after years of neglecting him.

But when he started noticing his son brought home more bible puzzles and he even had a picture bible and paintings which he had taken time to draw himself, he was furious knowing his suspicions about his extra classes were not mainly educational.

They were religious too and he was bound to sue whoever was filling his child’s head with fallacy and myths when he was supposed to be getting more acquainted with things fit for his age.

He even requested for bible stories before bed time, and when his aunt sat on the rocking chair to hear him read, he read from the Bible, not very clear, but he had improved.

This was getting unbearable.

He knew Demi was not responsible for this, most especially when she had been here with them a long while and nothing like this came up and he’d strictly warned her against it in the past.

Now that it came up, someone else had kindled the fire and Demi was making it burn.

He wanted to take his son out with his girlfriend Jasmine but when he told him he had extra classes with his class teacher which he wasn’t going to miss for the world, and he couldn’t bear it anymore.

His girlfriend walked into his office and planted a wet kiss on his lips. For a while he got lost till it became intense and he had to stop remembering His son’s teacher had requested to see him today by 1pm

This was just 12 o’clock and he didn’t want to get carried away as usual.

“honey.’’ He coaxed when he had broken free. ‘’I have to be see my son’s teacher by 1pm and I don’t wanna miss it this time.’’

“it’s okay.’’ She smoothened her dress. ‘’We can get back to what we started after the game right?’’

“yeah, of course.’’ He was the one who kissed her this time. ‘’you can even come along with me.’’

“you think it’s a good idea?’’

“well, what other way to let the kid know how serious our relationship is?’’

;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;

“you think he’ll show up?’’ Gavin asked Scarlett looking hopefully into her eyes.

She squatted before him and held his face in his hands. His father must be a loser if he didn’t know what he had in Gavin. So talented and gifted and yet so soft inside, like a vulnerable flower.

He’d tried to protect it by looking stubborn and hard on the outside but God had helped her get across to reach him.

“He will show up. let’s hope He will.’’

“I wont mind y’know if he doesn’t show up.’’

Scarlett smiled sadly. ‘’Gav, you have to let your father know the truth about all of this and those classes we’ve been having together after school. You have to let him know I was the one who volunteered and the school doesn’t have a hand in this.’’

“and If I don’t?’’

“it means you’re lying, and God doesn’t tolerate lies.’’

“my Dad is a lawyer, and he might take you to court if he finds out the truth.’’

Wow..it was amazing how fast the boy could pick up things so easily within how many weeks.

Imagine if he’d been left without proper attention and She thanked God once again.

“hey…’’ she raked her hand through his hair lovingly wishing she already had one of her own. ‘’we’re adults, and we’ll settle it like one okay?’’

He had a worried look on his face and Scarlett felt fear rise up within her at the thought of her facing a tough and strict lawyer who was ready to take her to court for trying to feed his son something he so readily antagonized.

“I believe you.’’ He finally succumbed and she drew him into herself. He returned the embrace and beamed at her just before presenting a red rose to her.

“for me?’’

He smiled shyly. ‘’I love the color of your hair. Maria thinks it’s out of this world.’’

Maria was the girl he had begun talking to in class.

“why thank you Gavin’’ she touched his cheeks and hugged him again wishing Gabe could be here right now to see this beautiful child whom she had fallen in love with.

“I’m gonna be six in June.’’ He smiled and she laughed excitedly. ‘’really?’’

“yup.’’

“that’s great!’’

“Gavin?’’

Gavin recognized his father’s voice and tightened his grip on his teacher. Scarlett understood at once and prepared herself for the worst.

“Mr. Riley..’’ she breathed in and turned immediately to face her student’s father once and for all.

She retreated and swallowed unable to look away.

She stood petrified hoping it was some sort of false illusion

“Josh?’’ she squeaked.

“Scarlett?’’ he squinted and on full realization of who it was, he gulped. ‘’Scarlett Ruby’’

“you know each other?’’ Gavin broke into their palpable tension.

A short laughter escaped his throat and didn’t take his eyes away from her. ‘’yeah. Back in high school.’’ He kept staring at her till she blushed but his eyes went to her hair instead.

It amazed him that she was still capable of blushing when he looked at her.

“what happened to your hair?’’ That huge curly hair she had back in high school had been a sort of weakness for him, accompanied with her green eyes. In the past, he’d raked his hands through it when kissing her and loved the feel of it.

But now, what she had was a short and straightened red hair that made her look like one of those models on the runway.

“long story.’’ She replied nervously and kept trying to look away while tapping her fingers nervously on her skirt.

“you look stunning.’’ He commented when he saw how slim she had become and how her oval face still had that rosy cheek he’d always admired whenever she blushed.

And her eyes, oh her eyes, he could look into them now since her walls had been broken. She wore contacts but he could recognize the beauty in those eyes any day any time.

“you’re not bad yourself.’’ She responded noticing the difference between now and high school. Goodness, even in his plain white shirt and blazer, one could tell he worked out pretty good and the shirt seemed to be tight against his body frame. His hair was still dark and thick as usual, tousled casually but looking neat enough.

Even in his casual outfit, she could tell he was a well to do man and full of style who had women at his beck and call.

She was so out of his league, just like high school.

Why did everything seem to be happening so fast after how many years she’d tried to forget everyone in her past?

He laughed revealing a perfect set of white teeth. ‘’wow!, it’s a small world afterall. Who would have known I would be meeting Scarlett Ruby after 10 years she disappeared and forgot all about me.’’

She swallowed unable to defend herself.

He knew he was making her uncomfortable but he didn’t back down and his eyes didn’t waver from her either ‘’I see you’ve met my son so no need for further introductions.’’

‘yeah, Gavin is a great kid.’’ She managed to say wondering how early he had gotten married and forgotten about her in time.

She was glad she had left when she did. Sheila had been right afterall, Josh never saw her more than a library friend.

“so, you teach in Sunnydale?’’

“you’re not gonna sue her Dad, are you?’’ Gavin blurted out worriedly.

His eyes twitched and a sly smile curved on his lips. He wondered How it would be to see Scarlett at his mercy just for a brief moment and waved it aside.

“no, why should i?, rather I’d like to have a conversation with her over dinner to get a better understanding of this whole parade.’’ He had his hands on his son’s shoulder.

“Gavin, why don’t you go and play outside while your father and I talk briefly.’’

“okay.’’ He mumbled and soon he was far away from them.

“Wow. It’s a small world after all isn’t it?’’ he started putting his hands into his pockets confidently and still looking at her

Scarlett felt hot and hoped he didn’t notice the effect he was having on her. gosh! This was horrible. She never expected to have any residue feelings for this guy who had only wanted to see her miserable through her high school years.

“yeah.’’ She swallowed and tried to laugh to ease the tension. ‘’so, how are you?’’

“I’m great, and I don’t need to ask much since it’s obvious you’re doing pretty fine. You’ve been doing pretty fine ever since.’’ His eyes went to the ring on her finger. ‘’and engaged?’’

“yeah, I’m getting married August.’’ She said almost immediately as if trying to assure herself more than him.

He raised an eyebrow. ‘’I see. He must be one lucky guy.’’ He knew she tried to avoid his eyes and enjoyed the fact that she wasn’t comfortable with his presence. She had to be uncomfortable! After all she’d put him through. After making him fall in Love with her and disappearing like it meant nothing to her. and now she had the boldness to tell him she was getting married in about five months time.

Well, he had tried getting married to Gavin’s mother, but their relationship never really worked and He had held on to make himself free of thoughts about her. at least, if it was an obsession, it would come to an end pretty soon but it really didn’t.

It was like she left a scar on him

And this time he wasn’t going to let her go so easily.

“what do you say about dinner tomorrow night where we can talk about this whole thing where my son is involved?’’

She gulped. ‘’I have plans.’’

“it can wait, right?…, I mean this is Gavin and I need to clarify somethings on his behalf and mine.’’

Scarlett wanted to yell at him and rain her fist on him till she was out of breath but managed to nod.

He hadn’t changed at all, and well, she was doing it for Gavin. Her dinner with Gabe would have to wait

“sweetie, is everything alright? Jasmine came from behind and snaked her hands around his waist as if Scarlett posed as a threat where her boyfriend was concerned. Scar saw the look and recognized it for what it was.

A sign of insecurity.

In places where Josh Riley was concerned, she didn’t care anymore. She could clutch him all she wanted. Her focus was on his son and her career.

“this is Miss Ruby, Gavin’s teacher.’’ He said quite uncomfortable that she still had her arms on his waist while Scarlett didn’t look the least surprised. “Miss Ruby, meet a friend of mine Jasmine Crane”

“how do you do?’’ Scarlett extended her hand to the pretty slim blonde and marveled that Josh didn’t even change in his taste for women.

The young woman received it and attached a false smile to her pretty face. ‘’Nice to meet you Miss Ruby.’’

“if you’ll excuse me.’’ She returned the smile and turned to leave unaware of Josh’s scrutiny on her whereas his girlfriend was fully aware that she nudged him back to the present.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

“I don’t think going out with him is a good idea Rea.’’ She began looking into the dressing mirror and afraid of the old feelings he’d awakened just by looking at her two days ago.

She felt like she was holding out on Gabe. Even when he called, she just told him she was having dinner with a child’s parent and it was no big deal. It was just a simple dinner about the boy and it was going to end in an hour or two.

She would call him before going to bed to assure him it was true.

But now, she was beginning to doubt and she took comfort in the fact that Gavin might be there and she was going to keep diverting the conversation back to his son if he tried to drift away.

“you take life too seriously honey.’’ Sue began working on her hair. She had been excited when Scar told her she would be the one to do her wedding make-up.

She was a nurse, no doubt, but she loved colors and fashion to the core.

“so what.’’ She continued unperturbed. ‘’He asks you about a past you two never had and you tell him right to his face what you think of him and how he treated you. He talks about suing you and you tell him you’ve got a good lawyer who’s got your back and if he threatens you because you’re trying to accelerate his son’s learning process, tell him to go to hell. That’s probably where he’ll end up anyway.’’

Rea and Scar opened their mouth agape and not long after, they broke into hysterical laughter.

“it’s the hormones.’’ Rea and Scar mouthed together and Sue shook her head in resignation since they were good at taking words from her mouth.

Rea looked at her through the mirror and their gaze locked. ‘’You don’t have to go if you don’t want to Scarlett.’’

Susan was quiet but paused on her hair raising her gaze to look at Scarlett too. ‘’she’s right y’know. I mean I don’t mean to intrude into your business but I just feel you might still have feelings for him and might give in if you’re not careful.’’

“and that’s why I have to see him tonight to get rid of those feelings or I’d end up not forgiving myself. And I have to stop thinking about silly feelings and talk about his son. Gavin is a promising child and I hate to think I would be responsible for any backlog he might have in future if I don’t talk to his father about it.’’

“okay.’’

In 30 minutes time she was ready leaving Rea and Sue to marvel at how she had turned out. Even in her black dress, and heels, she looked amazing.

“I don’t know what you’re drinking girlfriend but it’s doing you real good.’’ Sue smiled

“is he coming here?’’

“yeah. I told him not to bother but he insisted.’’ And as if he heard their conversation, he pulled up in front of the house just in time.

“Just be careful okay.’’ Rea cautioned her friend and embraced her.

“I gotta run.’’ She kissed her new girlfriends and hurried to the door. She didn’t want him coming into her place and greeting her friends like he was some prince charming who was taking her on a date. He didn’t have the right to.

She was glad he didn’t whistle when she stepped out to meet him but just looking at him looking all cool and strikingly handsome in a tieless shirt and black blazer and black pants was enough to make her throat go dry and she obediently slid into his exotic ride.

Maybe ‘she’ should have done the whistling.

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For a while, neither said anything and stared at the menu. The restaurant looked expensive and exotic and she knew she could never come here on her own for a meal.

For a while, she got carried away by the exquisite meals on the menu and the way everyone looked so formal and she began to feel under-dressed although she doubted any other dress would be better.

This was her best dress.

“the 1986 vintage wine you asked for sir?’’ the waiter spoke courteously and revealed the bottle to him like it was a treasure hidden before placing it on the table

“thank you Ralph.’’ He smiled at him before ordering. Scarlett was a little intimidated but didn’t want to show it and so ordered for something she’d always wanted to try.

“you should know I don’t drink.’’ She told him point blankly

“oh really. Forgive my ignorance. I forgot I was talking to a missionary.’’ He teased

Scarlett felt hurt but she swallowed her pride. ‘’and do you have issues with missionaries Mr. Riley?’’

“and did I mention anything of the sort?’’

“Gavin is a good kid and a promising one in fact. One of the major reasons why I’m here.’’

“of course, but sweetheart, are we gonna miss out on all the fun because you wanna talk business, c’mon, let loose umm.’’

“there’s nothing to talk about Mr. Riley.’’

“oh, not even an explanation for why you left ten years ago without saying goodbye.’’ He blurted out before he could take his words back. He had been meaning to say it ever since but not before they had dinner.

“oh really, is it goodbye you want?’’ her voice was getting high but she didn’t care. ‘’well then, I guess this is it, goodbye.’’ She stood from her seat and walked out but that was before Josh ran after her and grabbed her to face him.

“and where are you going?’’

“home.’’ she tried jerking free most especially when his fingers seemed to send disturbing sparks up her arm.

“when we haven’t had dinner?’’

“I’m doing all I can to help Gavin Mr. Riley, why don’t you do the same by getting serious and facing the issues at hand.’’

“you ran from me didn’t you. You ran away because you felt I wouldn’t feel what you felt for me back in highschool.’’

Scarlett’s spat. ‘’oh you wish!”

“then why don’t you look at me in the eye and tell me what happened that made you leave everything. You didn’t even care about my feelings.’’

“ohh, you think YOU have feelings?’’ she didn’t like the feel of his body against hers and she tried creating a distance between them which was hard to do. ‘’the only feelings you ever had was for yourself and for your stupid team and your stupid girlfriend who made sure I got that into my thick skull, and I did thank you very much.’’

“You never told me anything…’’ he choked out

“I didn’t need to. I supposed you would find out yourself.’’

“And so, we can’t pick up from where we left off?’’

She scoffed. ‘’I see you already did that ahead of me Mr. Riley.’’

“you’re talking?!, you’re the one who’s getting married this summer!’’

‘’and you’re the guy who has his girlfriend sliding her arms around his body in inappropriate places.’’

“you’re jealous…’’ he smirked

“oh please!.., what do I have to be jealous of when I don’t even care what—

But she didn’t finish her statement as he crushed his lips on hers and she melted so easily like warm butter on bread. For a while she was lost in another world till reality dawned on her and she realized she didn’t want to let go because she was loving it too much and she hated herself for it.

She broke free and placed a hand on her lips that was already aflame with his kiss.

And then she hit him hard across the face and ran.

But that was before Josh saw her misty eyes

EPISODE 11.

Scarlett thought she would feel better when she left the house with the intention of taking Bernie for a drive as it was something her dog had come to love. At least, he could stick his head out the window and let his tongue hang out. When she found the perfect spot, she took him for a walk and sat quietly trying to clear her head.

But she found it hard to. Right here in this town and she wondered if it was because the thought of Josh being in the same town with her that scared her so much.

She had given in to him two days ago. What if they had been alone?

How was it possible her blood still stirred when he looked at her, held her or kissed her? how could she still feel something for him after 10years?

‘It was probably her.’ she concluded. She got nervous because he was her first love and he’d even confessed he knew nothing about the whole ordeal back in high school.

Well, she could forgive him but she really had to move on without him breathing down her neck.

She closed her eyes and her daydream betrayed her bringing memories of the passionate kiss they’d shared two days before and how strong he felt against her. How his hands had held her head in place and how her flesh had caught fire as he deepened their kiss.

She remembered his boyish look back in highschool and how she’d adored him and her mind drifted again to “what if”…

What if they had been together till date? Would they be married already with a kid like Gavin, or would she even have the strength to keep herself with the way he handled her?

Her mind drifted further to “if they were married.’’ Vacations they’d spend together, nights they could share together, and kids they would raise together. Conversations they could have together just like old times and how she’d love to rake her hands through his thick dark tousled hair.

She snapped out of her day dream and realized how hot she’d become. Oh no, this wasn’t what she’d come here for. she had come to clear her head but it seemed the memory of Josh haunted her and she found it hard to let go.

Standing up immediately, Bernie’s ears perked up in response and he rose to his feet and found his way into her car, taking his position on the passenger’s seat and waiting for Scarlett to start the engine.

It took a while.

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Rea noticed something about her best friend immediately she came back inside and she wondered if the walk did her any good at all.

“you okay?’’

“yea, sure.’’ She tried to smile. ‘’what’s for lunch?’’

“Sue’s get together party is today. How come you’ve forgotten so soon?’’

“my bad.’’ She tried not to feel embarrassed but a little pink had stained her cheeks. Josh had been the one occupying most of her thoughts for a while now.

Rea’s eyebrows cocked automatically. ‘’it seems to me you didn’t get to clear your head afterall’’

“why do you say that?’’

“you don’t look refreshed to me. you look sort of tight and tense, like you’re trying so hard to put it all together.’’

“I’m fine.’’ She managed

Rea bent low to rub Bernie’s head while the big guy wagged his tail and stuck out his tongue in response.

She looked at her friend again. ‘’He kissed you didn’t he?’’

Scarlett blushed red this time. The way Rea had found out before she told her, she couldn’t decipher it but she knew Bernie couldn’t have been the one to reveal her secret

“I didn’t know how to talk to you about it.’’

“well, here I am Scarlett. Talk to me.’’

She settled unto the couch, her hair already growing back in length and looking so disheveled hereby giving her a childish look.

“we were talking and all of a sudden, I don’t know what happened.’’

Rea was quiet.

“you don’t know how much I wish I could have resisted him but everything was just so overwhelming and I…’’

“its okay.’’

“I feel so ashamed. Gabe would never do that to me and here I am, longing for another man’s kiss.’’

“hey, don’t beat yourself over it. you just have to keep away from him. He’s bad news.’’

Scarlett nodded. ‘’okay. I’ve got to. I know I’ve got to.’’

“but you cant deny you still have feelings for him can you?’’

“I don’t. I think its just the fact that everything is happening all at once and 10years and he’s the first guy I’ve ever fallen in love with, but it’s okay. I can handle it.’’

Rea smiled and hugged her friend. ‘’better. Just know that whatever happens, I’m here for you. We can talk together, pray together and do all sorts of crazy stuff that we did together years ago.’’

Scarlett smiled and released herself. ‘’and you…, what about Ryan? You ready to move on without him?’’

“very much. Sue even tells me she has a cute surprise for me at her parent’s get together.’’ Scar could tell her friend sounded hopeful and she so wanted the best for her.

“let’s hope for the best.’’

L;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;

“what is Ryan doing here?’’ Rea squeezed her friend’s fingers in anger that she had excluded this part.

“hey, you’re hurting me!’’

“you didn’t tell me…’’

“well, should I start taking a mental list of names coming forthe little get-together party my parents throw just because my friend Rea is too childish to ignore someone like Ryan?’’

“hey, I’m not childish.’’

“tell that to yourself every morning and I’ll be impressed when you change.’’

“you’re such a pain in the ass!’’

“thank you.’’ Susan smiled sweetly and broke free from Rea’s grip to greet her husband who had been expecting her.

Scar could only smile and beamed when a waiter offered her a finger food on a tray. Sue called out to her and she walked up to the little gathering that she suspected consisted of Her husband, her parents and another young couple.

“Dad, mum, this is Scarlett Ruby. We went to high school together and she’s a counselor and teacher at Sunnydale.’’

“nice to meet you.’’ Mrs Brews gave her a warm hug and kiss on both cheeks before releasing her. ‘’Sue won’t stop talking about you and the amazing things you do with kids.’’

Scar blushed. ‘’oh, its nothing.’’

“and I hope you have been coping well to the environment since you’ve been away for so long?’’ Mr. Brews tried contributing to the conversation.

“yeah, I never got to go round as a kid but now that I have the time,. I can’t wait till school’s session is over so I can get my camera and see places I’ve read about.’’

“wow, such enthusiasm! I love that in a young woman. Sue tells us you’re getting married this Summer. You don’t know how she’s excited to be a wedding planner for your wedding. That’s all she talks about and I wonder if that’s what she feeds her patients.’’

“Mum!’’

“the guy must be a lucky man. Such rare beauty in those eyes.’’ She continued taking her hand and already leading her away for more conversation.

Scar had a feeling this night was going to turn out well after all and couldn’t be more grateful to the two new friends she’d had in just a few weeks she moved to Houston.

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Rea pulled her jacket closer when the wind blew across her face and tried not to feel too much.

Too much thinking made her exhausted and that was the last thing on her to-do list today. She had thought she was going to have a good time and she did, but just a little.

Now she just wanted to be alone.

Most especially when she knew Ryan was in the party and he seemed to be having a good time with the pretty brunette that held unto him like a possession not excluding family and friends while she kept hurting. He would be used to these kinds of gatherings. At least, He had dated Sue in the past and the last time she visited his family, it had been a huge party like this one.

At that moment, she prayed to God to let those feelings of hatred melt and that she just wanted to forgive him and move on with her life.

What would happen to her when Scar finally got married and Sue had a child?..maybe she would move to a smaller apartment, a condo in the busy side of the city where the noise would make her forget about her relationship status and face other part of her life like a job and the rest.

She really needed to move on, and she might move to the city soon most especially if her job permitted her to.

Life was so different from what it had been back in high school. She acting like a boy but loving Ryan like a girl loved a guy. She wanting to have her own way all the time but never really got it.

Even the wish drama didn’t give her chance to, rather it made it worse and Mil had told her making wishes had a price.

The memory of the pretty brunette holding unto Ryan’s arm in the party disrupted her thoughts again and she knew

“hey…’’

Rea jumped at the sudden intrusion of her thoughts and saw a young man strolling towards her but not close to her.

“hi.’’ She pulled the jacket closer.

“it’s pretty cold out here isn’t it?’’

“Yeah, it is.’’ She mumbled and looked away not sure of what to say now that she wasn’t alone anymore.

“I’m Michael Bailey by the way. A friend of the family.’’

“Hello Michael.’’ She forced a smile

“You know you shouldn’t be out here’’

‘’sometimes I like to be alone.’’

“and that excludes me?’’

She shrugged. She was in one of those moods where she got too numb to say anything reasonable and so watched life unfold before her face. Tomorrow morning, she might slap herself that she hadn’t made any move or made nice conversation with the goodlooking stranger standing before her.

So why not give him a chance, who knows, it may lead to something. And if she wasn’t leaving the party now while Ryan was still obviously hanging around, then she had to do things that would take her mind off him

“Sue told me you two attended the same school and I’d need an extra pair of sneakers to keep up with you.’’

So this must be the guy Sue talked about. Good job girlfriend!!

She laughed realizing he was trying to create an atmosphere for the both of them. Wait till she had her hands on the woman!! If not for her present state.

“well, what can I say? It runs in the family.’’ She pulled her hair back behind her ear in the same old fashioned way. “and I have my moods and moments.’’

“and does your present mood mind leaving this place and going someplace else?’’

She sighed and looked around, knowing this was a deliberate invitation for a beginning.

“why not.’’

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When Rea woke up the next morning, she looked disheveled and a recurrent one sided headache nagging at her.

When she glanced at the time, she jerked from the bed and screamed

Oh goodness, this was going to be a bad day.

She hurriedly rushed to the bathroom and took a quick brush and shower and hurried out to glance at her phone. Just as she had predicted, missed calls stared back at her.

She didn’t bother checking Scarlett knowing fully well she would have found her way to school unlike her who had ruined the only chance she had with her new date.

A stupid stupidimmature girl who ruined every chance she had with men.

She was probably going to end up old and alone if she continued like she was competing for a razzy award.

Now she had even ruined her chances with him, she couldn’t hate herself more.

She wondered how she got home in the first place, most definitely, she didn’t drive herself.

And then she had gotten drunk due to everything including Ryan, her life in the past and she wondered how pathetic she would have sounded talking about her Christian life and how she feels bad drinking.First time she drank and her life was getting ruined. Alcohol never did her good and it was never going to do her good in future. She had to keep reminding herself about that.

She desperately needed aspirin.

She didn’t even bother getting coffee but bought one for herself on the way while trying as much as possible to do her hair in a neat bun when stuck in traffic.

When she finally got to work and realized she wasn’t as late as she ‘d initially proposed, that was only when she could relax weakly into her chair.

The adrenaline drive had phased out and she was back to her normal self.

After waiting dis long,this is too shorT*frowns* just kidding.gudjob.please m hungry for more and more .Please don't starve me.howdy tee?

im good, hope youre okay yourself. you should get Episode 12, first thing in the morning.

hello teeluv!!! it's me ooo, howdy

EPISODE 12

Scarlett tried as much as possible to concentrate when Gavin sat opposite her successfully reading the bible story she had selected today for his brief lesson.

He was reading about David and Goliath and he seemed to be enjoying himself as he read and digested the whole story by himself. Two months of this extra lesson was doing him good and he was improving.

He even went as far as drawing images and showing it to her. He drew so many things and colored them. He drew images of her and everything else he could put his hand on that she wondered if the boy was going to be an artist when he grew older

She looked at his hair and noticed his tousled dark hair which made him look so adorable and knew he’d gotten it from Josh but the eyes, that was definitely from his ex-wife or the woman whom he’d had Gavin with.

She tried not to feel jealous that He’d carried on without her and then remembering his kiss again the last time they went out brought about an odd sensation crawling up her belly to her throat and she closed her eyes to shut away the memory of his lips on hers and how she’d wished they would continue in that moment.

It was moments like that she’d dreamed about and that dream had gotten her into trouble years ago in highschool.

She wasn’t going to let it ruin her life again and she was going to pretend like nothing had happened.

If Josh proved uncooperative, she would tell him to his face.

She felt like she’d cheated on Gabe and the thought nudged at her till present. Gabe had kissed her on different occasions, but not a thousand kisses from him could awaken her like Josh’s and she felt terrible that she longed for another man’s kiss whereas her fiancé wasn’t aware of the whole drama.

Maybe she would tell him the truth. Maybe she would tell him about her past and the role Josh had played. Honesty was very vital in a relationship and this relationship was heading to a “Forever” moment between herself and Gabe. She wasn’t going to hold out on him cos he would never hold out on her.

He was a good man and He loved her and she loved him too as well.

“am I interrupting anything?’’ a sonorous voice broke into her thoughts and her heart thudded loudly in her chest. She hoped Gavin wouldn’t hear it.

She had difficulty swallowing Saliva but managed to raise her head to see the intruder which her heart was already aware of subconsciously.

“Dad.’’ The boy beamed and ran to him. it was obvious they had begun patching things up and since His father was not going to sue his teacher or harass her, they had become best buds.

“hiya cowboy.’’ Josh raised the boy to his eye level and returned his excitement by rubbing his hands through his hair.

“hey!’’ he cried and they laughed together. ‘’just because its tousled doesn’t mean you can make it worse.’’

“any chance I get big guy.’’ He looked at Scarlett then. ‘’and I see your english language is getting better by the way.’’

“yeah. Miss Ruby is just the best.’’

He dropped the boy and came towards Scarlett. ‘’hi’’

“hi’’ she tried as much as possible to avoid his gaze but this didn’t stop him from continuous scrutiny.

“I tried calling you but you wouldn’t even pick my call.’’

“I was busy.’’

He cocked an eyebrow. ‘’and I stopped by the house. Luckily for you someone else didn’t want me to see you.’’

“well, I guess that’s the way things have become Mr. Riley.’’

“okay then.’’ He shrugged with an air of confidence, hands in pocket again. ‘’I’ll go straight to the point and settle what I came here for.’’

“okay.’’

“my son won’t be having extra lessons with you anymore.’’

Her heart dropped but she knew there was still another blow she would receive and so prepared herself for his next attack.

He faced Gavin. ‘’hey kid, could you excuse us for a minute. Miss Ruby and I have something we’d like to discuss in private.’’

“k..’’ he shrugged. ‘’but you better make it quick cos I’m getting hungry.’’

Josh laughed briefly and watched his son head to the playground before facing Scarlett again

“the only thing I’ll endure is you coming to my place to take him lessons and you’ll get paid for whatever it is that you do.’’

“excuse me?’’

“that’s the only way I can get you interacting with my son Miss Ruby. If you feel this thing you have with Gavin is that interesting enough to continue indulging yourself with extra curricular activities for his sake, then the ball is in your court.’’

“oh, i see what you’re trying to do Josh and its not going to work.’’

‘oh…now its ‘Josh’….i like that better. It doesn’t make us sound like strangers.’’ He smiled when she rolled her eyes at him and continued. “I’m not pressing Charges Miss Ruby. You should be glad I didn’t.’’

She fumed “and what if I say no?’’

“there are many teachers in Chicago Miss Ruby. The moment you make your decision, that same moment I decide how to get someone else as his lesson teacher and I bet you it won’t be your religious stories she’ll be reading to him.’’

Scarlett’s face turned red but there was nothing she could do. He was setting a trap for her and he knew she would fall for it. he was a lawyer so he must have thought it through and weighed her options.

She knew she could say no and gladly break free from all form of attachments and threats and he would have no right to dictate what he wanted but she thought of Gavin, the boy who had stolen her heart in the past three months she had spent at Sunnydale. The boy whom she saw a bright future in and who was beginning to appreciate God as he read the stories she fed to him daily

And was she going to let an ex-crush take all that away from her?

She was going to prove to him that she was much stronger than he’d estimated her to be.

“okay.’’

Josh raised an eyebrow like he was surprised at her sudden response. ‘’okay you’re in or what?’’

“I’m in.’’

His smile came slowly and his gaze settled on her lips again. ‘’you start tomorrow. I’ll give you the address and when Gavin’s aunt comes over to pick him up from school tomorrow, she’ll come and check on you. I’ll explain everything to her so you’ll have fewer introductions to do.’’

The flames of hatred in her eyes were enough to consume him if they were real but he ignored it and excused himself politely when a call came through.

Scarlett began to wish she had objected.

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Rea brought home Chinese and Scarlett was glad, explaining to her that she had gotten groceries on her way to the house but was too tired to cook.

She headed towards her answering machine as usual and listened to her voice mail messages.

One was from Sue calling her to state she had a minor contraction and how she would be staying at home with Darren for the week now that she was on leave. And then she mentioned “hola Scar’’ making Scarlett smile.

The last message was from Mike and Rea thought she would freeze out of fear.

“hey Andrea, it’s Mike. Just calling to say hi and tell you how I’d like us to go out again sometime, maybe tomorrow night if you’re up to it. I had a great time last night and I hope you have a great day at work today. So, take care.’’

And he was gone.

By the time Rea came back to reality and looked up, Scar was looking at her, mouth agape.

“Don’t know what you got drunk on last night girlfriend but it got that cute guy calling you back.’’ Scar teased and they both giggled before settling into the chair.

‘’are you okay?’’ Rea asked her friend when she saw her eyes looking so far away.

“yeah, why do you ask?’’

“nothing.’’ She shrugged. ‘’it’s just that you hardly share anything with me these days except for the day you kissed Josh. It’s like you don’t trust me or something.’’

“well, I trusted people in the past and look what it got me.’’ she scoffed and stood up to head into the kitchen but Rea didn’t give up.

“but I’m your friend Scarlett, I would never do anything to hurt you.’’

‘’you can say that again.’’ She simply ignored her and opened the fridge to get two bottles of water for the both of them.

“you’re not the only one who got hurt Scarlett, I had my own share of heartbreaks and I’m moving on.’’

“oh really, I can see that.’’ Her voice dripped in sarcasm. “then why in the world will you get drunk over a guy that has moved on with his life. why in the world will you call yourself a Christian and go to a bar to have a drink with a different guy? To me, all I can see is a confused woman and I’m sorry if I sound harsh but you’re not better than I am.’’

Rea felt like she’d been hit with an arrow but she didn’t give up.

“Josh doesn’t deserve you Scarlett. When are you going to realize this and stop this stupid game you’re playing with him.’’

She turned red. ‘’I’m not playing games.’’

“you’re not the only teacher who can take that boy Scarlett. They’re dozens of other teachers he can employ and he’s just trying to set a trap for you.’’

“well, too bad I don’t have my eyes on anyone but Gabe’’

Rea felt like hitting some sense into the girl. She might feel grownup and look it, but she was so far from it. “you think josh doesn’t know you have feelings for him. he knows and he’s trying to take advantage of you once more.’’

“I told him I’m engaged.’’

“a man who is obsessed about a woman or rather a man who sets out to get a girl doesn’t see an engagement ring as an obstacle. I saw him looking at you the day he came over to the house to take you out and believe me those looks could make any girl drop dead at his feet.’’

‘’I’m strong enough.’’

Rea grabbed her by the arm. ‘’you’re not that strong Scarlett and I know what Josh does to you when he looks at you. You were my best friend in high school and I know how hard it took you to get over him.’’

Scarlett jerked free angrily. ‘’and I said I’m strong enough to handle whatever he brings my way.’’

Rea looked at her friend and shook her head trying to hold back the tears. ‘’sometimes I feel I don’t know you anymore. And I don’t want you to do what you’ll end up regretting. I hope you put that in mind. You can’t bring people to Jesus in your own way, but you can stay away and pray for them.’’

And then she headed straight to her room.

Scarlett heard the loud bang of the door and inhaled deeply telling herself she was doing the right thing.

She had to or Rea would be right afterall.

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When Scarlett arrived at Josh’s place, it was all it took for her not to gasp.

His house was awesome and huge and she wondered if Gavin didn’t feel alone when he stayed home since his mother was probably in a different state and didn’t care about his well being

Well that was what she could insinuate from the little bits Gavin had been willing to share with her.

But that was before Demi began rambling about the whole thing and she was amazed she already knew about Josh in a few hours.

He was single, he’d been in a relationship for two years which resulted in Gavin but the girl had dumped him for a richer and older man. Far much older man who basked in wealth and luxury.

She had told him she wasn’t a commitment person initially and he’d agreed to their deal, and then the baby came and she’d kept it because Josh wanted her to. But she’d agreed to go on with her life and have nothing to do with him or the baby. She had gone as far as signing a contract on their agreement and Josh being a lawyer made it easier for the both of them.

Demi still didn’t understand how Josh got involved with a girl like Ashley Brooks but all the same, it was over and she was glad.

Gavin had a family who loved and wanted him although it took him time to begin realizing this truth most especially when his father acted in a way that made him doubt that sometimes.

All Gavin wanted was a father who cared enough to take him out, play games with him and read him bedtime stories but Josh was falling short although he had been trying to improve recently and she was glad for the upcoming change.

Demi confessed that she liked Scarlett and urged her to continue with her bible lessons. Josh wasn’t home and so they had time to talk about so many things and Scar knew she’d found a new friend who shared the same faith with her.

“josh secretly listens to Gavin reading those bible stories when he’s about to sleep. One time I caught him sitting in his son’s room and glancing through his new collection of books and his drawings. Josh couldn’t help but smile when he saw a drawing of his son holding a taller man which he tagged Dad.’’

“that’s beautiful.’’

“he hasn’t done that in a while and Josh was convinced you had a part to play. Gavin has always been a distant kid who was still trying to adapt to me and this whole new environment but was having a difficult time doing so. And then you came and he smiles more often and keeps a tooth under his pillow In faith.’’

Scarlett tried not to cry and further asked. ‘’did you guys just moved back to Naperville too?’’

“yeah, about two years ago. Josh didn’t want to risk his son having to face any form of threat or challenges from his mother since she happened to be living in Boston too.’’

“ohh, I see.’’ Scarlett looked away. ‘’He must really love Gavin.’’

“and since he travelled here more often due to his career, he decided why not get a permanent resident here most especially when he was given a tempting offer that gave him a boost to his career. He had roots here from his parents and grandparents and so what other way to get a kid to bond with nephews, nieces and friends. That’s how he came up with this amazing place.’’

“its wonderful. It looks like those houses built for site-seeing.’’

Demi laughed. ‘’wait till you see his beach house in California. That’s a different world entirely hun.’’ She laughed to herself. ‘’more coffee?’’

“no…, I’ve had enough for one day.’’ Scarlett managed to respond before standing up to pick her bag. This was one of those days she finished Gavin’s lessons in time and had a chitchat with Demi who talked about everything from food to love to Josh.

And it always ended up with Josh.

She was glad he wasn’t home and this was one of those days she felt comfortable to move about the house or talk freely.

When he was home, he made her so conscious of herself and everything around her.

She had seen a beautiful piano in the living room the first day she had entered the house and wished she would play one of these days. How she longed to settle her hands on the keys and produce the music that had been dead within her for years.

Maybe one day after Gavin’s lesson, she would give in

EPISODE 13




Rea was beginning to enjoy her new relationship that was just starting to bloom just after four weeks. It wasn’t the perfect relationship and she would have wanted more but she was content with what she had presently. He wasn’t the perfect guy either and he wasn’t as handsome as Ryan had been, but he was amazing in his own way. He was a liberal guy. He wasn’t a Christian but he respected her views and told her he didn’t mind at all, even her decision not to have sex yet even though they were adults in a relationship. He was funny, had an amazing accent proving he’d spent most of his life growing up in France but his English was wonderful.

He took her on dates, spoiled her with gifts, called and sent her texts , dropped her off at home after dinner dates and confessed to her how much he liked her spunk and her sense of humor.

What else could a girl wish for?

She was very grateful to God that she could move on, and Sue for setting her up with a rare guy like Mike who liked her for the idiot that she was.

He made her forget about Ryan…, or was she the one trying so hard to make herself forget about Ryan?

But something else nudged at her heart and she knew it wasn’t God’s will for her to just move so fast with Mike. It was like she wanted to take the bull by the horns and help God out. Ever since her growing relationship with God, she had come to realize that most things didn’t work that way and surrender was important.

But how long was she going to keep waiting while God kept silent

The next day when Mike suggested they go for a stroll, Rea didn’t hesitate and took her jacket along with her trying not to remember nights upon nights when she loved snuggling in Ryan’s jacket that carried his scent. she would pull it so close to herself and after the night was far spent with eating, laughing and talking, she would cuddle up to him and allow him whisper into her ears while he played with her hair. Sometimes, if they didn’t make love, they would share intimate kisses and embrace each other talking about college life and the challenges they faced.

She shook her head of those thoughts that made her feel filthy and guilty and smiled when Mike kissed her briefly on the lips before finally heading out.

She hoped the work would do her good. She accused Scarlett whereas; she was still secretly hurting inside.

For crying out loud, it was already three years they’d gone their separate ways, although now, he seemed to have found way back into town to taunt her with his new relationship status.

“God help me.’’ she prayed and wish she could really understand everything that was going on In her life.

She noticed Mike was quiet as well and asked. “You okay?’’

He nodded.

“You don’t look okay to me.’’

He stopped to look at her then and touched her cheeks slightly. ‘’you’re beautiful do you know that?’’

Rea scoffed. ‘’well, Yea! I know that…, but that’s not gonna make me forget the real question I asked.’’

He laughed and took her hand in his, raising it to his lips.

“there’s something I want to confirm from you before we move on and I really need to know where I stand.’’

“okay.’’

“I feel you’re holding out on me’’

Rea was quiet.

“you don’t like talking about your last relationship and I feel you’re still in love with your ex-boyfriend’’

“no, I’m not. It’s been three years anyway.’’ She laughed nervously.

“I just want to tell you that I’m ready to listen to you if you wanna talk about it. I want to take this relationship to a whole new level and I really need to know where I stand.’’

“He broke up with me. the only thing that matters is that he had his reasons and I cant crucify him for it.’’ she tried to sound non nonchalant and shrugged. ”He was my first and we dated for about 6 and a half years. It wasn’t easy for me but I survived.’’

Mike smiled and squeezed her hand. ‘’I love your honesty and the fact that you’re not so bitter about it.’’

“well, he wanted it to end and I couldn’t object neither did I want to be his stalker. I’m getting too old for stuffs like that don’t you think.’’

“I can tell you liked him a lot.’’

Rea got frustrated. ‘’look Mike!.i don’t understand this whole talk about my ex and me. it just doesn’t add up. I’ve been going out with you and its not like I ever discussed about him…, okay.., except for that time in the bar when I got drunk and I apologized. I didn’t know what I was doing. But right now, I’ve made a choice that I wanna be with you and that settles it.’’

“okay…, I’m sorry.’’ He raised his hands in surrender.

“its okay.’’

“I’m having a barbeque party tomorrow night. Would love to introduce you to my friends. would you be up to it?’’

She blinked. ‘’why not?’’

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When Scar finished with Gavin’s lesson, it was already evening. 6pm in fact and she knew she had to leave immediately since Josh was home today. It was Friday night and so Gavin kept telling his father today was the slumber party at his friend’s house and he most definitely wanted to go early.

And so Demi had packed his things while Josh insisted He wanted to have a word with Scar before she left.

“will you take anything?’’ he began heading to the fridge. ‘’I have loads of Juice and lemonade if you want..’’

“no thanks.’’ She smiled knowing he was trying as much as possible to make her feel comfortable by not offering her any type of beer or wine.

“look…’’ he faced her squarely this time around. ‘’I know we began on the wrong foot and I apologize and you don’t need to stop being angry at me if you wanna, but please, for Gavin’s sake, lets put the past behind us okay.’’

She nodded slowly. ‘’okay.’’

“Good. So what will you have?’’

“a glass of ice tea would do.’’

“Coming right up.’’ he smiled at her and her heart did the galloping effect again. “so, how have you been holding up with my son?’’

“He’s an intelligent kid, I must say. Sometimes I get scared he might even out run Me.’’ her laughter reached her eyes and it was at that moment Josh knew she loved the boy. “he has a beautiful soul and even if he tries to hide it sometimes by playing tough, it’s still obvious.’’

“You can guess who he got that from.’’ Josh winked at her but she lowered her head once more as if afraid that his eyes always did a good job of exposing her true feelings for him which was still there in one side of her heart and she had never begun to realize it till now.

“I saw a piano in the living room the first day I came over here.’’ She decided to change the topic. ‘’do you play?’’

‘’sometimes.’’ He gestured towards the living room. ‘’you wanna try?.., I could learn a few notes from you”

She laughed and received the glass of ice tea from him while heading to the living room together. he went over to open the instrument and told her to settle

Soon they were sitting together and Josh watched her running her hands on the instrument smoothly that he wondered if she had been doing this for a long time.

Well, who knew, ten years was a pretty long time.

And then he suggested they play together and their rhythm flowed simultaneously and Josh had never felt happy all his life. here was a woman who knew not only the right keys on his piano but she knew the right keys to his heart and yet didn’t want him because she was getting married to someone else in about four months’ time.

They stopped at the same time and Scarlett giggled and her shoulders sagged in resignation revealing their time together was over and she was bound to leave.

He could sense part of her wanted to stay.

The mistake she made was looking into his eyes. ‘’I have to go. It’s getting late.’’

“yea.’’ He swallowed. ‘’you should.’’

But neither of them moved.

And then before she could say anything further, he was already kissing her and she didn’t object. His hands went to her dress and she broke free.

“Josh..’’ she swallowed. ‘’please…’’

But he was too blind to notice how much she resisted him and he kissed her again.

‘’what about Gavin or Demi…’’ she continued when he began nuzzling her neck and she felt she would melt if he continued. Her hands were splayed on his chest and she could feel the strong rhythm of his heart beating profusely the way hers was. Her resistance weakened and she dropped her hands to his side pulling him closer to her.

“they took the back door.’’ Was all he could mumble before his lips found hers again.

“I’m getting married.’’ She managed when she came up for air but gave in to him when he kissed her again and allowed his hands roam over her blouse

“you love me, admit it.’’

“oh Josh….’’ Was all she could mutter when she saw she couldn’t fight their passion anymore.

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When Scarlett opened her eyes, she saw Josh smiling down at her and she smiled back thinking it was a dream.

“hello sunshine.’’

She felt his finger stroll down her cheeks and she realized it was real.

She jerked from the bed and realized she was naked and this was as real as it could get.

“oh no!’’ she shook her head and sat up, covering her face in shame. ‘’this isn’t happening to me.’’

Josh was confused and shifted closer to her underneath the sheets. She didn’t need to ask if he was naked as well.

She could remember fully well what had happened between them.

“hey…, its okay.’’

Scarlett turned and tears had already started streaming down her face. ‘’its not okay Josh. Its so not okay.’’ She tried as much as possible to cover her shame by pulling the sheets around her to prevent him from seeing her again and hurriedly started picking her underwear and her clothing from the floor since they were scattered everywhere.

“Scar…’’

“don’t touch me!’’ she cried when He came close to her and tried to hold her.

“its midnight Scar, where are you going by this time of the day?’’

She didn’t listen to him and hurried into the bathroom to complete her dressing. “just leave me alone.’’

“Scar!, there’s no way I’m letting you out of this house by this time.’’ He knocked on the bathroom door but she obviously ignored him.

“I’m sorry.’’ He resigned. ‘’if it’ll make you feel better, then I’m sorry about everything.’’

After an hour had passed and he was sure she’d cried sore, she came out of the bathroom and sank into the bed.

“it was my first time.’’ She barely spoke but Josh was smart enough to understand what she meant. He’d known it was her first time when they started but they were just too engrossed in each other to stop.

“if it’ll make you feel better, I’ll drive you home.’’ He offered.

She nodded and sniffed turning to pick her bag. He came to hold her and she fell into his arms weakly. ‘’I didn’t bargain for all of this.’’ She sobbed.

“its my fault.’’

“no, it was mine. I’d always dreamed this would be a special night.’’

He cupped her face in his hands then and looked into her eyes. ‘’well, it was for me.’’ And he kissed her tears away. She sighed and released herself when she saw it was of no use and since Josh didn’t understand how she felt.

How could he? She was the one at loss. She was the one who’d claimed to be a Christian and had indulged in pre-marital sex. She was the one who had cheated on Gabe and was having sex with a different man. She was the one who would bear the guilt afterwards if they got married.

And she was the one who had her heart for someone else.

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Scarlett didn’t tell Rea or Sue about what had happened and hoped she could face Gabe.

Rea would gloat that she told her so and she dreaded hearing those words after her friend had warned her about the whole Josh parade. But why did she feel so connected to him in such a strong way? Why did she feel He had her heart right in his hands and he could leave her begging for mercy?

She knew she shouldn’t feel this way but she couldn’t even help herself anymore.

Most importantly, she didn’t know how to face God and so she kept the guilt inside and continued like nothing had happened and still went on dinner and Lunch dates with Gabe.

Josh was proving stubborn and She wished He wouldn’t call her or come over to the school to check on her as she was already getting curious glances from colleagues and a little gossip was passing around that she was dating her student’s father.

Josh understood things like this and stopped coming for a while but Gavin missed his classes most especially now that she informed him she couldn’t take him his classes anymore, be it in school or at home.

Her mind could not contain it. she felt like she had betrayed the kid too. How could she sleep with his father and pretend like everything was okay? How could she even keep teaching the bible stories she did when she wasn’t in right standing with God. The boy saw her as good and loyal which she was far from now that she’d given in to Josh.

Gavin wasn’t happy, no doubt, and although he still did well, Scarlett knew it wasn’t his best. He had even gone as far as asking if she was angry with his father but she would smile briefly, rub his hair and tell him No. He would try making conversation with her but she would look for a way to prevent them from having their usual time together and after a while, the boy was smart enough to notice and kept his distance.

Scarlett felt terrible.

She was through for the day and was on her way to catch the Train when she saw Josh’s car parked outside the school. She pretended she didn’t and hurried off but he caught up with her in time.

“can we talk, please?’’

“there’s nothing to talk about Josh.’’

“please, even if its not for me, but for Gavin. He’s getting worse at home and He feels I’m responsible for everything.’’

Scarlett closed her eyes and sighed. This wasn’t going to be easy for her but she had to be strong.

She finally gave in and headed to his car while they drove to a place far away from school.

He began. ‘’Scar, why are you doing this to me. It’s been weeks and you won’t even pick my call or give me a glance. And you’re taking it out on my son. I thought you were better than this.’’

“you’re right!..’’ she tried to prevent herself from shaking. ‘’I’m not a better person. I’m just a woman who sees it fit to sleep with her student’s father.’’

Josh closed his eyes. ‘’Scar, why do you keep doing this to yourself?’’

“because I’m not meant to feel this way about you.’’ The tears strolled down to her neck. ‘’I’m getting married to someone else…’’

“but you don’t have to marry him.’’ Josh blurted out suddenly reaching for her across the passenger’s seat. ‘’I love you Scarlett. I’ve never stopped loving you and I’d be a fool if I let you go this time.’’

Scarlet could only stare back at him in shock and she was lost for a while before he brought her back to the present. ‘’Scar?’’

“we can’t do this. It’s wrong. So wrong. Our beliefs are different and I feel like I betrayed Gabe.’’ She looked at her palms nervously. “that night, I didn’t know what I was thinking…’’

“but now, you know and you cant deny you love me too.’’

“oh goodness, this is hard.’’ She sighed and closed her eyes and before knew it, Josh was kissing her again. When she didn’t object, he pressed further till it was intense and she broke free again.

“I have to go.’’ She gulped and quickly reached for a Kleenex before stepping out into the street.

Josh could only watch her walk away.

Done ;Dmore pls

EPISODE 14

“you look great.’’ Mike praised when he saw Rea coming towards him while he dropped what he was doing and went over to greet her with a kiss. “and nice dress too’’

“thanks.’’ She greeted glad that Mike liked the simple white dress with large flower prints like spring she had thrown on today.

It had been a while she wore it and she appreciated the fact that the dress didn’t reveal any thigh or exposed cleavage.

She wasn’t going to dangle a bone in his eyes and stop him if he raged. She wasn’t ready for that phase of life yet till marriage.

She held his hand and followed him to greet his friends that hung around helping themselves to a bottle of beer and fed on their barbeque and returned the smile they extended her way. She tried to make light conversation and laughed when something funny was said.

At the corner of her eye, she could see Mike was happy and she was glad.

Mike’s place was large no doubt and the back of the house where the whole party was going on was enough to contain all his friends including the ones he wasn’t very close to.

Rea sat talking with his friend’s girlfriend and was hoping the girl would just keep talking. The girl was like a reporter and a journalist at the same time and she just kept chatting and talking about everything. “how long have you known Mike?’’

“like two months.’’

“Wow. Mike talks about you two like you’ve been going out for a year. He’s an amazing guy.’’

“thanks.’’

“so what do you do for a living?’’

“I’m an accountant.’’

“that’s great. I’m a chef. i have my own restaurant downtown and you could stop by sometime.’’

“okay.’’

Mike came up to her and she was glad for the interruption and quickly clung to him trying a much as possible to leave politely.

“I want you to meet a friend. A childhood friend actually. We went to the same elementary school together but split ways when my parents moved to France.’’

“really.’’

“yeah. He’s a hot one, Played football in high school. Was strong enough not to let his parents decide his career over football.’’ He laughed.

Rea smiled and hoped she didn’t come in contact with another chatterbox like the one she had just broken free from.

She gulped when she came in contact with Mike’s childhood friend.

Oh no!! this cant be happening!

“Andrea, meet my childhood friend Ryan Riverstone, Ryan, meet Andrea, my girlfriend.’’

Ryan in turn was shocked but did a good job of hiding it so well he extended his hand immediately. “nice to meet you Rea.’’

“same here.’’ Their handshake was very brief and she was glad.

He almost forgot to introduce his girlfriend. ‘’and this is Emilia, my girlfriend.’’

“nice to meet you Emilia.’’ She extended her hand and the lady received it with a beam. ‘’it’s so good to finally see you. Mike talks about you like almost all the time.’’

Rea looked at Mike with a smile. ‘’really, and what have you been saying about me Mr. Bailey?’’

“nothing that isn’t true. The most beautiful woman I’ve ever met, my one and only and the girl who brings sunshine into my life but drives me crazy all the same.’’

“Mike.’’ She nudged him playfully glad that he made the atmosphere less tense with his teasing.

“what?’’

“never mind.’’ She shook her head and tried to sound as casual as possible. ‘’I’ll go get something to drink. Do you guys want anything?’’

“Let me come with you.’’ Emilia chipped in.

“okay.’’ Rea shrugged.

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Ryan stared at Rea till her back faded from sight and was glad he hadn’t been caught. Mike probably thought he was staring at Emilia when he spoke. ‘’You really like her don’t you?’’

Ryan’s heart thudded in his chest initially thinking her had been talking about Rea when he realized quite the opposite.

“she’s a great person.’’ Was all he had the strength to say.

Mike smiled and continued turning the piece of meat on the grill while Ryan talked.

“so, how long have you two known each other?’’

“just two months and they’ve been the amazing months in my life ever since I returned from France.’’

Ryan felt a sharp pain by the left side of his chest which he knew wasn’t medically related. He really wanted her but he just couldn’t. He had to keep telling himself that.

And that dress she had worn.., it fitted so perfectly against her body reminding him of their first night together. she had worn something like that. Like she had known what was going to happen between them and he just loved seeing her in a dress. That was a weakness for him.

“cool.’’ He hoped he wouldn’t choke on his piece of meat.

Mike looked at him then. ‘’you’re the only one I trust with stuffs like this and I haven’t told the other guys yet. Andrea is a Christian like you too, and she believes in this “no-sex’’ thing before marriage so we haven’t gone there yet just so you know.’’

Ryan didn’t know whether to laugh or cry at such news and he hugged his friend out of excitement.

“hey!..y’kay man?’’

“sure.., I’m just happy to hear about her decision.’’

Mike looked at his friend like he had gone crazy but shrugged. ‘’well, I just hope I’m strong enough to wait that long. I mean I can tell she’s hot y’know, and she’s got this spunk I know she won’t be missing when we have sex but I just have to be patient.’’

Ryan swallowed hard wishing Mike hadn’t just said those words to him. The guy wasn’t a Christian so how will he understand her reason for not sleeping with any man before marriage.

They had broken that rule in the past when they were young and ignorant but now they knew better, they had to stay away from such invitation.

‘So Rea was a Christian’ was all he could think about while Mike continued talking but he was oblivious to all that he was saying.

Mike broke into his thoughts. ‘Hey man’’

Ryan turned his attention to him

“you haven’t said anything all this while.’’

The only thing he could ask was, ‘’so how serious are the both of you?’’

“we’re thinking of taking it to the next level. I mean we both have past relationships but we’ve decided to move on.’’ he shrugged and smiled at his friend. ‘’the guy who broke up with her didn’t know what he had or he’d have kept her. I mean she won’t even talk about it. imagine her protecting him till this moment. She’s not like one of those bitter women who keep ranting about their ex and how he was so unfair or the things they did together and all the crap that has to go with it. I think Rea is my kinda woman Ryan.’’

“wow’’

Mike smiled. ‘’yea, I know. Wow.’’ He laughed revealing perfect set of white teeth and asked. ‘’so how have you been holding up with work over here? Think it’s better than Texas?’’

“it’s okay. And environmental friendly too.’’

“how’s mum and Dad, do you still hear from them?’’

“yea, occasionally though.’’

“I should stop by someday and say hi.’’

“yea, you should.’’

“I’ll be right back, I think I need to use the men’s’’

“no problem.’’

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When Ryan stepped out of the men’s and headed into the living room, he came in contact with Rea in the kitchen who was trying to get two bottles of beer out of the fridge while helping herself to a can of coke and ice in a small glass cup.

He wondered where Emilia was.

“hi’’

She turned to look at him and her facial expression remained the same. ‘’hi. I’m sorry I’m taking long with your drinks. I just had to calm down before returning outside. I couldn’t just come back outside pretending everything is okay between us.’’

“it’s okay.’’

She downed the whole class of coke appreciating the caffeine content that was going to keep her alert in situations like this and not stupidly drunk like the other night and sighed. ‘’much better.’’

She passed him two bottles of Heineken. ‘’yours and Mike.’’

“I don’t drink anymore.’’

‘okay.’’ She burped and dropped the bottles on the counter. ‘’I’ve had two bottles of coke.’’ She laughed over her silly attitude and covered her mouth. ‘’sorry about that.’’

He laughed. Nothing she did surprised him. they’d been going out for almost seven years and she could fart or burp in his presence without him being perturbed about it.

“so what happened? You got addicted?’’

“no, I’m a Christian now.’’

She froze.

“you don’t mean what you just said do you?’’

“I do.’’

‘’wow, that’s an icing on the cake.’’ Her voice dripped with sarcasm when she responded. Christians didn’t behave in the way he did, neither did they just dump their old girlfriends without a good explanation.

or was that the excuse he was trying to give for dumping her? she was going to find out.

“how long have you been a Christian?’’

‘’about four years ago.’’

She was right after all.

‘’Rea…, I’m sorry…’ he began but she raised her hand to stop him from explaining further.

“you don’t have to apologize for anything.’’ She choked out and the tears were already in her eyes. ‘’neither do you have to explain the reason why I got dumped over the phone. It just made me realize my worth to you.’’

“Rea, please.’’

She shook her head and she closed her eyes in order to let the tears return back to their source. She wasn’t going to cry before him. She couldn’t and wouldn’t.

By the time she opened her eyes, he was already standing in front of her and though she tried to move away from his towering presence, she was trapped between him and the counter and when he touched her, she could only shiver.

It was like something dead had risen again. How and Where it had been, she couldn’t say but she hated that she couldn’t control her feelings for him or her body couldn’t say no to him.

‘’Andrea..’’ he whispered and she looked up into his eyes. They looked so blue and dark reminding her of the deep blue ocean and she weakened.

“I miss you.’’

She swallowed.

“It was immature of me to do what I did to you. I know I should have come over to explain everything. Talk to you about my new found faith and try to show you the beauty of what I believed in but I didn’t. I just acted like a stupid child and called you over the phone telling you it was over afraid that if I set eyes on you again, I might just forget everything and kiss you.’’

“you should have talked to me. I was your best friend not just your girlfriend.’’

“I’m sorry. I couldn’t bear to see the look on your face when I told you. I was afraid you might bring me down in some sort of way and I did forget what I had. I just needed some time alone.’’

“What about Emilia?’’

“we started going out some months ago, but its not like what we had.’’

Someone strolled into the kitchen and they separated from each other. Rea returned a bottle of Heineken back into the fridge and gave him the other one. ‘’do me a favor and hand this over to Mike, I’m not strong enough to face him now.’’

He bit his lip and Rea could tell he was disappointed at her response. Well what else did he expect from her? He didn’t expect her to just give in to him so easily after his whole speech of repentance.

She was human too, and she had to think about what she wanted. He hadn’t even proposed anything to her.

He had just said he was sorry, nothing about wanting her back.

She wasn’t going to jump into conclusions just yet.

If she really still meant that much to him, he would do all he could to get her.

And she would move on.

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When Demi announced over the phone that Gavin had fallen ill, Scarlett panicked but tried to be focused till she was through for the day and hurried over to the house just to see him.

When she saw the pale looking figure on the bed, her heart melted and she went up to him while he slept and the doctor talked to Josh.

For a while, she said nothing and just stared at him and watched him sleep till he blinked his eyes open and saw her.

His lips curved into a smile slowly and he looked at her. ‘’Miss Ruby…’’ he managed

“shhh…” she hushed him and dabbed his forehead with a damp towel since his fever was breaking already. “you’re gonna be fine honey. Just relax.’’

‘’I’m so glad you came to see me.’’ he ignored her warnings

“me too.’’

‘’will you stay here with me, Daddy’s been here all day and He’s been such a bore.’’

Not thinking, she laughed. ‘’of course I will. I’m not going anywhere.’’

And she kept her word.

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“Demi made something for you. You have to eat something.’’ Josh persisted when Scarlett refused to eat anything and still watched after Gavin.

“I feel its my fault.’’ She sighed exhaustively. ‘’I shouldn’t have stopped his classes.’’

“its just a fever and a cough sweetheart, its something kids are bound to have when they roll with other kids.’’

“he looked really bad.’’

“well, that’s Gavin for you. His body has a way of exaggerating things.’’

“and that doesn’t bother you?’’ Scarlett looked up

“the doctor says He’ll be fine and so I believe he’ll be fine.’’ He said in a firm tone and stretched his hands towards her so that she would take it and rise.

She slowly did so and Josh could tell she was worn out.

“I’ll get you something to eat while Demi watches over him tonight okay?’’

“it’s late.’’ She yawned and settled into the couch while Josh headed into the kitchen to get her something to eat.

By the time he returned, she was already fast asleep in his living room. Setting the tray down he knelt down to look at her for a while wishing she wasn’t as stubborn she proved to be.

She looked so beautiful and much more vulnerable when she slept, just like the last time he’d observed her sleeping beside him.

He removed her shoes and lifted her from the chair and upstairs into the guest room and covered her with a duvet.

After admiring her once again, he closed the door behind him and headed for the stairs.

He still had so much work to do.

say those words to him anymore

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When Scarlett woke up and found herself in a large bedroom, her gaze went to her body and she heaved a sigh of relief when she realized her clothes were still on.

Just as she was about to start wondering how she was going to hurry off to work this morning since she’d slept off in someone’s bedroom and picking her phone, she saw like six missed calls. Three from Gabe and the rest from Rea.

She just hoped things wouldn’t get more complicated than it already was.

Just then, Demi walked in. ‘’Good morning honey.’’

“hey.’’ She managed

“i came to drop some clothes for you that you can try on to work this morning.’’ The older woman beamed and dropped some neat clothes that were on a hanger on the bed. “why don’t you hurry up and take a shower, you must be hungry since you didn’t eat last night.’’

“famished.’’

“I have a healthy and huge breakfast prepared for three so I’ll be expecting you soon.’’

“thank you Demi, you don’t know how much I’m grateful for all of this.’’

“I’m more grateful for you coming into our lives.’’

And then she was gone.

Scarlett hurried into the bathroom and cleaned up, was glad for the hair dryer but could only tie her hair and not straighten it as she did every morning. Her hair was getting longer and she mused over cutting it or leaving it to grow further.

When she got downstairs, she found Josh at the table looking so formal and handsome in grey suit and pants with a black tie knotted neatly. She wondered how he was able to fit his body frame into the neat suit and was unaware of his gaze on her till she looked up into his eyes.

Blushing that she had been caught, she tried to cover up by asking, ‘’How’s Gavin?’’

“he’s better. Demi’s carried his breakfast to his room this morning. He won’t be able to make it to school today.’’

“Its okay.’’ She settled down to coffee first and tried as much as possible to concentrate on her food without feeling awkward which seemed kind of impossible anyway most especially when she had slept in a man’s house, not just an ordinary man but someone she’d been intimate with some weeks ago.

“I can drop you at work…’’

“no thanks.’’ She objected immediately and the dinning remained silent again but that was before Josh stood up, obviously through with his breakfast and lifted his briefcase and ipad in his right hand and walked towards her.

For a while, she held her breath when she realized he was standing right before her, looking intently at her face while she tried as much as possible to avoid his gaze.

“you don’t have to fight it y’know.’’ His finger went to her face and strolled down. Just that simple action made her almost choke on her coffee.

“Josh….’’ She swallowed closing her eyes

“let’s have dinner tonight. I know a great place.’’

She breathed. ‘’you’re not making this easy for me.’’

He continued like she wasn’t saying anything. ‘’I’ve always wanted to treat you to dinner. Just the both of us with candlelight’’

“Gavin needs me.’’

“Demi will take care of things.’’ He bent to kiss her on the lips and she didn’t object. “you look great even without your make-up’’

She blushed again, her heart beating wildly in her chest while her flames were on fire. ‘’please don’t do this to me.’’

“you don’t know what you do to me when you tell me you don’t want me.’’ he kissed her again and she responded fully this time holding unto him without any form of resistance.

He released her reluctantly. ‘’tonight. i’ll call you.’’

She nodded realizing he didn’t want to leave her in a hurry and quickly grabbed her bag

“I love you.’’ He mumbled before turning to leave finally.

She didn’t have the courage to respond to that.

When Scarlett tried as much as possible to bring in self-control, she found it hard to and just wanted to feel Josh again and so automatically shut off all warnings that surfaced whenever she thought about their passionate kiss this morning.

It was break time and she was about eating lunch when her phone rang.

Oh no! it was Gabe

She couldn’t believe she hadn’t thought of him all day. Wasn’t this the man she was getting married to in a few month’s time?

She inhaled deeply before picking. ‘’Gabe…I’m so sorry.’’

“where have you been and what’s going on?’’

“you don’t know how sorry I am. Something came up yesterday and I just forgot about calling you…’’ she didn’t know what else to say and she realized to get out of this, she might have to lie

Oh goodness! Was this how it all started, from one sin to another?

“I’ll see you tonight…’’

“I cant. I have to see a child’s parent.’’ She felt filthy. If only he knew what she was going to do tonight, which was much more than conversation.

“what for? I thought that was what you were doing the other time we couldn’t see each other?’’

“its so much more Gabe. I’ll explain everything tomorrow evening over dinner okay. Right now I cant say much.’’

“ok. I’ll wait. Hope you’ve been good?’’

“yea. I’m okay. I just get busy sometimes.’’

“tomorrow.’’

“yea.’’

He hesitated before saying. ‘’I love you.’’ And then she realized she was the one who usually cooed those words first before he replied the same way.

“you too.’’ Was all she could say. She couldn’t just bring herself to

He hesitated before saying. ‘’I love you.’’ And then she realized she was the one who usually cooed those words first before he replied the same way.
[b]“you too.’’[/b]Was all she could say. She couldn’t just bring herself to

@ the bolded, I think it's supposed to be me too and not you too since she's the one saying it.

Ride on please. Loving this!!

noed sir.. thanks.. should update today?.. what do you think so far?.

EPISODE 15

‘’I never knew you could cook so well.’’ Scarlett praised accepting the glass of red wine hand over to her by Josh while settling unto the couch beside him. in her wildest dreams, she had never suspected Josh as a better cook.

The alarm bells in her head had gone off immediately she decided to come over to his place for dinner.

“so you don’t mind about the change of plans that we’re having dinner at my place?’’

“I like it here.’’

“then why don’t you move In with me?’’

Scar found it hard to swallow. Move in with Josh Riley? He was asking Her to move in with him. this was so against what she believed in.

But hadn’t she permitted it all in the first place? She was the one meant to be pulling him towards God but He was doing a good job moving her away from him

But wasn’t this what she wanted, what she’d dreamed of in the past?

She shook her head. ‘’I cant. Gabe…’’

He looked into her eyes then. ‘’if you loved him, you wouldn’t be here with me.’’

She closed her eyes and felt the conscience prick her again. ‘’I can’t believe I’m doing this with you. I have to go.’’

She stood up immediately and headed for the door when he placed his hands on them making her trapped right under him.

“we’re selfish, and what we’re doing is so wrong. Gavin needs you now more than ever, and I’m his teacher who should be helping him in all ways possible. He loves you so much and that’s all I want to witness. But this thing that happened between us, if we continue like this, it’ll ruin everything.’’

“Gavin loves you…’’

“I know. But I haven’t been living up to my reputation.’’

‘’when are you going to tell Gabe about us?’’

Scarlett’s eyes widened. ‘’us?’’

Josh frowned. ‘’is there no us?’’

“I cant. I’ll break his heart.’’

“and so you’ll rather break mine?’’

“you came late Josh. Right when something could have worked between us, you walked away. Right when you should have stood up for me, you didn’t say a word and right when I was humiliated in high school and expected you to do something, you just acted like you knew nothing.’’ Her eyes were beginning to mist but she didn’t struggle to wipe away the tears when they came strolling down. “and now you tell me you love me when you have a girlfriend and a son and moved on ahead in life. don’t you care that I want to be happy too, that I want to live life too, and life doesn’t revolve around you alone?’’

“baby, I’m so sorry.’’ He tried holding her hands but she broke free. ‘’I would never hurt you and when that thing happened back In high school, I called you, I tried everything I could, I searched for you. I opted out of the football team and forfeited the scholarship all because of you. I felt everything was my fault and I wasn’t myself for days. Your parents wouldn’t even allow me near your house and my parents didn’t make things easier. I never knew what we had was Love till now. I felt it was just my heart playing tricks on me but you are the only woman who has this strange effect on me I can’t explain.’’

“I never knew you opted out of the football team…’’ she felt guilty. Sheila had done all she could to separate them and the kiss they’d shared, she thought he was in all of it.

And she had left hating him and hating herself knowing she would never fall for his type again.

And here he was looking broken and wanting her so badly. Why couldn’t she give herself to him when that was what they both wanted?

He began kissing her tears away and she weakened when his lips finally found hers, claiming them for his own gently at first and then deeply till she broke free for air.

She knew the wine had little or nothing to do with the way she was feeling presently

“we cant do this here, Gavin…’’ she managed to say before she went into his arms willingly.

He was strong enough to carry her upstairs.

Two hours later, Josh lay exhausted beside Scarlett and kissed her firmly on the lips. She didn’t resist this time but rested her head and her hands on his bare chest loving how solid he felt against her.

“I don’t know what you’re doing to me Scarlett, but you’ve got me falling head over heels for you.’’ He played with her hair absent mindedly. ‘’I don’t know how I’d survive the rest of the day without you.’’

She looked up at him and her eyes began to mist. This was wrong but it felt so good. He broke her walls and shattered every obstacle she’d created and she knew he had her right in his palms. Right now, he could crush her or he could mold her presently.

Josh Riley had the key to her heart and as they lay together, she knew this was just the beginning of something deeper between them.

“tell me about Gavin’s mum.’’ She propped her head on her elbow to be able to look fully into his eyes. His hand slipped away from her back and she was glad for the less distraction. That way, she could realize the truth in time.

“she was a colleague.’’ Was all he said

“and you don’t feel I deserve to know so much more about you and how much you’ve moved on.’’

“I don’t want to fill your head with something that never really happened. It was just a case of two adults fooling around.’’

Scarlett sat up pulling the sheet to her body. ‘’so what are we doing now?’’

Gavin looked at her then, the feeling of trepidation crawling up his spine. Scarlett had come to him whole keeping her word to remain a virgin and he’d taken that from her whereas he didn’t wait. He knew she was bound to ask him how much he’d been faring without her.

“its much more than sex you know that.’’

“so you forgot all about me and moved on.’’ she managed to get the words out though the tears were already stuck in her throat.

He rose to move closer to her. ‘’not for one second did I forget you Scarlett. For a while, I thought I couldn’t do without you. If you know how hurt I felt, how I tried looking for you, how I even came over to your house the day before you moved out and tried to hold you and comfort you, but your parents thought I was the one who had hurt you and wouldn’t even let me get close to you. And then I heard you had gone just like that.’’

“whatever happened between Ashley and I wasn’t meant to. It just happened cos I was trying to move on without you. And then she wanted to get rid of the baby but I couldn’t allow her do that. I felt like I had a responsibility and was gonna stick by it even if she didn’t want to. I got her to sign a contract that she wouldn’t try anything funny in the future against Gavin and she was more than ready. She’s no more in my life.’’

‘what about your new girlfriend?’’

“she can’t even stand a chance in places where you’re concerned.’’

He started to kiss her and she surrendered to him. when he pulled away, it was to smile into her eyes with desire.

“I have something for you.’’ He mumbled against her lips.

She smiled. ‘’really…’’

He stretched his hand to his bed table and snatched the velvet box that lay beside him.

Scarlett’s heart beat wildly in her chest and her eyes widened on full realization of what was about to happen.

“I know I’m meant to plan the perfect proposal for you, being the special woman in my life but I just can’t hold it in anymore.” He opened the box and got down from the bed to get on his knees. ‘’Scarlett Rose Ruby, please do me the honour of being my wife.’’

She covered her mouth and let the tears flow easily. This was what she’d ever dreamed of and it was happening presently.

“I don’t know what to say. It’s all too much for me right now.’’

“I can give you time. I’m a patient man, and I can wait.’’

And she reached for him and kissed him passionately.

“I love you Josh Riley.’’ She managed to say as he rose to join her on the bed once more, forgetting everything else apart from their passion for each other.

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For a while, Scarlett found it difficult to say anything to Gabe but the tension In their relationship was palpable enough to detect that something was wrong and not as before anymore. She kept postponing the date but Josh didn’t mind most especially since they spent almost all their time together and sometimes Gavin joined in the fun, making Scarlett wish he was hers.

Josh dropped hints on how to make that possible and so she knew she most definitely had to tell Gabe.

Most Fridays were spent in his place after their poetry reading at the café or sometimes after dinner. She told him she couldn’t invite him to her place since she didn’t live alone and didn’t want Rea to get mad at her.

“that would be a good idea, y’know.’’ He said jokingly one time when they were in the kitchen together and she’d been preparing dinner for him, wearing only his Shirt.

She cocked her eyebrows. ‘’oh really…’’

He came close and slid his hands around her waist pulling her close nuzzling her neck in the process. ‘’in that way, she’d send you packing and you could come over my place. Then you can answer my proposal question in time.’’

“you’re not gonna give up are you?’’

“I can’t lose you again.’’

She smiled remembering the second surprise he’d given her the night after he proposed to her. He’d come to snatch her away from the house with the pretense that he just wanted to take her out.

But when they drove closer to the harbor, she knew it was much more than a lunch date.

He got down from the car and he urged her to come out and join him.

It was when she stepped out from his car she saw the surprise and gasped, covering her mouth in shock

“oh no!’’

She looked at him and saw him grinning like a boy in love. The boy she’d fallen in love with years ago and looked at the big boat her name was boldly scripted upon.

“The Scarlett.’’

“Josh, this is all too much.’’

He came and pulled her close to his side, kissing her hair. ‘’anything for you baby.’’

They walked into the boat together while Josh greeted the engineers behind the whole ordeal. Their rapport had been so natural and then she saw the captain smiling at her and excusing them as they looked around.

“wanna check out the cabin?’’

She could only nod as he reached for her hand and led her inside closing the door behind him.

“it’s beautiful Josh, I don’t even know what to say’’

“anything to make you make up your mind about marrying me.’’

‘’you’re serious aren’t you?’’ she looked into his eyes then.

He came closer to her and caressed her face with his fingers, raw desire in his eyes. ‘’ I want you to be mine.’’

She swallowed when he traced his fingers on her lips. How in the world did he have so much authority over her this way? ‘’I’m yours already.’’

“we could take time out and set sail on this baby when you’re ready. And then when we get married, we could spend time at my beach house together.’’

‘’hmmmn..’’ she closed her eyes when his lips settled on hers and could do nothing else when he peeled off her clothes.

And now, she couldn’t figure out how many times she’d allowed him into her body and into her life but she didn’t care anymore.

With time, she couldn’t hear her conscience speak again.

She laughed basking in his scent and not wanting him to let go ‘’I’ll give you an answer at the right time and I bet you it wouldn’t be a no.’’

‘’you smell good, delicious in fact.’’ He trailed kisses down her bare shoulders.

“you’re distracting you know that don’t you?’’ she tried to stop him but didn’t succeed and gave up.

The food had gotten burnt with Demi had walked in on them and the look on her face was enough to remind Scarlett of where she’d placed her before she had been reduced to Josh’s bedmate.

One afternoon while he was still away and she was teaching Gavin his lessons, she interrupted rudely and told Gavin to go to the neighbour’s house sweetly while she had a talk with Scarlett alone.

“I don’t need to be a rocket scientist before I know what you’re doing with my nephew.’’ She began looking right into her eyes. ‘’and the fact that you’re sleeping with him without any guilty conscience when you read those stories to Gavin amazes me.’’

Scarlett blushed and tried averting her gaze. The woman knew where to hit her

“I know I don’t have the right to judge you or anything, but I expected so much more from you than this. I trusted you and brought you into my family. I told you everything about us hoping you would work your way into his heart and bring him to Christ but it seems to me like you’re working your way into his bed instead.’’

“Demi…’’

“you’re not the first woman he’s going to have sex with, but for your sake and mine, I hope you qualify being the last cos you’d be losing on both sides.’’

And she was gone.

And for the first time in weeks since she’d been going out with Josh, she began to see what she had been doing and broke into tears.

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When Scarlett started throwing up and feeling queasy, she didn’t know what to pin it to and thought it was probably something she’d eaten and took a sick leave. When she noticed a little awkwardness in her sleeping habit and her irritation for things she normally liked, she grew scared.

Was she suddenly having allergic reactions? That was so odd.

But she suspected it was so much far from allergic reactions when after the second month, her period stopped visiting.

Oh no, this was all too much to bear and she prayed it was something else. Something far from what she suspected could be the reason.

She couldn’t handle another surprise in her life right now while she was still trying to sort her life out.

Rea was suspicious but tried not to show it most especially when Scar didn’t mention anything about herself and Josh, never talked about the weekends she didn’t sleep over, and the reason why he’d brought her home so late at night some weeks ago.

She knew it right from that moment that her friend wasn’t the same anymore and she grew worried for her.

But she decided to go with her to the hospital to confirm her suspicion and look Scar in the eye to start spilling out everything if it was true.

She didn’t know who her friend was anymore. She felt more like a stranger lived in the house with her.

When Scar was told she was six week’s pregnant, she was in shock for a while and didn’t speak. And then she burst into tears after the doctor left the room

Rea did what she could do best. Comfort her.