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.

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

“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.

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.

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

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.

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



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 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.

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





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.’’

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

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?’’

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

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.

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

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 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.

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.

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

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 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.

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

“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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.’’

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

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.

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..

;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;
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.

[/left][center][/center][/left]

---