“ True love can stand the test of time. ”****The duo were surprised to not only find Joseph's mother but. Vera, his ex-girlfriend. “ What's going on? ” Was the thought on their minds?“ Look who we've got here. ” Vera stared at Mira with disdain. “ It's the baby best friend turned girlfriend. ”“ Don't even dare! ” Evie warned, rising up to Mira's defense.“ Not so fast, Evelyn. ” She snickered. “ You don't have to get worked up, yet. We haven't even said anything. Or am I wrong, Mother? ” She turned to Joseph's mom.Evie and Mira stared at each other in confusion at her words. Mother? When did they become so close? Their confusion further intensified at her reply. “ You are right, daughter. ”“ You must be, Miranda. ” She put on a fake smile as she faced her. “ Yeah. ”“ I heard you now live with my son. ” Her words made the duo open their mouths wide open in shock. Like how did she know?“ Yeah. ” Mira replied in between clenched fists. “ As his what, if I may ask? ” She had her
“ Saying I love you, isn't enough. Love requires action. ”****“ I once heard that love covers everything. Never would I have thought it would hurt this much, Evie. ” They were now sitting under a big mango tree in their school compound as they conversed. “ It hurts, Evie. ” Mira whispered bitterly.“ Um. ” Evie simply kept rubbing soothing circles on her back as she allowed her to vent as much as she wanted. She believed that would do a great job in making her feel better.“ I guess I have been living in a fairy tale all along. Like how could I have expected everything to go smoothly and so well. When life itself isn't fair? ” She sniffed. “ I should have known that love itself isn't enough, just like faith alone isn't enough. I should have known that it wasn't enough just as being intelligent isn't enough to have good grades. Hard work has to be put in. ”“ What do you think would have made your relationship complete, Mira? ” Evie picked her words carefully. “ Equality between pa
* It's said that a mother always wants the best for her child. But what if she doesn't know her child enough to figure out exactly what's best for him? * ***Those were the exact words on Joseph's mind as he drove on the highways. He had a really hard time focusing on the road ahead of him as the scene of Mira being in tears and emotional pain stuck to him.He just couldn't get it out of his head. And that in turn only added to his already fueled anger. “ How dare she hurt my baby girl so much? What right does she have to do so? ”The fact that he had chosen to forgive both her and his dad for the hurt they caused him doesn't mean they could come in anytime and take up the, “ Mom and Dad. ” whenever they want.It doesn't work that way! And he certainly wasn't going to pretend he was fine with it. Soon, he got to the estate his Mom lived in and parked his car in the car park before walking inside.On his way in, he received a call from Nanny. “ Joseph, remember what the Bible says
* A mother's love can never be replaced. *****“ I am your mother, Joseph. ” emphasized the word mother, after she was quiet for a while, somewhat pondering on what to say. “ Mother? ” He stared at her with eyes filled with wonder. “ Have you forgotten how you abandoned me as a little child? Have you forgotten all about it? How I cried and begged you to take me along with you? Don't tell me you've forgotten so soon how you pushed me away like I was nothing but a piece of garbage? Have you forgotten all about that, mom? So soon? ”“ I... ” She was suddenly overcome with stutters. What could she say? She couldn't deny how right he was.“ Speechless? Mom, you need to understand that giving birth to a child doesn't automatically make you a mother, just like donating sperm doesn't make one a father. ”“ Still, the fact that I gave birth to you remains! I carried you for nine months, Joseph! I went through excruciating pains just to bring you into this world. ”Joseph looked up from the
* I still believe. * – Mira. —“ The scattered words and empty thoughts seem to pour from my heart. ”Those words which were a lyric from the song, “ I still believe by Jeremy camp. ”Was becoming very real to me.“ I've never felt so torn beforeSeems I don't know where to start. ”The lyrics became so real to me and then I was reminded of the quote that says, we enjoy the melody of music when we are happy, but when we are sad, we relate to the lyrics. Curled up like a ball on my bed, I couldn't stop the tears that blurred my vision. Beatrice's voice rang in my mind like an alarm clock reminding me of why I am here and why it hurts so much. “ Miranda, the fact that you live with my son and spend his money doesn't really signify that he's going to end with you. From what I know, Joseph is just twenty one and settling down is currently far from his mind and even if he wants to. Do you really think he'll settle down with someone like you when there are more beautiful and elegant l
* It’s going to be okay. *****Meanwhile,Vera had been day dreaming of her future life with the youngest billionaire, Joseph.Was stunned when Beatrice came back looking disheveled and completely stressed out. “ Did she cry? ” Staring at how red her eyes were, she found herself asking inwardly.“ Mom. You – ” Beatrice raised her palm up and that was enough to silence her. “ It's fine. I am okay. ”“ You sure? ” Though she wasn't a compassionate person, still she knew she had to fake it if need be as Beatrice of course was her triumph card. “ Yup. ”“ Okay. ” They sat down as Vera continued sipping her lemonade whilst staring at Beatrice wondering what to say. Or rather, if it was right to say a word at that point. “ Where's your mom? ” “ She had to get her nails done, so she left. ” Beatrice nodded at her words as silence reigned between them for several minutes.“ It's about, Joseph. Then I am sorry, I can't convince him for you. ”“ But, Mom? ” The shock in her expression couldn
* There’s no fear in love as perfect love casts out all fear. *****Those were the exact words that dropped in Mira's mind when Joseph told her of the impending danger. They were both in an open field a few miles away from their school. The single lecture for the day was done and since other students had gone to the hostels to rest, the duo were able to enjoy the peace and tranquility of the environment. " It's going to be tasking from now on, Mira... We both have to be very careful especially you as almost all odds are against us. "" But the Lord is on our side, right? " Mira whispered with a sweet smile. Her words were like the reminders he craved for as, He automatically relaxed hearing her words. " Oh yeah... "" Recall what was said in Isaiah? When thou passeth through the waters, I'll be with thee and through the fire you shall not be devoured. "" Hm... "Silence reigned between the duo for minutes until Joseph spoke up. " What was the first thing you thought when my mom
“ Life becomes more meaningful when we learn to live in the moment. ”****Wednesday,The lecture today was english.Due to it being a general subject some of the students were assigned to sit in one class. The venue chosen was a large hall which could easily accommodate one thousand students. Mira had received a text from Joseph earlier that day. “ I can't wait to spend the two hour lecture sitting right next to you. ” what this did was leave numerous butterflies in her belly. Though they've been together for a while, they've never really sat down together for a lecture as they were studying different courses and barely had subjects in common.But now?It really seemed like nature was finding a way to bring them together. The mere thought of having to spend a whole lecture sitting right to him made Mira blush.“ Oh wow, sweet sixteen is turning red already. ” Evie nudged her with a mischievous wink. “ It's not. ” her attempt to deny was shoved off by Evie who replied with a wink.
Epilogue.“ The end of a thing is better than its beginning. ”****—- Miranda —-It's said that friendship is the backbone of every relationship, I can't help but agree more at this point. I stared into the ever beautiful eyes of my groom and the love and adoration in it couldn't be denied. It's been fifty years of friendship and thirty eight years of marriage, yet it feels like a lifetime.Is this really how beautiful love is?I've always heard about love being beautiful from my parents and now? I couldn't help agreeing more. Years ago, I had questioned why some things happened to me which weren't meant to. I know better now that God has been in my story all along. Slowly crafting and editing out unimportant details, to create a wonderful masterpiece. And now? After so many years and me being surrounded by my friends, family, kids and grandchildren, I can only say. God is good and his timings are always perfect. “ Didn't I say we'll celebrate fifty years of friendship? ” I s
“ Smile because your world brightens up when you do. ” *** —- Miranda —-“ Mom… ” It felt like my heart got caught in my throat at the sight of my daughter in white.I couldn't form a word as emotions rushed through me, I could see flashes of our moments together. The first time I'd held her, the first time she'd said Mom. Her first day at school, the day she'd finally opened up to me about her crush. I would never forget how long the conversation was that day on a small picnic by the lake. The blush on her cheeks and the glow in her eyes made me realize just how smitten my daughter was. “ I love him, Mom. ” I would never forget so soon how beautiful the words sounded when they echoed in the blue sky. And now? The same girl I had held as a baby and vowed to love and protect was now getting married to the love of her life. “ Babe. ” I couldn't control the tears that fell out of my eyes, as I stared at my daughter in the most beautiful dress I've seen. I've always admired supe
“ Having a guy best friend who truly loves and cares about you is indeed super priceless. ” *** “ Dad. ” “ Yes, Baby girl? ” He stared his little sweet sixteen who was looking more and more like her mom on a daily basis. “ Do you know I have a crush on someone? ” Her words made him pause from swinging the swing they were currently on. He'd made it a routine to spend quality time with both his children every weekend so he could get to know them and their personalities better. Though lately, he'd been spending more time with his daughter as it seemed the latter needs his time and attention most.“ Oh, really? Who's the lucky guy? ” He grinned, on seeing the red blush on her cheeks.“ He's Noel. ” She replied in a chicken-like manner. “ And he is? ” “ My Best Friend. ” “ Oh wow. ” Joseph instantly felt history about to repeat itself as he stared at his daughter.“ Does he know about it? ” He inquired softly, taking her hands in his. “ No… I don't think he sees me that way thoug
“ Pain is temporary. ”***“ I wish we can always choose the one we fall in love with. Perhaps it wouldn't be a big deal now that I'm in this case. I am Ava Smith and this is my story. A year ago, I fell in love with a young man who was 20 at the time of our meeting. He wasn't the most beautiful man I've ever come across but in my heart, he'll always be the best definition of beauty. Black beauty is what I'll call him. His smile was ever beautiful and never ceased to warm my heart. His voice was like the sound of many waters and the sound of his laughter was like a waterfall. I fell for this innocence, his honesty and thoughtfulness.I was attracted to him by his love for dancing and acting. I've never met someone as talented as him. Matthew was his name and I must say, his name did great justice to his personality, but I would have preferred for him to be named Daniel. I loved him in a way, I've never loved anyone before. When asked what I love about him, I get confused a
“ Be with someone who is afraid to lose you. ”*** “ How do you feel, Jose. ” Joseph turned to face his beautiful wife, who looked ever stunning at thirty. Perhaps it's true that beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, cos even after so many years he still found her as stunning as she'd always been. “ You've asked that question three times already. ” He smiled seeing her pout. “ But it's okay, I get it. ” He turned to face her. “ It's Vera's wedding, I know. ” He pulled her to a seat on the bed beside him as he cupped her face. “ I'd once been infatuated with her, and couldn't imagine a life without her once. ” He paused to search her eyes. “ But that's in the post now, you know. I love you and you are my forever so you don't have to worry about me, Kay? ” “ Um… ” “ Besides, you look unusually beautiful today. ” He tucked her hair behind her face, as she blushed. “ Should we roll on the sheets for a few minutes before we leave? ” “ In your dreams. ” She stood up in an attemp
“ I cry when you cry. ”*** Five years later,Miranda opened the door to her daughter's room and sighed helplessly when she didn't find her there. She matched towards her son's and there she met them spooned together on the bed. “ Gosh, how many times do I have to tell them not to sleep together. ” She muttered under her breath. She'd thought the doctor had been over exaggerating when she said they'll be literally inseparable. Now? She figured Angelina was more than right. They couldn't even stay a moment without each other. “ Nuel, Nuella. ” She patted them lovingly and slowly but steadily she was welcomed by two deep blue eyes. Ones she'd come to fall in love with. “ Mom… ” Nuella was the first to react as she detached herself from her brother's embrace and went into her mother's arms. “ Good morning, Hon. ” She pecked her cheeks and straightened her short hair which was tied in two messy buns. “ Morning, Mom. ” She rubbed her head on Miranda's chest as she'd always done
“ Forgiveness sets you free. ”*** “ Can I take a seat? ” The duo stared at each other before nodding. “ I know you guys have a million and one questions to ask me. ” She smiled, “ That's not unexpected, right? Since I disappeared months ago and suddenly reappeared. ” The duo nodded. “ Well, I was imprisoned for three months due to my involvement in a crime relating to Miranda. ” “ What crime? ” Evie inquired, staring at the two.“ I planned to have her miscarry, but my plan failed as always. ” Her tone was solemn. “ Um… ” Evelyn sighed, realizing her Bestie had forgiven her already. So what right does she have to overreact?“ I heard God for the very first time in the police’s van. ”“ God? ” They were left completely stunned by her words.“ As you both know, I've always been an atheist. But for the first time, I heard the deity which you and Joseph had always spoken about. Prior to that, I've always believed he was nothing but a figment of your imaginations. But the single enc
“ Hard Work sets the difference between great and average. ”***“ You are pregnant, Bestie? ” The latter blushed heavily at the question directed to her.“ Yeah. ” She replied shyly.“ But why didn't you tell me? ” Miranda felt happy, yet a little disappointed at that. Best friends are meant to tell each other everything, right?So why hide that important detail from her?“ I just found out, okay? ” Evie replied defensively, not totally comfortable under her accusing gaze.“ Okay. ” Miranda nodded with a tight smile. ***Later in their car. “ You've been silent, Honey. ” He mused, pulling her into his arms. He'd never totally understand how quickly her mood changes. Thankfully he'd read a lot on post childbirth depression and understood that her feelings and reactions are absolutely normal. Though not totally normal to him as he craves for his wife to be completely alright. “ I feel Evie should have told me about her pregnancy earlier. ” Joseph sighed hearing her words.He'd nev
“ God never comes too late, he comes right on time. ”*** The day seemed to go slowly until the middle aged bride was handed a mirror. “ Oh my. ” Hannah couldn't stop the gasp that escaped her lips at her reflection in the mirror. For some reason, she'd always believed she'd never be as beautiful as she was at her previous wedding ceremony. But who knew. Her short almond colored hair was beautifully styled on her head, her makeup and mascara was perfect further adding to her stunning look. “ You make a beautiful bride, Nanny. ” She turned to hear the exact words she'd said at the latter’s wedding. “ Thank you. ”“ I'm super glad I got to witness your happy day, Mom. ” Those simple words made her emotional. She'd always believed she would never experience the joy and gladness this day brings. After her husband left her. She'd literally lost all hope in finding love again. She believed she can never be happy again as she'll never find a man better than Joshua.But who knew.“ Th